It’s never been a tougher job market for hockey players across the world.
With many leagues suspending or cancelling seasons and fewer teams competing in leagues that can operate, opportunities are far slimmer than normal.
This has been especially prevalent in the lower tiers of North American hockey.
The American Hockey League is operating with just 28 of 31 teams and the ECHL is running with just fourteen teams.
It has been especially difficult for veterans to find AHL jobs as many NHL organisations have opted to place their prospects who should have been playing in the CHL(largely suspended until recently) into the A, which has had a domino effect on roster spots available.
That’s why the story of Max Willman this year is pretty unique as many players of his age (26) and limited experience have found themselves scrambling to find a role in professional hockey.
The Massachusetts native was drafted in 121st overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2014 NHL Entry draft.
What proceeded was a five-year NCAA career that wasn’t chock full of offensive numbers and the Sabres opting not to sign him to an ELC.
In 99 games for Brown University, Willman accrued 45 points in total with a seasonal high of 26 points in 31 games through 2016-17.
The final and fifth year was spent at Boston University in which Willman played 36 games and recorded six points (1-5-6).
In October 2019, Willman signed a first professional contract with Reading Royals.
“I like to think I’m a fast forward that can play physically and add a little bit of scoring touch.”
That quote proved prophetic as the forward turned like a duck to water to the pro-game, registering fifteen points in sixteen ECHL outings, earning the then 24-year-old a PTO with Lehigh Valley Phantoms.
His play through fifteen AHL games prompted Lehigh to sign Willman to an AHL deal through the 2020-21 season.
Lehigh is currently heading the North Division and the older rookie has played a huge part in the team’s success.
Twelve points in fourteen games include seven goals of which six have been scored at 5v5 and the other an overtime winner.
A further breakdown of his production is even more impressive.
Eleven primary points.
A pair of short-handed primary assists and a lone secondary helper, also short-handed.
The 26-year-old is tied for the team lead in Lehigh scoring, is second in goals and ranked first on the team in points-per-game amongst players who have played six or more games.
An impressive beginning to his sophomore campaign led to the Philadelphia Flyers signing Willman to a two-year, two-way NHL contract, starting next season.
This is the kind of story that gives hope to the many unsigned NHL draft selections, undrafted players and various free-agents who want to pursue their hockey career despite the long odds of reaching the NHL.
UK Hockey Blog 