The EHL is a place to develop on the ice, prepare for the rigors of the college classroom and mature mentally and physical so a student-athlete can flourish during his collegiate experience.

Minnesota native and former Vermont Lumberjacks player Max Smith, who spent his time in the EHL when the Lumberjacks were based in Washington, D.C., took advantage of the full spectrum of opportunities with the Lumberjacks organization and has put together a resume that would make any college proud of its alumnus – except Smith is still in school and just starting his senior year.

While holding down a full schedule of classes, skating with the Concordia (Minn.) College hockey team and playing as a member of the school’s golf team, Smith also managed to start a non-profit company during his freshman year and create a network of opportunities for young athletes who might not otherwise have a chance to participate in sports.

Smith is the founder and a board member of InSports Foundation, which is a non-profit organization focused on helping kids play sports while becoming confident and proactive members of their community.   InSports accomplishes this by providing kids, teams, and youth organizations with financial assistance to participate in sports activities. Through sports, the foundation believe kids can become motivated, confident, and exceptional individuals.

In addition to being recognized in various newspaper articles and some television stories, Smith has been nominated twice for the prestigious Hockey Humanitarian Award.  The award is given annually to a NCAA college hockey player, male or female, Division I-III, who best exemplifies personal character, a commitment to studies, and whose contributions to the larger community is worthy of recognition.

“Max epitomizes the character we look for in young men in our organization,” said Steve Lary, owner and Governor of the Lumberjacks organization.   “I told Max that there is a big plan for him in this world and he should know that many of us are watching. Max gives me tremendous confidence that the next generation is ready to lead.”

From his Junior hockey roots with the Lumberjacks, where community service and college placement are top priorities, Smith has served as a perfect example of where the sport of ice hockey can lead a player as he makes his path from youth to college and beyond.