Neil Little

Last updated
Neil Little
Neil Little (39832090314).jpg
Neil in 2002
Born (1971-12-18) December 18, 1971 (age 51)
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Height 6 ft 1 in (185 cm)
Weight 190 lb (86 kg; 13 st 8 lb)
Position Goaltender
Caught Left
Played forNHL
Philadelphia Flyers
AHL
Hershey Bears
Philadelphia Phantoms
IHL
Grand Rapids Griffins
ECHL
Johnstown Chiefs
SM-liiga
Espoo Blues
NHL Draft 226th overall, 1991
Philadelphia Flyers
Playing career 1994–2006

Leslie Neil Little, Jr. (born December 18, 1971) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He was a member of the Philadelphia Flyers organization nearly his entire professional career, helping backstop the Philadelphia Phantoms to two Calder Cup championships and playing in two career National Hockey League (NHL) games with the Flyers. Until 2015, he was an amateur scout for the Flyers. [1] He is now a scout for the NHL Montreal Canadiens.

Contents

Playing career

Little played 4 seasons for R.P.I. (NCAA Div 1, ECAC) before starting a professional career.

Little has played for the Hershey Bears and Philadelphia Phantoms in the AHL, as well as playing two NHL games for the Philadelphia Flyers. He signed with the Espoo Blues in the Finnish SM-liiga for the 2005–06 season, played there until Christmas, then finished the season in Geneva, Switzerland.

On December 28, 2003, he was the "flying goalie" in a brawl between the Phantoms and the Binghamton Senators as several players from the two teams were fighting next to the Senators' net, Little skated across the rink and dove into the crowd. [2] [3]

Despite only playing two career games with the Philadelphia Flyers, Little was named as one of the Flyers goaltenders for the 2012 NHL Winter Classic Alumni game. [4]

Little is also the founder of ProHockeyLaunch.com which is an evaluation and mentorship company for up-and-coming young hockey players.

Coaching career

Following his playing career, Little was named an assistant coach/goaltending development coach for the Philadelphia Phantoms as well as a global scout for the Philadelphia Flyers, concentrating his focus on goaltenders. He spent eight seasons with the Flyers organization before spending six seasons working with the Florida Panthers. [5] Little spent the 2021–22 season working for the independent scouting firm Team 33 and was hired in the fall of 2022 by the Montreal Canadiens as a scout. [5]

Little was the assistant coach for the Princeton University men's hockey team from 2007–08 to the 2010–11 seasons.

Personal life

Little married Catherine M. Foote, DMD of Ardmore, PA in July 2013. He has four children, Nicholas, Elsie, Graysen, and Piper.

Awards and honours

AwardYear
All-ECAC Hockey Rookie Team 1990–91
All-ECAC Hockey First Team 1992–93
AHCA East Second-Team All-American 1992–93

Career statistics

Regular season Playoffs
Season TeamLeagueGPWLTMINGA SO GAA SV% GPWLMINGASOGAASV%
1989–90 Estevan Bruins SJHL 46211942707——3.32—————————
1990–91 R.P.I. ECAC 1898010327104.13.879————————
1991–92 R.P.I.ECAC281111315329603.76.874————————
1992–93 R.P.I.ECAC31199318018802.93.906————————
1993–94 R.P.I.ECAC271674157010203.36.899————————
1993–94 Hershey Bears AHL 100018103.23.889————————
1994–95 Johnstown Chiefs ECHL 167618975503.68.8963021451104.55.864
1994–95 Hershey BearsAHL195739196003.91.868————————
1995–96 Hershey BearsAHL4821186268014903.34.89510160404.02.902
1996–97 Philadelphia Phantoms AHL5431127300714502.89.90910646202011.94.935
1997–98 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL5131117296014502.94.9032015511934832.41.927
1998–99 Grand Rapids Griffins IHL 5018215274014433.15.894————————
1999–00 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL5126182283014313.03.9065232981503.02.922
2000–01 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL5822274311714822.85.90910556312312.19.926
2001–02 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL351315720797022.02.9265232981302.62.917
2001–02 Philadelphia Flyers NHL 101060404.00.862————————
2002–03 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL421894247810342.49.907————————
2003–04 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL342112119006261.96.920————————
2003–04 Philadelphia FlyersNHL101033203.61.750————————
2004–05 Philadelphia PhantomsAHL26157013835432.34.92121025000.001.000
2005–06 Espoo Blues Liiga 371416721008522.43.916————————
NHL totals202093603.86.838————————

