Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Makowski Named USHL Defenseman of the Year

Press Release

The United States Hockey League today announced that David Makowski of the Green Bay Gamblers has been named ProGuard USHL Defenseman of the Year as determined by a vote of League coaches.

"It has been a pleasure to watch David mature both as a person and a hockey player over the past three years," said Green Bay Gamblers Head Coach and General Manager Jon Cooper, who has coached Makowski the last two seasons in Green Bay and the previous season in St. Louis of the North American Hockey League. "Nothing he does comes as a surprise anymore. He has elevated his game to a point where excellence is now expected."

Makowski, who is committed to attend the University of Denver in the fall, led all USHL defensemen with 18 goals during the 2009-10 regular season while ranking tied for second with 41 points (18g, 23a) in 52 games. He served as alternate captain for the Gamblers and helped them earn a team record 45 wins and their second straight Anderson Cup as regular season champions. He scored nine power play goals, which led his team and was tops among all League blueliners. The 20-year-old tallied three game-winning goals and tied for the lead among USHL defensemen with three shorthanded goals. Makowski posted a plus-22 rating, which was the fifth best mark for a defenseman this season. Three times this season he has garnered USHL honors as the CCM Defensive Player of the Week.

"Congratulations to David on a great year in Green Bay, both on and off the ice, leading the team to its second Anderson Cup," said USHL Commissioner Skip Prince. "We'll look forward to watching his outstanding play during the team's Clark Cup run this year, and next year when he'll join a strong Pioneers squad."

The Wildwood, Missouri native has spent two seasons in the USHL with the Green Bay Gamblers. Over 103 total games in the League, he has collected 70 points (27g, 43a) and registered a plus-45 rating. Makowski was also selected to compete in the USHL All-Star Game in each of his two seasons, but was unable to participate this season due to an injury. Following his first season in the League, he was named to the All-USHL Second Team.

(Nathan also is a writer for Maineiacs Post to Post and the Maine Hockey Journal. He can be reached at fourniern@students.nescom.edu)

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