Shock Departure: Gardner Morey Steps Down from Princeton to Lead PWHL Vancouver
In a heartfelt announcement that leaves Princeton’s women’s hockey team at a crossroads, Cara Gardner Morey, the indomitable force behind the Tigers, has resigned to take on the prestigious role of General Manager with the new PWHL Vancouver franchise. Her 14-year journey with Princeton was marked by significant achievements, including leading the team to an ECAC Hockey championship in 2020.
A Legacy at Princeton
Gardner Morey’s tenure at Princeton saw her transform the women’s hockey program into a competitive force. Under her guidance, the Tigers clinched two Ivy League titles and made three NCAA tournament appearances. As fans and players alike reflect on her contributions, the Princeton community faces the daunting task of finding a successor who can fill the void left behind.
“Her legacy is etched in the achievements and the strong foundation she built,” Princeton’s director of athletics, John Mack, said. He praised Gardner Morey for her dedication and for helping young women excel on and off the ice.
The Next Chapter: Vancouver Awaits
Vancouver, set to debut in the PWHL’s 2025-26 season, seems an exciting venture for Gardner Morey. She is poised to bring her strategic acumen and leadership skills to a burgeoning team, ready to take the professional stage by storm. As she prepares for this new chapter, she will encounter several of her former protégés, now adversaries, blazing their trails across the league.
Embracing the Unknown
“This is a bittersweet moment for me, but an exciting one,” Gardner Morey said. Her departure not only marks the end of an era at Princeton but also signals a transformative period for the PWHL as it expands its horizons with seasoned leaders at the helm.
According to USCHO.com, Gardner Morey has expressed immense gratitude towards her time at Princeton, acknowledging the pivotal role it played in shaping her career. Her dedication to fostering talent and the bonds she formed with her players have laid a cornerstone for future prospects.
A National Search Begins
As Princeton gears up to welcome a new head coach, the search will likely focus on finding someone capable of maintaining the program’s esteemed reputation and leading it into its next phase of development. The task at hand is a testament to the legacy Gardner Morey leaves behind.
The announcement reverberates not just within the Princeton campus but across the entire college hockey community, serving as a reminder of the ever-evolving dynamics within the sport. As the story of Cara Gardner Morey’s career unfolds in Vancouver, the anticipation builds for what lies ahead both for her and the teams she touched along the way.
