Madden Powers

What is your name? What grade/year are you currently in, and how long did you attend the school?

My name is Madden Powers. I graduated in 2023.

Which preparatory school did you attend, and what key factors influenced your decision to enroll at that institution?

I attended Milton Academy. I chose it because of the financial aid package (they matched and exceeded other schools), the academic rigor, and the hockey opportunity—I knew I’d get solid ice time at a top program with a great coach. I also liked being close to the city rather than isolated.

Please describe a typical day during the competitive season.

I’d wake up at 7:00 a.m., be in class from 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., then depending on the day, I’d eat dinner, work out, or practice from 3:30–7:30 p.m. Study hall was from 8:00–10:00 p.m., followed by lights out. Wednesdays and Saturdays were game days.

How does your daily routine differ in the off-season?

In the fall, I only had one captain’s skate per week and a few club games on weekends. The team lifted after school every weekday. Spring was more relaxed—mostly off-ice training—and summer was a mix of skating and workouts.

How did you balance athletics and academics?

The key was discipline in the dorm. It was tempting to hang out with friends after practice, but getting my schoolwork done before anything else made everything manageable.

What are your professional goals, and how did prep school shape them?

I plan to graduate from the University of Toronto and work in an investment-focused role—VC, private equity, or growth. Prep school opened my eyes to careers and opportunities I hadn’t been exposed to before and made me want to succeed financially.

If you could offer one piece of advice, what would it be?

Choose a school with strong academics and strong matriculation outcomes. Hockey rarely produces a straight path to the NHL. Also—avoid all-boys prep schools if you can. Weird things happen in places like that.