Men's Ice Hockey

Student-Athlete Spotlight: Max Gutjahr, UW-Eau Claire

Each week during the 2025-26 academic year, the WIAC will feature two student-athletes (one male and one female) from one of its eight institutions for a “Student-Athlete Spotlight” Q & A segment. The segments will be posted every Thursday and individuals are selected by the institution. The WIAC Student-Athlete Spotlights are presented by Culver's.

Name:  Max Gutjahr
Institution:  UW-Eau Claire
Hometown and High School:  Kimberly, Wis. (Kimberly High School)
Year in school:  Senior
Sport:  Men’s Ice Hockey
Major:  Exercise Science

Why did you choose UW-Eau Claire?
UW-Eau Claire gives me all the resources I need to excel on the ice and in the classroom, all while being close to home.
 
What other clubs/organizations on campus are you involved in?
None, hockey pretty much takes up all my time.

What do you like most about competing in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference and being a NCAA Division III student-athlete?
Personally, I think that the WIAC is the most competitive conference in Division III college hockey, so being able to compete every weekend against the best Division III has to offer, while getting a high-quality education is extremely valuable.
 
What is your favorite…
Menu item from Culver’s?  Cheese Curds
Flavor of the Day from Culver’s?  Mint Cookie
Non-Athletic Spot on Campus?  The Library
TV Show?  Entourage
Holiday?  Christmas
Food?  Pizza
Animal?  Turtles
Smartphone App?  YouTube
Musical Group or Artist?  Pearl Jam
Professional Sports Athlete or Team?  The Brewers
Vacation Spot?  Florida
 
What is your greatest sports moment? 
Winning the WIAC Championship last season.
 
What is your favorite thing to do off the court/field with your teammates?
Watch sports.
 
Who is someone that you look up to?
My Dad
 
Do you have any words of advice for younger/upcoming student-athletes?
Although it is cliche, the college experience goes by incredibly fast. So, although it may be super stressful at times, try to enjoy each and every day.
 
One word that describes you?
Curious
 
What is your dream job? 
Collegiate/Professional Strength and Conditioning Coach
 
Three things on your "bucket list"?
---Skydiving
---Travel to Europe
---Visit all 50 US States
 
A non-athletic talent that you have is?
People have told me that I am a gifted writer.

What’s your dream sporting event to attend?
New York Rangers Game at Madison Square Garden or Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park.
 
Do you have any pre-game/pre-event superstitions or rituals? If so, what are they?
I eat at Noodles and Company before every game.
 
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