2024/25 Middle Border Conference Player of the Year

As an 11th grader last season, Amery’s team captain Jacob Maxon was named Middle Border Conference Player of the Year after leading his team in points and to a conference championship.

Maxon continued his magic in the playoffs by scoring a double OT goal in the sectional final to secure Amery’s first ever trip to the WIAA state tournament. At the 2025 WIAA D-2 State Tournament, Amery defeated Somerset 4-3 in the semi-final and then lost 3-5 to Tomahawk in the championship.

Standing at nearly 6 feet and 3 inches and weighing 190 pounds, the fast-skating Jacob Maxon is hard to miss. With a quick release shot that propels a puck off his stick like a rocket, Maxon puts fear in goalies and smiles on the faces of Amery Warriors fans.

Maxon is a highly successful multi-sport athlete. He is an all-conference football, hockey, and baseball player. In football he is team captain while playing quarterback, inside linebacker on defense, and he is the team’s punter and kicker.

Jacob Maxon got to display his athleticism and hockey skills on the national stage when he was selected to play on Wisconsin’s U18 team in the highly scouted and prestigious National Invitational Tournament (NIT) in April 2025.

“Jacob has been an outstanding leader for our team the past few seasons. His effort day in and day out is unmatched. He has pushed all of our players to improve which is a big reason for our program’s success.” Matt Humpal, Amery Head Coach

Let’s hear from Jacob Maxon!

When did you start playing hockey? Kindergarten.

Where did you play youth hockey? Amery.

Anyone in your family play hockey? A couple of cousins. My dad’s side is basketball and so is my mom’s. But I had one cousin that played and coached me through bantams. My mom’s friends brought me to open skate and that’s how I got started.

What other sports do you play? Football and baseball for my high school and golf.

How does playing other sports help you in hockey? It helps me with commitment and time management. Being in three sports is demanding. It keeps me occupied and in shape. Playing quarterback helps with the vision and converts to the ice. Mental toughness. All three of the sports you get knocked down but it forces you to bounce back.

How was the experience representing Wisconsin at the NIT? It was great playing for those coaches, Cal and Podge. I learned a lot. Playing against some of the best players you see where you fit in…for the next level.

What was it like playing in the NAPHL for the Windigo? It was fun. It was a great team. Some of the best teammates I’ve had in an offseason team. The coaches were fun.

Pregame ritual? Go to my buddy’s house hang out, get focused on the game, go to the rink, tape my stick, watch JV, take a lap around the rink.

What attributes make you a successful athlete? My parents are a big reason. Some of my buddies work really hard and it drives me to work harder. And the coaches hold me accountable and know what I am capable of.

What NHL player do you model your game after? Cole Caufield.

Who is the most influential person in your life? My parents. They hold me accountable. They keep pushing me everyday to be the best I can.

Your plan for hockey after high school? Play juniors.

If you don’t go to juniors, where will you go to school? A tech school to be a lineman or something in the agricultural business.

What do you want to do for a career? Lineman for a power company or in agriculture.

What do you enjoy doing in addition to hockey? Hunting, fishing, fixing trucks and other equipment. I bought my own truck when I was 16 and fixed it up.

Where’s your dream vacation? Hunting mule deer in Montana or elk in Colorado.

Favorite food? Cheeseburgers.

Favorite restaurant for cheeseburgers? The Friendly Bar in Star Prairie.

Favorite music group or type of music? Country. Florida/Georgia Line.

Chocolate cake, brownie, or apple pie? Apple pie.

Pickup truck or sports car? Pickup truck. Chevy Silverado.

If you could meet anyone, who would you want to meet? Cole Hauser. An actor from Yellowstone.

Final thoughts? I want to thank my parents for everything they’ve done and for all the support. They surrounded me with good people. I have a supportive family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. I want to thank my teammates, current and past, and all my coaches, high school and youth, for helping me.

Best wishes to Jacob Maxon and the Amery Warriors!

Yours for hockey, Matt Carey