Neely is named team ambassador

Cam Neely, who will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame a week from Monday, added another line of distinction to his resume yesterday. The 40-year-old Neely, who retired because of injuries after the 1995-96 season, has been named the first club ambassador in Bruins' history.

The new gig will include goodwill and glad-handing opportunities for the affable Neely, who will make appearances for the club and its charitable foundation. He also will schmooze with customers and clients in the Vault's premium club seats.

All in all, ''a perfect way to bring Cam back into the Bruins organization," said Charlie Jacobs, the club's executive vice president.

Neely, in his downtown office near the Marriott Custom's House, said he was looking forward to yet another new phase of his career.

''Listen, I bleed Black and Gold," he said. ''I grew up here, and I want to see the Bruins do well -- I think the fans deserve the Bruins to do well."

To that end, general manager Mike O'Connell said last night he ''would not be adverse to Cam helping out on the hockey side." In such a capacity, said O'Connell, Neely could work with players on the ice ''every now and then."

Former Bruins great Ray Bourque is expected to rejoin the club, too, in a role as on-ice consultant, primarily with the young defensemen and special teams. Asked how soon Bourque's deal might be finalized, O'Connell said he was waiting for the former Bruins captain and coach Mike Sullivan to talk more about Bourque's role.

''Mike's been focused more on other issues and just hasn't gotten around to it," said O'Connell. ''They'll talk. It's just that Mike's had other things on his mind."

KEVIN PAUL DUPONT