AthleteCanadian1998 – present

Cale Makar

Elite NHL defenseman, Stanley Cup champion, Calder Trophy winner

Biography

Cale Makar (born October 30, 1998) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player who has emerged as one of the sport's elite defensemen. Selected 4th overall in the 2017 NHL Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, Makar made an immediate impact upon entering the league in 2019-20. He was awarded the Calder Trophy as NHL Rookie of the Year in 2021, becoming only the second defenseman to win the award in the modern era. Makar's combination of offensive skill, defensive prowess, and physical presence redefined expectations for young blueliners entering professional hockey. In 2022, he helped lead the Avalanche to the Stanley Cup championship, cementing his place among the game's elite. Standing 6'1" with exceptional skating ability and hockey intelligence, Makar continues to develop into a generational talent. His success at such a young age has made him one of Canadian hockey's brightest stars and a prominent figure in the NHL's future.

The Name Cale

Cale Makar represents the modern generation of athletes bearing the name, bringing contemporary prominence to Cale through his exceptional performance in professional ice hockey.

Other Famous Cales

Cale Yarborough

Three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, four-time Daytona 500 winner

Athlete

Quick Facts

Cale

Hebrew origin

“A streamlined, one-syllable diminutive most commonly derived from Caleb (Hebrew 'devotion to God') or from Celtic/Germanic roots meaning 'powerful' or 'mighty.' Cale's brevity and punchy sound make it feel contemporary and energetic. It works as a standalone name with strong presence despite its simplicity.”