Sports
Cara Gardner Morey Named General Manager of PWHL Vancouver
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has officially named Cara Gardner Morey as General Manager of PWHL Vancouver. She takes on the role after 14 seasons with Princeton Women’s Ice Hockey, including seven as Head Coach, where she built one of the top programs in NCAA women’s hockey.
“Cara brings exceptional experience at all levels of the game, a deep understanding of player development, and an unwavering passion for advancing women’s sports,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. “Her track record at Princeton speaks for itself – instilling a strong culture, recruiting top talent, developing elite athletes, and winning championships. Cara becoming General Manager of PWHL Vancouver is a powerful addition to our league.”
At Princeton, Gardner Morey led the Tigers to their first ECAC tournament title, an Ivy League championship, and multiple NCAA quarterfinal appearances. The team set a program-best 26-win season under her leadership, and she leaves as the second-winningest coach in school history.
“I’m incredibly honored to step into the role of General Manager and lead the PWHL team in Vancouver,” said Gardner Morey. “It’s a privilege to help bring the best women’s hockey to one of the greatest cities in the world. We’ll build a team that reflects Vancouver’s passionate spirit – one that competes for the Walter Cup and becomes part of the city’s fabric. I can’t wait to get started. Let’s build something incredible together, Vancouver!”
Beyond college hockey, Gardner Morey has worked with top athletes at both national and international levels. She’s coached Olympic gold medalists and current PWHL stars Sarah Fillier and Claire Thompson, and held positions with Hockey Canada’s U18, Development, and Senior National Teams. She’s also worked the past four years as a development camp coach with the NHL’s Philadelphia Flyers.
Originally from Hensall, ON, Gardner Morey played collegiate hockey and field hockey at Brown University, earning All-American honors in both sports. She played professionally in the original NWHL and holds a Master’s degree in Education from Arizona State University. A strong advocate for equity in sports, she’s spent her career mentoring young athletes and pushing the women’s game forward.
She now leads PWHL Vancouver into its first season in 2025-26. After the league’s six original teams submit their protected player lists, Vancouver and Seattle will enter a five-day exclusive signing period beginning June 4 at 9 a.m. ET. The 2025 Expansion Draft, presented by Upper Deck, is scheduled for June 9 at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Sports
Vancouver Rise FC Reveal 2026 “After Dark” Home Kit
Vancouver Rise FC has revealed its new “After Dark” home kit for the 2026 Northern Super League season, pulling inspiration straight from the natural setting that surrounds its home at Swangard Stadium.
The design pays tribute to Central Park in Burnaby, with visuals that reflect the quiet, layered beauty of the park at night. Tree silhouettes stretch across the kit, creating a sense of depth and movement—meant to mirror the experience of looking up through the canopy after dark.
The club says the concept ties closely to its motto, “Stronger by Nature,” grounding the team’s identity in the environment that surrounds it. The design blends all crest colours with added tones that bring warmth and balance, giving the kit a look that feels both rooted and refined. Paired with classic shorts and socks, it leans into tradition while still telling a clear local story.
A key detail returns on both the After Dark kit and the club’s secondary “Sunshine Kit” for 2026. A Gold Pointed Star sits on the left sleeve, marking Vancouver Rise FC as the inaugural champions of the Northern Super League. The patch represents the league’s top honour and signals the club’s early place in its history.
Burnaby Mayor Mike Hurley praised the design and its connection to the community, pointing to the pride residents have in their parks and green spaces. He added that seeing Central Park reflected in the team’s identity makes the return to Swangard Stadium for the new season feel even more meaningful.
The After Dark kit leans heavily into place and atmosphere. It’s less about flash and more about identity—something that feels tied to where the team plays and who shows up for them.
Pre-orders for both the After Dark and Sunshine kits are now available through the club’s official store, with options for delivery or in-stadium pickup.
Sports
2026 Stars On Ice Announces Olympic Bronze Medallists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirierat in Vancouver
Canadian figure skating fans are getting a rare post-Olympic victory lap moment this spring.
Fresh off the 2026 Winter Olympics, the country’s top skaters are heading out on the 2026 edition of Stars on Ice, with a stop in Vancouver set for May 12 at Rogers Arena.
Leading the lineup are Olympic bronze medallists Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier. Their free dance this season, inspired by The Starry Night, helped secure their first Olympic podium and quickly became one of the most talked-about programs of the Games.
They’ll be joined by a stacked group of Canadian talent, including world champions Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps. Also on the bill: four-time national champion Madeline Schizas, and rising pair team Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, who recently picked up medals on the world stage.
The tour leans heavily into nostalgia too. Canadian icon Elvis Stojko returns as a central figure, still known for the kind of power and speed that made him a standout in the ’90s. Kaetlyn Osmond, one of the country’s most decorated skaters with Olympic gold, silver, and bronze to her name, is back as well.
Rounding out the cast are fan favourites Keegan Messing and Roman Sadovsky, with Sadovsky making his Stars on Ice debut. For the Vancouver show, guest performers Marie-Jade Lauriault and Romain Le Gac will join the lineup.
Behind the scenes, Kurt Browning returns as director and choreographer. His work has shaped the tour for years, blending technical skating with a more theatrical style that plays well in an arena setting.
The Vancouver stop is set for 7:00 p.m., with tickets already on sale through the usual outlets. Prices start at $35, with premium on-ice seating and group options available. More information on the Stars On Ice website.