Many of the best hockey players across the globe began their professional hockey journey in the American Hockey League (AHL) or ECHL, developing a passion and skillset for the game as they seek out their lifelong dream of playing in the NHL. Enter 22-year-old Max Gildon, from Houston, Texas, who is fresh into his professional career with the Charlotte Checkers of the AHL after being drafted by the Florida Panthers and following stints with the US National Team and University of New Hampshire. After sitting down with Gildon, it’s evident that his passion for the game has done wonders on his blossoming career.

Gildon began his minor hockey career in the Dallas area before entering the U-17 U.S. National Development program, known for developing some of the best young players in the country. Throughout his three years in the program, Gildon played with many of today’s top stars including Brady Tkachuk, Quinn Hughes, Josh Norris, and Joel Farabee. As he explains, the experience to play alongside such talent was instrumental towards his development.

“It was a great learning experience being surrounded by such great players,” said Gildon.  “It’s a rigorous program, but at that point in my life there was nowhere else that would provide better development for me. Off the ice, building those bonds and relationships with my teammates is something that still remains. We still talk often and it’s great to see their success today.”

During his time with the U.S. Development Program, Gildon helped the National Under-18 Team win gold in 2017.  He was also named an All-Star at the U-18 World Championships.  These accolades helped lead Gildon to be drafted by the Florida Panthers in the third round (66^th overall) of the 2017 NHL Entry Draft. A dream for all players growing up, Gildon describes his draft experience as full of emotions, a culmination of hard working paying off.

“I had the opportunity to attend the draft, which was pretty surreal. I was excited to just be drafted by the Florida Panthers.  They are a first-class organization.  Being from Texas I definitely enjoy the warmer weather.”

Following his experience with the Development Team, Gildon committed to the University of New Hampshire where he began his NCAA career. Over three seasons with such a prestigious program, the defenseman suited up for 101 games, totaling 73 points. This opportunity allowed Gildon to showcase his offensive abilities to the Panthers organization and refine his game, while building relationships with so many teammates and staff.

“It was a huge bonus for me to attend a school where hockey was such a priority, giving me the opportunity to focus on my development. I immediately developed a good relationship with the coaching staff and teammates in my freshman year. Playing against some of those top NCAA teams were my favorite games, especially with my brother now at Ohio State University. My parents were big on me continuing my academics, which New Hampshire was very strong in, so that made it easy for me and my family.”

It’s evident how enjoyable Gildon’s NCAA experience was for him, although there were many other options and teams interested in his services. As he describes, it wasn’t just the NCAA, but other leagues in North America that would have loved to have the mobile defenseman on their roster.

“There was definitely other teams and junior leagues that were interested in signing me, which is an honor. However, the potential to play in the NCAA was a passion of mine for many years and having the opportunity to play hockey while continuing my education made it a no-brainer for me.”

Following his NCAA career and graduating with a Marketing degree, Gildon began his professional career in 2020-21 in the American Hockey League. However, since the Florida Panthers’ AHL affiliate in Charlotte elected to take a voluntary one-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Gildon was loaned to the Bakersfield Condors.  Although playing for a rival team with talent such as current NHLers Ryan McLeodand Tyler Benson was a unique circumstance given he was property of the Panthers, he will forever remember the experience as his first taste of the professional atmosphere.

“I have to give a lot of credit to the coaching staff and teammates for taking me under their wing when I arrived. We had a lot of skilled players on the team, which helped when I would make some mistakes.  That ended up being beneficial to my development in the long run. They made it easier for the defensemen overall.  The skill on that team was insane.”

After playing the 2020-21 season in Bakersfield and tallying a respectable 19 points in 32 games with a plus/minus of +16, Gildon was assigned to Charlotte in the fall of 2021, ready to make an impact with the organization that drafted him four years prior. Gildon not only had to get comfortable with his new teammates and staff but had to adjust to living in a new city, Charlotte, North Carolina.

“It’s definitely an adjustment learning the new organization, especially within a different conference. However, the city and our fans have been great and have stuck with us all season, which really keeps us motivated each day. On the coaching staff side, Dan Bylsma who won a Stanley Cup with Pittsburgh as their Head Coach is actually our defense coach, so it’s really cool to pick his brain about some of the stars that he coached there and their habits.”

Fresh into his professional career, like so many young players, Gildon relies on the advice and leadership from his veteran teammates. Many who have years of experience and a better understanding of how to manage the daily grind of pro hockey, both on and off the ice. Looking back on his first couple seasons, Gildon reflects on the specific goals that he strived to achieve through his efforts each game.

“Being part of such a competitive organization, I obviously strive to continue my improvement and find that consistent role in the NHL. While it’s tough to put a timeline on it, I’m working towards making that jump and staying healthy. Continuously progressing is key and I would tell anyone looking for advice to take care of yourself, both on and off the ice. Don’t try to cut any corners in achieving your goals.”

These veteran players, including Charlotte’s Player Representative for the Professional Hockey Players’ Association (PHPA), Chase Priskie, are helping Gildon learn about the business side of the sport as well, including the various benefits and programs players have at their disposal through their union. This is one aspect of the professional life that Gildon is still grasping daily.

“Guys like Zac Dalpe and Connor Carrick and other veterans that I’ve played with have been so helpful in getting me accustomed to the professional life. You can easily forget about the benefits that you can get through the PHPA, but they help remind us and I’m excited to continue learning about it. The PHPA staff has been so diligent and respectful through my current injury, which is awesome.”

The young defenseman can look back at the opportunities and various organizations that have helped him develop into a professional mainstay, to which he is grateful.  But for now, Gildon is simply learning how to adjust to the life of a professional athlete, showcase his skills towards eventually reaching the NHL, while taking some time to enjoy it along the way.