Max Pacioretty

Maximillian Kolenda Pacioretty (born November 20, 1988) is an American professional ice hockey left winger and captain for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League (NHL). Pacioretty was drafted in the first round, 22nd overall, in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by Montreal.

Playing career

Amateur

Pacioretty played high school hockey at New Canaan High School in which he led the state in points during his freshman year, and then moved on to The Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. Pacioretty then played junior hockey for the Sioux City Musketeers of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for one season in 2006–07. He then signed a three-year, entry-level contract with the Canadiens on July 17, 2008, thus forgoing his remaining eligibility at the University of Michigan.

Professional

Pacioretty made his NHL debut with the Montreal Canadiens on January 2, 2009, scoring his first NHL goal on his first NHL shot in a 4–1 loss against the New Jersey Devils. Upon his debut, he also became the first player in Montreal's lengthy franchise history to wear jersey number 67. After starting the 2010–11 season playing for the Hamilton Bulldogs of the American Hockey League (AHL), the Canadiens' top minor league affiliate, Pacioretty was recalled for the second time to the NHL on December 12, 2010.