Expansion team's GM Cara Gardner Morey of PWHL Vancouver expresses eagerness to construct the first squad
In Vancouver, British Columbia, Cara Gardner Morey is preparing for a busy schedule as the newly appointed general manager of the city's Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) team. After a rapid influx of applications, Gardner Morey, an accomplished figure in women's hockey, was selected for the position due to her proven track record in player development and team management.
The upcoming weeks will see an exclusive signing window open on Wednesday, followed by an expansion draft on June 9 and a leaguewide entry draft on June 24. Gardner Morey, eager to start her new role, expressed her anticipation for the calls she will make to potential players, set to begin on June 4.
Gardner Morey's journey in hockey began during her playing days, first at Brown University and later in the National Women's Hockey League, where she played alongside Jayna Hefford, now the PWHL's executive vice president of hockey operations. The excitement of being part of a professional women's hockey team without having to pay for the sport first sparked her dream of building such a team.
The PWHL, with its solid business model and strong leadership, struck Gardner Morey as the perfect opportunity to be part of a successful venture. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of women's hockey.
Over 200 applicants vied for the general manager position in Vancouver, with another 200 pursuing the same role in Seattle, home to the league's other expansion franchise. Gardner Morey's appointment was well-earned, as she proved her worth during her 14-year tenure as the head coach of Princeton Women's Ice Hockey.
Under her leadership, Princeton's team experienced numerous successes, including an Ivy League championship, two NCAA quarterfinal appearances, and setting a single-season record for wins (26). Gardner Morey's coaching abilities extended beyond women's hockey, as she also coached Minnesota Frost defender Claire Thompson and New York Sirens forward Sarah Fillier, both finalists for PWHL awards in 2022.
Now, as she tackles the challenge of building a new team from scratch, Gardner Morey is focused on finding players and staff who will complement her vision for a fast, skilled, and physical team with an exceptional competitive culture. Her enthusiasm for building rosters, creating culture, and solving the puzzle pieces that make up a successful team is evident.
- In anticipation of her role, Cara Gardner Morey plans to cultivate a competitive culture in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) team in Toronto, drawing inspiration from her successful coaching tenure at Princeton Women's Ice Hockey.
- The rapidly evolving business landscape of sports in Toronto has caught Gardner Morey's attention, particularly the news about the growth of women's football, leading her to see the PWHL as an ideal platform to contribute to its development.
- As the new general manager in Toronto, Gardner Morey's strategic approach to player development and team management is expected to create a synergy with the city's thriving sports and entertainment sector, reinforcing the PWHL's reputation as a strong and vibrant league.
