Mike Grier will be NHL's first black GM with Sharks

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Mike Grier was appointed Tuesday as General Manager of theSan Jose Sharksand became the first black man in NHL history.

This announcement ends a three-month investigation to fill his work after Doug Wilson resigned earlier in the year. Glia was previously a hockey management advisor for theNew York Rangers.

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Mike Grier, Central, Assistant General Manager as New General Manager of San Jose Sharks President Jona San Betcher left at a press conference in San Jose, California, on Tuesday, July 5, 2022, when he was introduced to the manager Joe.(AP Photo / Jeff Chiu)

"That makes a lot of sense to me," Glia said at a press conference. "That's not something I downplay. I realize that the territory is responsible. But I support it. How I carry myself and how this organization is. Carry yourself or think we'll work. Leave a footprint and open some doors for people to follow. "

Glia NHL from 1996 to 2011 I played in. He was a member of Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabers and Sharks. He played in 448 games and scored 81 goals with 102 assists.

Sharks team president Jonathan Becher said Grier has emerged as a leading candidate from the deep pool and his experience as a player, scout, coach and executive has given him an edge. ..

"I hope you inspire a lot of people, and I hope you are the first and certainly not the last," Becher told Grier. rice field. Prior to

, Greer was a Scout for the Chicago Blackhawks, an assistant coach for theNew Jersey Devils, and worked at the Rangers front office.

Mike Grier, July 5, 2022 New General Manager of San Jose Sharks at a news conference in San Jose, California on Tuesday.  (AP Photo / Jeff Chiu)

Bill and Saber co-team owner, Kim Pegra, unspecified "Smooth progress" after dealing with health problems

Joe Will is tentatively general manager. San Jose has announced that head coach Bob Buffner and three assistants will not return next season. Glia has the opportunity to set up his own coaching staff in the next NHL Draft and Free Agent.

"It's definitely a balance. I don't want to go ahead and be a candy store kid," "I can get this. I get it. You can put it in. "You have to be patient, stick to the vision we believe in, and not rush things. I think we will cut the road, keep the course, do nothing in a hurry, get out in front of ourselves and dig holes that we can't. Get out of the future. "

Glia comes from a family of successful sports executives. His father, Bobby Greer, worked at the New England Patriots and Houston Texans front offices. His brother Chris Grier is the general manager of the Miami Dolphins.

Chris Greer has issued a statement about his brother breaking the NHL barrier.

File-MikeGrier, San Jose Sharks, above, October 2008 Celebrating with Patrick Marlowe, # 12, after Marloe scored a third term goal against Columbus Blue Jackets during an NHL hockey match in San Jose, CA on Tuesday, 14th.  (AP Photo / Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)

"I'm incredibly happy and proud of Mike. San Jose Sharks The organization has acquired a man of high personality and integrity. He has always been respected. His companions on ice and on ice. "

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"Mike is with his work ethic every day Passionate Mike understands the game with the intelligence, experience and knowledge to succeed as a GM. Parents deserve all the praise for how they raised us. I was very fortunate to be able to observe and learn from my father Bobby. I have grown up. Congratulations on the wonderful recruitment of Mike and San Jose Shark! "

AP News contributed to this report. Did.