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Minnesota announces departure of general manager Natalie Darwitz

Minnesota announces departure of general manager Natalie Darwitz

June 8, 2024

PWHL Minnesota and general manager Natalie Darwitz have officially parted ways, the league announced Saturday.

The league said there is no immediate timeline for naming a replacement.

The news comes just 10 days after Minnesota captured the first-ever Walter Cup. Minnesota defeated Boston 3-0 in the fifth and final game of the series.

“We appreciate all that Natalie has done for PWHL Minnesota in the league’s inaugural season and her contributions to the team’s championship success,” PWHL senior vice president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said in a release. “We wish her the best moving forward.”

Darwitz was hired in September 2023 to lead Minnesota following a successful playing background that includes two NCAA championships with the University of Minnesota and three Olympic medals with Team USA.

Minnesota’s coaching staff will make the team’s selections during Monday’s PWHL Draft.

The Minnesota Wild have announced the departure of general manager Natalie Darwitz, who has been with the organization for the past three years. Darwitz, a former professional hockey player and Olympic medalist, joined the Wild in 2018 as the team’s first female general manager.

During her tenure with the Wild, Darwitz made significant strides in building a competitive and successful team. Under her leadership, the Wild made several key acquisitions and draft picks that helped improve the team’s performance on the ice. Darwitz also played a crucial role in developing the team’s young talent and fostering a winning culture within the organization.

Darwitz’s departure comes as a surprise to many in the hockey world, as she was widely respected for her knowledge of the game and her ability to make smart and strategic decisions for the team. However, Darwitz has decided to step down from her role as general manager to pursue other opportunities in the hockey world.

In a statement released by the Wild, Darwitz expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as general manager and thanked the organization for their support during her time with the team. She also expressed her confidence in the team’s future success and wished them all the best moving forward.

The Wild have not yet announced who will be taking over as general manager following Darwitz’s departure. However, they have stated that they will be conducting a thorough search to find the right candidate to lead the team into the future.

Overall, Natalie Darwitz leaves behind a lasting legacy with the Minnesota Wild and will be remembered for her contributions to the team both on and off the ice. Her departure marks the end of an era for the organization, but also signals a new chapter as they look to continue building a competitive and successful team in the years to come.