When the Pittsburgh Penguins called Sean Maguire’s name in the fourth round of the 2012 National Hockey League (NHL) entry draft, the former Powell River Kings goaltender knew he had been granted an opportunity to play at the highest level. Following four years of hard work and an excellent collegiate career at Boston University, Maguire has been offered his first NHL contract with the team that drafted him.
“It’s a relief knowing that a team wants you to come play with them,” said Maguire, who was raised mostly in Powell River. “I’ve been working towards this for a while, so it’s a nice feeling and I’m happy it’s all said and done.”
The agreement with Pittsburgh is for two seasons, starting with the 2016/2017 campaign. With his hockey duties complete at Boston University, Maguire has joined the Penguins’ American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pennsylvania.
“I’ll finish off the year with them as they go through playoffs; I’m looking forward to soaking it all in, working with their coaches,” said Maguire. “Hopefully I get a couple of games in, but if not I’m going to work hard and get a leg up on next year.”
Following two BC Hockey League Coastal Conference championship seasons with his hometown Kings, Maguire ventured east to suit up for Boston University Terriers of the National Collegiate Athletic Association. He recorded 13 wins in his freshman campaign before a rough sophomore year and a concussion that derailed his junior season and put a pause on hockey.
“That year off really gave me an opportunity to view things from a different perspective,” said Maguire. “I was able to work on things that I couldn’t mid-season, whether in Powell River or in Boston. I had time to work with my goalie coaches and doctors. I can look back on it as a positive.”
After the break, Maguire returned better than ever, posting a 13-9-1 record and two shutouts in league play during his senior season. It was the annual Beanpot Tournament in February that put him back on the map as Maguire became the first goaltender named most valuable player since 2010, guiding the Terriers to the final before falling in a 1-0 overtime loss to Boston College. Maguire stopped 40 of 41 shots in the final game.
The agreement with Pittsburgh represents the next step in Maguire’s hockey career, something that has strong roots in Powell River. When news of the contract broke on Wednesday, April 6, it quickly spread through town.
“It’s flattering that Powell River noticed and that the town gets recognition that we can produce good hockey players,” said Maguire. “I’m sure I’m not going to be the last one to go off and play pro hockey for Powell River and represent a tight-knit community that loves hockey. To have the support from the community, my friends and family there is amazing.”
Following a stint with the AHL Penguins, Maguire is due to return to Boston to complete studies before working hard in the off-season to ready himself for the AHL and potentially the NHL.
“I have to learn the pro game; it’s a little different because things happen faster, guys move and shoot faster,” said Maguire. “Wilkes-Barre/Scranton’s coaches obviously know what they’re talking about, so my goal is to learn from them before the season is over.”
