Mike Grier becomes NHL's first Black GM with Sharks hiring

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Mike Grier was named general manager of the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday and became the first Black person in NHL history to hold the position.

The announcement ended a three-month search to fill the job after Doug Wilson stepped down earlier in the year. Grier was previously the hockey operations adviser for the 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 between assistant general manager Joe Will, left, and president Jonathan Becher at a news conference in San Jose, Calif., Tuesday, July 5, 2022. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

"It means a lot to me," Grier said at a press conference. "It’s not something I take lightly. I realize there's a responsibility that comes with the territory. But I’m up for it. How I carry myself and how this organization carries himself, I think 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 Sabres and the Sharks. He played in 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 that Grier’s experience as a player, scout, coach and executive gave him the edge.

"I hope you do serve as an inspiration to lots of people and that I hope you’re the first and certainly not the last," Becher told Grier.

Previously, Grier was a scout for the Chicago Blackhawks, an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils and worked in the Rangers’ front office.

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