Belanger, a 6'0", 200-pound product of Drummondville, Quebec, played professionally in the LNAH last season, scoring seven points and tallying 41 penalty minutes over 34 games. The season prior (2006-07), Belanger had seven goals and 25 points for the Grande Prairie Storm of the Alberta Junior Hockey League.

The 22-year-old defenseman spent most of his junior career in the QMJHL, playing for the Baie-Comeau Drakkar and, most recently, the Moncton Wildcats. While with Moncton in 2005-06, Belanger helped the Wildcats to a spot in the Memorial Cup Finals, playing in 18 playoff contests and scoring four points during that span.

"Max comes highly recommended from Dan Flynn, the General Manager in Moncton. He was part of the QMJHL championship team in 2006, and was a first-round pick in the QMJHL draft," said Gorillas Head Coach Tom Coolen. "He will fight hard and he works well in the corners. His spirit will fit in well with our hockey team in Amarillo."