June 19, 2015 (Dallas) The JR Stars announced on Friday that Chris Mallon (G) has committed to play for the ACHA Division 1 Robert Morris University (Chicago) Eagles. Mallon (6'3", 195lbs) a native of Burnsville, Minnesota played for the JR Stars both years the Club has been in existence and backstopped the team to the South Division title in the inaugural 2013/14 season.
"Chris and his dad drove down to Dallas for our August camp that first year and was just exceptional all weekend long" said JR Stars' GM Reggie Hall. "He was big, mobile and made saves that many goalies just couldn't make. We knew from the first game that he was special and we needed to get him signed" continued Hall.
Mallon was indeed a difference maker for the team and kept them in games while the search for more players continued that first year. He was routinely facing 40+ shots each night and just quietly making a name for himself around the Division and League. He helped form the nucleus of the team that would make an unexepected playoff run that saw the JR Stars win two playoff series and advance to the NA3HL Silver Cup Championship that first season surprising almost everyone except the guys wearing the "Victory Green".
During the 13/14 South Division playoffs, Mallon went 3-1 with a 2.74 GAA and a .914 save percentage. He shut down the high flying Topeka Capitals in the Division Finals allowing the JR Stars to win the series clinching Game 3 in OT, on the road.
Mallon was one of only two players to return this past season and he returned in fine form as he again shouldered the majority of minutes for the JR Stars until a concussion sidelined him for a month during the middle part of the season. He still played well enough to be selected to the South Division Top Prospects squad in January.
"Chris is a quality young man and has a very high compete level" said Hall. "He got a lot of looks this season as he again faced a lot of shots with our Club. I am thrilled for him to have the opportunity to continue to play at RMU" continued Hall.
For his part Mallon understands the importance of the experience he received while with the JR Stars. "I am excited to continue my hockey career at Robert Morris as RMU is one of the top programs in the country. I would not have this opportunity without the support and guidance from the JR Stars organization and staff. They pushed me to maintain focus and be my best each day, especially when dealing with adversity" said Mallon.
The JR Stars are an affiliate of the Coulee Region Chill (NAHL) and will conduct Main Camp in Euless, Texas August 14-16. For information or to register please visit www.starsjrhockey.com.