Amarillo defenseman Malakyan makes NCAA commitment

The Amarillo Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are excited to announce that Top Prospects defenseman Gagik Malakyan has committed to play NCAA Division III hockey for Hobart College.

Malakyan, 20, is the most recent Bull to make his college commitment to play college hockey, bringing the total to 18 players from the 2019-20 squad to make a college commitment.

Amarillo Bulls Head Coach Rocky Russo had this to say on the versatile defenseman, “We are very happy for Gagik and his family. Hobart is a top end academic college with an excellent hockey program. I am confident that He will be able to step right in and make a positive impact for the hockey team and be a very successful student.”

The 6’3/203 lbs. native of Moscow, Russia, posted a career-high 15 points (2 goals, 13 assists) in 54 games played during the 2019-20 season.

He was also selected to and played in the 2020 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament for the South Division team.

Malakyan made his NAHL debut during the 2017-18 season with the Bulls. He played the entire 2018-19 season with the Bulls, appearing in 34 games and recording eight points. Overall in 91 career NAHL games, Malakyan recorded 23 points.

Prior to playing in the NAHL, Malakyan spent two seasons playing for the Dallas Stars Elite AAA 18U team.

“I’m honored to be going to Hobart William Smith College next fall to continue my education and hockey career,” said Malakyan. “I can’t thank Coach Russo enough for believing in me and giving me an opportunity through the whole season and helping me grow not only as a hockey player, but as a person. I’d also love to thank my parents and siblings for always being close to me. I also can’t thank my two awesome billet families enough for always making me feel like I’m at home.”

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list