NASHVILLE, TN (June 29, 2023) – Brooks Bandits forward Hudson Malinoski has been selected in the 5th round of the 2023 National Hockey League Entry Draft, going 153rd overall to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Malinoski (Saskatoon, SK) tallied 69 points (16G, 53A) in 44 games in the 2022-23 regular season, which was third amongst all AJHL Rookies. His 53 assists was second most in the AJHL, while he carried the highest points per game average amongst all AJHL first year players with 1.57. The centre was a finalist for the AJHL Rookie of the Year Award and represented Team Canada West at the 2022 World Junior A Challenge.
The Providence (NCAA Division I) commit was a finalist for the Canadian Junior Hockey League (CJHL) Top Rookie Award.
In 15 AJHL Playoff games, the centre had 7 points (3G, 4A), and added 10 points (4G, 6A) in 6 games at the 2023 Centennial Cup, helping the Bandits win their fourth National Championship.
Malinoski joins Cale Makar (Colorado, 4th overall in 2017), Parker Foo (Chicago 144th overall in 2017), Corson Ceulemans (Columbus, 25th overall in 2021) and Taylor Makar (Colorado, 220th overall in 2021) as Bandits to be drafted directly into the NHL.
Brooks Bandits 2023-24 Season Tickets are on sale, visit brooksbandits.ca for more information.