Graham Bergsma
Stars of OSL: Graham Bergsma
Experience, Versatility And Respect For The Game
Hometown: Toronto, Ontario
OSL Team: Collingwood Cruise
Junior Program: Toronto Beaches
Colleges: Fairfield University, Canisius College
International Team: Netherlands
Graham Bergsma’s lacrosse career connects Toronto Beaches, NCAA competition, international championships and Ontario Series Lacrosse. With the Collingwood Cruise, the veteran captain continues to contribute while adding to a résumé that reflects both his versatility and his approach to the game.
In 2026, Bergsma earned the OSL’s Most Sportsmanlike Player award. It was his second time receiving the honour, having also won it with the Clearview Crushers in 2023.
Early Years
Bergsma developed through the Toronto Beaches organization. The club’s alumni history describes his longstanding connection to the program and identifies him as a member of its Canadian Under-16 field lacrosse championship team.
His schooling included Lawrence Park Collegiate and Westminster School before he continued his education and lacrosse career at Fairfield University.
Climbing The Ladder
Bergsma spent four seasons at Fairfield before moving to Canisius for his graduate year in 2011.
At Canisius, he appeared in 12 games and scored six goals. His contributions also included 19 faceoff victories and 16 ground balls, showing the different responsibilities he could handle in midfield. He produced two-goal games against both Siena and Detroit.
His international experience developed alongside his college career. Fairfield announced his participation with the Netherlands at the 2010 World Championship in Manchester, adding another level of competition to his background.
Making His Mark In The OSL
Bergsma’s OSL accomplishments span different teams and different parts of the game.
In 2017, he earned the league’s Best Two-Way Player award with the Brooklin Merchants. He later received Most Sportsmanlike Player honours with Clearview in 2023, then repeated that recognition with Collingwood in 2026. Together, those awards reflect a career that has included contributions at both ends of the floor and recognition for sportsmanship.
His offensive production has remained valuable as well. In the 2024 regular season with Clearview, Bergsma recorded five goals and 36 assists for 41 points in 14 games. Those totals highlight the importance of his distribution to the Crushers’ attack.
With Collingwood in the 2026 playoffs, he contributed during a crucial second-period surge against Owen Sound. After the NorthStars tied Game 2 at 3–3, Bergsma scored from outside to restore the Cruise lead. Collingwood went on to win 7–6, forcing a deciding third game.
International And Arena Lacrosse Experience
Bergsma has represented the Netherlands in both field and box lacrosse.
At the 2024 World Box Lacrosse Championship in Utica, he recorded three goals and an assist against Japan in the opening round of the playoffs. Although the Netherlands fell 12–9, Bergsma played a significant offensive role in the closely contested game.
His indoor experience also includes the Arena Lacrosse League. Bergsma was an original Oshawa Outlaws player in 2017 and later spent time with the Toronto Monarchs before returning to an Outlaws training camp in 2023. The league’s original Oshawa preview identified him as a veteran leader and faceoff contributor.
Beyond The Floor
Education has also been part of Bergsma’s journey. After his undergraduate years at Fairfield, he pursued a master’s degree in business and marketing education while playing at Canisius.
His career has brought together school, domestic competition and opportunities to represent the Netherlands—experiences that form the background of the veteran now captaining Collingwood.
Accolades
2017 — Brooklin Merchants
OSL Best Two-Way Player
2023 — Clearview Crushers
OSL Most Sportsmanlike Player
2026 — Collingwood Cruise
OSL Most Sportsmanlike Player
Sharing His Experience Through Coaching
Bergsma’s contribution to lacrosse also extends to the sidelines. His coaching background includes an assistant coaching role with Calvin College’s men’s lacrosse program and work as an assistant coach with The Hill Academy’s postgraduate program. Those positions gave him opportunities to share his NCAA and international playing experience with developing athletes.
His international involvement has extended into coaching as well. In a June 2025 podcast appearance, Bergsma was introduced as head coach of the Dutch Women’s National Lacrosse Team, adding another chapter to his longstanding connection with lacrosse in the Netherlands.
Together, his playing and coaching experience adds depth to his lacrosse story. While continuing to compete himself, Bergsma has also taken on roles helping other players develop.
Gary Groob’s Take
What stands out about Graham Bergsma is the variety of ways he has contributed throughout his career. His accomplishments include two-way recognition, playmaking, faceoff work and international competition.
Winning the Most Sportsmanlike Player award twice also deserves attention. Combined with his role as Collingwood’s captain, it adds another dimension to a career that extends well beyond scoring totals.
For the Cruise, Bergsma brings a broad background of experience. For OSL fans, his story is a reminder of the accomplished players who continue to compete throughout the league.
Gary Groob