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.