Philip Francis Anthony "Phil" Maloney (October 6, 1927 – February 21, 2020) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player and coach. He played the position of centre, appearing at points in the top professional ranks and for several National Hockey League teams. After his playing days he moved into coaching and leadership roles, most notably as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks in the mid-1970s.
Playing career and characteristics
Maloney's career included stints in the National Hockey League, where he played games with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins. Like many centres of his era, his role combined both offensive playmaking and defensive responsibility down the middle of the ice. Beyond the NHL, he spent a significant portion of his career in senior and minor professional leagues, which was common for players of his generation who moved between levels of the game.
Coaching and later roles
Following retirement as a player, Maloney transitioned to coaching and worked behind the bench at the major professional level. He served as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks from 1974 to 1977, guiding the club through several seasons during the franchise's early National Hockey League years. His coaching tenure reflected a pattern seen in hockey where former players applied on-ice experience to team leadership and development.
Background and personal notes
Maloney was born in Ottawa, Ontario, and remained connected to the sport throughout his life. His longevity — he died on February 21, 2020, at age 92 — made him one of the older members of the professional hockey community in later years. Teammates and contemporaries remembered him as part of a cohort that bridged the postwar period and the expansion era of professional hockey.
Teams and roles (selected)
- Toronto Maple Leafs — NHL player
- Chicago Blackhawks — NHL player
- Boston Bruins — NHL player
- Vancouver Canucks — head coach (1974–1977)
Though not all players of his era became household names, Maloney's multi-decade involvement as both player and coach illustrates the varied careers professional hockey figures often pursue. For more on the leagues and teams he was associated with, see references to the National Hockey League and the respective club histories linked above.