alumni

NHL star and Norris Trophy winner Cale Makar began his minor hockey journey with the Crowchild Blackhawks, one of the legacy associations that formed part of the Northwest Warriors. From humble beginnings at Crowchild Twin Arena, Makar rose through Calgary’s community hockey ranks on a path that would lead him to NHL stardom.

Drafted 4th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 2017, Cale quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensemen, earning the Calder Trophy (2020), Norris Trophy (2022, 2025), and Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP during the Avalanche’s Stanley Cup championship run in 2022.

His journey is featured in two Calgary Sun articles:

• "All Hail Cale": Inside Makar’s rise from Crowchild Twin Arena to Conn Smythe Trophy winner
• “It feels great to be back”: Makar brings the Stanley Cup to Crowchild Twin Arena

Cale’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible through hard work, dedication, and community hockey.

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