So you think you had a rollercoaster ride in 2020, huh? Check out what Tyler Madden went through:
– Scored in Northeastern’s win over Boston to claim college hockey’s prestigious Beanpot title
– Broke his finger in a weekend series with UMass Lowell
– Traded by the Vancouver Canucks to Los Angeles Kings
And that was just February. In the months that followed, the hockey world completely shut down, he eventually made the decision to leave school after his sophomore year to turn pro, later was assigned to train in Berlin in September, had to quarantine, then only played part of one game before breaking his finger again, flew home early and had surgery.
The good news in all of that is it seems to be behind him.
He’s played on the top line in all three of Ontario’s preseason games thus far and has been highly effective.
Game 1 on Friday saw this nifty move in the shootout:
2/3 Tyler Madden up next! pic.twitter.com/fMMLjRMPCV
— Ontario Reign (@ontarioreign) January 23, 2021
Then he went out on Saturday and picked up a goal and two assists.
Things seem to be coming together for the 21-year-old forward.
Madden on if he was able to accomplish his offseason goals
This summer I took it to heart and put on 10 pounds and did the right things; got a little bit faster, worked on my shot a lot. I think I set out to do what I accomplished.
On where his confidence level is at midway into the preseason schedule
The first game was sort of a feel out game, but as it went on, I got my confidence back, especially since the scrimmages during the week before leading up to this weekend. I think that I got my hands back, especially after my finger injury. The confidence is good right now.
On how training and playing overseas in Germany helped him prepare for professional hockey
I think it was tremendous. I only got to play one game there unfortunately because of my injury. The practices and the scrimmages there kind of gave me a heads up of what was to come in professional hockey. I think it was really beneficial and I think all the guys that I went with thought it was amazing.
On his developing relationship with new Reign coach John Wroblewski
He’s a great coach and a great guy, we really joke around in the locker room. He has some trust in me these last couple of games, playing me in different spots, so I think we have a good relationship going.
On playing these past three games with with Arthur Kaliyev
I love it, the guy can shoot the puck, which is always a good thing because I’m always looking for pass-first. We’ve had some good shifts and good chances, so I’m excited for the games to come.
More notes and quotes linked below.
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