DENVER — Mario Ferraro isn’t surprised that Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar — his former teammate at UMass-Amherst — is a leading candidate for the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie this season.
Makar, too, isn’t surprised that Ferraro, despite a more modest resume, has made an impression in his own rookie season in San Jose.
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“I’ve never seen a guy battle harder in games, and in practices especially,” Makar said of Ferraro. “He pushes the level to compete, and that’s the reason why he’s able to play in the NHL.”
Thursday’s game between the Sharks and Avalanche will mark the first time Ferraro and Makar have played against each other as professionals.