Charlie Michaud is developing his game with the USHL’s Madison Capitols and already has plans for the future with his recent commitment to NCAA Division I Miami.

The Denver native will begin his career at the Oxford, Ohio, school next fall and will jump right into NCHC competition.

“I was first introduced to Miami during my 14U year by my coach, Todd Harkins,” Michaud said. “My first official opportunity came during my 15U season with Little Caesars. Funny enough, both Coach Harkins and my 15U coach, Jason Deskins, played at Miami. They spoke highly of the school’s strong hockey tradition and encouraged me to consider the opportunity to help rebuild the program. After an official visit, I fell in love with the campus, the school, and the people. A couple of weeks later, I committed.”

Michaud said he’s also intrigued by Miami’s academic programs.

“Academics have always been a priority for me, and Miami’s programs stood out immediately,” said Michaud. “I was particularly drawn to their business school and the sports management program. The town of Oxford and Miami’s beautiful campus also made a strong impression on me. On the hockey side, their facilities are top-notch, and the opportunity to grow as a player under Coach (Anthony) Noreen while helping to rebuild a promising program was exactly what I was looking for. It’s even better that I was able to commit to Miami with one of my closest friends.

“I’ve always taken pride in balancing hockey with a strong commitment to academics. My time at Brother Rice in Michigan, while playing for Little Caesars, reinforced how important that balance is. Miami’s culture reminds me a lot of Brother Rice, which was one of the things that drew me to the school. While I’m currently undecided on a major, I’m leaning toward business.”

Drafted by Madison in Phase I of the USHL Draft back in 2022, Michaud is in his second full season with the Capitols.

“Playing for Madison has been an incredible experience,” Michaud said. “The town has so much to offer, and the fan support is fantastic, creating an awesome atmosphere for games. The coaching staff has been great, especially having the chance to learn from a former NHL player like Tom Gilbert, who brings tons of knowledge and experience. It’s been a great place to grow as a player and a person.”

Michaud explained how hockey has been in his blood, literally, his whole life.

“I started skating when I was about four or five years old,” Michaud said. “My parents, who both played Division III hockey at Bowdoin College, introduced the sport to me and my two brothers. We all grew up playing hockey and constantly pushed each other to improve. I started playing at the Denver Country Club’s outdoor rink and fell in love with the game. That passion has only grown since then. I began my hockey journey at the Denver Country Club, where Charlie Luther was my first coach. He instilled a deep love for the game in me. From there, I moved on to Evolution Hockey and then the Krivo School of Hockey Elite. My early coaches, including Sergei Bautin, Andrei Krivokrasov, and Matt Frick, had me focused on skill development, which has served me well.

“I also had the privilege of playing for Jon Calvano with the British Columbia Brick team where we ended up winning the Brick Tournament. Later, I joined the Colorado Thunderbirds for my first AAA experience, where coach Nick Gismondi had a lasting influence on me and remains a mentor. After a year playing in Canada, I moved on to Little Caesars (in the Detroit area) for my 15U and 16U years, where Jason Deskins became one of my most influential coaches.”

Looking ahead, Michaud said he’s excited to see what his future holds, on and off the ice.

“In the short term, I’m focused on having a strong season with the Madison Capitols in the USHL, continuing to develop my game, and helping the team compete for the Clark Cup,” said Michaud. “Long term, I want to play a significant role in rebuilding Miami’s hockey program and ultimately pursue a professional hockey career. Off the ice, my immediate goal is to prepare for college and long term, I’m aiming to graduate with a degree that positions me well for life after hockey.”

Photo/Rosenau Photography/Madison Capitols

— Matt Mackinder

(November 29, 2024)