More than just his last name: Young Makar carving his own path in Colorado TheAHL.com

Carlynn Claypool | By Carlynn Claypool AHL Rhythm

Since being drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in 2021, Tyler Macca known as “Carl's younger brother. “

Now, the Colorado Eagles forward is showing the hockey world what he can do.

Makar, whose brother is a two-time Norris Trophy-winning defender with the Avalanche, debuted with the Eagles late in the 2024-25 season, finishing his college career at the University of Maine with one goal in five regular-season games.

He attended UMass Amherst for three years before transferring to Maine for a change of pace, eventually having a breakout senior season with 18 goals and 30 points in 38 games.

In the first 16 games of the Hawks' rookie season, Makar scored 1 goal and 3 assists and was recalled by the Avalanche twice. He made his NHL debut on November 1, which has been the highlight of his career so far.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to play with my brother,” Makar said. “The whole team is so enthusiastic, which is great.”

Makar’s ability to open up the ice and create opportunities hasn’t gone unnoticed by his teammates, who said they think it’s great that he’s been drafted at this stage of his career.

“He's a power forward,” Hawks captain said Jason Megna. I love the way he skates; he's not afraid to use his body. He's a north-south player and when he steps in up front, he's really efficient and creates a lot of problems for their 'D' and creates scoring opportunities for our team. “

Makar joins a tight-knit Hawks staff, but has settled in after training camp and starting the regular season with the team.

He has the closest relationship with the young players who joined Colorado in last year's postseason, especially the rookie defenseman Hank Kempf and Connor Kelly. The connection with the team gave Makar the opportunity to open up and show more of his personality in front of his teammates.

“He's a very easy-going kid, a joker in a sense,” Megna said. “He's grown that way in the locker room as well, just gaining some confidence and getting to know his teammates and it's nice to see him open up this year as opposed to last year when he came into the team
Everyone is (already) so close. “

Off the ice, Makar describes himself as a relaxed, fun-loving person who has many hobbies.

“I love music, golf, fishing; I'm a big fisherman. Anything on the lake, hanging out, that kind of thing,” the Calgary native said. “I love rap, country music, oldies; I make some music just for fun. My cousin started it a while ago… I don't do it too much anymore, but it's still fun.”

While Makar has no plans to give up hockey and pursue music, his teammates have seen him occasionally create music while the team is on the road. Makar might even be moved to a supporting role one day, Megna said.

But at the end of the day, Makar wants to be remembered for more than just goals or call-ups. He wants to be known as a good teammate who is true to himself both on and off the ice.

“I'd love to win a lot of stuff,” Makar said, “but overall, just be a great teammate, great person, help develop the game and help develop other people's games and make an impact that way.”