Cara Gardner Morey Named GM of PWHL Vancouver Expansion Team

Vancouver, Canada – The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) announced on May 23, 2025, that Cara Gardner Morey has been named general manager of its Vancouver expansion franchise. This decision follows Gardner Morey’s tenure as head coach of the Princeton University women’s hockey team for seven seasons.

During her 14 years at Princeton, Gardner Morey led the Tigers to numerous successes, including their first Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) tournament title in 2020. She was also instrumental in the development of several top players, including Canadian national team members Sarah Fillier and Claire Thompson.

As GM, Gardner Morey’s immediate tasks will include assembling coaching and support staff, as well as preparing for the league’s exclusive signing period from June 4-8 and the expansion draft on June 9. “It’s a privilege to help bring the best women’s hockey to one of the greatest cities in the world,” she stated.

The PWHL introduced the Vancouver franchise as part of its expansion efforts for the 2025-26 season, aiming to build a competitive team to play at Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks. Her appointment comes shortly after the league named Meghan Turner as the general manager for the expansion team in Seattle.

Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s executive vice president of hockey operations, expressed confidence in Gardner Morey’s capabilities. “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,” Hefford said.

Gardner Morey, a native of Hensall, Ontario, has also worked with Hockey Canada and served with the Philadelphia Flyers in recent years. She played both ice and field hockey at Brown University, as well as in the original NWHL. Now, she aims to form a team that embodies Vancouver’s spirit and competes for the Walter Cup.

“We’ll build a team that competes for the Walter Cup and becomes part of the city’s fabric,” Gardner Morey added.

With the expansion draft just weeks away, both the Vancouver and Seattle teams will have the opportunity to select players and begin their journey in the PWHL.