Making the Jump: Max Lappan’s transition to the OHL
The Niagara IceDogs rookie defenceman Max Lappan reflects on the challenges of adapting to major junior hockey, the value of leadership and the lessons shaping his early development.
After serving as a captain at the minor hockey level, the young defenceman is bringing his leadership qualities to the Niagara IceDogs while adjusting to the speed, physicality and demands of major junior hockey.
For Max Lappan, the early stages of his Ontario Hockey League career have been about learning, adapting and finding his place at the next level.
The young defenceman, selected ninth overall by the Niagara IceDogs in the 2026 OHL Priority Selection, has already begun experiencing the differences between major junior hockey and the level he played at last season. From the increased speed to the heavier physicality, the transition has presented new challenges, but Lappan is embracing the opportunity to grow.
“Yeah, the speed's pretty fast,” Lappan said. “But definitely just adjusting and playing as a team game, and everyone's just adjusting for each other, and it helps me out a lot.”
For a young defenceman entering a demanding league, adapting to the pace of play is an important part of the process. Lappan has quickly recognized that success at the OHL level requires more than individual ability. It also depends on communication, teamwork and learning how to operate alongside new teammates.
The physical side of the game has also stood out in his early appearances.
“It's definitely a heavier type of game from what I played last year,” Lappan said, identifying the increased physicality as the biggest adjustment he has faced so far.
While the adjustment continues, Lappan brings experience that extends beyond his time on the ice. Last season, he served as captain of Honeybaked 15U AAA team, an experience that helped shape his approach to leadership and the responsibilities that come with wearing a letter.
“Leadership's always, like, the key thing for me,” Lappan said. “Just making sure everyone's on track and going to meetings and everything.”
That mindset is something he hopes to continue developing as his OHL career progresses. Having already experienced the expectations that come with being a captain, Lappan understands the importance of accountability and setting an example for those around him.
His previous team also provided a foundation built on trust and mutual respect, qualities he believes played a significant role in its success.
“We played a lot of hockey, and everyone just had so much respect for each other,” Lappan said. “It was definitely huge for me and the entire team to just combine together and win games.”
That support system helped him grow into his leadership role, giving him confidence in the people around him while reinforcing the importance of working toward a common goal.
Now in Niagara, Lappan is entering a new environment where he can continue learning from players with more experience at the major junior level. The opportunity to observe veteran defencemen has already become an important part of his development, offering a daily example of the habits and preparation required to succeed.
“Just every day showing up to the rink, seeing what they do, and it's definitely really important for me to see that,” he said. “It's definitely helped me a lot.”
For Lappan, those lessons extend beyond individual shifts and game situations. Watching experienced players prepare for practices and games provides a better understanding of the consistency needed to progress in the sport.
His coaches have also emphasized an important priority for a young defenceman: establishing himself defensively before worrying about offensive production.
“Just playing great defensively, and the offence will come,” Lappan said.
The message reflects a straightforward approach to development. By concentrating on defensive details and building a reliable foundation, Lappan can continue to grow into his role while allowing other aspects of his game to develop naturally.
That focus comes as the IceDogs work to bring together a group featuring plenty of new faces. For a team looking to establish its identity, building chemistry and developing a shared sense of purpose are essential early-season objectives.
According to Lappan, the atmosphere inside the dressing room has already made a positive impression.
“It's been a blast, and everyone's coming into the season to just play our best hockey,” he said. “We've really come together as brothers, and we're really competitive, and we're gonna give everything we've got for a game.”
That competitive environment provides an opportunity for a young player to contribute while continuing to learn. As Lappan adjusts to the demands of the OHL, fitting into the team's culture and earning the trust of his teammates will be just as important as his individual progress.
He has also been encouraged by his early experience under head coach Jake Grimes, who is beginning his first opportunity as an OHL head coach. Lappan pointed to the work taking place away from game nights, including skill skates and video sessions, as valuable tools for both his own growth and the team's development.
“I've learned so much from him already, just from the skill skates and everything,” Lappan said. “It's definitely been huge for my development and our whole team's development, just by the film and everything he brings to the table.”
For Lappan, the early portion of his OHL career is not about rushing the process. Instead, it is about absorbing information, learning from experienced teammates and establishing the defensive habits that will help him become a more complete player.
His background as a captain has given him an appreciation for leadership and accountability, while his first experiences in the OHL are teaching him what it takes to translate those qualities to the next level.
The speed is quicker, the game is heavier, and the expectations are higher. But with a willingness to learn and a team-first mentality, Lappan is focused on making the most of the opportunity in front of him as he begins his journey with the IceDogs.
Interview with Max Lappan done by Brandon Caputo on 10/08/26.
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