Monarchs’ O’Neill named Player of the Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Manchester Monarchs right wing Brian O’Neill has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Dec. 21, 2014. 

O’Neill scored one goal and added nine assists for 10 points while posting a plus-6 rating in three games last week, taking over the league scoring lead and helping the Monarchs to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. 

On Wednesday night, O’Neill tied franchise records for assists and points in a single game, dishing out five helpers in Manchester’s 8-2 win at Portland. Then on Friday evening, O’Neill recorded four more assists as the Monarchs defeated Worcester, 4-1. Finally, on Saturday night, O’Neill scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and Manchester went on to a 5-4 victory over Providence. 

A third-year pro, O’Neill currently leads the AHL in assists (26) and points (35) and is tied for fourth in plus/minus (+16) while appearing in 28 games for Manchester in 2014-15. The 26-year-old native of Yardley, Pa., played four seasons at Yale University and registered 163 points, the second-highest total in school history. O’Neill, who signed as a free agent with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings on Mar. 15, 2012, has totaled 39 goals and 60 assists for 99 points and a plus-48 rating in 149 career AHL games, all with Manchester. 

In recognition of his achievement, O’Neill will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming Monarchs home game.

Also see: Previous winners, CCM/AHL Player of the Week