Former El Paso Goaltender Macko Makes College Commitment

The El Paso Rhinos of the North American 3 Hockey League (NA3HL) are proud to announce that goaltender Brayden Macko has committed to play ACHA Division II college hockey for St. Thomas University (Miami Gardens, Florida).

During the 2025-26 season in the NA3HL, the Naperville, Illinois native was a reliable backstop for the Rhinos across the 27 games that he started in. Macko boasted an impressive record of 18-4-4.

The 2005 birth year showed tremendous improvement from his first season with the Rhinos to the second. In his second season with the team, he lowered his goals against average by over one and a half goals.

The 6-foot-3 netminder’s .908 save percentage in the 2025-26 season left him ranked 11th across all goalies in the league in save percentage. 

Another impressive feat that Macko achieved this season was recording three shutouts, two of which came in back-to-back games. On Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 Macko stopped all 47 shots that he faced across the two games against the Tulsa Oilers. 

In February of 2026, Macko was selected to compete in the Top Prospects Tournament. The tournament consisted of the best uncommitted players in NA3HL and the NAHL. Macko represented the NA3HL on team Gold. 

"We couldn't be happier for Macko. He is a great young man on and off the ice, St Thomas is getting a gamer he will be a huge piece to their building process,” said El Paso Rhinos Head Coach Alec Sherman. “He can steal you games with his composure and his compete levels. We are very excited to see him continue his development in South Florida!" 

Macko is the only player from the El Paso Rhinos to make a college commitment this season.