Wadena-Deer Creek 2019 graduate Maxwell “Max” Phillips has signed to play junior-level hockey for the Connecticut Chiefs this fall. Junior hockey is the highest level of amateur hockey and is the last level players play before jumping to collegiate or pro hockey.
Chiefs Head Coach/General Manager Neil Breen said they are excited to have Phillips wear a Chiefs jersey this season.
“Max comes to us from a hockey hotbed in Minnesota and we feel lucky to have signed a player of his caliber. He brings a lot to the table for us, He’s a leader, a skilled player with a scoring touch, and a tremendous athlete. He’s a great student and even better kid. We do our best to add players who are wealthy in the character department. For us, Max covers all the bases, and we can’t wait to get started with him and the rest of his new teammates in the fall,” said Breen.
Wadena-Deer Creek Head Boys Hockey Coach Scott Woods said Phillips has shown the dedication, work ethic, and leadership to go to the next level.
“He is extremely coachable and expects nothing but the best from himself to make sure the team is successful,” said Woods.
A three-sport standout for the Wolverines in hockey, football and baseball, Phillips excelled in hockey throughout his high school career. As a junior, he made WDC’s elite 100-Point Club for the Wolverines. During his high school hockey career, Phillips was known for his speed and nose for the puck that set him apart from other players, said WDC Activities Director Norm Gallant.
“I enjoyed Max as a student and an athlete at WDC. I had the opportunity to work with him in football this season and the leadership he showed was second to none. It isn't hard to see the effort and enthusiasm whether he plays football, baseball or hockey. These qualities will no doubt lead to success at the next level,” said Gallant.
Phillips said he is looking forward to getting to know his new teammates.
“It’s going to be fun to go out and travel the East Coast and play hockey with other players who have the same dream as I do,” said Phillips, who will report for training camp Labor Day weekend.
Phillips is eligible to play at the junior level for two years. He will be enrolled in online classes during this time. His plan is to play collegiate hockey at the NCAA-level and finish his degree in elementary education with a minor in business.
Phillips is joining the Chiefs in their second official season in the Eastern Hockey League (EHL) under the new leadership of Coach Breen. The Eastern Hockey League has been the leader in North America for NCAA Division III-commitments for over five years. Last season in 2018-2019, the EHL had over 126 NCAA commitments.
BEST OF LUCK, Max! We are #WDCproud of you!