Max Finner Selected To Represent USA In University World Cup

TROY, Mich. – Max Finner will trade the Green and White for the Red, White and Blue in April at the 2023 World Cup of University Hockey in Romania.

Finner was selected by the American Collegiate Hockey Association as one of seven defensemen on the 23-man roster to represent the United States in Cârța, Romania from April 14-19. The Elmhurst native has three goals and 10 assists in 21 games this season for the Lakers, and all three of his tallies have come on the man advantage. Finner has not been afraid to use his body in all three zones and leads the team with 71 penalty minutes this season.

"I'm honored to be selected to play and represent my country and the game that's given so much to me over the years," Finner said. "It's important to me that I do my part to proudly represent the United States and Roosevelt University, including all of my friends, teammates and coaches who have made Lakers Hockey a second home for me."

The Americans will compete in Group A alongside Hungary, Slovakia and Sweden with the top-two teams advancing to the semifinals against opponents from Group B, which is comprised of Canada, Romania, Poland and Czechia. The team will be coached by Gary Astalos with assistant coaches Mike Rivera and Frank DiCristofaro. All of the games are scheduled to be streamed at https://wcouh.org/

Finner becomes the first Roosevelt player in any sport to represent the Lakers on the international level. The York High School product will have at least two more games in a Roosevelt uniform this season with the Lakers scheduled to host Purdue Northwest on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville before playing in the conference tournament next week.

"Max is a player with a high level of talent and one of the best natural skaters that I have coached," Lakers head coach Billy Karr said. "What sets him apart from most is his hockey IQ and how he is able to see the ice as well as create space for himself which has allowed our team to exit our zone much easier this season.  His offensive game at regular strength as well as on the power play has added a new level of success for our program.  I can't think of a better selection on defense for Team USA and know he will represent our country and our University with pride.  We are extremely happy for his achievement and his help in putting Roosevelt University Hockey on the International map."