Max Shurkin '21 Recruiting Profile

Overall, I love to work hard everyday. Whether at home, in the gym, or on the ice, I always want to improve in one way or another. I take this work ethic with me into the classroom as well. I’m never satisfied with my current level, as I always want to be better, no matter what circumstance. With my school specializing in student athletes, they hold me to a certain standard of work ethic in sport and in classes, but I still need to push myself in order to become successful. That includes focus, hard work, respect, and an over positive mentality towards making myself better, even if it includes very difficult or tedious tasks. Doing these tasks effectively will always result in me getting better at something, as proven in the huge improvements both on the ice and in the classroom every year.

I would always like to be considered a leader on and off the ice, and I'm always looking to help others. When things get tense and teammates start to get angry or stressed, I always like to calm them down and bring them back to how they should play by giving them something constructive to think about, or support both physically and mentally, as being hurt in any way can and will affect any player in the way they play, but having someone that they can trust to support you, give feedback, and make the team experience an enjoyable one, is always very important.

In terms of my goals, I would like to make the NHL as much as anyone who plays hockey as their primary sport would. What sets me apart from others is why I want to make it. Hockey to me is like an escape from reality, where I can have fun while working hard at the same time. Every single time I get to a more difficult level in hockey, things become more and more enjoyable, as I know that I'm once again playing very competitively, and I always need to prove that I deserve to play in the next level. When things become tough, it only becomes a more enjoyable experience for me, as I need to compete even harder, which would ultimately make me a better goaltender, and who doesn't want to get better at something they love? I pour sweat and tears into making myself better everyday, even if it's the smallest thing imaginable, because those small things add up and they become big things, which would turn into even bigger things, and would help me transition into the next level. 

As for my personal reasons why I would be a good candidate for the team would be that I never want to give up, even if times are tough, because I know that I don't want to abandon my other teammates in the game, as it will not only hurt the experience for me, but for the other 20 or so players that are working as hard. Not only that, if one of my teammates has a bad game, is in pain, or is just having a bad time in general, I'd step in and support them no matter what. As based off of personal experience, it helps teammates get out of those bad situations easier, and it will take the stress away, which will help them play better. It would also inspire them to  help others in the same way, which will bring the entire team level up. Finally, I would consider myself to be very coachable, as I know those coaches are in their positions to help players out, as they have had more experience playing or learning hockey, and will only try to help you, not hurt you. Even if I disagree with a coaches decision, I always listen to them because they have had more experience and more often then not, they make the right decision which leads to the team's success, and even personal growth and development as a goaltender.