Louisiana names McNeil as assistant coach | North American Tier III Hockey League | NA3HL
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Louisiana names McNeil as assistant coach

July 21, 2016
The “Mac Attack” is back, but this time it is in coaching!   The Louisiana Drillers, proud members of the NA3HL, are pleased to announce the addition of Shawn McNeil from Pembroke, Ontario to the organization as an Assistant Coach.  
 
A former 3rd round draft pick of the Washington Capitals in the 1996 NHL Entry Draft, Shawn enjoyed a 16 year professional hockey career in Canada, Europe and the U.S. and amassed the most games played by a professional hockey player in the state of Louisiana.  
 
McNeil's professional career started with the Louisiana IceGators of the ECHL in 1999 after playing with the Red Deer Rebels and Kamloops Blazers of the WHL during his Junior Hockey years.  McNeil then had stints with the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks of the AHL before playing eight years in Germany and returning to Louisiana for five more seasons before retiring in 2015.
 
“I’m very excited for this opportunity and I’m ready to share my knowledge of the game to help these players get to the next level”, said McNeil. 
 
The addition of McNeil to the coaching staff has also excited former Washington Capitals tough guy and current Head Coach of the Drillers, Kevin Kaminski. "Well, what can I say about Shawn, the "Real Deal McNeil" as I coached him for 3 1/2 years and the pleasure was all mine as he just brings a wealth of experience to the table as he knows my systems, powerplay and penalty kill.....so we are already on the same page", said Kaminski.  
 
McNeil served as the Team Captain, was the leading scorer of the team and was the MVP of the SPHL as the oldest player in the league during his tenure with the Louisiana IceGators.  Kaminski further states, "he led the team in blocked shots, was always on the ice for crucial offensive and defensive faceoffs and knows what it takes to have the tangibles to develop and become a complete two way hockey player".  Finally, “Mac prided all the little things as a player and will install them into the young Drillers as well”, said Kaminski.
 
With Shawn McNeil joining the coaching staff, the Drillers will now have 2 former NHL draft picks leading them into the 2016-17 NA3HL season.  The ownership group in Louisiana is ecstatic with this signing and to have this much experience on the bench leading a young organization into the future was unimaginable two years ago.  Mac is going to be a huge asset to the Drillers and the organization is extremely happy to add him to our coaching staff!
 
The Louisiana Drillers will hold their Main Camp on August 25-29 in Lafayette, Louisiana.  Season tickets and flex tickets are now available by contacting ladrillers.com.
 
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