Gerry McNeil

Gerald George McNeil (April 17, 1926 – June 17, 2004) is a former professional goaltender who played with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1950s.
He was born in Quebec City, Quebec. After a short stay with the Montreal Junior Royals in 1943-44, McNeil played with the senior Montreal Royals from 1944-50. He won the Most Valuable Player Award from 1947–49 and best goaltender in 1945-46 and 1946-47. He also won the Allan Cup in 1946-47.
He played one season with the Cincinnati Mohawks of the American Hockey League in 1949-50. The next season McNeil made it to the Montreal Canadiens full time.
McNeil gave up tough goals to lose the Stanley Cup in 1950-51 (to Bill Barilko) and 1953-54. He did win the Stanley Cup in 1952-53. In 1954 he retired to coach the junior Jonquiere Marquis for one season (1954–55). He then returned as a backup to the Canadiens' Jacques Plante in 1956-57 when he won the Stanley Cup again. He retired in 1961.
==Awards==
*1946-47 Byng of Vimy Trophy
*1959-60 EPHL Top Goaltender
==Gallery==
1950-51-McNeil-Abel-Stasiuk.jpg|Gerry McNeil, Sid Abel, Vic Stasiuk in 1950-51 season action. Note the City of Detroit 250th anniversary patch.
1951-All-star_game.jpg|Action from the 1951 All-Star game, Gerry McNeil in net.
Category:Born in 1926
Category:Dead in 2004
Category:Montreal Canadiens players
Category:Stanley Cup champions
Category:Montreal Royals players
Category:Montreal Junior Royals alumni
Category:Quebec Aces players
Category:Cincinnati Mohawks players
Category:Allan Cup winners
Category:Retired in 1961
Category:Canadian ice hockey coaches
Category:Jonquiere Marquis coaches
Category:Canadian ice hockey players