Madison Myers has experienced her team’s climb from the bottom of Hockey East to now nearly the top, and she has been a major factor in her team’s success.
Although Providence College got off to an 0-7 start her freshman year and won only 10 games, her presence in net has elevated the Friars year by year. Now, PC is one of the top teams in the nation thanks to strong goaltending.
“It’s definitely amazing,” said Myers, a fourth-year starter from Colchester, Vt. “I came in and we had a couple of losing seasons, but we’ve gotten better each year and we’re seeing our hard work pay off early this year. Can’t complain about where we’re at.
“I definitely didn’t expect us to do this well, but we’ve gotten some good players in the past few years and have come together as a team. It’s nice to see it unfold.”
The Friars are currently 16-6 overall and 15-5 with Myers in net.
The goaltender, who earned the nod as team MVP last season, allowed 1.14 goals per contest (third best in the nation) in her first 16 games of this season and posted a .949 save percentage (fourth best in the nation). She also posted four shutouts, tied for the third most in the nation.
Myers is in a comfortable position headed into the second half.
“It definitely is a confidence booster for me,” she said of her strong first-half performance. “I couldn’t have done it without the team. We’re giving up less chances, which makes it easier for me to save more and have big games. I don’t have to be on my game all the time like I did freshman year, which is a big help. Hopefully I can bring it again in the second half of the season.”
While an improved defensive unit has proven beneficial for Myers, it is her ability to stop shots that has the Friars in a strong position.
Providence went 9-2 in Hockey East play during the first half, putting it second behind Northeastern (12-1) in winning percentage. Although experience and talent certainly play into the team improving from back-to-back 17-win seasons into a serious contender, Myers also said the Friars’ mindset has been a contributing factor.
“It’s definitely the team dynamic,” she said. “This year we’re a lot more positive, believe in ourselves and really believe we can beat the top teams and that we are one of the top teams. Attitude is definitely a part of it, because we’ve always worked hard.”
Myers said the goal this season is to make it to the NCAA tournament and take home a national championship. The Friars have made it to the tournament just once in program’s history (2005-06).
“It definitely feels special to be a part of this,” she said. “There hasn’t been too much success in the program in the past 10 years or so, and now to be a part of it, it feels great.
“We’re just trying to do our thing and bounce back from losses. You have ups and downs in the season, but there’s nothing you can do about it but keep moving forward.”
Myers took the starting role her freshman year and had 106 career appearances (and 2.31 goals allowed per game) in her college career through December. Not only is she now more familiar with the opposition and used to playing with her teammates, but she admits she is more comfortable than she was three years ago.
“The nerves are definitely a lot less than they were freshman year,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to play as much as I did freshman year and I think it was definitely a learning experience that year that has made me a lot more confident in myself and teammates. That means a lot.”
As a native New Englander, one perk of playing for the Friars and in Hockey East in general is that she gets a couple of extra trips home per season. Colchester is about 20 minutes from Burlington, home of the Vermont Catamounts.
On Nov. 11 this season, she earned a shutout after recording 24 saves in a 2-0 road win at Vermont. Needless to say, anytime she goes up there to play, it is a memorable experience.
“I love playing up at UVM,” she said. “I get all of my family and friends to come and they all usually cheer for Providence.”
