After a distinguished 12‑year journey through professional hockey, Max McCormick has announced his retirement, bringing an end to a career that blended on‑ice excellence with off‑ice stewardship.
A career defined by leadership and community
McCormick finishes with 540 AHL appearances, 159 goals and 178 assists for a total of 337 points, and he helped the Coachella Valley Firebirds capture two Western Conference titles. His contributions were recognized in 2023 when he was selected for the AHL All‑Star Classic.
Beyond statistics, his captaincy culminated in a franchise‑record 67 goals and a second‑place ranking in points (140) over 158 games, underscoring his consistency and influence within the league.
The 2025‑26 AHL Man of the Year award highlighted his dedication to community service, reflecting a commitment that extended far beyond the rink.
Drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NHL Draft by the Ottawa Senators, McCormick would later wear the jerseys of Ottawa, Carolina and Seattle, compiling eight goals and five assists in 94 NHL games.
His tenure with the Seattle Kraken, the league’s newest franchise, provided a platform to mentor younger players and to promote the sport’s growth in emerging markets.
Though his NHL output was modest, his AHL legacy is unmistakable: he remains the Firebirds’ all‑time leader in goals and a cornerstone of the team’s recent successes.