Friends, Former Teammates set to Square-Off in College

Tonight, Schneider Arena in Providence, Rhode Island will see the battle of two teams ranked in the Top 10 of the NCAA D1 hockey rankings when the Providence College Friars (#10) host the University of Denver Pioneers (#2). Game time is 7 PM (ET). On the surface, it’s a tasty matchup of teams who’ve had early season success and have moved up the rankings after opening weekend wins. The Pioneers boast a 2-0 record while Providence comes in at 2-1.

For local hockey fans here in Saskatoon though, tonight’s matchup offers a different unique twist. The game will feature two Saskatoon Blazers Alumni facing off against each other when Boston Buckberger takes on Hudson Malinoski. Buckberger is in his Freshman season with the Pioneers while Malinoski is lacing them up with the Friars in his Freshman year. The two friends were last teammates with the Saskatoon Blazers during the 2020-21 Covid shortened season.

From that season, the two Saskatoon Minor Hockey products have ascended up to the NCAA ranks on somewhat similar paths. Buckberger joined the Brooks Bandits of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) for the ’21-’22 season where he won the Centennial Cup Championship. He was also named to the AJHL (South Division) All-Rookie Team. After winning the Canadian Championship with Brooks, he joined the Lincoln Stars of the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2022-23 season. He finished the regular season with 45 points (9 goals, 36 assists) in 62 games played to go along with 8 points (1 goal, 7 assist) in 9 playoff games on the Stars blue line. For his efforts, he received USHL Third All-Star Team honours.

Hudson Malinoski was named Captain of the Saskatoon Blazers for the ’21-’22 year and posted terrific offensive numbers when he tallied 31 goals and 29 assists for 60 points in 43 games played with the Blazers. He was named a Second Team All-Star in the Saskatchewan Male U18 AAA Hockey League and parlayed that season into a commitment with the Friars. Malinoski joined the Brooks Bandits for the 2022-23 season where he too was named to the AJHL (South) All-Rookie Team. He posted 16 goals and 53 assists in 44 regular season games with the Bandits and went on to have an outstanding Centennial Cup Championship where he notched 10 points in 6 games and helped Brooks win another National Title. During the ’22-’23 season, Malinoski also represented Canada in the World Junior A Challenge where he suited up for Canada West and registered 7 points (4 goals,3 assists) in 6 games.

Malinoski put a bow on his ’22-’23 season when the Toronto Maple Leafs made him a 5th Round Selection, 153rd overall in the 2023 NHL Entry Draft.

Fast forward to the present, and Malinoski is excited to face each other tonight in the college ranks. “Yeah I mean obviously I’ve grown up playing with and against Bucky my whole life and being good buddies, it’s pretty cool to go against him at this level.” 

Buckberger echoed Malinoski’s comments on tonight’s game. “I can’t wait to play Huddy. It’s going to feel weird lining up against him but it’s just cool to see how far we’ve both come. It will be a blast battling it out (tonight) Friday.”

Each player was able to achieve a milestone moment in their opening weekends of NCAA hockey. Boston scored his 1st NCAA goal in Game 1, on the road vs Alaska-Fairbanks in Fairbanks and finished the game with a goal and an assist. “The first one felt so cool, just to kind of get my feet under me and to have one find it’s way in, obviously makes you feel pretty good. But, more importantly, it was nice to score for the team and pitch in any way I could.”

Maloinoski’s first NCAA goal came in Game 2 for the Friars vs Michigan at Yost Arena in Anne Arbor. “I scored in the second game against Michigan and if felt unreal. I had a few chances earlier in the game and I thought I could’ve scored so when I saw that shot go in, it was definitely a relief and a great feeling.”

In talking with both players, it’s not hard to tell that they’re both excited for the opportunity that lies ahead tonight when they battle each other. At the same time though, each player has nothing but praise and admiration for the other’s game.

“I’m looking forward to playing Boston after seeing how he has excelled his game over the past few years into such a dominant player at every level he has played at.”

Boston Buckberger feels much the same. “It’s so cool to see how far Huddy has come, seeing him have a great year last year, getting drafted and now scoring his first goal at Michigan. He’s had an unreal last year and I can’t wait to see the big things he does this year!”

Hockey people around Saskatoon have been following Boston and Hudson’s achievements ever since they wrapped up their minor hockey careers in the Bridge City. None more so than Blazers current Vice President of Hockey Operations, Scott Scissons. Scissons was the Head Coach of the Blazers when Buckberger and Malinoski were both on the roster and said it’s always a proud moment for the Blazers Organization when watching Alumni.

“It’s a pretty satisfying scenario to see graduates and alumni continue their hockey careers and especially at these elevated levels. It’s a very special situation this weekend for these two players. We are very proud!”

Of course, what would a battle among friends be if there wasn’t something riding on the game? So, is there a friendly wager on tonight’s outcome? “I haven’t talked to Bucky about it, but I think there’s always a little bit of bragging rights that comes along with beating one of your buddies you have played with growing up.”

How about you Boston? “I’ll try and meet up with Huddy beforehand at the rink but I think just some bragging rights is always nice as I’m sure we will have some people following from home.”

Yes, yes you will have.