PWHL Vancouver GM Gardner Morey excited to build expansion team’s inaugural roster
Cara Gardner Morey is gearing up for a whirlwind of activity in the coming weeks as she steps into her new role as the general manager of Vancouver’s latest Professional Women’s Hockey League team. With the league’s announcement of plans for two expansion teams to solidify their rosters, Gardner Morey’s calendar quickly filled up with important dates.
The upcoming exclusive signing window on Tuesday will kick off the process, followed by the expansion draft and culminating in a league-wide entry draft at the end of June. Despite the hectic schedule ahead, Gardner Morey is thrilled about the opportunities that lie ahead.
“It’s such a cool opportunity,” she shared excitedly. “I’m looking forward to June 4 when I can start reaching out to players we’re interested in bringing to our franchise.”
The prospect of building a professional women’s hockey team holds special significance for Gardner Morey, who had harbored dreams of such a venture since her playing days at Brown University and in the National Women’s Hockey League. Her past experiences, including playing alongside Jayna Hefford, who now serves as the PWHL’s executive vice president of hockey operations, have fueled her passion for this endeavor.
Having received over 200 applications for the general manager position in Vancouver, Hefford noted that Gardner Morey stood out due to her impressive track record during her time with Princeton’s women’s hockey team. With eight years as head coach, Gardner Morey led the team to an Ivy League championship, two NCAA quarterfinal appearances, and a record-breaking season with 26 wins.
Gardner Morey’s coaching prowess extends beyond Princeton, as she also served as an assistant coach for the Canadian women’s U-18 team and coached for Team Canada during the Rivalry series against the United States. Hefford highlighted Gardner Morey’s recruiting skills and her dedication to the sport as pivotal factors in her selection.
Transitioning from coaching to a front-office role was a deliberate decision for Gardner Morey, driven by her interest in leadership and career progression. As she embarks on the task of assembling a team from scratch, Gardner Morey is focused on finding players and staff who align with her vision of a fast, skilled, and competitive team with a strong team culture.
Excited about the prospect of handpicking her roster, Gardner Morey emphasized the joy of building a team and creating a winning culture. With a keen eye on potential coaching staff and player acquisitions, she is eager to bring her vision to life and establish Vancouver’s new PWHL team as a force to be reckoned with in the league.
