North Iowa Captain Malatino makes NCAA Commitment

The North Iowa Bulls of the North American Hockey League (NAHL) are proud to announce that forward Michael Malatino has committed to play NCAA hockey for Amherst College in the NESCAC.

The 5-foot-10 righty from New York, Michael Malatino, will join the Mammoths in Amherst, Massachusetts, in the fall. The captain is a second-year veteran of the Bulls, skating over 100 games with the North Iowa team. This season, the ‘05 skater played in every game for the Bulls, notching a team-leading 64 points in 59 games played. Malatino ranked second on his roster with 28 tallies, while he sat third overall with 36 points on the season. He led his team on the man advantage, scoring 11 power-play goals and recording four game-winning goals. His offensive prowess on both ends of the ice ranks him first on the Bulls with his +15 rating on the year. In addition, the New York native showed up on the scoresheet in 42 out of 59 games played this season. He secured 15 multi-point games while playing in the Central Division this year. His work on the ice had him recognized as a Top Prospect at the 2026 Top Prospects Tournament on the Central Division team.

In his first full season with the Bulls, Malatino laced up in 45 games for the Bulls. He scored 17 goals, while making 13 assists for North Iowa. Three of his tallies were named game-winners in contests, and eight of his goals were notched on the man advantage.

The 5-foot-10 righty shares what the organization meant to him during his tenure with the Central Division team.

“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 is one of seven members of the North Iowa Bulls to make a college ice hockey commitment.

Click here for an updated NAHL to NCAA commitment list