MIKE O'NEIL - ASSOCIATE HOCKEY DIRECTOR
The Frederick Freeze proudly announces that Mike O’Neil will serve as Associate Hockey Director for the 2023-2024 season, continuing his work as a vital member of the Freeze hockey operations department. With an impressive background in the sport and a wealth of experience and dedication to the organization, O’Neil has been an integral part of the Freeze, fostering strong relationships with players and families while supporting player and coach development. Working alongside newly hired Hockey Director Patrick St Clair, O’Neil will ensure the maintenance of our high standards of sportsmanship, a positive hockey experience, and spearheading player development efforts.
"Mike O’Neil has been an invaluable asset to our organization, and we are thrilled to have him continue as the Associate Hockey Director," said Greg Dale, President of Frederick Freeze. "His passion for the sport, and commitment to player development have made a profound impact on the growth and success of our programs. We look forward to the continued growth with Mike and our new Hockey Director, Patrick St Clair."
O’Neil's contributions to the Frederick Freeze have been instrumental in enhancing the organization's offerings. O’Neil played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Frederick Freeze 12U Girls' Program in 2021, and its expansion to include a 14U Freeze Girls Team within two years of its implementation for the 2023-2024 season. O’Neil also designed and instructed the “Rise to Compete Elite Hockey Camp”, a program focused on skills and leadership development, garnering significant acclaim over the past two years and consistently attracting players from across Maryland, Virginia and surrounding communities.
"Serving the Frederick Freeze as the Associate Hockey Director is an honor, and I am incredibly excited to continue contributing to the development of our players and coaches," said Mike O’Neil, newly appointed Associate Hockey Director. "Together with Patrick St Clair, we will strive to maintain the high standards of sportsmanship and create a positive hockey experience for everyone involved. I am confident that our collaborative efforts will lead to further success and growth for the organization."
O’Neil's expertise stems from over 15 years of service as a USA Hockey Level 4 coach. Originally from the Upstate New York town of Madrid, his passion for hockey ignited at the tender age of four, nurtured by his parents and grandparents who supported him wholeheartedly by traveling across New York and Southern Canada for practices and games. O’Neil went on to achieve success as a high school player for the Norwood-Norfolk Flyers, culminating in a Section X Championship and NY State playoff appearance in 1998. O’Neil later played club hockey at SUNY Potsdam.
Throughout his coaching career, O’Neil has worked extensively with all levels of Tier II hockey, from U8 to U18 AA, for the Frederick Youth Hockey Association. From 2013 to 2016, he served as the Frederick Victory Assistant Hockey Director. In addition, O’Neil coached the West Virginia Vipers high school hockey team, which earned a trip to USA Hockey Nationals in 2019.
"Mike O’Neil's wealth of experience, dedication, and unwavering commitment to player development make him an outstanding contributor to our leadership team," said Patrick St Clair, newly appointed Hockey Director. "His leadership skills, combined with his passion for the sport and strong relationships within the organization, will be invaluable as we work together to further enhance the player experience and elevate the level of competition. I am excited to collaborate with Mike and continue building on the success of the Frederick Freeze."
Beyond his role as a dedicated coach, O’Neil is also an accomplished educator, having taught elementary school for Montgomery County Public Schools for 18 years. Currently teaching Grade 4 writing, science, and social studies at Rockwell ES in Damascus, he holds a Master's Degree as a Reading Specialist from SUNY Potsdam and an Administrative Certificate from Johns Hopkins.
Outside of the rink, O’Neil's unwavering commitment extends to his family. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kristin, their sons, Braeden (14U Freeze) and Kellan (10U Freeze), and their two dogs, Maisy and Noki. Additionally, he shares a passion for coaching baseball and soccer for Mount Airy Youth Athletic Association (MAYAA), exploring in his Jeep, fishing, and showcasing his musical talents on the drums.
