Cara Gardner Morey wasn’t even being paid when she played in the original National Women’s Hockey League from 2002 to 2004.
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“Watching leagues come and go and rise and fall has been a little bit frustrating. This league was long overdue,” she says, referring to the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which was established in 2023. “They’re doing it the right way this time.”
Last year, the PWHL announced its expansion to Vancouver, soon after naming Gardner Morey as general manager. Taking on a role in something so new—both personally for Gardner Morey and for the Goldeneyes’ inaugural season—meant a lot to her. “At first it was exciting, but a little scary,” she admits.
Gardner Morey is responsible for selecting players, managing the coaching staff and overseeing the team’s development. Before joining the Goldeneyes, she held coaching roles, spending eight of her 14 years with Princeton’s women’s hockey team as head coach. The university’s women’s hockey program developed significantly under her guidance, winning an Ivy League championship, qualifying for two NCAA quarterfinals and setting a program record with 26 wins in a single season. Gardner Morey is the second-winningest coach in Princeton history.
On November 21 of last year, the Vancouver Goldeneyes played their first-ever home opener with a sellout crowd of nearly 15,000 at the Pacific Coliseum. “Seeing [the players] be introduced one at a time and getting to be on the bench looking at the response,” recalls Gardner Morey, “I actually teared up quite a bit because I definitely did not think I would see this in my lifetime.” She still gets goosebumps every home game.
Gardner Morey believes both the team and the league are inspiring the next generation of young girls who dream of a future in professional hockey. “It’s really near and dear to our players’ hearts,” she says. “During regular team meetings, we often talk about keeping the torch going and how we’re just a small part of this bigger story.”
Of course, Gardner Morey wants the Goldeneyes to win a championship. But her bigger mission is to create a lasting franchise and a legacy for women’s hockey in Vancouver, shaping an organization that is positively connected to the city and to all fans.
“People are showing up for female athletes and women’s sports,” she says. “I feel a real responsibility to make sure that we continue to have a great product and that we represent ourselves well so the fans keep coming.”
What is the last book you read?
The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle.
What is one misconception about your industry?
“Female sports are just for women and girls. We really are a product for everybody, and I think everybody feels included and welcome when they come to our games.”
What is a skill you are working on?
Skiing.
