Cara Gardner Morey Named General Manager of Vancouver’s New PWHL Team

Vancouver’s new Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) team has appointed Cara Gardner Morey as its first general manager, a role that promises to bring a busy schedule as the team prepares for the upcoming season.

Upcoming Milestones

As part of the expansion process, an exclusive signing window will commence on Wednesday. This will lead to the expansion draft scheduled for June 9, followed by a league-wide entry draft on June 24.

“It’s such a cool opportunity,” Gardner Morey stated recently. “And I’m kind of chomping at the bit for June 4 when I can start making these calls and kind of talking to the players we’re interested in bringing to our franchise.”

A Dream Realized

Gardner Morey has always had aspirations of building a professional women’s hockey team. Her journey began as a player at Brown University and continued in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL), where she played alongside Jayna Hefford, now the PWHL’s executive vice president of hockey operations.

Reflecting on the evolution of women’s hockey, she said, “We were just excited to be part of something where we didn’t have to pay for hockey. We’ve watched it over the years, and we’ve seen professional hockey for women come and go.”

Gardner Morey expressed enthusiasm over the structure and leadership of the newly formed league, indicating her confidence in its potential for success: “I just feel so grateful that I can help be a part of this growth.”

Selecting the Right Leader

According to Hefford, more than 200 candidates applied for the general manager position in Vancouver, with an equal number vying for a similar role in Seattle.

Hefford expressed confidence in Gardner Morey’s abilities, noting her 14 years of experience with Princeton’s women’s hockey team. Under her leadership as head coach, the team accomplished significant milestones such as winning an Ivy League championship and setting a record for wins in a single season.

“She has built a program that has competed at the highest level… and comes with such a passion and an energy for the game,” Hefford commented.

Building a Competitive Team

In her new role, Gardner Morey is focused on assembling a roster that reflects her vision for a dynamic team known for its speed, skill, and competitive culture. She has coached notable players like Minnesota Frost defender Claire Thompson and New York Sirens forward Sarah Fillier, both of whom have received league accolades.

“Building rosters and building puzzle pieces and creating the culture is something I’m really, really excited about,” she added, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing a successful team environment.