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">American Hockey League</span> Ice hockey league in the United States and Canada

The American Hockey League (AHL) is a professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental league for the National Hockey League (NHL). When NHL teams do not have an AHL affiliate, players are assigned to AHL teams affiliated with other NHL teams. Twenty-six AHL teams are located in the United States and the remaining six are in Canada. The league offices are located in Springfield, Massachusetts, and its current president is Scott Howson.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philadelphia Phantoms</span> Former American hockey team

The Philadelphia Phantoms were a professional ice hockey team that played in the American Hockey League (AHL) from 1996 to 2009. The club was based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and played most of its home games at the Spectrum. During schedule conflicts or some Calder Cup playoff games, games were moved to the adjacent Wachovia Center. The Phantoms won two Calder Cup titles during their tenure in Philadelphia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gerry Cheevers</span> Ice hockey player

Gerald Michael "Cheesie" Cheevers is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) and World Hockey Association (WHA) between 1961 and 1980. Cheevers is best known for his two stints with the Boston Bruins, whom he helped win the Stanley Cup in 1970 and 1972. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1985.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ron Hextall</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Ronald Jeffrey Hextall is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and executive. He was most recently the general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hextall played 13 seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers, Quebec Nordiques, and New York Islanders. He served as assistant general manager for the Flyers for one season, and was promoted to general manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, replacing Paul Holmgren on May 7, 2014. He held this position for four and a half seasons. Before this he served as assistant general manager for the Los Angeles Kings, who won the Stanley Cup in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Roger Crozier</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Roger Allan Crozier was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played fourteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Detroit Red Wings, Buffalo Sabres and Washington Capitals. During his career, Crozier was named to the NHL First All-Star Team once, was a Calder Memorial Trophy winner, and was the first player to win the Conn Smythe Trophy while playing for the losing team in the Stanley Cup Finals. He was the last goaltender in the NHL to start all of his team's games in the regular season, in 1964–65.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fred Shero</span> Canadian former ice hockey player and coach

Frederick Alexander Shero, nicknamed The Fog was a Canadian professional ice hockey player, coach, and general manager. He played for the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League (NHL). However, he spent most of his playing career in the minor leagues. Following his playing career, Shero went into coaching. He spent 13 years coaching in the minor leagues before making it to the NHL. As the head coach of the NHL's Philadelphia Flyers, Shero won the Stanley Cup in 1974 and 1975 and reached the Stanley Cup Finals a third time, in 1976. He also had four consecutive seasons of having a 0.700 or better winning percentage and remains the Flyers all-time leader in coaching victories. Shero controversially left the Flyers following the 1977–78 season to become the head coach of the New York Rangers, whom he led to the Stanley Cup Finals in his first season. He resigned from the Rangers after coaching for less than three seasons. Shero had a unique style of coaching that led to several innovations that are still used today. He was the first coach to hire a full-time assistant coach, employ systems, have his players use in season strength training, study film, and he was one of the first coaches to utilize a morning skate. In 2013 Shero was recognized for his contributions when he was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame as a builder.

Jeffrey David Hackett is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the New York Islanders, San Jose Sharks, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers. He served as the Colorado Avalanche's goaltending coach for three seasons following his playing career.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Antero Niittymäki</span> Finnish ice hockey goaltender

Antero Pertti Elias Niittymäki is a Finnish former professional ice hockey goaltender who last played for TPS of the SM-liiga. He additionally played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning and San Jose Sharks. At the 2006 Winter Olympics, while playing for Team Finland, he was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the entire ice hockey tournament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maine Mariners (AHL)</span> Defunct American Hockey League franchise

