Panthers ink smooth-skating 16-year-old Rookie defenceman Mason McNeill

September 25, 2020
North Saanich, British Columbia

Mason McNeill came to the attention of Panthers GM Pete Zubersky at the start of last season when he was a 15-year-old defenceman playing with the Pacific Coast Hockey Academy.  A well-respected local scout for a Western Hockey League Club had contacted Zubersky and told him that McNeill is just the kind of player that the Panthers cherish.  Zubersky made a couple calls to McNeill and for one reason or another the two just didn't connect.  And every time Panthers' Management wanted to see him play, the schedules of the two teams did not line up.

McNeill jumped into the Panthers Identification Camp in July and it was immediately apparent that he could play.  And on the last day of the Camp, Zubersky and Head Coach Brad Tippett spoke at length to McNeill and his mother Sheila about joining the squad as one of the two 16-year-old players that they were allowed to roster.  A call was made to Mason's father Jim and there was a bit of soul searching but before the two left the Panorama Recreation Centre on that sunny Sunday afternoon, the McNeill family had agreed that the Panthers and the VIJHL was the best route to take.

"Back in 1999 when we first purchased the Club we went with twelve 16-year-old players in a League that was dominated by 19's and 20's at the time," said Zubersky. 

"We went to the VIJHL finals that year and lost in six games against the Campbell River Storm.  Mason would have fit nicely on that team.  He has really good size for a defenceman and more importantly, he is a great skater and has some skill.  I watch him in practice and he will make small mistakes but our Coaching Staff will polish him up and he will develop a ton this season.  The leaders in our dressing room played here as young guys and they will really help him get up to speed without pressure.  Mason is quiet but confident and seems like a fantastic young man.  I truly believe he could not have landed anywhere else with a better opportunity and kudos to the family on the decision.

McNeill on McNeill:
"I'm proud to be playing for the Panthers as a 16-year-old and I am looking forward to making the jump toJjunior B and playing at the intense pace hockey of the VIJHL. I appreciate the great opportunity that I have been given by Panthers management and coaching staff by allowing me to be a part of the Panthers roster this year. I'm a team player and I will work hard and do whatever it takes to help our team be successful this season.
 
I played most of my minor hockey in the Westshore for Juan de Fuca Grizzlies and I also played lacrosse during this time as well. In the last year I chose to commit to hockey 100% but many of the skills I developed playing lacrosse have definitely helped me become a better hockey player.  
 
It's my first time playing with most of the guys on the team and I am looking forward to getting to know everyone. All the guys have been really encouraging so far and the players on this team are the most skilled group of players that I have had the opportunity to play with and I can't wait until the start of our season on October 1st against the Cougars."

Tippett on McNeill:
"It is very rare to have a 16-year-old defenseman crack the lineup on a Junior team. It is very, very rare to have two. Mason and Theo St.-Denis both demonstrated so much skill and poise that we had no choice but to keep them – and they both will have immediate impact. Mason is a tremendous skater. He will be wearing #4 and we are sure some people might think Skyler Diamond-Burchuk, who was dominant on our defense for the past three years, is back."