Shay Maloney has enjoyed a distinguished hockey career, from her early involvement in boys’ youth hockey leagues to her time playing for Brown University, and now her selection by Boston in the Professional Women’s Hockey League draft. Despite facing various challenges as a women’s ice hockey player, she has demonstrated resilience and achieved notable success in the sport.
Maloney has expressed her enthusiasm for continuing to play and joining a league that has been pivotal in the advancement of women’s hockey. The PWHL has provided a platform for young girls to aspire to beyond college, which is highly inspiring for Maloney.
Being drafted by PWHL Boston in the sixth round, Maloney takes pride in being the first alumna of Brown University to be selected in the PWHL draft. She considers Boston to be like a second home and is looking forward to the opportunity to continue playing there.
During her time at Brown University, Maloney also held the position of team captain and received two consecutive team MVP awards. Her college experience was made even more special by the presence of her older brother at Brown.
Due to NCAA’s eligibility rules related to COVID, Maloney was able to compete in the 2022-2023 season with the Quinnipiac Bobcats after the cancellation of the 2020-2021 season. She then seized the exciting opportunity to play in the Swedish Women’s Hockey League for Leksand, where she gained valuable experience and honed her skills, adapting to the physicality of the game and experiencing a different style of hockey.
Following her time in Europe, Maloney is now looking forward to returning to the East Coast and continuing to refine her game in the PWHL. She views the league as the premier women’s hockey league in the world and is eager to compete at that level and be surrounded by a wealth of talent.
As she begins her rookie season in Boston, Maloney continues to hold Providence close to her heart. She treasures the memories and friendships she made during her time there and eagerly anticipates visiting whenever possible.
Maloney foresees further growth and development in her game as she competes in the PWHL. She acknowledges that her experiences at both Brown and Quinnipiac have prepared her for this new chapter, instilling in her valuable life lessons, work ethic, and resilience.
Overall, Maloney’s journey from college ice hockey to PWHL Boston is a testament to her dedication, passion, and determination. It is evident that she is poised for continued success as she embraces the next phase of her hockey career.