Anyone with a hint of hockey knowledge who has been to a Wilbraham & Monson Academy Boys Hockey game can see that Titan goalie Max LaBelle-Lavallee ’26 is talented.

How talented? One thousand saves talented.

Playing in just his 20th game for WMA, Max recorded his 1,000th career save in a 9-2 loss at Rhode Island’s Mount Saint Charles Academy on Jan. 21.

“The thing I am the most proud of is my resilience and mindset going into every single game,” Max explained. “No matter who we are playing, and with who I will play with, I will give the best of myself. Honestly, a big part of this was the mental and physical endurance. I prepared better since I knew the challenge it meant, and (Fitness) Coach Emily Nitzsche also gave me good advice so I can repeat one save 1,000 times.”

Coach Lawrence Biondo marveled at Max’s accomplishment and ability.

“Max has worked extremely hard to record 1,000 saves in less than two full seasons,” Coach Biondo said. “On the ice and in the gym, he is willing to put in all the extra effort necessary to prepare himself well for each of his starts. Max is an outstanding competitor. He is unafraid of any challenge, and he can quickly refocus himself whenever a goal is scored upon him.”

Max tried to focus on his goaltending responsibilities as he neared the milestone.

“I indeed knew that I was about 45 saves away from getting my 1,000th, but the plan was still the same - battle ’til the end and do my job, saving pucks,” Max said. “I honestly didn’t see the shots go; I was focused on helping the team at the best of my abilities.”