Women’s hockey is about to enter a new era with the introduction of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). This groundbreaking league, set to debut in January, has announced its first group of general managers who will shape the future of women’s professional hockey. These highly qualified individuals, with their wealth of experience both on and off the ice, are tasked with building strong foundations for the six teams in the league. Let’s take a closer look at the inaugural general managers of the PWHL and the impact they are poised to make.
The PWHL has assembled a stellar group of general managers, each bringing their unique set of skills and experiences to their respective teams. Natalie Darwitz, a three-time medalist with the U.S. women’s national team, will lead the Minnesota franchise. Danielle Marmer, who made history as the first woman to hold an on-ice role with the Boston Bruins, will take on the role of general manager for the Boston team. Pascal Daoust, the current general manager of the Val-d’Or Foreurs in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League, will helm the New York franchise. Daniele Sauvageau, the first woman to coach in the Canadian Hockey League and coach Canada’s women to their first Olympic gold medal, will lead the Montreal team. Michael Hirshfeld, with his seven years of experience as the executive director of the NHL Coaches’ Association, will be the general manager of the Ottawa franchise. Lastly, Gina Kingsbury, who has held leadership positions at Hockey Canada and has been the general manager of the Canadian women’s national team programs, will oversee the Toronto team.
One of the primary objectives in selecting these general managers was to establish professional standards for the PWHL and its players. Jayna Hefford, the PWHL senior vice president of hockey operations, emphasized the importance of hiring highly qualified individuals to build strong foundations for the league. With their collective experience across various levels of the game, both on and off the ice, these general managers are well-positioned to achieve this goal. The PWHL is determined to provide a platform where women can compete at the highest level and receive the recognition they deserve.
Each general manager in the inaugural group brings unique skills and expertise to their team. Natalie Darwitz, who won multiple medals with the U.S. women’s national team, also boasts three IIHF World Championship gold medals and two NCAA national championships. Her experience as the associate head coach of the University of Minnesota’s women’s hockey team will undoubtedly prove invaluable in shaping the Minnesota franchise.
Danielle Marmer, having made history as the first woman to hold an on-ice role with the Boston Bruins, brings a fresh perspective to the league. Her player development and scouting background will be instrumental in identifying and nurturing talent within the Boston franchise.
Pascal Daoust, the current general manager of the Val-d’Or Foreurs, has a successful track record in junior hockey. His knowledge and experience in developing young players will be crucial in building a strong foundation for the New York franchise.
Daniele Sauvageau, the leader who guided Canada’s women to their first Olympic gold medal, is a pioneer in women’s coaching. With her wealth of experience, Sauvageau is well-equipped to shape the Montreal team and inspire the next generation of female coaches.
Michael Hirshfeld, as the executive director of the NHL Coaches’ Association, brings a deep understanding of the intricacies of the sport. His vast network and insight into the world of professional hockey will be invaluable to the Ottawa franchise.
Gina Kingsbury, having held prominent leadership positions at Hockey Canada, brings a wealth of experience to the Toronto team. As the general manager of the Canadian women’s national team programs, Kingsbury has a proven track record of success and will be instrumental in shaping the future of women’s hockey in Toronto.
The PWHL aims to change the landscape of women’s professional hockey in North America. With the full backing of Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Mark Walter and his wife, Kimbra, this league is poised to become the premier platform for women to showcase their skills. By fully funding the PWHL, the Walters are demonstrating their commitment to creating opportunities for female athletes and supporting gender equality in sports.
The league plans to play its games in a variety of arenas, ranging from NHL-sized rinks to minor and junior league facilities. This diversity will provide players with a range of playing environments and ensure that fans from all regions have the opportunity to experience professional women’s hockey.
The roster formation process for the inaugural season is set to begin with an initial free agency signing period. Following this, the majority of the founding players will be selected during the draft on September 18. The opportunity to witness the birth of a new league and the formation of these teams will undoubtedly generate excitement and anticipation among fans and players alike.
With the announcement of the first group of general managers, the PWHL is stepping into new territory. These exceptional individuals bring their diverse experiences, skills, and passion for the game to their respective franchises, setting the stage for a new era in women’s hockey. The PWHL, fully funded and supported by dedicated individuals such as the Walters, is poised to become the leading professional women’s hockey league in North America. As the league prepares for its January debut, the spotlight will be on these general managers as they work tirelessly to build strong foundations and deliver professional standards for all players. The future of women’s hockey has arrived, and the PWHL is leading the way.
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