Over the next 2 weeks we are going to be taking a look at the players who were released on our protected list for 2023-2024. This weekly series will be a reflection of who these players are, where they have come from, and what makes us excited to bring them back to Macon. Help us welcome Right Winger/Center Branden Makara.
Makara, a 26-year-old from Ottawa, ON, came to Macon after a trade with the Pensacola Ice Flyers at the end of the 2022-2023 season.
The right handed winger began his career playing for the Ottawa Junior 67’s in the Ontario Elite Hockey League where he over 105 games from u14-u18 Branden was able to post 95 points over those 4 seasons. At the tail end of 2013-14 Makara moved on to the Gloucester Rangers of the CCHL where he played one game. Branden stayed in Gloucester going into 2014-15 where he put up 8 points in 21 games before moving on once again to the Cumberland Grads where over a season and a half he was able to post 73 points in 85 games including 30 goals.
Choosing a college sent Makara to Colorado College for two seasons playing 65 games with 13 points to his credit. After 2 seasons however Branden went back to his home country and the University of Ottawa in USports where he played 16 games with 7 points before turning pro this season. Makara signed with Pensacola and played 25 games with 9 points before being loaned to the Orlando Solar Bears where he put up 3 points in 16 games over the season.
Coach Niedert made the move at the end of the season to acquire the versatile winger/center. Branden should play a big role for the Mayhem moving forward.
Keep an eye out every Thursday for another look at one of our returning players!