O'Neill was selected by the Lions in the second round (11th overall) in the 2011 Canadian Draft.

2011-2012:  Hugh joined the Lions in 2011 after being selected in the second round of the 2011 Canadian Draft. He spent the 2011 season on the injured list while learning from the league’s Most Outstanding Special Teams Player, kicker Paul McCallum.

In 2012, Hugh continued his kicking mentorship but did not see any regular season action. 

Games Played: Career: 0, Playoff: 0, Grey Cup: 0

2010: In his senior season, O'Neill became the Golden Bears’ all-time field goal leader with 55 and led the Bears in scoring with 58 points. He finished third in Canada West with a 39.7 punting yard average, 13 field goals, and 72.2% field goal percentage. He was named a Canada West All-Star and was named to the CIS East-West Bowl roster for his efforts.  

2009: As a junior, O'Neill was named a CIS First Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star punter after leading Canada West in average punting and field goal success rate.

2008: O'Neill was named a CIS Second Team All-Canadian and Canada West All-Star punter after leading Canada West with a 42.5 punting average on 76 kicks, almost three yards better than his nearest competitor.

2007: O'Neill had an outstanding rookie season, making the CIS All-Canadian team at two positions (punter and placekicker) and selected to the Canada West all-star roster after leading the league in punts with a 41.7-yard average.  He ranked second in Canada West in scoring with 72 points including a league-high and single-season school record 19 field goals.

O'Neill was heavily recruited as a kicker coming out of high school, where he played three seasons for Ross Sheppard Secondary.  As a high school senior, he was named league MVP and was an Edmonton Journal All-Star.

Hugh spends the off-season in Edmonton where he continues to work towards his degree. When not training for the season, he enjoys skiing, traveling and spending time with friends.