Penguins Welcome Brad Malone as Assistant Coach

The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins have bolstered their coaching staff with the addition of Brad Malone as an assistant coach. With an impressive 13-year professional hockey career and a recent foray into coaching that has already yielded remarkable success, Malone’s inclusion promises to bring a wealth of expertise, leadership, and fresh perspective to the Penguins’ bench.

A Stellar Playing Career

Malone’s credentials as a player speak for themselves. Over the course of 13 seasons, he played 552 American Hockey League (AHL) games and 217 National Hockey League (NHL) games, making him a seasoned veteran of the sport. Drafted in the fourth round (105th overall) of the 2007 NHL Entry Draft by the Colorado Avalanche, Malone spent his playing days with teams such as the Colorado Avalanche, Carolina Hurricanes, and Edmonton Oilers. His NHL career included 14 goals and 18 assists, while his AHL tenure saw him rack up 105 goals and 186 assists, amassing an impressive 291 points.

Malone also displayed remarkable leadership during his time with the Bakersfield Condors, where he served as team captain for four consecutive seasons. His ability to inspire teammates and lead from the front was apparent on and off the ice and will surely translate into his new coaching role for the Penguins.

Coaching Success with the Oshawa Generals

Following his retirement from playing, Malone transitioned to coaching with the Oshawa Generals of the Ontario Hockey League (OHL). Originally starting as a Player Development Coach, he was promoted to interim head coach mid-season, taking on the challenge of leading the Generals to new heights. Under his leadership, the team excelled, posting a regular-season record of 23-11-3-1 (.658) and a playoff run that culminated in an OHL final appearance as Eastern Conference Champions.

Malone’s rapid success in coaching underscores his deep understanding of the game, his ability to maximize player potential, and his knack for adapting to the pressures of high-stakes competition. These qualities make him an invaluable addition to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins’ coaching staff.

A Perfect Fit for the Penguins

The Penguins’ decision to add Malone to their coaching roster comes at a pivotal time, as the team looks to maintain its competitiveness while developing future NHL talent. His extensive experience as a player, combined with his proven leadership and burgeoning coaching credentials, positions Malone as a key figure in fostering the growth of the team’s players.

Malone’s ability to connect with players on a personal level, born from his own lengthy career in both the NHL and AHL, gives him unique insights into their challenges and aspirations. His tenure as captain of the Bakersfield Condors demonstrated his knack for cultivating team culture and accountability, traits that will no doubt resonate within the Penguins’ locker room.

Additionally, his coaching philosophy, shaped by his recent successes with the Oshawa Generals, aligns perfectly with the Penguins’ mission to train and develop players who are not only skilled but also disciplined and resilient—a hallmark for future NHL contributors.

Looking Ahead

Adding Brad Malone to their coaching lineup is not just a strategic move for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins but a clear signal of their commitment to excellence. With his rich playing history, proven leadership, and coaching acumen, Malone is poised to make a profound impact on the team.

The Penguins and their fans can look forward to the new insights and strategies Malone will bring to the bench. His track record suggests that he is more than capable of helping the team achieve its goals, both in terms of immediate performance and long-term player development.

Ultimately, the addition of Malone is an exciting step forward for the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, setting the stage for a season filled with promise and possibility. Whether it’s refining the skills of young talent or navigating the challenges of a competitive AHL season, the Penguins are in great hands with Brad Malone as part of their coaching staff.