ASU Men’s Hockey: Defenseman Max Balinson transfers to Long Island

(Photo: Richard Martinez/House of Sparky)

Former Arizona State defenseman Max Balinson has transfered to Long Island University, according to a tweet from LIU’s account posted Tuesday. 

Balinson, who is set to join LIU in advance of its inaguaral season in the Divison I ranks, did not play during the 2019-2020 season as a junior because of a coach’s decision based on ASU’s depth at his position, according to a source.

It is not yet clear whether or not the 23-year-old will get an extra season of NCAA eligibility back after sitting out his junior campaign, nor is his status with regards to immediate playing eligibity.

Over the course of his freshman and sophomore season at ASU, the Ancaster, Ontario-native registered three goals and ten assists in 41 games.

The 6-foot, 192-pound defensman’s decision to transfer makes him the second defenseman to leave the program over the course of the 2020 offseason, joining former ASU blue-liner Brinson Pasichnuk, who graduated and agreed to terms of a deal with the San Jose Sharks in March.

ASU is expected to return seven defensemen from last year’s roster: sophomores Jacob Semik and Jack Judson, juniors Connor Stuart, Joshua Maniscalco and Jarrod Gourley and seniors Jacob Wilson and Gvido Jansons.

The Sun Devils also added freshman defenseman Carson Kosobud as part of their 2020 recruiting class.

Prior to joining the Sun Devils, Balinson was a standout defenseman in the Ontario Junior Hockey League. As a member of the Burlington Cougars in 2016-2017, Balinson ranked No. 3 among all OJHL defensmen with 48 points in 46 games. 

Balinson was also the recepient of the Most Gentlemanly Award over four-straight years in the Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League and Ontario Junior Hockey League.

 

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