The Maine Mariners were a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. They played in Portland, Maine, at the Cumberland County Civic Center.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pete Peeters</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Pete Peeters is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He was selected by the Philadelphia Flyers in the eighth round of the 1977 NHL amateur draft. and went on to play 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins and Washington Capitals. He featured in the 1980 Stanley Cup Finals with the Flyers and won the 1984 Canada Cup with Team Canada.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Paddock</span> Canadian ice hockey player and coach

Alvin John Paddock is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player, currently the senior vice-president of hockey operations of the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He is a former head coach of the Winnipeg Jets and Ottawa Senators. During his long career in the American Hockey League (AHL), he won five Calder Cup championships and was inducted into the AHL's Hall of Fame in 2010.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Leighton</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Michael W. Leighton is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Chicago Blackhawks, Nashville Predators, Philadelphia Flyers and Carolina Hurricanes.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robbie Moore</span> Canadian ice hockey player (1954–2022)

Robert David Moore was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals. He played his college hockey at the University of Michigan and the University of Western Ontario. Author John U. Bacon claims that Moore was one of the first goalies in either college or professional hockey to not only come out of his net and handle the puck like a defenseman, but "actually shoot it as well as the forwards." As a minor league goaltender, Moore won the Harry "Hap" Holmes Memorial Award in 1978–79, 1979–80 and 1980–81, sharing the award with a different teammate each time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">John Stevens (ice hockey)</span> Ice hockey player

John A. Stevens is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He is an assistant coach of the Vegas Golden Knights. He is the former head coach of the Los Angeles Kings and the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL). Stevens was a defenceman for the Flyers and Hartford Whalers during his playing career. Stevens was born in Campbellton, New Brunswick, but grew up in Turkey Point in Norfolk County, Ontario.

Robert McCammon was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre and a National Hockey League (NHL) and American Hockey League (AHL) head coach and general manager. He was a pro scout with the Detroit Red Wings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chris Conner</span> American professional ice hockey winger

Christopher Ryan Conner is an American former professional ice hockey winger who played in the National Hockey League (NHL).

Michael Busniuk is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach. He is the younger brother of Ron Busniuk. Busniuk was selected 67th overall, in the 5th round of the 1971 NHL Amateur Draft, by the Montreal Canadiens and played two seasons with the Philadelphia Flyers. Busniuk played eight seasons in the American Hockey League and is the only player to be a member of four consecutive Calder Cup championship teams (1976–1979), and to win five cups as a player. Busniuk won a sixth Calder Cup as a coach.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dustin Tokarski</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Dustin Michael Tokarski is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League (NHL). He was born in Humboldt, Saskatchewan, but grew up in neighbouring Watson, which he considers his hometown.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike McKenna (ice hockey)</span> American ice hockey player

Mike McKenna is an American former professional ice hockey goaltender. McKenna was selected in the 6th round of the 2002 NHL Entry Draft by the Nashville Predators and played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Columbus Blue Jackets, Arizona Coyotes, Dallas Stars, Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Carter Hart</span> Canadian ice hockey player

Carter Hart is a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender for the Philadelphia Flyers of the National Hockey League (NHL).

References

  1. ↑ Neiburg, Jeff. "Flyers' new goalie coach praised by GM Ron Hextall". Philly.com. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
  2. ↑ Cohen, Al (December 28, 2003). "Phantoms Lose 5-1 To Binghamton In Brawl-Filled Game". www.sjsports.com. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Suspended animation: After fight, AHL penalties". ESPN.com. December 31, 2003. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  4. ↑ "2012 Flyers Alumni Game Official Roster - Philadelphia Flyers - News". Philadelphiaflyers.com. 25 November 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2015.
  5. 1 2 Godin, Arpon Basu and Marc Antoine. "Basu and Godin: Apprenticeship of Canadiens' young D, inspiration for Lane Hutson and more". The Athletic. Retrieved 2022-11-08.
  6. ↑ "Peter White Hall Of Fame Induction Highlights Big Night With Phantoms". OurSports Central. 2009-04-03. Retrieved 2011-03-21.
  7. ↑ "Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Athletics - Hall of Fame" . Retrieved 2011-03-21.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.