READING, Pa. - Minnesota State defenseman and assistant captain Tony Malinowski signed a Standard Player Contract (SPC) with the Reading Royals, ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers on Thursday. 

Malinowski, 24, opens his professional career in Reading after five seasons with the Mavericks. The Clarkston, Michigan native registered four points (four assists), four penalty minutes and a plus-2 rating in 13 games this season.

He also totaled 14 points (2-12--14), 18 penalty minutes and a plus-18 rating in 77 collegiate games. As a freshman in 2019-20, Malinowski was teammates with former Royal Charlie Gerard. He was part of the Mavericks' 2020-21 and 2021-22 Frozen Four runs, including an NCAA National Championship appearance against Denver where MSU was runner-up.

Prior to Minnesota State, Malinowski played two seasons in the United States Hockey League (USHL) from 2017-19 where he totaled 17 points (2-15--17), 49 penalty minutes and a plus-9 rating in 88 career games between the Tri-City Storm and the Des Moines Buccaneers.

"We are excited for Tony to continue his career," said head coach Luke Strand. "His length and puck moving ability should translate well to professional hockey. We couldn't be happier for him."

Malinowski is the second 2023-24 Maverick to sign a professional contract this week, joining senior captain Sam Morton (Calgary Flames/Calgary Wranglers).