Mason City, IA- North Iowa Bulls forward Mike Malatino was named the NAHL’s Central Division Star of the Week for the week of September 15th to 21st.
The Bethlehem, NY, native posted two goals and two assists for four points to power the Bulls to a season opening sweep of the Minot Minotauros. On Friday night, Malatino dished out an assist on Vitali Korolyuk’s breakaway goal for his first point of the season. He scored the next two goals of the game to put North Iowa ahead for good and earn the season’s first win in the season’s first game. The next night, Malatino set up Denis Kuzmenkov for his first career NAHL goal. North Iowa ultimately emerged with a 5-4 shootout win over Minot.
After the Bulls’ first week, Malatino ranks atop the NAHL with 2 points per game. Dating back to last season, the Empire State skater has scored at least one point in seven of his last nine games.
“Mike’s leadership, both on and off the ice, has put himself and our group in a position to succeed every weekend,” said North Iowa Bulls Head Coach Nick Bruneteau. “His ability to produce on both ends of the rink was on full display this weekend, demonstrating the complete player he is. We look forward to his continued success this season.”
The Bulls are 2-0 to open the 2025-26 regular season and will take the ice for three games in Blaine, MN.