RELEASE | Former WHL, Professional Goaltender Makaj joins SFU

BURNABY, BC – The Simon Fraser University Red Leafs Hockey program is excited to announce the commitment of goaltender Jesse Makaj to the non-conference roster for the 2024.25 season.

Makaj, from Vancouver, BC, returns to North America to play for the Red Leafs after spending the 2024 season in Latvia and Estonia with the Eesti Hokiliiga’s HC Panter, posting a .906 save percentage in 17 games. Prior to playing professionally, Makaj recorded 60 games with the WHL’s Kootenay / Winnipeg Ice from 2018 to 2020, posting a combined .875 save percentage.

“He’s proven himself at every level he can except for this one,” said Head Coach Mark Coletta, “For him, this is a great opportunity to show he can compete against NCAA Division 1 competition.”

“He’s very talented and athletic, and I think his experience at the WHL level will benefit him when it comes to making the transition into college hockey.”

Makaj credits his play to his size and athletic ability, focusing on positioning to make hard saves look simple. He says he’s looking forward to studying communications in a high-class learning environment while working towards achieving his goal of signing a pro hockey contract after his time at SFU.

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