A solid build and athletic agility combined to make John MacNeill a force to be reckoned with within Nova Scotia sports. MacNeill was the pride of Sydney Academy as an outstanding player in hockey, rugby, and baseball. At St. Francis Xavier University he captured many varsity awards in both rugby and football leading to his induction into the St. Francis Xavier Sport Hall of Fame.

In hockey MacNeill was a member of the Halifax Wolverines and the Saint John Beavers where his scoring feats made him a valued member. He played until 1939, retiring after being a member of the 1938-39 Sydney Millionaires team that won the Nova Scotia championship. John “Kenzie” MacNeill was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1982.