The PWHL general managers were introduced to the world, and each revealed new information to fans and media. Here's five things we learned.
The PWHL introduced all six of their general managers in a press conference this week. Each new general manager - Danielle Marmer (Boston), Natalie Darwitz (Minnesota), Danièle Sauvageau (Montreal), Pascal Daoust (New York), Michael Hirshfeld (Ottawa), and Gina Kingsbury (Toronto) - took their turn responding to questions, and in the process revealed interesting information to fans and media.
Here's a look at some of the top take aways:
1. Ottawa Will Play at TD Place Arena
Michael Hirshfeld probably wasn't supposed to drop this tidbit, but it created a lot of excitement among fans and turned out to be a highlight of the press conference: the Ottawa PWHL team will play at TD Place Arena. The history of the 6500 seat arena, located in the thriving Lansdowne Park area, is rich. It was home to the first women's World Championship in 1990, housed the NHL's Ottawa Senators for three seasons, and has been home to the OHL's Ottawa 67s since...1967. The arena underwent major renovations a decade ago including adding new digital signage, and according to Hirshfeld, another renovation is underway to create a state-of-the-art dedicated locker room for the PWHL's Ottawa franchise. This is an ideal venue for the league to grow and thrive in.
2. Kingsbury to step down from Hockey Canada
Gina Kingsbury has served as the vice president of hockey operations for Hockey Canada, and since 2018 has been the general manager of Canada's national team. With the opportunity to take over the PWHL's Toronto franchise, Kingsbury is stepping away from her roles with Hockey Canada to focus on bringing another championship to Toronto. She'll be replaced by Scott Salmond at the helm of Canada's national team for the time being. Notably, Michael Hirshfeld also stepped down as leader of the NHL Coaches Association where he was replaced by Lindsay Pennal.
3. Most General Managers were recruited
While the applicant pool was reported to include more than 60 individuals, it became clear time and again in the introductory press conference that most of the successful candidates didn't come to the league, rather the league came to them. Most discussed being approached by Senior Vice President of Hockey Operations Jayna Hefford and her team to potentially take over a team. The group is experienced and features many notable names in the hockey world bringing experience from the NHL, Hockey Canada, NCAA, and QMJHL.
4. Minnesota will look to the future with the first overall pick
"As I look at the number one pick, obviously I want that to be considered more of a franchise pick, somebody who we can hopefully have around for a really long time, not only that but who can grow the game and grow the market in Minnesota, who has great visibility." Those were the words of new Minnesota general manager Natalie Darwitz on how she'll approach the number one pick, which she followed by referencing her NCAA experiences. "That college group coming up in this first round of draft is going to be quite significant for rosters and the franchises," she added. Listening to Darwitz speak, and knowing she spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Minnesota, it's easy to predict that Team USA star and Patty Kazmaier winner from the University of Minnesota Taylor Heise could become the prime target to go first overall.
5. Head coaches hires will happen fast
"All of us are pretty close to securing head coaches," said new Boston general manager Danielle Marmer. "I'm right there with that group, I have someone in mind who has given me the verbal 'yes', that they're going to be joining the staff." Securing a head coach who can help in the recruitment process and in identifying players for the draft was a common thread throughout the press conferences for general managers, and for those itching for signings during the free agency period, coaching hires could be announced before or alongside player signings.