Wildcats Welcome Nick MacNeil as Assistant Coach
August 4, 2021 - Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL)
Moncton Wildcats News Release
MONCTON N.B. - The Moncton Wildcats are pleased to announce the team's newest Assistant Coach, Nick MacNeil.
Nick will join Head Coach Dan Lacroix, and Assistant Coach Josh Hepditch on the bench as the team gets set to celebrate 25 seasons of Wildcats hockey. A former alumnus of the QMJHL, Nick will come full circle as he returns to the league he played in just over a decade ago.
"I am looking forward to the opportunity to join this first-class organization - it has been a dream of mine to coach in the QMJHL," said MacNeil. "I am excited to work alongside and learn from Dan, Josh and Antoine."
Before making the transition into coaching, Nick played in the ECHL for three seasons with both the Bakersfield Condors and the Norfolk Admirals, from 2014-2017. Nick then began his coaching career in 2017 with the Cape Breton West Islanders of the NSU18MHL. He started in the role of assistant coach, and for the past two seasons has served as the team's head coach.
Born and raised in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Nick was drafted into the QMJHL by the Cape Breton Screaming Eagles in 2005. He would spend the entirety of his junior career with his hometown team, playing in 254 regular season games, amassing 181 points. He then moved on to play U Sports hockey with the University of New Brunswick's Varsity Reds, capturing two CIS University Cup Championships with the team during his four years in Fredericton.
"Nick brings a wealth of experience as a former player in the QMJHL, U Sports, and at the pro level," noted Head Coach, Dan Lacroix. "He is passionate about coaching and helping our young players get better. He has also served as a scout in the league - his thoughtful approach to coaching will be an asset to our staff and to the team."
The 2021 Moncton Wildcats Training Camp is set to begin on August 16th when players arrive back in the hub city. More details on training camp activities and exhibition game information will be released in the coming days.
Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League Stories from August 4, 2021
- Wildcats Welcome Nick MacNeil as Assistant Coach - Moncton Wildcats
- Sea Dogs Name Gordie Dwyer Head Coach - Saint John Sea Dogs
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