Cale Makar Biography
Cale Makar is a professional ice hockey player from Canada, known for his exceptional skills as a defenseman. Born on October 30, 1998, in Calgary, Alberta, Makar has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most promising young talents in the National Hockey League (NHL). With his incredible speed, agility, and hockey IQ, Makar has become a key player for the Colorado Avalanche and has garnered numerous accolades in his young career. This biography will delve into the life and career of Cale Makar, highlighting his journey to becoming an NHL star.
Early Life and Amateur Career:
Growing up in Calgary, Makar developed a passion for hockey at a young age. He started playing organized hockey in local leagues and quickly stood out with his natural talent and skills on the ice. Makar’s exceptional abilities caught the attention of scouts, and he was eventually selected by the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for the 2014-2015 season.
In his first season with the Bandits, Makar made an immediate impact, recording an impressive 55 points in 54 games. He followed up this remarkable performance with an even better sophomore season, scoring 24 goals and 51 assists for a total of 75 points in 54 games. Makar’s outstanding play earned him the AJHL’s Most Valuable Player award, making him the youngest player to receive this honor.
College Hockey and NHL Draft:
After two successful seasons with the Brooks Bandits, Makar decided to take his talents to the collegiate level and committed to the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMass). Makar’s decision to play college hockey surprised some, as he had received offers from major junior teams in the Canadian Hockey League (CHL). However, Makar believed that UMass would provide him with the best opportunity to further develop his skills and pursue his academic aspirations.
During his two seasons at UMass, Makar established himself as one of the top defensemen in college hockey. He contributed significantly to the team’s success, leading UMass to their first-ever Frozen Four appearance in 2019. Makar’s exceptional play did not go unnoticed, and he was awarded the Hobey Baker Award as the top player in college hockey that same year.
Following his outstanding college career, Makar decided to forgo his remaining eligibility and signed an entry-level contract with the Colorado Avalanche, the team that had drafted him fourth overall in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.
NHL Career:
Makar made his NHL debut on April 15, 2019, during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Despite having limited NHL experience, Makar made an immediate impact, scoring a goal in his first game. His performance throughout the playoffs demonstrated his exceptional skill set and showcased his ability to perform under pressure.
The 2019-2020 season marked Makar’s first full season in the NHL, and he did not disappoint. He finished the season with 12 goals and 38 assists, totaling 50 points in just 57 games. Makar’s outstanding rookie campaign earned him the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league’s top rookie, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s brightest young stars.
Makar’s second season in the NHL, the 2020-2021 season, was equally impressive. Despite dealing with injuries, he continued to showcase his offensive prowess and defensive acumen, recording 8 goals and 36 assists in 44 games. Makar’s contributions were instrumental in helping the Avalanche secure the Presidents’ Trophy as the team with the best regular-season record.
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Net Worth
As of 2023, Cale Makar has an estimated net worth of $3Million. He was selected with the fourth overall pick by the Avalanche in the 2017 NHL Entry Draft.