Vancouver’s Professional Women’s Hockey League team still doesn’t have a name, but now it has a general manager.
Cara Gardner Morey has been hired as the first-ever GM in club history, the PWHL announced on Friday. The 46-year-old comes to Vancouver following 14 seasons coaching the women’s hockey team at Princeton University, including as a head coach since 2017.
Born in Hensall, Ont., Gardner Morey has been credited with building one of the most respected programs in college hockey.
“Cara brings exceptional experience at all levels of the game, a deep understanding of player development, and an unwavering passion for advancing women’s sports,” said PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford.
“Her track record at Princeton speaks for itself – instilling a strong culture, recruiting top talent, developing elite athletes, and winning championships. Cara becoming general manager of PWHL Vancouver is a powerful addition to our league.”
Expansion teams have been awarded to both Vancouver and Seattle, with each team hitting the ice this fall for the start of the 2025-26 season. PWHL games in Vancouver will be played out of the Pacific Coliseum.
Gardner Morey’s list of accomplishments includes leading Princeton to its first ECAC tournament title, winning an Ivy League championship, making multiple NCAA quarter-final appearances, and setting a program record with 26 wins in a single season.
Since the former defender became a coach in 2006, Gardner Morey has helped develop players like Sarah Fillier and Claire Thompson in her career. She also held coaching roles at Hockey Canada at various levels and served as a development camp coach with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers.
@caranadian/Instagram
“I’m incredibly honoured to step into the role of general manager and lead the PWHL team in Vancouver,” said Gardner Morey. “It’s a privilege to help bring the best women’s hockey to one of the greatest cities in the world. We’ll build a team that reflects Vancouver’s passionate spirit – one that competes for the Walter Cup and becomes part of the city’s fabric. I can’t wait to get started. Let’s build something incredible together, Vancouver!”
Gardner Morey will be tasked with filling out Vancouver’s roster with players, which will be kicked into high gear in a matter of weeks.
Beginning on June 4, Vancouver will have an exclusive five-day window to sign up to five players who are not on protected player lists from the original six PWHL teams. The expansion draft takes place five days later, on June 9, and the expansion draft rules appear to be very favourable to Vancouver and Seattle.
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