Max McCormick Bio
Maxwell McCormick is an American professional ice hockey forward who serves as captain of the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League (NHL). Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing around 190 pounds, McCormick has built a career defined by steady work, leadership, and a willingness to compete in every zone on the ice. Selected 171st overall in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, he turned professional in 2014 and has continued to develop his game at the highest levels of North American hockey.
Early Life and Background
Maxwell McCormick was born on May 1, 1992, in De Pere, Wisconsin, a community located near Green Bay. He grew up in the Green Bay area with his younger brother, Sam, in a household that supported his interest in athletics. McCormick played high school hockey for Notre Dame Academy, where he developed the foundational skills that would later carry him into the professional ranks.
After completing his high school career, McCormick joined the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), a major junior circuit that has produced many future National Hockey League players. His time with the Musketeers helped him gain visibility among professional scouts and showcased his work ethic and two-way responsibility as a forward.
Path to Hockey
Following his selection in the sixth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, McCormick chose to pursue a collegiate career to further refine his game. He committed to Ohio State University, where he played for three seasons and balanced academic responsibilities with the demands of a competitive NCAA Division I hockey program. His collegiate experience allowed him to mature physically and tactically before making the jump to the professional level.
On May 28, 2014, after completing his college eligibility, McCormick signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators. This agreement marked the official beginning of his professional hockey career and set the stage for his transition to the American Hockey League.
Max McCormick Career
Early Career (2014–2015)
McCormick turned professional in 2014 with the Binghamton Senators, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Ottawa Senators. He spent his first professional season adjusting to the pace and physicality of pro hockey while contributing as a depth forward. His time in Binghamton allowed him to establish himself as a reliable bottom-six player willing to handle defensive responsibilities and penalty-killing duties.
Ottawa Senators Era (2015–2019)
McCormick made his National Hockey League debut on October 25, 2015, with the Ottawa Senators in a 4–1 defeat to the Arizona Coyotes. The appearance marked the fulfillment of a lifelong dream and validated years of work in junior and collegiate hockey. He continued to split his time between Ottawa and Binghamton over the following seasons, earning a reputation for his speed, energy, and willingness to engage physically along the boards.
Colorado Eagles Era (2019)
On February 6, 2019, McCormick was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for J.C. Beaudin. He was immediately assigned to the team’s American League affiliate, the Colorado Eagles, where he played out the remainder of the 2018–19 season. With the Eagles, he recorded 8 points in 25 regular-season games and made two postseason appearances in the 2019 Calder Cup playoffs, gaining valuable experience in a high-stakes environment.
Charlotte Checkers Era (2019–2020)
McCormick signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 25, 2019, and was assigned to the Charlotte Checkers, Carolina’s AHL affiliate. After returning from injury, he found his offensive touch, collecting 16 goals and 35 points in 56 games. The strong campaign was cut short when the remainder of the 2019–20 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coachella Valley Firebirds Era (2020–Present)
On October 28, 2020, McCormick signed a one-year, two-way contract extension and continued his career in the American Hockey League. He eventually joined the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken, where he has since been named team captain. In this role, he has continued to provide veteran leadership, penalty killing, and a physical presence that has helped establish the Firebirds as a competitive franchise in the league.
Driving Style and Strengths
McCormick is recognized for his high-energy, north-south skating style and his commitment to a 200-foot game. He excels in a bottom-six role where defensive reliability, faceoff work, and penalty killing are valued, and he brings a physical edge that disrupts opponents along the boards and in the corners of the rink.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among McCormick’s career milestones are his 2011 NHL Draft selection by Ottawa, his NHL debut in October 2015, and his captaincy of the Coachella Valley Firebirds. His most prolific offensive season came with the Charlotte Checkers in 2019–20, when he recorded 35 points in 56 games before the season was halted by the pandemic.
Max McCormick Career Wins
Maxwell McCormick’s professional career has been shaped more by consistent performance and leadership than by championship hardware. Across multiple organizations in both the National Hockey League and the American Hockey League, he has contributed as a dependable two-way forward and a trusted alternate or captain on several teams.
AHL Highlights
During his time in the American Hockey League, McCormick has produced strong offensive numbers, including a 35-point campaign with the Charlotte Checkers in 2019–20. He has also added playoff experience with both the Colorado Eagles and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, contributing in high-pressure situations and embracing a leadership role with the Firebirds as team captain.
NHL Appearances
McCormick has appeared in National Hockey League games with the Ottawa Senators, where he made his debut in 2015 and continued to provide energy and physicality in limited minutes. While his NHL role has been that of a depth forward, he has made the most of his opportunities and remains ready to contribute at the top level when called upon.
Max McCormick Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Maxwell McCormick grew up in the Green Bay area of Wisconsin with his younger brother, Sam. The siblings shared a competitive upbringing, and their family supported Maxwell’s development in hockey from a young age.
Personal Life
McCormick continues to be active in his professional hockey career, balancing life on the road with his commitments as a player and captain. Details about his spouse and children are not publicly confirmed in available sources.
2025 Season Performance
As the 2025 season unfolds, Maxwell McCormick continues to serve as captain of the Coachella Valley Firebirds, anchoring the team with his experience and two-way play. The Firebirds remain a competitive force in the American Hockey League, and McCormick’s leadership on and off the ice has been central to their identity as an organization.
On the ice, McCormick has continued to contribute in all situations, logging key minutes on the penalty kill and providing a physical presence in the lineup. His steady play and vocal presence in the dressing room have helped guide younger players through the demands of a long professional season.
Looking ahead, McCormick remains under contract to the Seattle Kraken of the National Hockey League, keeping the door open for potential NHL opportunities while continuing his impactful role in the American Hockey League. His journey from a small town in Wisconsin to professional hockey captaincy reflects the perseverance and dedication that have defined his career.