Even the most ardent Christian O’Neill supporters would have been hard pressed to imagine the level of success he is having in his first season in the United States Hockey League.
The Westwood, Mass., native has 10 goals and 16 assists through his first 29 games with the Omaha Lancers. Skating at nearly a point-per-game pace in the USHL is quite an accomplishment, especially for a rookie coming into the league from prep school hockey.
It’s not as if O’Neill was a stranger to the scoresheet. He put up 19 goals and 23 assists in his senior season at Belmont Hill. His body of work in prep school earned him a commitment to play college hockey at Princeton, but the jump to the USHL is quite steep.
"The pace of hockey out here is a lot faster. The players you’re playing against have more size and skill than prep school," O’Neill explained.
So how has O’Neill adjusted so quickly to competing against many of the top collegebound players in North America?
"Most important is my speed," he began. "Being able to play the game fast has allowed me to open up more space for myself, being confident in my ability to play out here and have an impact. I just want to contribute and help our team do well."
As many college coaches attest, the USHL is similar to college hockey. There is structure, and playing responsibly in all three zones is at a premium compared to prep school and Midget hockey. Playing a complete game is something that O’Neill relishes.
"I’m an honest 200-foot player. I pride myself on my play in the defensive zone. I’ve switched from wing to center, so I’ve taken a step in my defensive play," O’Neill said of his style of play. "I try to play with speed because that’s one of my biggest assets."
"Christian has been our most consistent forward this season," said Lancers director of player personnel Kirk Luedeke (Hudson, N.H.). "His explosive speed is his greatest asset, but what has allowed him to thrive in the USHL is the way he adapted to the structure and demands of our system and embraced the requirement to be a 200-foot player from day one."
Having graduated from prep school has allowed O’Neill to focus solely on hockey this season before heading to Princeton in the fall. He has impressed the Lancers staff with his ability to be a sponge of knowledge.
"He’s fast, smart, hard on pucks and has really taken to the coaching he’s gotten by putting in the work to become a mature, versatile forward," Luedeke complimented. "He’s earned his ice through buy-in and dedication to the details, translating into the production that has allowed him to blossom into a legitimate top-six forward in our league."
In addition to the terrific coaching he’s receiving in the USHL, the opportunity to play in front of huge crowds in large arenas has been welcome for O’Neill.
"It’s amazing. I’m grateful for having the chance to play in this league, especially in Omaha. On opening night with the stadium packed, it was eye opening. It’s a really cool experience to play in front of so many people," said O’Neill.
As O’Neill’s hockey development has taken off, his ambitions have grown. He tries to emulate Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews as he continues his upward trajectory.
"He’s obviously a very good player. I’d love to play like him someday," said O’Neill. "He’s an honest player. He’s a great defensive player. He always has a leadership role on his team. He’s also very skilled and talented offensively. That’s something I’m trying to work on in my own game."
Next up on the development path is playing at Princeton in ECAC Hockey. O’Neill will be one component of a very talented freshman class for Ron Fogarty’s program when he steps onto campus next fall.
"I’m a huge fan of the coaching staff. They just joined the program four years ago. Those are the people I committed to. They’re rebuilding the program and moving it in the right direction. It’s something I want to be a part of. We have a really good class coming in that I think can contribute to the team’s success," O’Neill explained.
O’Neill realizes he wouldn’t be where he is today without the development and camaraderie he enjoyed while at Belmont Hill.
"Prep school definitely helped me out a lot to advance my hockey ability," he said.
"Christian O’Neill is the ultimate competitor. At Belmont Hill he was a two-sport star, also electrifying the varsity lacrosse team as an attackman on teams that won three consecutive ISL championships," said Jeremiah McCarthy, his prep coach.
"His combination of speed, skill and toughness is special, and he is a leader with both words and actions. He will be a great addition to Princeton University and their hockey team," added McCarthy, a former collegiate player at Harvard.
As to what O’Neill will remember most from his prep days?
"The playoff games," said O’Neill. "The New England large-school championship game my sophomore year against Thayer and the Elite 8 tournament game against Rivers last year … playing in those games is something special. Those games are a sight to see. The atmosphere is crazy. It’s something I’ll never forget."
