Maxwell played junior for the Penticton Vees and then for the University of North Dakota in 1978-79. He was chosen 63rd overall by the Minnesota North Stars in the 1979 NHL Entry Draft. In 1979-80 he played for the Canada national men's ice hockey team at the 1980 Olympics. After that season Maxwell played in the American Hockey League until he retired in 1988. In his NHL career, Maxwell played in 66 games and scored 6 goals and 15 assists. After playing, Maxwell scouted for the Dallas Stars, New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers.