BROOKS, AB (July 8, 2019) ? The Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) are happy to announce that 2001-born forward Taylor Makar (Calgary, AB) has committed to attend and play for the University of Massachusetts.
Located in Amherst, Massachusetts, the UMass Minutemen compete in the NCAA Division I Hockey East conference, under fourth-year head coach Greg Carvel.
Makar, 18, just completed his first full year of Junior A play with the Bandits, recording 17 points (4 goals, 13 assists) in 43 games. Two of his four goals were game-winners, coming October 30th in Olds against the Grizzlys, and January 11th at home to the Camrose Kodiaks.
?We are excited for Taylor and his opportunity with UMass,? said Bandit head coach and general manager Ryan Papaioannou. ?Over the past season, his game has continued to evolve along with his stature and he is ready to take on a significant role with us this season.
?Last year was a valuable learning experience for Taylor both on and off the ice, setting the table for an upcoming breakout season. He proved last season to be versatile in the line up and able to provide hard minutes when needed.
?We are looking forward to Taylor?s continuing development and expanded role this season.”
Previously, the 6?1?, 175lb forward scored one assist in three affiliate games with the Bandits in 2017-18, while scoring 13 points (3 goals, 10 assists) in 34 games with the Calgary Flames of the Alberta Midget Hockey League (AMHL). Before that, he was the third-highest scoring player on the Northwest Calgary Stampeders of the Alberta Minor Midget Hockey League (AMMHL), tallying 35 points (14 goals, 21 assists) in 35 games.
Makar is committed to the same school at which his brother Cale spent two years, capturing the Hobey Baker Award this past year before beginning his professional hockey career with the Colorado Avalanche. He also follows former Bandit Oliver Chau (Oakville, ON) who committed to UMass after an AJHL Rookie of the Year campaign with Brooks in 2016-17.