Confirmed with Link: Chris Neil officially annouces his retirement

[jbeck5]

I wonder if he'll join the alumni squad?

Edit: yes he will join.

Watch Live: Ottawa Senators hold press conference with Chris Neil - Sportsnet.ca

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[Tuna99]

I love Chris Neil and consider him a legend.

Retire the jersey. Hockey is about speed, skill, toughness and IQ. Neil was the toughest player in the NHL during his time and his IQ for the feel of the game on the physical side is still one of the best in the history of hockey.

Reture his jersey because he’s the toughest Player ever, we need A 25 year old Chris Neil right now, that’s how important he was to the Senators.

 

[Samboni]

Chris was an excellent soldier and knew his role. He wasn't the biggest guy on the ice but he was fearless and stood up for his team mates. I hope that he is comfortable with his decision and finds life after hockey fulfilling.

 

[Upgrayedd]

Appreciated and respected everything about how this guy played the game and carried himself both on and off the ice!

 

[Icelevel]

That was awesome. Chris Neil is awesome. Hope he sticks around the organization and keeps that motivation, hard work level up high.
There's a guy who deserves a high five.

 

[RAFI BOMB]

Good times.

 

[Smash88]

Thank you for all the awesome memories!

Really glad he gets to retire with the Sens as the only jersey he's ever worn. Senator for life!

 

[Xspyrit]

Incredible career Chris. You were really tough as nails, a guy I would go to war with anytime. Got a little disrespect at the end of your career by some fans who simply don't understand that declining is just natural. You gave your best, as long as you possibly could. Congrats.

Personally very happy that the 2 Chris were career Senators, great legacy. Too bad that Daniel went to play 1 season in Detroit...

 

[Alex1234]

Good

Good times.

times indeed

Miss the time when Pageau was flying like that too

 

[ToastrStutzle]

His hit on Johnny Boychuk is one of my favs of all time

Sad to see him go, but his time was done.

Enjoy retirement Neiler.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

Love Chris Neil .. Lot's of respect for him. Wish him well.

 

[PoutineSp00nZ]

Watching that clip made me remember just how the league has really tried to take big hits out of the game.

I miss that league, and I miss Chris Neil. Hell of a career from a guy nobody expected to last in the nhl.

 

[CanadianHockey]

Happy trails to Neil. Great career for a player with his kind of role. Toed the line really well and brought more to the table than PIMs.

 

[krapsik]

I think this slide woudnt be so long with him in lineup. Guys would be flying with blanches under eyes.

 

[Erik Alfredsson]

One of the greatest Senators ever. Will never forget his goal in the finals.

 

[Ice-Tray]

Neil was a guy who LOVED to hit. It's super rare then and now to find a forward who play a regular shift, fight anyone, skate well, and just absolutely loved to crush players. The hit behind the net was one of his classic moves. Guy sling shooting hard around his own net looking to fly out of the zone and BOOM the Neil freight train comes crushing in.

As he said he liked to hit face to face, body on body.

What a momentum changing player for us, he was more valuable to this franchise than most other players to ever play here. Thanks for the memories, and all the nostalgia of a time when this team was finally building up respect as a young team in the league.

Ring of honour and a role with the team is required for this legacy Senator player.

Neil the Legend!

 

[Back in Black]

Some people called him a goon. Guess what, he's never been suspended! He knew how to get the team and fans motivated.
We're obviously missing something this year. Just can't quite place what it is.......

He was one of the best at what he did, bravo Mr. Neil, great career!

 

[Karl Prime]

Happy retirement to a consummate pro, on and off the ice.

 

[PeterSidorkiewicz]

I still think he helped us turn the tide in the Rangers series last year.

Oh and he was never suspended.

 

[aragorn]

Good times.

Love Chris Neil ... favourite player ... & never been suspended playing like that is an incredible legacy. This entire team today doesn't have the kind of heart Neil played with every game. Ring of Honour for sure & if they also retire his jersey even better. Great guy, great fan favourite & great community guy.

 

[saskriders]

Not only a great Senator, but one of the all time greats in his role.

 

[Karl Prime]

Let's be honest, some of the hits Neil made ten years ago would probably have gotten him suspended under today's rules. Having said that though, he was one of the cleanest bodycheckers ever and was the opposite of a head hunter.

Loved him with Vermette and Kelly. That was probably one of the best lines the Sens have ever had to put out there.

 

[PoutineSp00nZ]

I'm glad that Neil never got dummied towards the end of his career like Domi did.

No sour note at the end to tarnish his legacy. One of my favorite senators to ever wear the Jersey for sure.

 

[YouGotAStuGoing]

Let's be honest, some of the hits Neil made ten years ago would probably have gotten him suspended under today's rules. Having said that though, he was one of the cleanest bodycheckers ever and was the opposite of a head hunter.

Loved him with Vermette and Kelly. That was probably one of the best lines the Sens have ever had to put out there.

Probably. But that seems like a pretty weak way to gauge a guy. How can he play according to rules that don't yet exist?

I cheered when I saw Neiler retired today. Not because I'm glad to see him retire, but because I'm so glad he never wore a non-Senators jersey. Truly a one-of-a-kind player. Not jersey retirement worthy, IMO, but very much a local hero and rightfully so.

 

[Karl Prime]

Probably. But that seems like a pretty weak way to gauge a guy. How can he play according to rules that don't yet exist?

Even back then a few of hits were borderline for the times (Drury speficically).