Veteran Bobcat Defenseman Malinski Commits to Cornell
ITHACA, NY — The Bismarck Bobcats 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 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 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.”
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.
On the ice, the Bobcats will host the Austin Bruins for two critical home games starting Friday at the VFW Sports Center and wrapping up on Saturday with the Bobcats’ sixth annual Teddy Bear Toss Night.
Fans can buy and print tickets 24 hours a day at BismarckBobcats.com or by clicking “Shop Now” on the team Facebook page for the Thanksgiving weekend games.
Live coverage for both contests starts at 6:45pm on Super Talk 1270 AM, the radio home of Bobcat Hockey, and at HockeyTV.com, the official web television partner of the NAHL.
Pro-rated season tickets for the 2018-19 campaign are still available and make a great gift this holiday season; lock in your seats for the remaining home schedule today: sign up at BismarckBobcats.com/seasontickets or call 222-3300 for more information!