It didn’t take long for Beaver Valley Nitehawks alumnus Judah Makway to get his first NCAA point with the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolves.
The freshman (first-year) collected an assist against Bemidji State on Oct. 3. His first goals were important – game-winners against Bentley University, then Stonehill, who he scored twice against. That first goal came on Nov. 15.
“It’s always a good feeling to get that first one of the season and it felt even better to get it at this level where goals don’t come easily,” says Makway.
In 12 games, the 6-3, 190-pound forward has 25 shots with 23 penalty minutes.
“Judah has done an excellent job adjusting to the pace and strength needed to play at this level. You can see his confidence growing each game,” says Seawolves head coach Matt Shasby. “He is the perfect example of someone who loves the game and might have been a late bloomer, who I predict will be at NHL development camps this summer. We are very excited about his future.”
Makway noted there are always areas where he feels he can be better and “areas where I am still learning and adjusting, but overall I like where my game is at.”
Makway played a season in the Kootenay International Junior Hockey League with his hometown Nitehawks in 2021-22, posting 13 goals and 33 points in 33 games. Makway’s brothers Asher and Hudson play for the Castlegar Rebels. Makway says his time in the KIJHL helped him adjust to the physicality of Junior hockey.
“I enjoyed my year in Beaver Valley,” he says. “I had some great teammates and coaches there who gave me every opportunity to be successful in the future.”
