Connor Makowski was born in the Dallas area, developed his game in Colorado, and has a couple junior hockey options for the 2025-26 season, including one with the NAHL’s Colorado Grit.

Makowski has also been listed by the WHL’s Regina Pats and played at the team’s rookie camp last September.

The Parker native signed an NAHL tender with the Grit earlier this month.

“It all started my 15U year, my first year at Okanagan Hockey Academy,” said Makowski. “I went there looking to grow my game and help myself get to be the player I want to be. With that, my coaches were a big part of it getting my name out there and helping me get to the next level. Then my 16U year at OHC, I was focused on our team winning games and having another great season. Personally though, I was trying my best every day to get better by pushing myself so I can reach the next level and be able to compete and stand out. This past season was huge in my development. I feel like I got so much better this past season and it was just a great time. The team was great and everyone made me compete even harder. My coaches have helped me to get this tender so much and they are a big part of why I got the chance to tender there.

“The team is new, and I’ve seen so much of the cool stuff that they do and it looks like a great atmosphere up there in Greeley. All the players up there are so skilled and the team made it to playoffs this season for their first time and I am hoping I can help the team to make it to playoffs next year. Another big part was that it is still in Colorado and I wouldn’t be super far from home, which is great.”

Born in Plano Tex., Makowski and his family moved to Parker when he was four years old. That’s where hockey took hold.

“My dad took me to a hockey shop and I tried on some inline skates and I just loved it,” Makowski said. “I started playing inline hockey for a couple of years and then I made the switch to ice hockey and never looked back.”

Makowski started off by playing with the Arapahoe Warriors for two years of 8U. He then went to the Littleton Hawks for his last year of 8U hockey and stayed through his 14U AA year.

“The best coaches I had there were all of them, but the ones who really helped me were Jason Gour and Brian TenEyck,” said Makowski. “They played a huge role in my development.”

Makowski wound up at OHC for his 15U and 16U years.

“Those were the best two seasons of hockey ever,” Makowski said. “All of my coaches at OHC were all great to me, but David Clarkson, John Mitchell and Richard Matvichuk have helped me so much to get to the next level.”

Looking ahead, Makowski is going to assess all his choices.

“My short-term goals are to play for the Regina Pats in the WHL next year or play for the Grit in the NAHL,” he said. “My long-term goals are to make my NCAA Division I commitment to a great school and have the potential to go play pro hockey.”

Photo/Tristan Romero

— Matt Mackinder

(April 21, 2025)