By Avery Williamson
Growing up as a water boy for the Seawolves, senior forward Max Helgeson always dreamt about wearing his hometown team’s colors. When UAA hockey was on hiatus in 2020 due to budget cuts, it seemed like that dream might slip away. But when fans rallied together to save Seawolf Hockey, Max’s hope was reignited.
Raised in Anchorage, Max was surrounded by hockey from a young age. “The Anchorage community is pretty small,” he said, “and the hockey community is even smaller. You’re playing against a lot of the same kids your whole life.”
While this close-knit environment was a great start to his career, Max realized by his sophomore year of high school that he needed to “get better competition and more exposure.”
“The competition level is only so high here,” he said. “We only have so many players and many can’t necessarily play at that level.”
To pursue that next step, Max attended prep schools in Cleveland and Iowa. After graduating, he played his first year of college hockey at Lindenwood University. But when UAA reinstated its hockey program at the end of his season and named Matt Shasby as head coach, Max knew it was time to return home.
“I had been a waterboy for the Seawolves for a long time,” he said. “I just felt like it was the right decision to come to be a Seawolf and wear green and gold.”
Back in Alaska, one of the things Max appreciates most is being close to family again. “Playing in front of them in almost every game is super enjoyable,” he said. “They’re a big part of my life and it’s fun to see them in my corner every home game.”
Max said he feels a lot of pride in representing his hometown team. “I try to put my blood, sweat and tears in for the front of my jersey,” he said. “I spent a lot of time being part of the Seawolves, whether it was when I was 10 years old filling up water bottles for them at intermission versus now I’m trying to score some goals and win the hockey game.”
Now that he’s one of the Seawolves’ top scores, Max sees his role as more than just putting up points–he’s focused on building team culture. “I want to convince Alaskans that, sure, it might be fun to go to school somewhere else, but it’s way cooler to represent your hometown and the Anchorage community.”
As for game day, Max likes to be the first to arrive at the hockey rink. “I always hop on the speaker,” he said. “That way, when everyone’s showing up, the vibes are good.”
He follows this with some Sewer Ball, mental visualization, and, of course, his favorite hype music: “You’re Welcome” from Moana and “I Just Can’t Wait to be King” from The Lion King.
“I listen to those two songs while I tape my stick and then eat some purple Skittles,” he said. “That way I lock in like Marshawn Lynch.”
UP NEXT
Fans can watch Max in action on February 8 when the Seawolves take on in-state rivals Alaska Fairbanks in Fairbanks. Anchorage fans are encouraged to attend the official watch party at Las Margaritas, 541 W. Dimond Blvd.