ITHACA, N.Y. — Senior defenseman Sam Malinski was named a Second Team East All-American, the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA) announced Friday night.

Malinski is the 34th member of the Cornell men's hockey team to earn All-American status, and the first since Morgan Barron and Yanni Kaldis following the 2019-20 season.

This past season, Malinski recorded 26 points (eight goals, 18 assists) in 34 games for Cornell. His eight goals and 26 points were single-season highs, while his 18 assists matched his output from the 2021-22 season. All three of Malinski's offensive figures (eight goals, 18 assists, and 26 points) led all Big Red defensemen.

His 26 points were the most by a Cornell defenseman since Yanni Kaldis had a 28-point season (four goals, 24 assists) in 2018-19.

A two-time All-ECAC First Team selection, Malinski became the sixth Cornell defenseman to earn first team honors in consecutive years, and was the first since Doug Murray in 2001-02 and 2002-03.

The Lakeville, Minn., native registered points in 10 straight games during a span from Dec. 30 to Feb. 4. It was tied with Matt Moulson for the second-longest streak by a Big Red player under Mike Schafer '86. It was also the second-longest streak by a Division I defenseman this year, trailing Boston University's Lane Hutson (11 games).

In 91 career games with the Big Red, Malinski had 65 points (17 goals, 48 assists), while posting a plus-43 rating. He also blocked 97 shots during his time donning Carnelian Red.

Malinski signed a two-year contract with the Colorado Avalanche on March 30, and is currently playing with the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche's AHL affiliate. Over his four AHL games, Malinski has recorded three points (two goals, one assist). He netted his first professional goal in his first AHL game against the Coachella Valley Firebirds on April 1.