Playing for the first time in 17 days, the Toms River South Indians (8-3-1, no. 14) came up short in a 3-2 loss to the Howell Rebels (13-5, no. 32) in a divisional match-up, Wednesday night at Winding River Skating Center in Toms River.
Captain Jay Malone scored his 17th goal of the season in the first period after the Indians fell down 2-0 and Todd Unger scored a short-handed goal, putting in his own rebound, later in the third period to make it a 3-2 game.
In the end, Toms River South didn't have enough firepower to match the Rebels.
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"When kids come out after a long lay-off, its up to the coach to get them prepared," Toms River South coach Bill McKinnon said, "Hopefully now we'll get into a rythym of playing almost every other day and it'll be a little easier of a task for us."
In a back-and-forth first period, the Indians eventually watched Howell jump out to a 2-0 lead on goals from senior Eddie Pyskaty and Greg Buckley.
Find out what's happening in Toms Riverwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
After Mike Kochenash scored on a breakaway for Howell in the second period, Malone hit Unger in the final stanza while on the penalty kill. Although the senior was stoned on the initial attempt, his rebound shot deflected off Rebels' netminder Zack Peras and into the net, cutting the lead to 3-2.
Pat Kearny made 19 saves in the loss for Toms River South. The loss was the Indians first since they fell to Brick, 3-1, on Jan. 11.
The Indians took two penalties on the night -- both committed by Jesse LeGrand -- but the penalty kill looked strong, killing off both and adding a goal as well.
In their first match-up, Toms River South topped Howell, 6-3 at Wall before the Rebels took the second end of the season series between the top two teams in Shore 'B'.
"When we look on paper we kind of pick Howell to be the strongest team in the division," McKinnon said, "So when we look at the overall fact that we split the season series with them, you have to say as a coach your happy."
As both teams prepare for the Handchen Cup, a tournament between Shore 'A' and 'B' teams, McKinnon notes that both his Indians and the Rebels could make a run.
"I think both of us will represent the Shore 'B' division very well."
Still, the Indians head coach thinks it won't be the last time these teams meet up in 2011.
"I think it'd be nice for us to face each other sometime down the road, whether it be in the Handchen Cup or in states."
Toms River South will take the ice once again on Friday, Feb. 4, as they take on the cross-town rival Toms River North at 6:30 p.m.
