MR. O’Neil is The founder and operator of SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair. He possesses over 23 years of distinguished experience in sharpening and customizing equipment at the recreational, junior, and professional levels, making him a highly respected industry expert.
Chad began his career at the U.S. Ice Sports Complex in Fairview Heights, IL, where he had grown up playing youth hockey for the Southern Illinois Ice Hawks. He then went on to play Varsity hockey at Belleville East High School in Belleville, IL, before playing Junior B Hockey for the St. Louis Lightning of the Minnesota Junior Hockey League (MJHL). From 2005 to 2011, Chad held the position of Head of Hockey Sales and Operations at Johnny Mac’s Sporting Goods in St. Louis, MO.
During his time at Johnny Mac’s, Chad also served as the Head Equipment Manager of the Jr. A St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) for two seasons. During this period, he was honored to be named the Head Equipment Manager for two NAHL Top Prospects Tournaments. He also achieved notable success by winning the Chuck Robertson Cup in 2008 and reaching the Chuck Robertson Cup Finals once again in 2009.
Following his accomplishments with the St. Louis Bandits, Chad joined the St. Louis Blues in the National Hockey League as an Assistant Equipment Manager. He worked with the team for six years, from 2011 to 2017.
After Chad left the Blues, he created SkateTech Skate Sharpening and Equipment Repair while still working part time as the Head Equipment Manager for CarShield AAA Hockey of the North American Prospects Hockey League (NAPHL) and Maryville University Saints (ACHA DII) in St. Louis, MO.