Miami Redhawks 2025-26 transfer course materials: Max Helgeson – Hockey Writer – College Hockey
Max Helgeson, a 6-foot-1, 185-pounder at Anchorage, Alaska, joined Miami in April to transfer as a graduate before the 2025-26 season. He is 24 years old and will be 25 in December. This will be the last year for his NCAA qualification.
Helgeson’s career
Helgeson played for his final three seasons in Alaska Anchorage, where he was a major role in the program’s reconstruction. He skated SeaWolves in 95 games and scored 68 points (33 goals, 35 assists). He led the team goals in each of the first two seasons and scored a career-high 27 points (14 goals, 13 assists) in 2023-24.
In the 2024-25 season, he ranked third among the team with 19 points (8 goals and 11 assists). He is one of only two players in all 34 games. He scored a season-high three-point assist 3-3 against rival Alaska Fairbanks and scored five straight wins in February, where he scored three goals and added four assists over the time.
Prior to UAA, Helgeson participated in the 2021-22 season at Lindenwood, where he helped the program win the ACHA national championship. He scored 23 points (11 goals, 12 assists) in 16 games. Prior to that, he spent two seasons with the Kenai River Bruins (NAHL), where he scored a total of 85 points (37 goals, 48 assists) and was in the “A” for two years.
He also served as a replacement captain for two seasons at UAA and was a three-time champion of the program’s fan favorite awards.
“Max helped the program as a hometown kid,” said UAA head coach Matt Shasby. “In the next step in his life, he will have a different experience in Miami in his final year of college hockey. We fully support his decision.”
“It’s the right move for Max personally, and for our hockey team, it’s the right move,” Shasby added. “To make a three-year voice with Connor and Whitey, they started the program again, so they all left together. Max gave us three years of great productivity.
Suitable for Miami
Helgeson faced Miami when UAA traveled to Oxford last October. The Red Hawks swept the weekend series, but Helgeson got an assist and was striking throughout the process.
I’m so happy to see how his game translates into an NCHC game, which is a tougher, more physical league. His North-South style and willingness to enter tough areas should serve him well and should help continue his new culture in Oxford.
On the ice, Hurgson is quick and effective in rushing speed. He can be beaten by the defender with his first step and is not afraid to score goals and score tough goals. His hands were smooth and he was released quickly online. He reads well, supports hockey in all three areas and brings a reliable two-way presence.
Helgeson is expected to play six characters and may use powerful playback effects and take on the leadership role of older players on young teams. He seems to be a great locker room guy who can coach young players, and most of the team are expected to be freshmen. He played the game last season on the Seawolves’ top line and could be re-launched in Miami for the first six minutes.
Helgeson has a lot of experience in big games and should be able to help young people adapt to the speed and pressure of college hockey. He set up a good screen in front of the goalkeeper and did a lot of small things.
Related: Head coach Anthony Noreen’s Miami Redhawks offseason update
Miami will compete in two season games this year, Friendship Four and the Great Lakes Invitational, giving the team a chance to experience playoff hockey early in the season. This is what head coach Anthony Noreen emphasizes when talking about the importance of building this mindset.
“We’re a team and our return guy didn’t have a chance to play postseason hockey last year,” Noreen said. “For the guys coming, I think it’s an opportunity to feel the atmosphere and accumulation of the playoffs is part of the experience. I just think it’s very good for everyone in our locker room to feel that and be a part of it. Learn from it.”
I’m really high on Helgeson’s coming in, making an impact, and helping the program get back on track. He brings experience, effort and presence that can really help young teams.
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