Danbury defenseman Madzey makes NCAA commitment

The Danbury Jr. Hat Tricks of the NA3HL are extremely proud to announce that defenseman Cole Madzey has committed to continue his academic and hockey careers by playing NCAA Division III hockey at New England College in the fall of 2021.

The 6’0/205 lbs. native of Frisco, TX has been a vital cog in the success of the Danbury NA3HL teams for the past two seasons. He is one of two players to play in every game in franchise history.

When Madzey arrives in Henniker, NH to join the Pilgrims hockey program he will become a part of a rich hockey history. NEC competes in the highly competitive New England Hockey Conference, home to some of the best Division III college hockey programs in the East.

Madzey, 21, has been a stalwart on defense since Danbury joined the NA3HL in the fall of 2019. He was a fixture in all situations on the ice logging major ice time throughout the last two seasons. Over the course of his two season Madzey played in 85 games, recording 16 goals and 44 assists for a total of 60 points. Danbury won more than 20 games and finished in second place in their division both seasons.

He was recognized by the NA3HL when he received an honorable mention as the 2019 November Star of the Month. Madzey also represented Danbury at the 2020 NA3HL Top Prospects Tournament, where he recorded a helper in three games, as well as the 2021 NA3HL East Division Top Prospects Showcase. He also served as the inaugural team captain in Danbury last year and continued in that role this season.

Prior to playing in the NA3HL, Madzey played a season in the NAPHL for the HC Dallas 16U team during the 2016-17 season, appearing in 13 games.

Madzey commented on his college decision and his time in Danbury saying, “After visiting New England College I knew it was the perfect fit for me. The campus was beautiful and they have a fantastic hockey program. Coach Carroll has done a tremendous job recruiting talented, high character players. I cannot thank Coach Cunningham and Coach Allen enough for my time in Danbury. Playing here has really helped me grow as a hockey player, and more importantly, as a man. Those two coaches go above and beyond for their players. They would do anything to help move players to the next level.”

“It is difficult to accurately express how happy I am for Cole. I am exceedingly proud of his continuous development during the three years that I have coached him. He has earned this tremendous opportunity to attend New England College and I am confident that he will be an important piece of the puzzle for the Pilgrims hockey program. He has been a fantastic player for us for literally every game here in Danbury. Cole has been a great teammate and captain. He is a quality human being. I am thrilled for him and his family, who have been steadfast supporters of our program, that they will get to continue their hockey journey for four more years at NEC. I am incredibly proud of Cole and I am really going to miss working with him every day,” said Head Coach Kevin Cunningham.

Madzey is the fourth player in Danbury NA3HL history to make a NCAA  Division III college commitment during the past two seasons and the second this season. 2000 Forward Brandon Cope committed to Nichols College in December.

Click here for an NA3HL college commitment list