MacNeil, a veteran NHL defenceman of over 500 games, was named player/coach by Montreal Canadiens general manager Sam Pollock, taking over from Ray Kinasewich with the primary affiliate, the Houston Apollos, in 1968.
MacNeil was drafted by the Canadiens from the Pittsburgh Penguins during the intraleague draft, returning to the organization for which he played seven seasons prior. He accepted the tasks of player and coach proudly according to Pollock, who said he was expecting to have a great season in both roles. The Apollos were the third-best team in the nine-team league, but failed to get past the first round of the playoffs.