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Mike Grier was named general manager of San Jose Sharks on Tuesday and became the first black person to hold the position in NHL history.
The announcement ended a three-month search to fill the job after Doug Wilson stepped down earlier this year. Grier was previously Hockey’s operations consultant. New York Rangers,
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Mike Grier, middle, poses for photos as he is introduced as the new general manager of the San Jose Sharks at a news conference in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday between assistant general manager Joe Will, left, and President Jonathan Beecher. , July 5, 2022.
(AP photo/Jeff Chiu)
“It means a lot to me,” Grier said at a news conference. “It’s not something I take lightly. I realize there’s a responsibility that comes with the field. But I’m up for it. How I run myself and how this organization runs itself, me Looks like we’ll do well, and hopefully we’ll leave a footprint and open some doors for people to follow.”
Grier played in the NHL from 1996 to 2011. He was a member of the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabers and Sharks. He played 448 games and scored 81 goals with 102 assists.
Sharks team president Jonathan Becher said Grier emerged as the top candidate from a deep pool and Grier’s experience as a player, scout, coach and executive gave him the edge.
“I hope you serve as an inspiration to many people and I hope you are the first and certainly not the last,” Beecher told Grier.
Prior to this, Grier was a scout for the Chicago Blackhawks, an assistant coach. New Jersey Devils and worked in the front office of the Rangers.
Mike Grier listens to questions as he is introduced as the new general manager of the San Jose Sharks at a news conference in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
(AP photo/Jeff Chiu)
Joe Will was serving as General Manager in the interim. San Jose announced that head coach Bob Boffner and three assistants would not return next season. Grier will now have the opportunity to set up his own coaching staff with free agency in the NHL draft and next time around.
“It’s definitely a balance. I don’t want to get ahead of myself and be a kid in a candy store and go ‘I can have this. I can have this.’ We have to be patient and stick with the vision we believe in and don’t rush things.I think we will go a way and stay on course and don’t rush anything and get ahead of ourselves And will dig a hole that we can’t get out of in the future,” he said.
Grier comes from a family of successful sports executives. Bobby Grier, his father, worked in the front offices of the New England Patriots and the Houston Texans. His brother, Chris Grier, serves as the general manager of the Miami Dolphins.
Chris Grier released a statement about his brother breaking barriers in the NHL.
FILE – Mike Grier of the San Jose Sharks, top, with Patrick Marleau, #12, after Marleau’s third-period goal against the Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL hockey game in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, October 14, 2008 Celebrate.
(AP photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, file)
Chris said, “I feel incredibly happy and proud of Mike. The San Jose Sharks organization is finding a man of high character and integrity. He has always been respected on the ice and by his teammates.”
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“Mike will bring his work ethic and passion to the job every day. Mike understands the game, with the wisdom, experience and knowledge to succeed as a GM. Our parents deserve all the credit that they gave us How raised. We were lucky enough to be able to watch our dad Bobby grow up and learn from him. Congratulations to Mike and the San Jose Sharks on a great hire!
The Associated Press contributed to this report.