The Kent-based Seattle Thunderbirds hired Taylor Makin as an assistant coach.

Makin has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach with the Brooks (Alberta) Bandits of the British Columbia Hockey League. Makin will join the staff of head coach Matt O’Dette and assistant coach Carter Cochrane for the 2024-2025 season.

“We are excited to welcome Taylor and his family to the Thunderbirds organization,” said head coach Matt O’Dette in a T-Birds media release. “Taylor is a great fit for our team. He comes with championship experience, and values that align with the T-Birds organization. Taylor is a fantastic addition to our coaching staff, and we can’t wait to get started working towards our team goals.”

Makin played six seasons combined from 2008 to 2013 with the Prince George Cougars and Vancouver Giants of the Western Hockey League, the same league as the T-Birds. He moved into a season with the Bandits before playing five seasons with Acadia University in Nova Scotia. After graduation, Makin spent a year in France and concluded his playing career in 2020 with the Evansville (Indiana) Thunderbolts in a professional independent league.

Makin replaces Matt Marquardt, who left the team after three years to pursue other hockey opportunities, according to the T-Birds.

The T-Birds home opener is Saturday, Sept. 28 against the Wenatchee Wild at the accesso ShoWare Center.