Max McCormick Bio
Maxwell McCormick is an American former professional ice hockey forward who spent time in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Ottawa Senators, Carolina Hurricanes and Seattle Kraken. Drafted 171st overall by Ottawa in the 2011 NHL Entry Draft, he turned professional in 2014 and built a reputation as a hard-working, physical winger at both the AHL and NHL levels. He is recognized for his leadership qualities, having served as captain of the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to Seattle.
Early Life and Background
Maxwell McCormick was born on May 1, 1992, in De Pere, Wisconsin, a small city in the Green Bay metropolitan area. He grew up in the Green Bay region alongside his younger brother, Sam, and the two were immersed in the local hockey culture that thrives in the Upper Midwest. McCormick attended Notre Dame Academy, where he played high school hockey and developed the skating and physical foundations that would later define his professional style.
After completing his time at Notre Dame Academy, McCormick moved into the United States Hockey League (USHL) to skate for the Sioux City Musketeers. The USHL is widely regarded as one of the top junior development leagues in North America, and his time there helped him gain the experience and visibility required to attract NHL interest.
Path to Hockey
McCormick’s strong junior performances with the Sioux City Musketeers translated into an NHL opportunity when the Ottawa Senators selected him 171st overall in the sixth round of the 2011 NHL Entry Draft. Rather than turn professional immediately, he committed to a collegiate career and spent three years playing for Ohio State University, where he continued to round out his game against strong NCAA competition.
On May 28, 2014, after his junior season at Ohio State, McCormick signed a two-year entry-level contract with the Ottawa Senators. The deal marked the official beginning of his professional career and set the stage for his transition into the minor leagues before reaching the NHL.
Max McCormick Career
Early Career (2014-2015)
McCormick turned professional in the 2014-15 season with the Binghamton Senators, Ottawa’s AHL affiliate based in Binghamton, New York. He spent the bulk of his rookie professional year adjusting to the pace, physicality and schedule of pro hockey, earning his first extended look as a dependable two-way winger at the minor-league level.
His development in Binghamton prepared him for his first NHL opportunity, and on October 25, 2015, McCormick made his National Hockey League debut with Ottawa in a 4-1 loss to the Arizona Coyotes. The appearance made him a full NHL player and validated the long path he had taken from De Pere through junior, college and the AHL.
Ottawa Senators Breakthrough (2015-2019)
From 2015 through early 2019, McCormick split his time between Ottawa and the Senators’ AHL affiliates, building a role as a physical, penalty-killing forward who could chip in offensively when called upon. He appeared in multiple NHL games for the Senators and continued to refine his craft at the AHL level when not in the NHL lineup.
On February 6, 2019, McCormick was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for J.C. Beaudin. He was immediately assigned to the Colorado Eagles, Colorado’s AHL affiliate, where he played out the remainder of the 2018-19 season, registering 8 points in 25 regular-season games and adding two appearances in the 2019 Calder Cup Playoffs.
Carolina Hurricanes Era (2019-2021)
McCormick signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Carolina Hurricanes on July 25, 2019, beginning the next chapter of his professional journey. In the following 2019-20 season, he was assigned to the Charlotte Checkers, Carolina’s AHL affiliate, where he produced his most productive offensive season as a professional.
McCormick collected 16 goals and 35 points in 56 games with the Checkers before the remainder of the season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On October 28, 2020, he signed a one-year, two-way contract extension with Carolina, underlining the organization’s belief in his contributions on and off the ice.
Seattle Kraken Era (2021-Present)
McCormick joined the Seattle Kraken organization and was assigned to the Coachella Valley Firebirds, the Kraken’s AHL affiliate. He quickly became a leader in the room and was eventually named captain of the Firebirds, a role that highlighted his standing as a respected veteran in the Seattle system.
Throughout his time with the Kraken organization, McCormick has continued to serve as a steady, two-way presence at the AHL level while remaining under NHL contract. His leadership and physical style have made him a central figure in Coachella Valley’s dressing room.
Playing Style and Strengths
McCormick is a left-shot winger listed at 5 feet 11 inches and 188 pounds, and his game has always revolved around skating, work ethic and physicality. He is known for his forechecking, penalty killing and willingness to play through traffic, complementing his role as a reliable bottom-six contributor. His teammates and coaches have consistently praised his leadership and his ability to set the tone with his energy on the ice.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of McCormick’s career was his NHL debut on October 25, 2015, with the Ottawa Senators, capping a journey that began in De Pere, Wisconsin. His 16-goal, 35-point campaign with the Charlotte Checkers in 2019-20 stands as his most productive AHL season, and his appointment as captain of the Coachella Valley Firebirds marked one of the most significant leadership honors of his professional life.
Max McCormick Career Wins
Maxwell McCormick’s professional record is built on durability, versatility and steady contribution at both the AHL and NHL levels. Although he is not primarily remembered for gaudy point totals, his résumé includes an NHL debut, multiple seasons of AHL service, and a leadership role as captain of the Coachella Valley Firebirds.
NHL Highlights
McCormick appeared in National Hockey League games with the Ottawa Senators and the Carolina Hurricanes organization, and later was under contract to the Seattle Kraken. His most memorable NHL moment came on October 25, 2015, when he made his debut with Ottawa in a game against the Arizona Coyotes. He has continued to be a dependable presence within the Kraken system.
AHL and Junior Highlights
McCormick’s junior career with the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL helped him earn his draft selection, and his three seasons at Ohio State University further prepared him for the professional ranks. In the AHL, he skated for the Binghamton Senators, Colorado Eagles, Charlotte Checkers and Coachella Valley Firebirds, with his 2019-20 campaign in Charlotte standing out as his most productive offensive season.
Max McCormick Family
Family Background and Hockey Lineage
Maxwell McCormick grew up in the Green Bay area of Wisconsin with his younger brother, Sam. The brothers shared a passion for hockey, and the sport was a central part of their upbringing in the close-knit De Pere community. McCormick has often spoken about the influence of his family and his Wisconsin roots in shaping his work ethic and character.
Personal Life
Off the ice, McCormick is widely regarded as a dedicated teammate and a leader in his locker rooms. He has spent much of his professional career based in the United States, moving with his teams between Ottawa, Colorado, Carolina and the Pacific Northwest with the Seattle Kraken organization.
2025 Season Performance
Maxwell McCormick continued to serve as captain of the Coachella Valley Firebirds in 2025, providing veteran leadership for the Kraken’s top AHL affiliate. He remained a key contributor in the Firebirds’ dressing room while also staying ready for any potential NHL opportunity with the Seattle Kraken. His steady, two-way game and his voice in the room helped set the tone for the team throughout the campaign.
McCormick’s role in 2025 highlighted the trust the Kraken organization has placed in him as a stabilizing presence, and his leadership was an important factor in the Firebirds’ pursuit of postseason success. As a respected elder statesman on a young roster, he continued to mentor emerging prospects while delivering his customary physical, north-south style of play.
