June 25, 2014

DENVER - Upon finishing his final year of eligibility with the University of Denver men's ice hockey team, defenseman David Makowski (St. Louis, Mo.) signed a one-year deal with the Hamilton Bulldogs, the American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens, on Wednesday.

"David's signing with the Montreal Canadiens organization is well deserved and earned by him," DU head coach Jim Montgomery said. "David is the type of person and player you win with, and his value will grow throughout his professional career."

The Pioneer standout ended his collegiate career with DU in March, leaving behind a four-year stint in which he scored 27 goals and contributed 66 assists in 142 games for the Crimson and Gold.

Makowski becomes the first Pioneer to sign a professional contract following the end of the 2013-14 season.

Prior to DU, Makowski played two seasons with the Green Bay Gamblers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), helping the team earn both the Clark Cup and Anderson Cup for playoff and regular-season championships, respectively, in 2009-10 with 41 points on 18 goals and 23 assists.

The St. Louis, Mo. native finished the season with the most goals and the second-most points in the league to earn both USHL Defenseman of the Year and All-USHL First Team honors.

The Gamblers also won the Anderson Cup in 2008-09, when Makowski collected All-USHL Second Team recognition after tabulating nine goals and 20 assists in 51 games.

Makowski began his professional career with the St. Louis Bandits of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) during the 2007-08 season. In his debut season, Makowski aided the Bandits in a successful run to the playoff championship with his four goals and 16 assists in 51 games.

In addition, Makowski played for Team USA, which won Gold at the 2008 World Junior A Challenge in Camrose, Alberta.