Eric Neilson

Born and raised in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Eric Neilson brings a wealth of experience and passion to the ice. His hockey journey began in the local minor hockey system, leading him to a successful four-year stint with the Rimouski Océanic in the QMJHL. In 2004, Eric was drafted 143rd overall by the Los Angeles Kings, marking the start of a 12-year professional career. He played across the ECHL, AHL, and EIHL, with notable achievements including winning the Calder Cup with the Norfolk Admirals in the 2011–12 season. Eric's dedication extended beyond the rink. He was a six-time nominee for the AHL’s Yanick Dupre Memorial Award, recognizing his commitment to community service, and won the award in 2014 while with the Syracuse Crunch. Transitioning from player to coach, Eric has served as an assistant coach for teams like the St. Stephen Aces (MJAHL) and the Acadie-Bathurst Titan (QMJHL), as well as the NB U16 Selects team. Currently, Eric channels his expertise into his business, Eric Neilson's Skate Tech, in Fredericton, offering professional skate sharpening and profiling services.
With a career marked by perseverance, leadership, and community involvement, Eric is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of athletes, helping them develop both on and off the ice.