SenSeries Profile: Max McCormick Hustling In The Right Direction

In a recent Binghamton Senators game I took on, one memorable occurrence took place near center ice when forward Max McCormick practically layed out Penguins defenseman Dominik Uher with a solid check in knocking down the third year pro as he lost his balance. McCormick then skated away like he was on a holiday. No big deal. That statement, in its purest form, is a rarity not seen by someone only 20 games in amongst rookies debuting in their first professional season.

McCormick isn’t afraid to take matters in his own hands and it shows with his game play now budding with confidence. Whether it’s out-skating an opposing veteran or trying to get under the skin of another, McCormick brings it on a nightly basis. He can battle in the corners and in front of the net while flashing some scoring opportunities at the same time in the opposing zone in making the necessary adjustments from college action.

He reminds me of another rookie in hindsight, teammate Matt Puempel. Puempel and McCormick share signs of a few facet’s to their game while participating in some fights with the emphasis on the overall physical tempo and moving their feet while distributing the puck offensively.

OHIO STATE

Drafted by Ottawa in the 6th round in 2011 and 171st overall, the tenacity of the 22-year-old native out of De Pere, WI was to produce points while his toughness dates back to his playing days for Sioux City in the OHL, leading his team with 101 PIM’s.

His college years witnessed him teaming up with now close friend Ryan Dzingel at Ohio State for four years as the two shared the center position on different lines. In 2012-’13 and after 40 games, he had 15 goals along with 16 assists and in his senior year saw him following up with 11 goals, 24 assists in 37 games.

Overall McCormick has had a bright career for Ohio as earning the team’s Rookie of the Year honors, a two-time CCHA Rookie of the Week and the CCHA All-Rookie Team choice in 2011-’12. Also a CCHA Scholar-Athlete in 2012-’13, a two-time Ohio State Scholar-Athlete and an Academic All-Big Ten choice selection.

McCormick signed a two-year entry-level contract earlier this spring and joined his best bud Dzingel in starting his pro career for the Binghamton Senators.

BINGHAMTON SENATORS

Skates and plays hard with quick hands as he is my Dark Horse pick for the club this season when it was first posted on my Scouting Report covering the offense here. McCormick has recorded 3 goals and 4 assists along with a +1 and is fourth on the club with 47 PIM’s. He has already been involved in five fights plus two in the pre-season with Toronto’s Matt Rupert and Syracuse Crunch’s Captain Mike Angelidis as he utilizes all of his energetic abilities.

"His energy, his physicality, his speed and we saw all of that when he was on the ice both nights..he created chances around the net. Max can shoot the puck, he skates, he brings energy and intensity and that gravitates around the dressing room." - Luke Richardson to WBNG-12 Sports

While landing on the IR with an upper body injury that forced him to miss eight games late Oct through mid Nov, his first game back saw him scoring his very first professional goal in Norfolk pouncing on a rebound in front and later again with a gorgeous wrist shot up high from the circle that earned him Star of the Game honors with his two goals and an assist in his return.

Luke Richardson has shown his confidence in starting the 6′ 1″ 190 lb McCormick on the fourth line at center through out the season so far, as he’s been saddled up with Darren Kramer on the left wing while interchanging on the right side with David Dziurzynski and lately Buddy Robinson, as Danny Hobbs and Brad Mills have also seen some activity on the right side.

My 1st Quarter Grades this season has the following evaluation; Kid looks good after coming back from an early injury to start the new season. Stands up for his teammates and is willing to drop the gloves, thrives on being a fast skater, competes and had a few nice goals. Some potential might be there, too early to tell.

I am not an expert by any means but I can confidently say I know talent when I see it. And apparently some B-Sens’ fans have also;

Or to sum it up in one word;

It might take a few more games like the one in his return in Norfolk, but he’s on the right path paving his way to Ottawa soon.

*Cover Pic & Insert Courtesy of SenShot’s Photographer Alicia Strauch