Cape Breton Eagles hire Nick MacNeil

A former Cape Breton Eagles player is coming home to continue his coaching career.

The Eagles announced the hiring of Nick MacNeil as an assistant coach.

Last season MacNeil made his QMJHL coaching debut as an assistant coach for the Moncton Wildcats.

MacNeil is from Creignish and says when he started coaching it was a goal to get closer to home and he's excited to coach a team he has a history with.

"It’s special to be now working for the organization that gave me the opportunity to play in the QMJHL.”

MacNeil skated with the Eagles for four seasons from 2005 to 2010, serving as captain in his 20 year old season and collecting 181 points in 254 games.

Following his major junior playing days, MacNeil won two national university championships playing with UNB and played 150 games in the ECHL.

MacNeil worked with Eagles staff earlier this week during the QMJHL draft, and was present in the “war room” as the club made 20 selections.

He says it was an exciting day.

“To be there during the draft, it was very exciting, especially with the three first round picks”

Prior to the 2021-22 season in Moncton, MacNeil spent three years coaching the Cape Breton West Islanders in the Nova Scotia Major U18 Hockey League- his first year as an assistant followed by two years in the head coach role.

Upon his hiring by the Eagles, MacNeil took the time to thank the Wildcats, citing a great experience with a great staff during his year in Moncton.

MacNeil’s first regular season game behind the bench with the Eagles will be against his former team, as the Eagles open with a home and home series against the Moncton Wildcats- September 23rd in Cape Breton & September 25th in Moncton.