<div align="center">Maximum Value
An ESPN Profile</div>

“I’m just looking to play my best every time I get on the ice, that’s the real battle”


Max playing Timbits minor hockey.

Max McDonald at 5 years old still only learning the game but had it right all along, playing with timbits minor hockey. Raised by his mother Katie McDonald who is sister to Legendary SHL Star Jay McDonald, Max was the older of two boys, being that hockey was in the family blood it was only suited that Max grew up in such a life style. He was given skates and a stick at a young age and never looked back. The Province of Newfoundland was where Max Called home, with his family originating there as well, hockey was not just in the blood but it was the in the very air that Newfies breath.


in the middle Max did not learn to skate right away

When Max was 7 he had a profound way about him, always wanting to help others and learn the game from not just an athletic level but a mental level, watching and taking part in all the drills he could, for getting up at 6 in the morning and staying on the ice for most parts of the day. In his home town of Deer Lake Newfoundland home of his grandfather’s Deer Lake Red Wings, Max would help out getting the ice surface ready being a passenger on the Zamboni.

Gary Briggs one of Coaches for the minor league team spoke about one of his young upcoming stars.

Gary: I really liked the way he approached the game of hockey, he was smart for a young kid and he was really trying hard to learn and capture the art of good defensive hockey, he had size but also the speed needed for a solid back check, and the kid worked on face offs like I’ve never seen.


Max working on face offs

Max McDonald: I can say usually as a child it’s hard to remember a lot of things being young, but some memories just stick, for myself I’ll never forget when I stepped on the ice for the first time, or scored my first goal, I can’t really say it was pretty we were up 4-3 and it was an empty net goal that ricochet off the boards and into the net.

I`m not looking to be some high time flashy prolific scorer, but I want a complete game it’s what I’ve pride myself on ever since I was little, with watching greats like Steve Yzerman being able to play the game at a high level on both ends of the ice.

I want my team to be able to control the puck off a draw, having possession is pivotal especially where the draw takes place, being able to jump in the rush in a timely fashion but get back into the defensive zone when needed, not being a liability to the team.


Max playing high school hockey

Max went on to play high school hockey starting at age 14, continuing his develop with help from his family, being that his grandfather was a prolific player for the Deer Lake Red wings. Max in his rookie season with the Elwood Otters boasted a 62.7 face off percentage and was a +26 in just 40 games. High School was a great feat for Max he was always book smart and most people believed in translated to some great play on the ice.

<div align="center">The Present</div>

“ I don’t want to be the best, but I will strive to be a good player, the little things are what truly matter when it comes to winning championships and I will do all I can to make sure I bring the energy night after night. “

Max McDonald considered many of his options after high school applying even to the University of Toronto looking into Mechanical engineering, even after being accepted at the age of 19 he felt something was not right, as much as he might have enjoyed the field he always wanted to be on the ice. "

“I was there the night my uncle and company lifted the Cup, it was a wild night and the atmosphere couldn’t have been more electric, I like to think in the moments of watching something like that being young it gives you motivation to strive and work hard at what you want to do. “

The SMJHL combine had taken place days ago and Max was determined to make sure he made some sort of name for himself, talking to all teams and answering the questions as diligent as possible, trying to win the favor of any of the teams hoping he can soon step on the ice.

Max as well as took part in the prospect tournament, contributing and being an integral part of the battalion in the round robin playing 8 games with 6 points and a 55.34 Face off percentage, his team would eventually win the prospect tournament. in the elimination round, although a low scoring 1-0 game and held pointless, max boasted a 66.6 face off percentage. In the tournament winner he contributed with a 2 assist effort in the win against the lions he continued to dominate in the draws at 60% effort going 24/39.

“ It’s an area I plan to heavily work on, its contributes to goal differential, puck possession, it’s a stat that is plenty over looked but it means a lot more than some would think, defensive zone, offensive zone, neutral zone, being able to start or retain the puck goes a long way when you have the team behind you. “

The SMJHL draft is looming closer and we decided to dig even deeper into a prospect with tons of promise, we had our analyst Mike Litoris sit down with Max and get a few more answers to those talked about questions.


max answering questions

Mike Litoris: Welcome everyone watching at home, Mike Litoris with you and I’m here with some short questions for the junior prospect Max McDonald. Firstly max I think what most people are curious about is where in the world is your relative Jay McDonald.

Max: It’s a long story but it seems everyone is curious kind of like the tv show where in the world is Carmen Sandiego although Jay is far from a criminal but he did move out east to St Johns Newfoundland and since has settled down.

Mike Litoris: Glad to hear, I suppose we should cancel the funeral arrangements, next on the list is to figure out if there is a team you might be more interested in playing for.

Max: it’s hard to say, there is a lot of new faces and I’m still trying to fit in so really there isn’t one specific team, I'm going to stick with the cliché I just want to play hockey regardless of the team.

Mike Litoris: Very original of you, how do you think your first season in the SMJHL will develop.

Max: Well I don’t think anyone can truly predict but I hope it’s successful like anyone would, just want to go out and play my best and hopefully avoid the injury bug.

Mike Litoris: Do you think you will be drafted high or low, try not to be cliché the people at home want something spontaneous.

Max: The talent is tremendous and if I have to say anything, it’s going to be around mid to late second round.

Mike Litoris: way to be the most modest person on the planet, the last question we have for you is after being drafted where would you put yourself on a team depth chart.

Max: Well playing time has always varied for me, as long as I am contributing in some way even small it’s not a big deal, I do see myself fitting in a top 6 forward role and maybe even logging some high minutes on special teams.

Mike Litoris: Well thanks for this Max and I wish you luck in the future of all your endeavors.

<div align="center">Talent Analysis</div>
The 6'3, 205-pound center is a two way forward prospect. He has imposing size but rarely shows a willingness to use it as lacks in the physical game. While he may not have as much offensive upside as other forwards in the draft, Max`s total talent of size, Defense, and face offs make him an appealing addition to a club looking for a top-six forward who can open up the ice for other teammates. An ability to pass the puck adds to his value as he has proven he won't be a defensive liability with more skilled teammates. His adversity can make him a sought after candidate for Special teams game, also with winning key draws in all areas of the ice.

Flaws: Not enough Physical Strength down low to dominate in the
department, never been the style of play.


max is ready to begin his career

The Future: Max projects as an imposing two way forward at the next level with good enough hands and hockey sense to potentially play on the first or second line someday. He uses his hockey smarts effectively in the offensive zone and creates mismatches along the wall for opponents because of his size, but can be overpowered and needs to work on his strength. Max could ultimately end up anywhere from a notable first liner to a defensive third liner depending on his development over the next few years.

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Nice Article! Good Luck in the Draft!

There's only room for one Max :ph34r:

28 is old you fucking moron

awesome article