A magnetic resonance (MR) system is provided. The system includes a main magnet assembly configured to generate a polarizing magnetic field, a gradient coil assembly including a plurality of gradient coils configured to apply at least one gradient field to the polarizing magnetic field, and a shield assembly positioned between the main magnet assembly and the gradient coil assembly. The shield assembly includes a conductive layer fabricated with an electrically conductive material and defining grooves positioned through the conductive layer, wherein the grooves are configured to block motional eddy currents caused by actions of the polarizing magnetic field and the at least one gradient field when the at least one gradient field is applied.