DenverPioneers.com

David Makowski had just played what he believed was his best game of the season, perhaps even his entire University of Denver career, and yet the point-hoarding defenseman was having a difficult time feeling good about it.

In fact, Makowski was having trouble feeling anything at all. Something clearly was wrong.

Just a few nights earlier, about midway through the 2011-12 season, Makowski turned in the sort of performance that has become common since he first donned a DU jersey, registering two assists to help lead a 3-1 win against Union. Yet Makowski also was the recipient of a hit that left him out of sorts.

Although the play seemed routine, Makowski experienced blurred vision the following night against Air Force. Makowski never considered the hit would be something that would sideline him long, let alone the final half of the season, yet that's exactly what happened.

One year later, Makowski has re-established himself as one of the top-scoring defensemen in the nation, a trait the Pioneers hope will make a difference as they host North Dakota for a key Western Collegiate Hockey Association series.

"I feel great now and I don't have any issues with it," Makowski said. "It hasn't affected my game at all, which is really good. It's nice being healthy and being able to contribute to the team like I was before I got hurt last year and as a freshman."

Before the hit he endured against Union, Makowski had been dealing with migraine headaches. The concussion only served to magnify the situation. Figuring at first that the worst-case scenario would keep him on the sidelines for a couple weeks, Makowski grew increasingly frustrated as the headaches refused to go away.

A few weeks soon turned into months. In the end, Makowski missed the entire second half of the season, 23 games in all. With the long-term effects from concussions becoming more clear and detailed, Makowski was forced to practice caution, even if it meant missing DU's run to the WCHA title game and berth in the NCAA tournament.

"One of the benefits of taking my time was that I could take the whole summer to kind of ease back into it," Makowski said. "I skated a lot over the summer and played a lot, so it was easier to make that transition. I had a good support team with my family, friends, and teammates, which helped out. But it was really tough. It's a lot tougher than most people think it is."

Two years ago Makowski was named to the All-WCHA rookie team after posting six goals and 24 assists. Makowski made an immediate impact on DU's special teams, scoring five of his goals during power-play chances and scoring the sixth shorthanded.

Before the injury last year Makowski was scoring at a similar clip-he produced 12 points in 20 games-and the layoff hasn't tainted his scoring touch. Heading into the showdown against North Dakota, Makowski shares the team lead with 16 assists while ranking fourth on the club with 22 points. As usual, Makowski has been a force on the power play, scoring five of his six goals with a man advantage.

And the most important stat of all? Zero headaches.

"It was good that we took the time and took it slow," Makowski said. "It's good that we made sure everything was all right," Makowski said.

Follow Pat Rooney on Twitter: @prooney07