Max Harper is healthy and ready to play a much bigger role for Air Force this season.

The junior from Rochester Hills, Mich., was limited to just 19 games during his first two seasons at the Academy because of injuries. The forward took time recently to talk about his path through hockey with AFAFlightPath.com

Two of your Falcons teammates also are longtime friends and teammates. Can you tell us more about that?

I played hockey with Marshall Bowery and Brady Tomlak from Squirts through Bantams on the ’96 Rochester Rattlers. Brady’s dad was the head coach. (Harper and Bowery have played on 11 teams together over the years, including Topeka of the NAHL and Air Force).

Any chance of the three of you reuniting on a line?

I was playing with Brady and Trevor (Stone) on Friday (against Arizona State). On Saturday, we switched the lines up and I was playing with Marshall but not Brady. I’ve played with both of them separately, but it would be good to get us all together.

You’ve had to recover from two surgeries in the past two seasons. I understand there were some dicey moments for you.

I started feeling some pain in my lower abdomen and groin my freshman year, when I only played five games. One day at practice I tried to skate the pain was just too much. I couldn’t make it through practice. I went to see Marshy, and we didn’t really know what it was. Initially I did treatment and we thought it get better in a few weeks with rest. Then a couple weeks went by and nothing felt changed. So we started doing more treatments, including ultrasounds. … Ultimately I had hernia surgery in 2018 and at that point I thought I’d be fine. I was able to skate in the summer pretty well, but I could still feel it a little bit. As practice intensity increased I realized it wasn’t better and I was having all the same pain I had before. So I decided to shut it down and have another surgery. The second one was a bigger decision … because it wasn’t a sure thing that it would help me. Thankfully it did. I had that surgery in October 2018, and I played my first game in Vegas (just after New Year’s).

How much has finally having a full offseason to train helped you coming into the 2019-20 season?

Yes, I definitely feel a lot stronger than I have.

What drew you to Air Force?

I had no idea about the Academy. There’s really no military in Michigan. I didn’t know anyone in the military. I remember Bergie (assistant coach Andy Berg) talked to me after a tournament when I was a senior in high school. We kept in contact over the next two years and they invited me out for a visit, and I really liked it. I thought it would be a good fit for me. So that’s why I decided to come here.

What are you studying at the Academy?

I’m a management major, and I’m undecided if I want to be a pilot or not.

Let’s downshift a bit. Did you have a favorite team or player growing up?

It was the Detroit Red Wings, and Steve Yzerman was my favorite player. I was pretty pumped when he came back. Hopefully they can turn it around.

It’s important to start the day with a full tank. So what is the breakfast of champions?

Scrambled eggs, sausage and hash browns. I’ll have a yogurt every morning also.

Has there been a road trip you’ve enjoyed since you’ve been at the Academy?

Vegas was fun, and going to Army’s always fun. I haven’t played at Army yet, but it’s always a great atmosphere.

When you were in Vegas I understand the team got to use the Golden Knights’ locker room.

That was incredible. Everything – the bathrooms, the TVs, the sound system – was really nice.

Halloween is coming up. So I wonder if you have a go-to costume?

I usually throw something together. Last year I went as an elf. It’s usually a last-second decision.

What is your favorite Halloween candy?

Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. I still like those.

Which Falcons player would get your vote if he ran for president?

That’s a tough one. I think I’d probably go with Pulver. He’s our captain for a reason. He’s a well-spoken kid.

If coach Frank was a superhero, which one do you think he’d be?

Oh, that’s a really tough one. … (long pause) … Maybe the Hulk? When he gets fired up, you can definitely see the emotions.

©First Line Editorial 2019