FEATURE: A Return to Study and Hockey for Branden Makara

Gee-Gees forward Branden Makara has wasted no time readjusting to life in the nation's capital. The Gloucester, Ont., product returned home after completing his bachelor's degree at Colorado College – playing two seasons with the NCAA outfit – choosing to restart his hockey career and furthering his education. 

Across his two years with the Tigers, Makara scored 13 points in one of the premier divisions in U.S. college hockey. It was an experience that he won't soon forget.

"I prepared myself because it was going to be a big jump," he said. "But they made it really easy for us to make that transition from junior hockey to collegiate sports. They really take the time to help us out, they don't leave anybody behind."

Makara did not return to the team for the 2018-19 season, finishing his economics degree and graduating in 2020. He longed to return to the game, feeling like he had more to give.

Makara's existing relationship with Gee-Gees assistant coach Patrick White opened the door for his return home and to the life of a student-athlete. Before moving to Colorado, Makara played 107 CCHL games for the Gloucester Rangers and Cumberland Grads across four seasons. His 64 points in 2015-16 was good for third on Cumberland and seventh in the CCHL.

It was in junior hockey that White and Makara met, and the Ottawa Jr. 67s and Gloucester Rangers alumni regularly train together during the summers.

"[White] made that link that this could be an opportunity to explore," said Makara. "We chatted it sounded like it was a pretty good fit. So, I jumped on that opportunity right away.

"Now I'm doing post-grad studies and getting to play in my hometown again.

"It's nice to be back playing close to home," said Makara. "I've been around the university here forever so to have a chance to compete for it is really special."

Makara embodies the life of a student-athlete. Enrolled in a Master's of Economics, he earned U SPORTS Academic All-Canadian in 2020-21 – awarded to student-athletes who achieve an academic standing of 80 percent or higher. Makara was one of nine Gee-Gees men's hockey players to earn the accolade.

"You get to do two things while you're here. I get to continue playing hockey, and [my parents] get a chance to see me compete again, and I'm also furthering my education," he said.

Part of what has made Makara's return home special has been the chance for his family to watch him play again. In past, Makara's parents got to watch their son play once or twice a year – a consequence of living some 3,000 km away. Now, Makara says they do not miss a game.

"I don't think they've missed a game at home and when we are on the road, they watch it on TV. I think they're super pumped to see me play in person again." 

Makara has not let them down so far. Returning from his hiatus, he has three goals and six points through the first eight games this season. Makara and the rest of the Gee-Gees men's hockey team are hungry for more.

"The anticipation and hunger to play are building up like crazy in the room. The guys are just ready to go again. We just want to have a chance to play and compete again," he said. 

"We know we have a great locker room and a staff and players who are ready to do something special. We just want to get the opportunity to do it."