World Diabetes Day: How OHF Graduate Max Domi Manages Type 1 Diabetes in Hockey

For many young athletes, the path to high-performance hockey includes long practices, intense competition, and years of development. For OHF Graduate Max Domi, that journey also included managing Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)—a daily challenge that requires discipline, preparation, and constant awareness.

Diagnosed at age 12, Max quickly learned how to balance the fast pace of competitive hockey with the demands of managing his health. From monitoring blood-sugar fluctuations during games to adjusting nutrition and timing around practices, his commitment to routine became one of the strongest parts of his game.

As Max continued to rise through the Ontario hockey system, that discipline became a competitive advantage. His preparation, attention to detail, and ability to make adjustments on the fly helped him excel at every level. Today, his journey serves as a powerful example for young players managing T1D or any long-term condition while chasing their goals.

World Diabetes Day is an opportunity to bring awareness to early detection, health management, and the importance of support networks. Max’s story shows that with the right structure and consistency, athletes with Type 1 Diabetes can thrive in high-performance environments.

Max’s message to young athletes: challenges don’t have to be barriers—they can build resilience, confidence, and a stronger connection to the sport you love.