IceHogs’ McNeill named Player of the Week

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. … The American Hockey League announced today that Rockford IceHogs center Mark McNeill has been selected as the CCM/AHL Player of the Week for the period ending Nov. 9, 2014. 

McNeill scored six goals and had a plus-4 rating in three contests to help the IceHogs extend their winning streak to eight games. 

McNeill began his strong week on Tuesday night vs. Lake Erie, sparking Rockford’s comeback from three goals down in the third period by scoring twice; the IceHogs would go on to a 5-4 overtime victory. On Thursday, McNeill’s power-play goal stood up as the game-winner as Rockford earned a 5-3 decision at Iowa. And on Saturday night, McNeill registered his first career hat trick, supplying all of the IceHogs’ offense in a 3-1 win over Grand Rapids. 

A first-round pick (18th overall) by the Chicago Blackhawks in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, McNeill is tied for the AHL lead with nine goals and ranks fourth with 15 points while skating in 13 games for Rockford in 2014-15. The 21-year-old native of Edmonton, Alta., notched 18 goals and 19 assists for 37 points in 76 games as a rookie with the IceHogs last season. 

In recognition of his achievement, McNeill will be presented with an etched crystal award prior to an upcoming IceHogs home game. 

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