Max Sasson’s determination to make it as a professional hockey player has always been evident. Despite going undrafted and even being cut from a USHL team, he persevered, eventually making his NHL debut with the Vancouver Canucks this past season. However, the most significant moment of his career came recently in the AHL Western Conference Final.
Sasson had been in a scoring slump during the series against the Texas Stars but finally delivered when it mattered most. In Game 6, with the score tied 2-2 midway through the third period, he deftly redirected a point shot from Akito Hirose past the goaltender, sparking a raucous celebration at Abbotsford Centre. Arshdeep Bains added an empty-netter to seal the win, sending the Canucks to the Calder Cup Final against the Charlotte Checkers, which begins Friday in North Carolina.
Reflecting on the goal, Sasson called it the highlight of his career. “It’s got to be No. 1,” said the 24-year-old. “I’ve been in a bit of a dry spell, so to finally score at that point in the game felt incredible. It was such an important goal for us. Once we get a lead in the third, we’re a tough team to beat because of our defensive structure.”
The Canucks dominated the third period, outshooting Texas 17-4, and Sasson’s game-winner felt almost inevitable. It was his fourth playoff goal after scoring 13 times during the regular season — many of them deflections, his specialty.
Sasson’s celebration was one of sheer joy. “I let it all out,” he admitted. “It felt like such a weight lifted. The crowd was unbelievable, and I couldn’t stop looking around thinking how amazing it was.”
After the game, Sasson couldn’t resist playfully reaching toward the Western Conference’s Clarke Trophy, although captain Chase Wouters reminded everyone that the real prize is still ahead. “Chase told us not to touch it,” Sasson said with a smile. “I was tempted, though. I haven’t won much in my career, so I pretended to reach for it just to have a little fun. But we’re focused on the Calder Cup.”
Sasson’s rise to this point wasn’t easy to imagine when he was in junior hockey. Now a restricted free agent with arbitration rights, he’s focused on making the most of every opportunity. He credits his final year in the USHL with the Waterloo Black Hawks and his collegiate years at Western Michigan for building his confidence. “I always had a belief in myself,” he said. “When I got to college and played with better players, I realized I could really make a career of this.”
