Max Bies returns to state champs after season-ending injury

Nov. 25—EAST GRAND FORKS — Max Bies knew something was wrong right away.

The East Grand Forks Senior High defenseman absorbed a hit into the boards against rival Grand Forks Central in a January game.

"Something didn't feel right," he said. "Something was off. It was just hanging there."

Athletic trainer Brent Parsons checked on it immediately. He suspected it was a broken collarbone.

"I wasn't having it," Bies said.

A couple of days later, an X-ray revealed his collarbone was, indeed, broken. Bies' season was over.

He was not on the ice for Senior High's improbable run to the Minnesota Class A state championship. Bies watched it from the stands and celebrated with his teammates.

"It was tough," he said, "very tough. But it will work out. Hopefully, we get back there this year."

Bies is back on the ice for the Green Wave, and the junior has a chance to be one of the state's difference-makers from the back end.

The 6-foot-1, left-shot defenseman had three goals and seven points during his first varsity season as a sophomore.

"He's ready to make his mark on the program, I can tell," East Grand Forks coach Tyler Palmiscno said.

Bies can impact games in several ways.

"He's probably the most fluid skater I've coached at the high school level at East Side," Palmiscno said. "His skating is elite. He's incredibly powerful. He has the ability to take over a game when he chooses. We need him to do it more consistently as the season goes along."

Bies will be an anchor for the Green Wave blue line.

Senior High graduated three regulars — Nick Corbett, Judd Pesch and Cole Bies, Max's cousin.

The returners are Bies, senior Cole Schmiedeberg, junior Ryan Clauson and senior Bodey Schmaltz.

"We've got four of seven that played for us last year," Palmiscno said. "We need guys to take steps. All the ones that are coming back are elevated in our lineup. They need to take a step. They'll have increased roles and minutes, for sure."

Bies worked with Anthony Morando, the general manager of Sanford Sports Performance, to get back to 100%. Bies said he believes he's returning to the ice with a stronger skating stride and better hands.

"I feel I'll get another step," Bies said. "You guys will see more, for sure."

Although the Green Wave lost three key forwards in Hunter Varnson, Cooper Hills and Jace Van Epps, they returned some prominent ones like Tucker Lovejoy, Jace Panzer, Nolan Meulebroeck and Jake Chupka.

"I think we're going to be hard to play against," Bies said. "We're going to be good. We're going to be skilled. Teams won't want to play us."

Coach: Tyler Palmiscno.

Last season: 16-13-2, Class A state champions.

Key returners: Sr. F Tucker Lovejoy (19 goals, 11 assists, 30 points), jr. F Jace Panzer (10-16—26), sr. F Nolan Meulebroeck (6-10—16), sr. D Cole Schmiedeberg (6-5—11), jr. D Max Bies (3-4—7), sr. F Jake Chupka (3-4—7), jr. D Ryan Clauson (1-2—3), jr. G Noah Schindele (15-10-2, 2.61 goals-against average, .889 save percentage).

Key newcomers: Sr. F Wyatt Cordts, soph. F Cy Hjelmen.

Coach Palmiscno says: "We have a good core coming back off of a very successful team. We have a lot of good pieces to work with as we get going. We have the ability to be a very fast team and push the pace."