Fire and Ice: Michael Neal Begins to Prepare for Life After Hockey

Every kid growing up on the ice dreams of one day playing professional hockey. However, not many think of what may happen after that dream runs its course. Some may stay in the game and go into coaching or management. Others, like Kalamazoo Wings’ forward Michael Neal, start planning their future ahead of hanging up their skates for the last time.

This is Neal’s second stint with Kalamazoo, as he joined the team in the middle of the 2014-2015 season, after playing in 21 games for the Cincinnati Cyclones. Moving around is nothing new for the veteran forward. After starting his pro career with Idaho for three seasons, Neal has made stops in Orlando, Bakersfield, Las Vegas, Cincinnati, Kalamazoo, Wichita, and Indianapolis.

Last season with the Fuel, Neal had an outstanding season, as he amassed 20 goals and 32 assists. His 52 points led the team and helped Indy to the franchise’s first playoff berth. Neal was also selected to play in the 2018 CCM/ECHL All-Star Classic, which the Fuel hosted.

After being eliminated by the Toledo Walleye in the first round of the 2018 Kelly Cup Playoffs, Neal stepped away from the game of hockey. He decided he was going to take his hand at training at becoming a firefighter.

“I know a lot of guys back home [in Toronto] that are firefighters and ex-pros,” Neal stated. “They say it’s the best job to have after hockey. I’ve thought about it for three or four years, and I decided I may as well take a stab at it.”

Though on first glance the two career paths appear to be vastly different, the Whitby, Ontario native is quick to point out the similarities between fighting the opponent on the ice, and fighting the fire in a building.

“It’s an easy transition going from a team atmosphere that you’ve played with your entire life to having a second family with the firemen. When you get thrown into a burning building, you’re not alone.”

Through the Professional Hockey Players Association’s (PHPA) Career Enhancement Program, Neal was able to train at the Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario under the Fire and Emergency Training Institute (FESTI). Through all the reading, learning and training, one would think it would be foreign territory for a pro athlete. Yet, for Neal, the group he trained with made him feel right at home.

“All of the guys are hockey players, so everyone knows everyone in some way or another. When you have 15 guys, you kind of form a bond together over the four weeks.”

Another similarity that Neal noticed while training with FESTI was how a person must rely on their equipment while in a burning building, sort of how a hockey player must rely on their gear during a heated battle.

“The equipment you have [while firefighting], the face piece and all that, is there to protect you. You have to trust your equipment, just like in hockey you have to trust your sticks, skates and helmets.”

Neal was also sure to admit that he recommends others to take an honest look at the program after hockey. While he has not heard any word on whether he has been hired after earning an interview with a Toronto-area fire department in early March, getting a job outside of hockey is new territory for the veteran.

“The application process is long, you have 1,000-1,500 applicants for maybe four or five positions. It was probably my first real interview outside of hockey, other than trying to convince a coach or a GM to sign me.” Neal chuckled.

With the potential of a new career on the horizon, Neal was not sure if he wanted to return to play. However, a call from Head Coach Nick Bootland changed that. Bootland and Neal had a good relationship from Neal’s first tenure in Kalamazoo, and Bootland told Neal “to think about it”. “It” being if he wanted to return to hockey, that the K-Wings would have a roster spot for him. Neal was clear to mention that it was a “no-brainer” to come to Kalamazoo for the chance to play under Bootland’s leadership again.  

Once Neal realized he could play hockey while waiting to become a firefighter, he decided he would give it another go. Thankfully for Neal, he had still been training and lifting weights like he had been throughout his career. He has been a strong veteran presence for the team thus far, scoring 10 points in 16 games with the K-Wings, and feels confident the Wings lineup can make a run to the postseason.

“I’m just trying to do my own thing, and help the guys push to the playoffs. We have the team to do it. It doesn’t really matter who’s in the lineup, we have a full roster that contributes on the scoresheet.”

While it is unknown what Neal’s plans are following the 2018-19 season in terms of playing, he has shown that players’ careers do not end after their final game. Neal has been given the opportunity to play the game he has loved his whole life, and now, with help of fellow players and the PHPA, is prepared for life after hockey.