Boys Hockey Co-Captain David O’Neill ’26 was introduced to hockey at age three, learning to skate on a frozen pond behind his home with his father. Growing up in constant competition with his older and younger brothers, often on the same teams, he developed a drive for hockey. Coming to Andover in pursuit of competitive hockey alongside rigorous academics, O’Neill has since set the record for most games played in program history. As captain, he focuses on both maintaining a winning standard and fostering connections between teammates.
Having been part of the team for four years, O’Neill played under three different captains before assuming the role himself, which influenced his approach to leadership. He described the traits of past captains he hopes to emulate.
“One of the biggest influences was Bobby Corkery [’23], my freshman year captain. I remember him always having fun and looking like he enjoyed being at the rink. That’s what I want other guys to see, and something important I try to keep in mind. Another captain I really admired was Sam Myles [’24]. He led by example really well. He wasn’t the most vocal, but I liked the way he spoke through his play. And then last year, our captain, Grayden [Robertson-Palmer ’25], was a really close friend of mine, and I think he did a great job. That progression of good leaders is something that shaped how I try to lead the team today,” said O’Neill.
Beyond practices and games, O’Neill described how he intentionally creates opportunities for teammates to connect off the ice.
“A lot of times, on the mornings before games, I’ll invite a bunch of guys to Perry’s downtown or just trying to go out to eat together and get to know more about each other off the ice. It doesn’t really matter whether they’re freshmen or, or whatever their ages… At the end of the day, I think that’s a really important aspect of what being part of a team is, making those bonds,” said O’Neill.
Senji Kimura ’29 highlighted how O’Neill’s value of inclusion helped ease his transition to the team as a freshman.
“He keeps the team together. David includes every single guy on the team, from freshmen to seniors. He’s very inclusive and gets to know you personally, which feels good, coming in as a young guy, and that helped me ease into the school and the hockey program,” said Kimura.
Nolan Roberts ’28 echoed that sentiment in recalling how O’Neill reached out to him after team selections were announced.
“David texted me the day the roster came out, introducing himself and being open to any questions. Then once I got on campus, he was the first person to come up to me and introduce himself in person. He helped me along the way and showed me the locker room. In the fall, he led the skates for the team and showed me everything. He was just great,” said Roberts.
On the ice, Kimura described O’Neill’s mindset as one centered on collective success, leading with both effort and selflessness.
“David’s a really hard worker, because at the end of the day, he wants to win. He’s not selfish at all and doesn’t care about his individual statistics. He just cares about the team. He just cares about winning. I think it’s definitely very inspirational… he truly wants everyone to play at their best level, and he just wants the team to perform at their peak ability,” said Kimura.
While O’Neill remains uncertain about his long-term future in hockey, he aspires to compete at the collegiate level and continue his passion for the sport.
