Mason City, IA – North Iowa Bulls forward & Captain Mike Malatino has committed to play NCAA College Hockey at Amherst College in Amherst, Massachusetts.
Malatino arrived to Mason City in 2024 after a successful prep school career at the Albany Academy, captaining the Cadets in his senior year. In his first junior hockey season, Malatino earned an Assistant Captain’s letter, scoring 17 goals & 13 assists for 30 points in 45 games.
This season, wearing the Captain’s C, the Bethlehem, NY, native has enjoyed a record setting season. In 57 games, Malatino has 27 goals and 33 assists for 60 points, the most productive scoring season in the Bulls’ NAHL history. He’s piled up 11 power play goals this season, a Bulls’ NAHL record.
Across his 103 game North American Hockey League career, 102 of which spent with the Bulls, Malatino has 44 goals, 46 assists, and 90 points to his name. The 44 goals are a Bulls’ NAHL career record. The 46 assists are 4th in Bulls history. The 90 points are 2nd all time behind only Logan Dombrowsky. 19 of Malatino’s goals were struck on the power play, the most career power play goals in Bulls’ NAHL history.
“The word that comes to mind is thankful,” said Malatino. “Thankful to be a part of this family, this group. Thankful for everyone in this organization; staff, coaches. It really does take a village. And without them, none of this would be possible.”
Malatino was one of three Bulls selected to the 2026 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament, where he notched a shorthanded assist in two games at the USA Hockey Arena in Plymouth, Michigan.
Amherst College is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. Founded in 1821, the Amherst Mammoths claim the oldest continuously operated collegiate athletic program in the country, dating back to 1859. The Mammoth’s men’s hockey team competes in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC). Amherst has won three NESCAC Championships and reached the NCAA DIII Frozen Four twice, most recently in 2015.