The Vancouver Goldeneyes released a statement Tuesday morning, announcing Alison Izzi as the team’s new general manager. Izzi becomes the second GM in the franchise’s history, taking the job from Cara Gardner Morey, who moved into the head coaching role in July following the departure of former coach Brian Idalski. “I’m thrilled to be named the next general manager of the Goldeneyes and become part of the PWHL,” said Izzi in a media release. “It’s a privilege to be part of the continued growth of women’s hockey and the expanding representation and development of women throughout all areas of the sport.” Izzi is an attorney and hockey executive, most recently having worked in the NHL’s legal department, with a focus on player safety and hockey operations. Before that, she was the vice-president of hockey operations and governance for the American Hockey League. Izzi brings a wealth of knowledge in player contracts, collective bargaining and league administration, also serving on the AHL’s legal and collective bargaining committees. A graduate of Western New England University, her first hockey job was in ticketing and events with the AHL’s Providence Bruins, the minor league affiliate of the NHL’s Boston Bruins. “Alison brings a vast array of knowledge and experience to the Goldeneyes, making her an ideal fit to lead the team,” said Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s executive vice-president of hockey operations. “She has spent her career working across so many areas that are central to running a professional hockey team.” Vancouver finished in sixth place out of eight teams in its inaugural PWHL season, missing the playoffs by seven points. The Goldeneyes won its last four games of the season however, earning the first overall draft pick in the 2026 draft, using that pick to select defender Caroline Harvey from the University of Wisconsin and U.S. national team. The PWHL is expanding from eight to 12 teams in this upcoming season with the additions of Hamilton, San Jose, Detroit and Las Vegas to the growing list of franchises for the league’s fourth season. Preseason camps begin on Nov. 18, with the Goldeneyes playing two exhibition games in Nevada on Nov. 23 and 24, with the regular season expected to begin in early December. Gardner Morey is hoping the addition of Izzi to the front office will help the team take the next step in the franchise’s second season. “I’m excited to welcome Alison to the Goldeneyes and get started working with her on our shared vision of bringing a Walter Cup to Vancouver,” said Gardner Morey. “I’m looking forward to taking the Goldeneyes to the next level with her this season.”
