Max Domi: Challenges Of Playing NHL Hockey With Diabetes

Max Domi Taking On NHL Just Like He Took On Diabetes

Max Domi is about to take on the NHL with the same fervor he exhibited when he found out at the age of 12 that he had juvenile diabetes. Max, whose father is Tie Domi, a former NHL player-tough guy for the Toronto Maple Leafs is in an unique group of professional athletes with Type-1 diabetes.

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When he first discovered he was inflicted with the disease, he really had no idea what diabetes was all about.

Max Domi explained to TSN.ca:

"“It really shows you how little people know about the disease. It’s such a complex disease. You don’t realize that it’s not easy to deal with, but it’s definitely manageable if you have the intangibles to do it, and everyone has that. The doctors, your friends, and your supporting cast really makes it a lot easier.”"

Max Domi has been active in spreading the word on still having a high performance life style while inflicted with diabetes.

“The last couple years I’ve been trying to reach out as much as I can and show people that you can do whatever you want. It’s not going to hinder your performance at all,” explained Domi. “Doctors are unbelievable and they’re the best people in the world to show you what to do, but at the end of the day there’s nothing more rewarding than hearing advice from another diabetic himself, especially if it’s a young hockey player.”

A typical day for Max Domi requires him to test his blood 12 times a day, including before, after and in between periods during games. He uses a pump instead of injections, which delivers insulin to his body when needed.

"“The technology nowadays is absolutely incredible. Stuff like the meter, it’s incredible, and it’s so accurate. My pump is like having an artificial pancreas to a sense.”"

Max Domi has jersey # 16 to honor fellow diabetic, Bobby Clarke, a Philadelphia Flyers captain, and one of the toughest NHL players to step out on the ice.

“For him to be able to do that stuff back then, it just makes it that much easier for all of us living with it now.”

Max Domi is ready to move to the next level in his hockey career, and he’s not going to let anything like diabetes get in his way. During his OHL career he collected 126 goals and 331 points in just 244 games.

“I remember Dave Tippett, I’ll never forget it, and he said to me ‘this year is going to be up to you. If you want to get better, you’re going to get better. If you don’t, then you’re going to status quo and you’re not going to become an NHL hockey player. Although you feel you might not need to do anything, you’re going to have to work on something every single day.’ So I took that and talked to my coaches about it and every single day I tried to get better.”

Most Arizona Coyotes fans are anxiously awaiting Max Domi’s debut in an official regular season NHL game. I know I’m reserving my seats for the first game here at Gila River arena on October 10th against the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sid Crosby. The next month on November 12th you’ll want to see Connor McDavid’s Edmonton Oilers pitted up against Max Domi and his Arizona Coyotes.

Two great games… don’t miss out on the excitement of NHL hockey, and watch two young prospects go at it!

Next: Max Domi: Arizona Coyotes Next Rookie Sensation

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