PAL’s Makowski commits to Mercyhurst

Press Release

 ​Hauppauge, NY—The P.A.L. Junior Islanders, general manager Ron Kinnear and head coach Ed Galiani are proud to announce the commitment of Chris Makowski to Mercyhurst University.

Makowski, a 6-foot-3 forward from Dix Hills, New York joined the Jr. Islanders for their inaugural season in the United States Premier Hockey League. Mercyhurst University is a member of the Atlantic conference of NCAA Division I.

With the commitment, Makowski will join Brendan Leahy (Providence), Brandon Fusaro (Army) and Tommasso Bucci (Mercyhurst) in the NCAA Division I ranks.

As a staff, coach Ed Galiani, Dan Marshall and Mark Dubeau are happy to see Chris follow the path of two of their former players in Hobey Baker candidates Matt Zay and Dan O’Donoghue, who both attended Mercyhurst University.

Entering the 2013-14 season Makowski elected to remain in New York and continue to refine his hockey game. Having found a fit with the P.A.L. Jr. Islander organizations that he had called home, Makowski quickly established himself as an offensive force.

Makowski credits much of his success to quality coaches, hard work and continuity.

The staff at P.A.L. has been in place for 12 years. Giving players the room to grow with the organization. “Leagues have changed and teams come and go,” said head coach Galiani. “Our staff has stayed together and proven to be successful at moving players into college and the professional ranks.

We at P.A.L. Jr. Islanders would like to congratulate Chris, his parents and entire family on this tremendous accomplishment.

 (Nathan can be reached at nathanfournier@mainehockeyjournal.com)