January 31, 2014
U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame induction ‘shocks’ Curley ’85
(Photo courtesy of USA Hockey)
Her emotions ran high when former Friar women’s ice hockey standout Cindy Curley ’85 learned that she had been selected a member of the 2013 class of the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.
Mind you, Curley is no stranger to receiving accolades; the lengthy and notable list includes her 2013 enshrinement into the Providence College Athletics Hall of Fame.
“I was both shocked and grateful — really shocked because it’s something I never dreamed of, and grateful considering all the people I got the chance to play with or get coached by. It’s surreal,” admitted Curley, who led PC to its first two ECAC championships. “The Providence Hall of Fame reminded me of what a great sports culture the school has, and U.S. Hockey is the same way. It’s just another reminder of how fortunate I’ve been in my career.”
The third-leading scorer in PC history with 255 points in four seasons, Curley went on to shine at the international level. She owns the distinction of being the first-ever captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team. She played for Team USA in international competition in 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1995, alongside fellow U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee and PC great Cammi Granato ’93 & ’12Hon. In fact, Curley and Granato are the only two women to be inducted into the hall of fame as individuals.
“Teamwork, preparation, and supporting everyone” are the primary lessons from her PC experience that also held true during her career as a U.S. skater, she said. “The expectation at PC was that you gave 110 percent and did what was asked of you. That team-first philosophy is also the case with the national team.”
By no means did Curley’s association with women’s hockey end upon hanging up the skates. In addition to coaching and serving as an official, she was intimately involved with USA Hockey in a number of capacities. Additionally, she was a member of the U.S. Olympic Athlete Advisory Committee from 2005-08.
Presently, Curley serves as the general manager of Orchard Hills Athletic Club, an indoor/outdoor facility in Lancaster, Mass. Her induction into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame took place in December in Detroit.
— By Brendan McGair ’03
