Chris Neil and Brendan Bell added to Ottawa Sports Academy coaching staff for the inaugural 2021-22 school year at the Bell Sensplex

Saturday, March 20, 2021

Ottawa, ON – Capital Sports Management Inc. (Operator of the Senators Hockey Programs at the Sensplex facilities) is excited to announce the addition of two former Ottawa Senators players to their already impressive roster of professional coaches and instructors.

Former Sens forward Chris Neil has joined in the role of Lead Instructor for the inaugural season of the Ottawa Sports Academy, which will welcome students from grades four to 12, beginning in September 2021 at the Bell Sensplex. Chris will use the expertise acquired during his very successful National Hockey League career with the Senators organization and his time as a skills instructor and minor hockey coach in the Ottawa region, to design and lead skill development sessions on a regular basis throughout the school year. 

Former Sens defenseman Brendan Bell has also joined in the role of Featured Lead Instructor for the academy. Born and raised in Ottawa, Brendan played four seasons with the Ottawa 67’s before going on to a 13-year professional playing career and returning to Ottawa where he now coaches tier I boys and girls hockey. 

“In delivering a truly world-class development experience at the Ottawa Sports Academy, we want to offer students the ability to learn from a diverse group of existing Sens Hockey Programs instructors, along with key additions to expand on the number of passionate and knowledgeable voices they’ll learn from during a nearly 10-month school year”, said Andy Bryan, Director of Hockey Programs for the Sensplex facilities. “These additions are to a team which already includes those with extensive playing and coaching experience ranging from local tier I minor hockey, the NCAA, through to the IIHF world championship level. By adding Chris and Brendan, our hockey program participants will benefit from a combined 38 years of playing experience in the OHL, AHL, NHL, and other professional leagues. Of great importance to us was adding, not only former professionals and members of the Senators Alumni, but individuals who are deeply connected to the Ottawa minor hockey community as both parents and coaches of competitive players”, concluded Bryan.

For more details about the Ottawa Sports Academy and their inaugural season, please visit www.ottawasportsacademy.com.