Andy “Bud” Madej came to the Lone Star Brahmas as a tender from the Chicago Mission U18 program where he had been a teammate of Brahmas’ goalie T.J. Black for several seasons. The rookie defenseman has a lot of interests away from the rink like hunting, fishing, golf or working on his truck or dirt bike. However, when the puck drops his focus turns to the blueline.
Madej started playing travel hockey at the age of five thanks to a call from his aunt. His older cousins were playing hockey and his aunt mentioned that the organizations Mite team was looking for a goalie. Bud had been involved in other sports and was a kid who liked action and there was just too much time setting around for his liking. He was always playing mini sticks with his friends, so when his aunt called his parents signed him up and his hockey career began.
Having started playing as a goalie gives Madej a unique view of the importance of defensemen to the guy between the pipes. “I started out as a goalie, so I know everyone is looking at you when the puck goes in the net,” said Madej. “While I’m on the ice defending I’m going to do my job and give it all I’ve got to keep the puck out of our net.”Black is very appreciative of Madej’s dedication to keeping the puck away from the net. “Bud has been on my team for the past six years,” recalled Black. “He has always been my favorite defenseman because he’s one of those guys who goes into battle for you and will lead the charge.”