Austin Madge/Spokane Braves Facebook page
Spokane Braves goalie Austin Madge is joining the expansion Kam River Fighting Walleye in the Superior International Junior Hockey League.
Madge, 18, a Kelowna native, says he’s grateful for the opportunity to join the Fighting Walleye, based in Thunder Bay, Ont. His dream of playing junior A hockey has become reality after winning four of 16 games with the Braves, sharing the crease with Marcello De Antunano.
Madge, who earlier in the season was with the Nelson Leafs, feels he has matured and developed throughout the year and his game became stronger, reaching a pinnacle at Christmas. He finished with a 3.13 goals against average and .929 save percentage.
Austin Madge is focused on the play during a face-off in Kootenay International Junior Hockey League action.
KIJHL Media photo
“I found my groove and my game went through the roof and this allowed me to become a strong, consistent goaltender game in and game out,” he says. “I became a better goalie mentally learning how to become consistent every game. I stopped worrying about the little thing and this helped me learn how to become successful. With the increased workload in my game, it forced me to become a better prepared goaltender every game.”
Madge also played for the North Okanagan Knights last season.
“When I made the decision to play in the KIJHL, I was recruited by a team that allowed me to become a starting goaltender at 16-years-old,” he says. “I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to develop and showcase my goaltending ability and skill set to the KIJHL. Also to the higher levels of hockey.”
Madge will be joined on the Fighting Walleye by Braves teammate Alex Enegren.