Max Ellis (middle) poses for a photo with Youngstown Phantoms general manager Jason Koehler and head coach John Wroblewski. (Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

Max Ellis signs USHL tender with Youngstown

April 9, 2016April 9, 2016 MiHockey Staff

Max Ellis (middle) poses for a photo with Youngstown Phantoms general manager Jason Koehler and head coach John Wroblewski. (Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey) — Max Ellis (middle) poses for a photo with Youngstown Phantoms management after signing a tender with the USHL club. (Photo by Michael Caples/MiHockey)

By @MichaelCaples –

PLYMOUTH – Before the Youngstown Phantoms squared off with USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program Under-17 Team in Plymouth Friday night, they took care of some business for the future.

Canton native Max Ellis signed a tender with the USHL club an hour before puck drop, committing to the Phantoms for the 2016-17 season.

“It’s hard to put it into words,” Ellis said when asked how he felt about signing. “It’s kind of scary but at the same time exciting. It’s a new league, and I’ve very excited for the opportunity.”

A forward with the Honeybaked midget minor team, Ellis will count as the Phantoms’ first-round pick in the upcoming USHL Draft.

Ellis, who posted 64 points in 62 games this past season with Honeybaked, said he is excited to join a program with a strong coaching staff (led by John Wroblewski) and management (led by general manager Jason Koehler).

“There are really good coaches there, and the general manager is a very good guy,” Ellis said. “I know what my playing time will be there, I know [the league has] bigger guys, stronger guys, and it’s a great league. I’m excited to play in it.”