Following an illustrious minor hockey career in Chatham (now Miramichi City) he moved to Fredericton where he joined the high school’s Black Kats.In 1972-73 he scored 76 points in just 23 games! He then moved to the Ontario Hockey Association where he averaged 70 points per season.Like his Hall of Fame name-sake, Joe Malone (no relation) he had that special talent that is peculiar to goal scorers.No wonder that Pittsburgh made him their second choice in the 1976 draft. During his eleven-year career he amassed 501 points in 704 games and was twice recognized by his team and adopted city for his sportsmanship, perseverance and dedication to hockey. Further proof of the superiority of nurture over nature was the selection by the Penguins of his son, Ryan, in the 1999 amateur draft. Enrolled in the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame, June 3rd, 2000.