Madsen Makes It Four To Arkansas

The Long Beach Bombers are proud to announce their fourth college commitment to the University of Arkansas, forward, Konnor Madsen. The twenty year-old Canadian from Kelowna, British Columbia, played one season in Long Beach. Madsen will join Max Barr, Sine Chadi, and Cal Owens, in Fayetteville.

The power forward who arrived after a season split between the NOJHL and NWJHL, had played his rookie season in the KIJHL, alongside Cal Owens. Prior to starting his junior career, Madsen attended Pursuit of Excellence hockey academy, in Kelowna. Madsen had a career year in Long Beach, playing 40 Games and recording 11 Goals, 20 Assists. Madsen scored all 11 of his goals in the month of October, which tied him for the 3rd highest monthly goal total of the season, for the Bombers (Kiril Markevich had 14 in February). Despite missing six weeks in February and March, due to injury, Madsen returned to play 3 games in the Thorne Cup Playoffs.

Brian Gallini, Head Coach of the Razorbacks hockey program, noted, "For his part, we’re excited about Konnor as an effective physical forward who we’ll look to to raise the energy level of our game shift in and shift out.  We’ll also be relying on his ability to finish around the net and commit to playing our relentless 200-foot style.  Our entire organization is excited to add another young man with both great talent and character.”

Long Beach Bombers Head Coach & General Manager, Chris White, added, “Konnor came to Long Beach with the clear goal of launching his junior career into the collegiate level. I am extremely happy that not only is Konnor going to have a wonderful four-year experience at University of Arkansas, but he will be doing it alongside three other Bombers alumni. Konnor burst onto the scene with one of the best individual goal-scoring months of the season, for us. I think the Razorbacks will see him mature and develop in a number of ways, and hopefully, be a very productive player for them. We wish Kondog all the best, as he continues to pursue his dream as a successful student-athlete.”

University of Arkansas Press Release:http://arhockey.westernchl.com/?p=3643

Konnor Madsen’s Player Profile Page:http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=215833

Q & A with Konnor Madsen:

You played three seasons of junior hockey, for four different organizations. What stands out most about the Long Beach Bombers?

The Location at first, but once you arrive, the coaching staff, and organization is made up of great people, with even better personalities. I couldn't have asked for a better place for my final year of Junior Hockey.
 

You had the most productive season of your career, in 2016-2017, despite missing a dozen games to injury. What led to your increase point total?

Many Players at the Junior level can put up points if they are placed with the right teammates. My productive season wouldn't have been accomplished without my two linemates before Christmas break (Jon Lovelace & Nikita Nikitin), and the rest of my team who helped me, and my game until the end of the season.
 

You are the fourth member of the Bomb Squad to commit to the Razorbacks hockey program. After considering several CIS (Canadian university) schools, you chose to continue your career in Fayetteville. What was it about the University of Arkansas that sealed the deal, for you?

Many of my teammates had an interest in the school, which caught my attention at first. Being such a big university, and change of scenery it was much different then any Canadian schools I have seen. After my visit to U of A, it was a clear decision of where I wanted to begin my Post-Secondary Educuation.
 

What are some of your best on and off the ice memories from last season?

The Road trips are always full of great memories, The Garage, I loved playing in El Paso, or in Valencia was always a big game. It was a blast and an honour playing with one of the most fun, unexpected, greatest group of players I will ever step on the ice with, Thank you to my coaches, players and staff of the Long Beach Bombers who made my last year memorable.