Bismarck forward Malinski makes NCAA DI commitment | North American Hockey League | NAHL
Menu
North American Hockey League logo North American Hockey League
The League of Opportunity NAHL Combines NA3HL USA Hockey T1ER NAPHL
Download on the App Store
Download on Google Play

Bismarck forward Malinski makes NCAA DI commitment

December 12, 2018

By Paul Teeple, Bismarck Bobcats

The Bismarck Bobcats of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that second-year defenseman Sam Malinski has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey at Cornell University starting in the fall of 2019.
 
“It definitely feels good to know what my future holds,” stated Malinski, who joined the Bobcats in January of 2018. “Playing NCAA Division I hockey has been a goal of mine for as long as I can remember and it’s a big relief to achieve it so early in the season. Being committed won’t change my mentality going forward because the ultimate goal for this year is to win a Robertson Cup.”
 
An alternate captain for the Bobcats, Malinski is second on the team and second among all NAHL defensemen in scoring with eight goals and 14 assists for 22 points through 25 appearances.
 
His offensive breakout in 2018-19 after just 10 points on one goal and nine assists in 29 appearances a season ago helped the former Lakeville (Minn.) South Cougar storm his way onto the Division I radar this fall.
 
"I think Sammy is one of the best puck-moving defenseman in the league,” credited Bobcats head coach and general manager Layne Sedevie, “and when you combine that with his shot and his competitiveness you get a player that is going to have a lot of success in college hockey.”
 
Malinski was named the NAHL's Defenseman of the Month for October. The 5’11/185 lbs. native of Lakeville, Minnesota, led the Bobcats in scoring during the month with eight points (5 goals, 3 assists) in just six games. Malinski recorded at least a point in five of the six outings and had three multi-point games.
 
The Big Red is coached by Mike Schafer, who is in his 24th season behind the bench in Ithaca, has a career record of 437-248-91 and has guided Cornell to 11 NCAA Tournament appearances—reaching the Frozen Four in 2003. Cornell is currently ranked 20th in both the USCHO and USA Today Division I polls.
 
“Cornell was the obvious choice for me because it is a top notch school and consistently has a great hockey program and staff,” added Malinski. “It was easy for me to see that Cornell was the perfect fit.
 
With Malinski’s choice, the 2018-19 Bobcats 11 players currently committed to D-I programs: Malinski (Cornell), Jacob Marti (Air Force), Mitch Walinski (Air Force), John Roberts (Northern Michigan), Adam Stacho (AIC), Hunter Johannes (AIC), Julian Timba (AIC), Kirklan Irey (Bemidji State), George Grannis (Clarkson), Christian Brune (Merrimack) and Andy Stoneman (St. Lawrence). Eleven active-roster Division I commitments ties the franchise record set in 2009-10.

Click here for an udpated NAHL to NCAA commitment list

 

 
Bauer True Temper Hockey USA Hockey
USPA Hockeyak Warroad Howies Hockey Tape Lettermen Sports DASH Digital Auction Showdown K1 Sportswear Official Game Puck
HockeyWolf Bethel University Avis Car Rental Budget Car Rental Ace Rent A Car
Neutral Zone CaptainU NSC Super Rink Source One Digital
Let's Play Hockey Let's Play Hockey USA Hockey Magazine MYHockey Rankings