Kam River goalie has school deal
The goalie with the best numbers in the Superior International Jr. Hockey League has a school commitment for the 2022-2023 season.
Austin Madge of the Kam River Fighting Walleye has committed to the University of Oregon and its Division 1, American Collegiate Hockey Association program.
“I’m very excited to be joining the University of Oregon,” relayed Madge. “I’m happy to be continuing my passion for the game I grew up loving, as well as getting an education and furthering my life skills. The Kam River organization has helped me not only in hockey but as a person and allowed me to grow and mature.”
Fighting Walleye general manager Kevin McCallum is ecstatic to see the 20 year Madge take the next step in his hockey career.
“Any time we see one of our players achieve his goals via our program, it is a feather in our cap,” McCallum said. “We are very excited for Austin to become a member of the Oregon Ducks. When their coach reached out, he asked for a legit number one to guard his net and he has gotten a good one.
“When we recruit players, one of the first things we let them know is that they will play college hockey if they wish to. We bring in elite people, and college coaches know right away when we call they are getting an outstanding individual,” McCallum added.
Madge, who hails from from Kelowna, BC, currently leads the SIJHL in all goaltending categories — 14 wins, 1.90 goals against average, .945 save percentage and three shutouts in 15 games played.
“I’m extremely proud of Austin and how much he’s grown as a player and person over the past year or so,” said Kam River head coach Matt Valley. “It’s really cool to see all his hard work and determination pay off. He’s a talented and tenacious person who is playing very well and is being recognized for that. I know that he’s had several schools interested in him and it’s nice to see him decide on one.”
The ACHA in that area are able to give deals on housing and meals ect… might not be as good of hockey of the NCAA III but the education can be The same or better depending on program and the kids get a good deal to play, it’s too bad the NCAA won’t loosen there rules this kid can play