By R.S. Mitts
Her love of hockey started back at the age of 4-years old when she took the ice at Norfolk Arena’s Learn to Play Program. Thirteen years later, Avari Maxwell is now a captain for the King Philip Girls Hockey team, and one of the key players for the team’s success.
Maxwell credits her older brothers, Gavin and Garrett, both alumni of the KP Hockey program, for her interest in starting hockey. In her earlier playing days, she was a member of the Walpole Express, MA Spitfires and most recently the Bandits program. Like many of her KP teammates, she also skated with KPW Youth Hockey organization this past season to build and prepare for the 2021 High School season.
This is Maxwell’s fourth year with the varsity squad, and is “determined to unify the team, and work towards winning the Hock Cup.”
Reminiscing over her high school career, Maxwell mentioned one of her fond memories in addition to being named captain was the bus ride home when the team stopped at Taco Bell. “We beat Franklin and everyone was just happy to be celebrating with each other,” she says.
While Taco Bell was a highlight Maxwell admits she won’t miss “all the sprints” the team does at practice.
A long-time teammate, junior Morgan Cunningham says, “It’s been a blast having Avari as a teammate. We get along so well on and off the ice. She has a fun, bubbly personality that we all want to be around. She is a smart, talented player and I have been lucky to play alongside her.”
Hockey isn’t Maxwell’s only passion. Dance has been a big part of her life. The KP Girls Ice Hockey coach Ken Assad believes her dance has influenced her hockey game. She also doesn't hesitate to remind the coach how to spell her first name. “What impresses me most about Avari is how she doesn’t let me get away with spelling her name wrong, how much of a leader she is, and with her dance how truly athletic she is -- very motivated and driven leader,” Assad says.
When Maxwell and her fellow captains lead the KP Warriors onto the ice, she looks forward to the games versus Mansfield Oliver Ames. Competing against friends and former teammates adds to the excitement of the game. She also loves the fierce rivalry with Franklin, partly due to the fact that Assad and Assistant Coach Tim Langevin reside in Franklin. Those are the games she gets most “up” for.
Maxwell’s Minutes:
Nickname: None. Just wants AVARI spelled/pronounced correctly, Coach!
Jersey #: 20
Position: Center
Off Ice Interests: Beach, Miller (family dog), shopping at Zara
Pre-Game Routine: Red Bull, listening to “Do I Want to Know” by Arctic Monkeys
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursue hockey at Nicols, Endicott, or Arcadia and study Business Management / Advertising