Indians' Malone an Offensive Threat

As if winning a New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) state championship as a junior wasn't enough, 's Jay Malone has become one of the Shore Conference's most prolific offensive threats.

Through Wednesday night's loss against the Howell Rebels, team captain Malone had 17 goals and 10 assists, despite playing in only 12 games so far, while most teams have played at least 15.

"What makes Jay [Malone] special," Indians head coach Bill McKinnon said, "is his ability to play big in big games, as he did against Howell in both games this season."

Perhaps Malone's best performance of the season was a hat trick against the Rebels on Jan. 4 at Gold Coast Arena in Wall. In a tie game after two periods, Malone scored two of his three goals in the final period to lead the Indians to the 6-3 win.

"One of the best parts of our team last year," McKinnon said, "was our ability to out-play teams in the third period. He [Malone] is a big part of that."

As the Indians prepare for post-season play, Malone is part of a prolific line, along with seniors Todd Unger and Jesse LeGrand. While Malone is often shadowed by defenders, he has no problem dishing out the puck.

Clearly, if Toms River South wants to have the same post-season success they had last year, it will have to go through the same number nine.