Growing with the program
Summerside native Max Chisholm takes on big roles with Charlottetown Knights
SUMMERSIDE – Max Chisholm’s responsibilities, both on and off the ice, were fast-tracked this season.
The 16-year-old son of David and Julie Chisholm of Summerside started the season as the only returning player with the Charlottetown Bulk Carriers Knights. Thus, he has been thrust into roles more accustomed to veteran players.
“He never blinked an eye at the challenge and opportunity,” said Knights head coach Luke Beck.
Chisholm, a six-foot, 170pound right-winger, was handed the added responsibilities of team captain in just his second year in the New Brunswick/P.E.I. Major Midget Hockey League.
He is also the inaugural captain in Knights’ history after the franchise, formerly known as the Pride, rebranded over the off-season.
“For us, Max was a guy we were looking at becoming a leader with our program,” said Beck.
“He plays that type of game, he’s a fantastic kid and his growth as a player over the last 24 months exemplifies the work ethic that he puts in, both on the ice and off the ice.
“Max was an easy choice, he was a unanimous choice and is a guy we are very proud to have as captain of the Knights.”
Chisholm has welcomed the added responsibilities.
“I feel I lead more with my work ethic, showing how things can be done and getting the work done,” said Chisholm.
“I am very vocal with the boys and lead by example.”
What has impressed Beck and the coaching staff is how Chisholm stepped up in a leadership role after six eligible returnees left the Knights to join the Kensington Monaghan Farms Wild this season.
“He’s been a great voice in our dressing room, he’s been a terrific kid staying positive as well as trying to lead a very young team,” said Beck.
“Max has been resilient and is a big reason, as a coach, I am not worried about the long-term growth of this program and our team.”
The Knights, who are coming off a Final 4 appearance at The Chronicle Herald East Coast Ice Jam hockey tournament in Bedford, N.S., last weekend, will take a 7-16-3 record into tonight’s home game against the
Northern Moose (10-12-4) at MacLauchlan Arena. Puck drop is 7 p.m.
“We have progressed so much since the start of the year and I have never been more confident in my team and my teammates,” said Chisholm, looking ahead to the second half.
“We have been progressing every practice and every game.”
After recording 12 points in 28 games in his rookie campaign in 2018-19, Chisholm has 20 points in 24 contests this year.
“I was more adjusted to the speed of the league coming into my second year,” acknowledged Chisholm. “I know what type of league it is and know how I have to play to win.”
Chisholm noted he wants to play a physical game and chip in scoring.
“I want to be a good 200-foot player and I want to be relied on in every situation in all zones,” added Chisholm, who feels his skating has been the biggest improvement in his game.
“I came into the league as just a fair skater, but I think it has progressed a lot,” said Chisholm. “I have some speed to me now and it helps with everything.”
Beck feels Chisholm’s overall game has improved immensely.
“Anybody who has come
to the rink and watched Max Chisholm play, can see he’s continued to work at his game,” said Beck. “As a 15-year-old, he went through the typical growth of highs and lows, but he kept with it and he was a key piece for us last year at the Atlantics.
“From there, he earned his opportunity to be drafted into both the Maritime (Junior Hockey) League and into major junior.
“What a lot of people forget about Max is he’s almost close to being a first-year player as he’s a November baby. He’s worked on his game, he’s worked on his skating, he puts the effort in and that’s why, for me, Max has become one of the top power forwards in our league.”
Chisholm was drafted by the Charlottetown Islanders of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and the Grand Falls Rapids of the Maritime Junior Hockey League in June 2019.
“My goal for next year is to make the Islanders out of camp,” said Chisholm.
“That’s what I’m working towards every day.”