Konnor Madsen headed south

The Razorback Hockey team is pleased to announce F-Konnor Madsen as the next 2017-18 Arkansas commit.   The 6’0” 210 lbs. left-shooting power-forward recently completed his junior league career playing for the Long Beach Bombers in the Western States Hockey League.

Madsen, a Kelowna, B.C. native, joins the Razorbacks after a successful season and playoff run with the Bombers.  In his first season in Long Beach, 2016-17, Madsen contributed 30 total points (11 goals and 19 assists) in 37 games.

Bombers Head Coach Chris White said, “Konnor joined us for his twenty year-old season, and was red-hot, right off the bat.  He has the ability to finish in tight or dangerous places around the opponents’ net.  He was a real selfless player that has a great passion for the game and all it offers. He fits the mold of a power forward that can do work along the wall, and make life difficult for defenders and netminders, alike. We are very excited that Konnor has taken his game to the collegiate level, as I know that was a very important goal for him.”

Before his time with the Bombers, Madsen spent his 2015-17 season with the Kirkland Lake Gold Miners (NOJHL) and the Fairview Flyers (NWJHL).  For his rookie campaign, Madsen played for the Castlegar Rebels in the KIJHL.

Madsen started playing hockey at 4 years old.  As a teen, Madsen attended the Pursuit of Excellence School, a premiere hockey academy in Kelowna.  In his three years there, Madsen contributed 74 total points and played 170 games. Madsen says he is very thankful for the unforgettable friendships, memories, and experiences from his hockey career thus far.

Regarding his commitment to the University of Arkansas, Madsen said, “My interest in Arkansas grew when more of my teammates were considering attending the University. After speaking with Coach Gallini, I knew I had fly down for a visit. From the moment I got to the University, I knew I had to play hockey, and attend the school next year. The guys on the team, and the staff all contributed to my decision, and I am very excited for this coming fall.  I’d also like to thank all of the coaches, staff, teammates, and friends and family who have helped me become the player and person I am today.”

Madsen becomes the fourteenth in the 2017-18 recruiting class that features players from seven different states and two countries.  Madsen joins the following players (and several former Bombers teammates):

F- Andrew Pellegrino (Fresno Monsters, WSHL)
F-Sine Chadi (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
F- Sam Weidenbaum (Decatur Blaze, USPHL)
F-Triston Wilson (Euless Stars, NA3HL)
F/D-Paiute Morrison (Southern Oregon Spartans, WSHL)
D- Cal Owens (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
D-Corey Rees (Long Beach Sharks, NA3HL)
D-Kyle Dudley (Euless Jr. Stars, NA3HL)
D-Shaun Foster (SUNY-Canton, NCAA)
D-Kenatae Medure (Atlanta Capitals, NA3HL)
G-Max Barr (Long Beach Bombers, WSHL)
G-Brock Thompson (Connecticut Nighthawks, EHL)
G-Rio Virgoe (Jersey Shore Wildcats, NA3HL)

The University of Arkansas is the only SEC school to field two hockey teams.  The Division I team has, since 2015, competed in the Western Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).   The Division III team will in 2017-18 begin its eleventh season competing in the Southeastern Collegiate Hockey Conference (learn more here).  All home games are played at The Jones Center for Families in Springdale.