Vancouver Goldeneyes have a new coach but now they need a general manager

After firing their head coach following their inaugural PWHL season, the Vancouver Goldeneyes have a new bench boss.

But now they need a new general manager.

Cara Gardner Morey is transitioning from GM to head coach, the team announced on Thursday. She takes over for Brian Idalski, who was fired in early June.

This is by no means an unfamiliar position for Gardner Morey, who has more than a decade of experience behind the bench, including eight seasons as the head coach of Princeton University.

“I’m excited to return to coaching,” said Morey. “Over the course of the offseason, I spent a lot of time reflecting and discussing what was best for our team and for me personally. Through that process, I realized how much I missed being behind the bench.

“While I continue to be incredibly proud of what we built in Vancouver during our inaugural season, coaching is where I know I can make the biggest impact. To have the opportunity to coach the roster we’ve assembled is an incredible privilege, and I can’t wait for us to take the ice later this year.”

The move comes after a rather disappointing inaugural season in which the Goldeneyes missed the playoffs after winning just 12 of their 30 games. They finished sixth among the PWHL’s eight teams in league standings.

“We’re thrilled that Cara will lead the Goldeneyes as Head Coach,” said PWHL executive vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford. “Cara played an instrumental role in establishing the Goldeneyes during their inaugural season, helping shape the team’s identity and lay a strong foundation for the future. She has a proven track record of developing athletes and creating high-performing teams, and we’re excited to support her during this transition.”

With this move, Gardner Morey is vacating the GM’s chair, meaning the Goldeneyes are now searching for her replacement.

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