Max Jones, of Rochester Hills, Mich., is headed West! After a childhood, and adolescence of hard work, and dedication to the sport of hockey, he was recently drafted to the Anaheim Ducks, in the first round (24th overall) of this year's entry draft.
When I was in high school, there was always talk of Max going pro, and my close friend, and Max’s family member and supporter, Shannon Sovey, has praised Max and his hard work for years. Athletics and hockey runs in the Jones’ bloodline, and for the baby of the family to reach this point is so exciting, not only for Max and his family, but for our community!
Both of Max’s parents were big time athletes. His mother, Mary Bailey, was a diver at the University Of Michigan, and his father, Brad Jones, played hockey at U of M. In 1984, Brad was drafted 156th overall to the Winnipeg Jets, and went on to play in both LA and Philadelphia. Max is a piece of Rochester Hills, and Stoney Creek High School, and he gets to carry this part of his life with him as he makes his way into his professional hockey career. This week, I got the chance to ask Max some questions about his hockey career, thus far, and what’s next. Here’s what he had to say.
When did you start considering hockey as a career path?
"Hockey kind of started to become a real big thing to me when I was about 12 years old. My brother got drafted into the OHL and I just thought that I could do the same thing!"
What was your greatest motivating force to get you through the hard work it took to get here?
"I just love the game. I have a passion for playing hockey and the relationships that come along with it. So I guess the motivating thing to me is to just be able to play the sport for as long as I can."
What was it like having to leave high school to pursue your dreams?
"It was tough. Leaving my school friends was tough but I knew what I had to do if I wanted to make it big time, and that was just one of the steps."
Do you ever regret choosing hockey?
"Never. Not once have I ever wished differently."
How do feel reaching this monumental moment going in the first round of the NHL draft?
"Unbelievable. It's an unbelievable and speechless experience. I worked so hard my whole life to get this stage and it's just a relief. But, the work is nowhere near done yet."
After talking to Max, I got to ask Max's wonderful mom, Mary, about her draft night, and her words of wisdom for him.
How would you briefly describe your draft night experience?
"It was an awesome experience just being beside Max when his name was called and just knowing all those years that he played that his dream of being drafted came true! Such a great feeling for him and his family!"
Are you glad he's headed to Anaheim?
"I couldn't be happier with Anaheim. Max loves southern California and the style of game he plays fits well with Anaheim and the Western Conference."
Does this draft give you a sense of relief because it's been a long time coming?
"Yes, absolutely! As I said, it can be a very stressful experience for these 18-year- old boys, as for a couple of years, they hear they may go early or that they dropped in the rankings for the draft so they sit in the stands with anxiety not knowing where and at what pick they will be drafted. In the end though, it really doesn't matter because your dream of being drafted has been realized."
What has been your best memory over Max's career?
"That is a difficult one as there are many and my memory isn't as great as it used to be! However, this past season was an awesome one to watch. So a recent memory was when Max scored the overtime winning goal two games in a row against Sarnia, and one was short-handed and in front about 20 family members that came to Sarnia for the game. Just nerve wracking and exciting at the same time!"
If you could give max any piece of advice in this upcoming step, what would it be?
"Well, it seems cliché (Tim McGraw song) but to "stay humble and kind." I have always told Max that modesty is one of the greatest virtues because people like for you to take interest in them, not in yourself. To not forget where you came from and to be grateful to the Lord for blessing you with the talent He gave you and using it in the most positive way possible. He understands that you can't play hockey forever, and should be grateful for the time he plays and the nice living that can come with it."
And as another plus -- Max's cousin, Shannon gave me a statement about what it was like being in Buffalo for Max's big night.
"Being able to watch Max get drafted in person was a once in a lifetime experience. They night was both so exciting and suspenseful not knowing what player was going to what team. The whole family was able to watch his dreams come true and Anaheim couldn't be a better fit for him. I can't wait to watch him progress as a hockey player!"
To me, it sounds like this draftee is pretty confident in his future in the NHL. His family and friends have so much love and support for him, and I think his mother's advice has already been instilled, because Max has been humble through every step of his draft process, and I think that sets him apart from a lot of people in professional sports. As for his home here in Rochester, we’re just as confident in what lies ahead for him, and he’ll always have a fan base back home!
Congratulations again Max. Anaheim is a great fit for you, and your home wishes you the best of luck!
