First Black GM named in the history of the National Hockey League

Mike Grier has been named the General Manager of the San Jose Sharks, making him the first Black GM in National Hockey League history. Prior to the Sharks GM position, Grier was the New York Rangers’ hockey operations adviser. 

In a statement, Grier said, “I am extremely proud and grateful to be given the opportunity to be the General Manager of the San Jose Sharks. Along with my staff, I look forward to the challenge of building a fast, competitive, and hardworking team that Sharks fans will enjoy watching and be proud of.”

Grier, 47,  has been an NHL hockey player, scout, coach, and executive. He spent 14 seasons in the league as a top defensive forward and leader. In 1996, he became the first African American born and trained in the U.S. to play in the NHL, according to NHL.com. The NHL didn’t track advanced statistics until the 2005-06 season, but Grier ranks 10th among all NHL forwards in blocked shots (315) and 33rd in hits (705).
Grier comes from a line of sports executives. His father, Bobby, serves as a consultant with the Miami Dolphins and is a long-time executive in the National Football League. Grier’s brother, Chris, has been the Dolphins’ GM since 2016 and previously worked in scouting with the New England Patriots.

Said Sharks owner Hasso Plattner, “Mike’s successful career on the ice speaks for itself, but what impressed me the most were his leadership qualities and his overwhelming desire to win.”