The Adirondack Thunder have announced that they have signed rookie defenseman James Marooney for the 2024-25 season. Marooney, 25, becomes the third rookie defenseman to sign with Adirondack this off-season, joining Taylor Ford and Ryan Conroy. The Chaska, Minnesota native spent last year at the University of St.Thomas, where he would play in just 15 games where he put up five assists before having season-ending shoulder surgery. He would also have his sophomore year at Ohio State cut short due to an injury. The addition of Marooney brings the Thunder 2024-25 roster up to 15, which includes seven defensemen, seven forwards, and a goaltender.
“We’re excited to bring in rookie James Marooney,” said Head Coach Pete MacArthur. “He will add depth to the left side of our defensive core. Although he’s undersized, he plays with intelligence, is smart with the puck on his stick and plays with an edge that we’re looking for.”
-Head Coach Pete MacArthur on the signing of Marooney (via Adirondack Thunder Press Release)
Prior to playing with the Tommies, Marooney spent four years at Ohio State where he put up one goal and 14 assists for 15 points in 81 games. The 5’9, 165lb defenseman would play his junior hockey with the Waterloo Black Hawks of the USHL, where he put up six goals and 29 assists for 35 points in 97 games over the course of two seasons before taking the NCAA route. James, who had two older brothers who both played college hockey, is the first one to sign a pro contract.
