February 1, 2010
Robert J. Meyer | USHL Media Services
Green Bay Gamblers defenseman Max Hartner. (USHL Images)
USHL.com presents the next installment in a series of features which bring the fans closer to the game and give an inside look at the nation's top junior hockey league. "Get to Know" takes you one-on-one with USHL players, who are the best and brightest hockey talent and the future of American hockey.
Max Hartner is a defenseman for the Green Bay Gamblers. The 18-year-old has been limited to 12 games this season due to injury. He has recorded two points (1g, 1a) a plus-five rating with his lone goal proving to be the game-winner in the 3-0 victory over Indiana on October 24th. He has posted an even-or-better plus/minus rating in 10 of his 11 games. The native of Greenwood Village, Colorado played two games for the Sioux City Musketeers last season. Ironically in his USHL debut, he scored a goal against the Gamblers as the Musketeers won the contest 2-1 in Green Bay.
Hartner recently took a few moments to share a little about himself and let you "Get to Know" the defenseman.
Nicknames: Somehow Max has evolved from "Maxy" to "Mix" to "Mixly". I can't even begin to tell you how that happened - teammates can get a little wild with the nicknames.
Siblings: I have a younger brother and sister, Jake and Allie, they are twins. Both of them actually played hockey at one point. My sister finally decided volleyball is more her sport though.
First hockey memory: Strapping on goalie pads when I was a mini-mite and pretending to make saves while my mom threw tennis balls at me in the living room. I had always wanted to be a goalie. Good thing my parents never let that happen.
Last book read: I recently read I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell by Tucker Max. I would like to think that it is based on the life and stories of Brian Garlock, our equipment manager.
Favorite movies: Slapshot and Mystery Alaska. But my all-time favorite movie would have to be Happy Gilmore.
Favorite TV shows: Along with the obsession my team seems to have with Prison Break, I'm a big fan of Entourage, South Park, House, and Man vs. Wild just to name a few.
Favorite NHL players: Brian Gionta (Montreal Canadiens) and Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay Lightning). Two of the smallest guys in the league. They are always fun to watch because they outwork everyone on the ice. They have no fear, even when the guys are literally twice their size.
Favorite sport to watch outside of hockey: I'm a big fan of the UFC. That's where I see myself if hockey doesn't work out.
Favorite meal: There is nothing better than sitting down and stuffing yourself with a Chipotle burrito - you have to go with chicken.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip and Moose Tracks. Can't get enough of it.
Most memorable game: My first USHL game. I had never been so nervous for anything in my life. It was the first time I had really played in front of more than just a group of parents. It's an experience that I will never forget.
Closest hockey friends: Grant Arnold (Green Bay), Ryan Massa (Fargo), and Darik Angeli (Sioux City). They are all really funny guys who know all about Colorado passion!
First job: When I was 8-or-9 years old, I would run around the rink for the coaches and collect the pucks that all the older kids shot over the glass. Not sure if that counts as a job. Close enough, right?
Childhood heroes: My dad. He has been through a lot of adversity. He's battled cancer and has been through more years of school then I have been alive. It's shown me that anything is possible. There isn't enough I can do to thank him for that.
Gameday routine: Big Apple Bagels at 9:00 AM before pre-game skate. Morning skate at 10:00 AM. Noodles & Company at 10:30 AM. Nap for no less than three hours. Wake up around 3:45 PM. Subway and Starbucks at 4:15 PM. Get to the rink no later than 4:40 PM. Soccer with the team, run, and stretch. Prayer with Grant Arnold around seven minutes before the game starts.
Most memorable goal: My first USHL goal which was against the Green Bay Gamblers. It's kind of a funny story. I was playing for Sioux City and it was my first game. I only had one shot and by some miracle it went in. At first I didn't even realize I scored. I just kind of stood there while all the guys jumped on me. It took me a few seconds to register that the puck actually went in the net.
Hobbies/leisure activities: Anything that can be done in the mountains. 4x4, hunting, fishing, and camping. You name it.
Embarrassing hockey memory: I was helping out with my little brother's Bantam B team. I was demonstrating a drill and "daggered" into a line of little kids. I somehow managed to take out almost all of them. I've never seen a group of parents laugh so hard. So much for teaching the little kids how to play hockey.
Last Halloween costume: Last time I dressed up for Halloween was with my old team. We had a Halloween practice where we got on the ice and scrimmaged in our costumes. Of course my team ended up having to dress up like girls. I'm sure everyone in the rink thought we were nuts.
Anything else: I plan on living in the Alaskan woods following my hockey career.
Click here for Max Hartner's USHL profile.
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the USHL celebrates its 31st season of junior hockey in 2009-10. With over 190 players already committed to NCAA Division I schools and 13 NHL Entry Draft picks currently on League rosters, the USHL is the nation's foremost producer of junior hockey talent. For more information, visit us on the web at www.USHL.com.
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