During and since his childhood in Plano, Texas, Max Gildon has never forgotten his roots or the people who have helped him get to where he is at now in the sport of hockey.

It was definitely on his mind this past summer when he was back home after spending his first year in Michigan with the U.S. National Team Development Program.

“My brother and I went out and skated at the same rink we always have,” he said. “It’s fun to go back, tell people how your year went and let them know what you are going through. The little kids always asked a lot of questions. It was fun talking to them.”

Gildon was quick to offer advice to the young and admiring hockey players. It was a simple message that he had heard growing up and wanted to share it with them too.

“Stick to the simple one on advice that says hard work can never be overlooked,” he explained on the lesson he learned early on in life. “It’s something that every player needs to get to the next level. I think if you can work hard enough, you can get to the next level.”

The 6-foot-3, 188-pound defenseman definitely took that advice to heart among other lessons he learned from his Under-17 year to his Under-18 season.

“We are stronger and we definitely learned a lot from last year as a U17,” explained Gildon, who has four goals and 11 points in 28 games this season. “We have been able to use that towards success this year.

“It was tough last year. You learn a lot both on and off the ice. You have to use that so you can have a better year as a U18. You don’t want to go back to losing all the time so that is part of our motivation.”

Plus, he is working with a new coach — John Wroblewski. The former NTDP player brings a different philosophy onto the ice, especially at practice.

“It’s more physical in some aspects with Coach Wrobo,” said Gildon. “It’s a more traditional style. I think he can relate to the players on a different level. He has been through it and knows just how hard to push us.”

Plus, by adding the college teams, it only has allowed for Gildon to develop and shape his game on the ice. He has taken away some important lessons in these contests.

“It has definitely helped [my game],” he said. “They are older, faster and stronger. It’s tough playing against them.  You have to be tougher on your stick and in the corners. Those guys are stronger and more experienced. You have to play to your own advantages as much as you can. If they find a weakness, they will exploit it.”

These experiences are a big reason why Gildon was excited to finally get that first international tournament title, the Five Nations in early November. It was a special moment for him at USA Hockey Arena during that 3-2 win over Team Finland.

“It was an unbelievable feeling to win, especially on home ice in front of your fans. My parents came up and it was fun to win in front of a lot of people you know,” he remarked.

One thing will never change is the feeling that Gildon gets each time he slips the USA sweater over his head.
“It’s still an exciting feeling, every time I put it on. There is really nothing better. It’s a special feeling and you take pride in it every day,” he said.

Gildon knows exactly what he needs to do over the course of the next few weeks to get ready for the squad’s second international tournament in Sweden in early February. Then comes the last and the biggest, the 2017 IIHF Men’s World Under-18 Championship in Slovakia in April.

“It comes down to our daily routines and details,” he explained. “We focus a lot on details because some of those smaller things can turn into bigger things if you don’t pay attention to them. It comes down to focus level and daily routines on how we work day-to-day in practice.”

And that’s great advice that Gildon will take to heart.

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.