(Ottawa) Chris Neil used to say he didn’t play for the name behind the jersey, but the logo in front of it.
From the first moment he stepped into the Ottawa Senators uniform, Neil gave his all for the team.
Selected in the sixth round (161e pick) in 1998, Neil played 1,026 games in 15 seasons with the Senators, ending his career with 112 goals and 250 points.
Known for his physical play, Neil also received 2,522 penalty minutes, sacrificing his body more than once.
Friday, the former player will be the third of the modern era of the Senators to have his number retired, after Daniel Alfredsson and Chris Phillips.
“I remember when he went to his first training camp and he was fighting everyone,” recalled Wade Redden, a good friend of Neil’s who played with him for six seasons. He was ready to do whatever it took to play, and he always kept that mentality. »
Neil is one of only two players in NHL history to have played over 1,000 games and recorded over 2,500 penalty minutes playing his entire career with the same team.
“Chris is an incredible person,” said former teammate Mike Fisher. He always took his time with the fans and loved his sport. Few players could play with his intensity, fight, and do all the things he does. I am very happy for him. »
Even though his physical game was his trademark, Neil still played good level hockey.
“His skills were really underrated,” Fisher said. I don’t think there was anyone better than him to check at center ice. »
A native of Flesherton, Ontario, Neil quickly settled in Ottawa. This is how he met his wife Caitlin, with whom he had three children, Hailey, Cole and Finn.
Last fall, Neil was named vice president of business and business development for the Senators.
Neil has always wanted to find ways to give back to the community, and that didn’t change when he retired.
“He’s always had a big heart,” said Redden, who traveled from Kelowna, BC, where he lives, to Ottawa for Friday’s celebrations. He cares about it and is also committed to his family. »
Many don’t know it, but Neil liked pranks. Over the years, the former player has managed to trap several of his teammates.
Once, Neil put Zack Smith’s clothes in the ice machine during practice. Smith therefore had to find dry clothes. Neil also filled Patrick Lalime’s car with popcorn.
Neil was also very superstitious.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone that superstitious,” Fisher said. You knew you shouldn’t screw up his routine. »