Proctor senior Merrick Madsen of Acton, California came to the Northeast in the fall of 2011 as a largely unknown prospect in the prep hockey world when Head Coach Mike Walsh found Madsen through a mutual connection in California, and presented him with the opportunity to play in one of the most competitive high school hockey leagues in the nation.

After two seasons in net for Proctor’s hockey program, Madsen is far from an unknown entity. Largely recognized as one of the top goalie prospects in the nation, Madsen committed to play for Harvard University earlier this winter. He was also selected as the 18th overall pick in Phase 2 of the USHL draft on May 7 by the Des Moines Buccaneers with their first overall pick. He will play for the Buccaneers next season as their top goalie as he prepares to play for Harvard starting in the fall of 2014.

While Madsen’s immediate future is falling into place, many believe his potential as a goalie is significant. Walsh notes, “Merrick came to Proctor as an unknown, however, during his first season with us he quickly made an impression, both on other teams and on collegiate and professional scouts.” Madsen’s 6’4″ frame and combination of intelligence, instincts in net, and physical attributes have him currently ranked as North America’s 24th best goalie (2nd best high school goalie).

Earlier in April, Madsen was visited at Proctor’s campus by the New York Rangers Director of Scouting, Gordie Clark, to be interviewed as a potential draft choice. Walsh notes, “The Rangers were one of a a few teams that followed Merrick very closely over the past season, and their visit to campus is exciting for both Merrick and Proctor’s hockey program.” Numerous scouts predict Madsen will be selected in the June NHL Draft, potentially as high as the third round.

Madsen, a Head’s List student each term at Proctor, is excited about his future, but is taking the publicity in stride as he completes his Senior Project interning with the Athletic Training Department at Proctor. “My experience at Proctor has been unbelievable, both in terms of hockey and the overall experience. I’ve had the opportunity to play against some of the top high school competition in the company and in front of college coaches on a regular basis. I am very excited about playing in Des Moines next year and am thankful for all that Walsh has done for me over the past two years by communicating with scouts and helping me develop on the ice.”

While Madsen recognizes his athletic talents have served him very well thus far in his career, he knows he must continue to develop in order to achieve his ultimate goal of playing professional hockey, “People keep telling me I have a very high ceiling and have tons of potential. Scouts have complimented me on my quickness on my knees and on my natural instincts in goal, but I know I must improve some technical aspects of my game to reach my full potential. I’m ready to put in that hard work to be sure I effectively adjust to playing at the next level.”