McNelis brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success with him to New York. McNelis played a pivotal role in leading the New Jersey 87's not only the 2023 EHLP Championship, but the 2022 EHL Championship as well, having served as an Assistant Coach for that team.

His coaching journey includes significant stints at Adrian College, where he served as the ACHA DIII Head Coach and ACHA DI Assistant Coach during the 2018-19 season, and at Neumann University, where he was an NCAA DIII Assistant Coach from 2019 to 2021.

McNelis' appointment signals a new era for the Apple Core, with high hopes for continued growth and achievement under his leadership.

"I am thrilled to join the New York Apple Core as their new Head Coach and General Manager for the 2024-25 season," said McNelis. "To join an organization with such a long history of success is an incredible honor. I am looking forward to working with our players and staff to add to that history. I would like to thank Steve Santini for giving me the opportunity to join the Apple Core family. I cannot wait to get to work and see the boys on the ice in September."

As McNelis mentioned, the Apple Core franchise is rich with history that dates back for years prior to the formation of the EHL back in 2013. Included in that history, was a stellar 2023-24 season, which resulted in New York's highest win total ever in the EHL.

"We're really excited to welcome Conall to the Apple Core family," said Steve Santini, the owner of the Apple Core. "Coming off of one of the best seasons in the history of our franchise, the bar has been set high for the future, but I have full faith that Conall will keep the momentum rolling with our program. With a proven track record of success at the EHLP level, and experience in the EHL as well, we know that Conall will carry it with him right into the start of this upcoming year."

McNelis' first game as Head Coach of the Apple Core will come on September 24th, when New York travels to take on the New Jersey Bears at Noon.

As for McNelis' first home game with his new team, that will take place a couple of days later on September 26th, as New York finishes off an early home-and-home series with the Bears.

The full regular season schedules for both the EHL and the EHLP, will be released to the general public on Monday, June 17th.