Late-round Storm brewing
Guelph Storm rookie defenseman Nolan Makkonen is proof that the Ontario Hockey League draft can be a difficult yet rewarding science.
A lowly ninth-round pick of the Storm at the 2015 draft, the 1999 birth-year defenseman moved up to the OHL and Guelph from the Soo Eagles of the Northern Ontario Jr. Hockey League on January 10 of this year. He has since taken a regular shift for Guelph, which is in last place in the Western Conference in the second season of a major rebuilding project.
The 6-foot, 183-pound Makkonen was selected by Guelph on the recommendation of its Sault Ste. Marie-based scout Jimmy Mancuso.
A strong kid with a good right-handed shot, Makkonen had been a steady and dependable defenseman with the NOJHL Eagles before getting the call from Guelph and signing with the OHL Storm.
A defensive-minded defender who skates well and who plays what has been called a “smart game,” Makkonen has 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points in 14 games with Guelph thus far this season. Ironically, he also had 1 goal, 3 assists, 4 points with the NOJHL Eagles — but in 34 games.
As he continues to get used to the faster pace of the OHL, Makkonen has earned the praise of Guelph head coach Jarrod Skalde.
“He’s an honest player who competes hard,” Skalde said of Makkonen. “He’s done a good job and we are looking ahead to what he can do for us next year and beyond.”
Indeed, the future looks bright for the Storm, which, including Makkonen, has no less than ten 1999 birth-year players on its roster.
Meanwhile, veteran Guelph general manager Mike Kelly noted that Makkonen “has taken advantage of the opportunity that has been presented him and has played some quality minutes for us. We like him.”
Makkonen’s former boss with the NOJHL Eagles, co-coach/general manager Bruno Bragagnolo said “there was never a doubt in our minds that Nolan was ready to play in the OHL. Guelph has got itself a good defenseman and a character kid. He’s a smart kid and he knows how to play the game.”
PHOTO: Rookie defenseman Nolan Makkonen of the Guelph Storm. (Photo by Ali Pearson.)
Nolan is a quality person, great family. He will not be outworked or take shortcuts to become a solid OHL defender with Guelph. He wants to be in Guelph long term and see success with the Storm .
“9th-Round Steal” and . . . another local kid that the ‘Hounds missed out on.
Guelph hasn’t been the dynasty-type team since losing the Memorial Cup final to Edmonton three years ago. I’m assuming they’ll pick first overall again….