Shay Maloney didn't come into the league with big expectations on her shoulders, but she's been making an impact, quite literally, every time she steps on the ice with the PWHL's Boston Fleet.
Shay Maloney didn't come into the league with big expectations on her shoulders, but she's been making an impact, quite literally, every time she steps on the ice with the PWHL's Boston Fleet.
Shay Maloney wasn't drafted to be a top line scorer, although she's contributed offensively early with the PWHL's Boston Fleet. Instead, she was selected as a physical checking line forward who could help shift momentum.
She's done all that was expected of her and more, including scoring her first career PWHL goal in Tuesday's 3-2 Fleet win.
“It’s great, I think we win when our best players score goals, and Shay has been a tremendous addition to our team," said head coach Courtney Kessel. "Offensively, obviously scoring goals, but also the mentality that she has brought here.”
Drafted in the 6th round, 34th overall by the Fleet, Maloney cracking Boston's roster was no sure thing. In particular, there was skepticism surrounding her status after Maloney went to Sweden to start the season, and had a dreadful offensive start recording only one goal, her only point, in 14 games.
When she arrived at Boston's camp, and in the two preseason games she played, Maloney hit everything that moved leading the preseason in hits, and sitting among league leaders in the statistic through the opening weeks of the season. Not only that, but with two points in her first four games, Maloney has already surpassed her totals from the SDHL to open the year.
It's an impact that's been noticed not only by her coach, but by her teammates as well.
“When Shay came here, I feel like she always had a physical style, you saw that right away as she created advantages," said Boston forward Hannah Brandt. "I knew right away that she would fit into this league, obviously because physicality is huge, and she has been great getting plays going and scoring a goal was huge. She’s been working really hard, and it has been fun to watch her, and she has a really bright future in this league.”
Maloney, 25, spent last season in Sweden as well recording 20 points in 36 games for Leksands. Prior to that she spent five seasons in the NCAA including captaining Brown University as a senior and recording a career high 31 points in 40 games as a graduate player for Quinnipiac.
The Boston Fleet return to action December 27 in Toronto.