Chris Neil is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Ottawa Senators in the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born on June 18, 1979, in Flesherton, Ontario, Canada. Neil started his hockey career in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the North Bay Centennials in 1996. He played for the Centennials for three seasons before being drafted by the Ottawa Senators in the sixth round of the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.
Neil made his NHL debut with the Senators in the 2001-2002 season and quickly established himself as a tough and physical player. He was known for his willingness to fight and protect his teammates on the ice. Neil played a key role in the Senators' success during the early 2000s, helping the team reach the Stanley Cup Finals in 2007.
Throughout his career, Neil was a consistent performer for the Senators, playing in over 1,000 games and scoring 112 goals and 138 assists. He was also a fan favorite, known for his hard work and dedication to the team. Neil was a leader both on and off the ice, serving as an alternate captain for the Senators for several seasons.
In addition to his success with the Senators, Neil also represented Canada on the international stage. He played for Canada at the 2004 World Championships, helping the team win a gold medal.
Neil announced his retirement from professional hockey in December 2017, after spending his entire career with the Senators. He was honored by the team with a special ceremony in February 2018, during which his number 25 jersey was raised to the rafters of the Canadian Tire Centre.
Overall, Chris Neil had a successful and memorable career in the NHL, known for his toughness, leadership, and dedication to the Ottawa Senators.
🏒