When the Nanaimo Clippers signed 2002 born forward from the Janesville Jets of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) they did not realize that Max Itagaki was such a high level impact player. Over two seasons in the NAHL, Max contributed 43 points, including 15 goals, over 73 games. Max had previous stints in the USHL and played in the US National Development Program. He hails from Illinois where he grew up playing in the prestigious Chicago Mission youth hockey program, the same program that ex-Clipper and current NCAA standout, Robbie Drazner, developed in.
This year, Max has been a mainstay on the top line and top PP line with Sean Donaldson and Tristan Fraser, who collectively are probably the top line in the BCHL if not in the country for Junior A. Max sits at 50 points, including 26 goals and 24 assists, in 46 games. He has a team-high 10 power-play goals. Anyone watching Max this year will realize he has off the chart stick-handling skills and vision. He gives new meaning to the phrase “stick-handling in a phone booth”.
Wes Mussio, Owner and President of the Clippers commented; “It was just a matter of time before Max would receive a D1 commitment. Army is going to be very happy with their new addition as I see Max being a scoring leader in D1 hockey for many years to come. He has incredible vision, is extremely quick and causes havoc to the defensive core of other teams. Don’t underestimate smaller sized players. Max is truly a special talent, probably one of the most talented players I’ve ever seen in a Clippers’ uniform during my ownership years.”
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