This morning, Justin DeLaney, GM of the New York Stars, quit in the face of a searing semifinals loss to Chicago. The team was quick to announce that new kid on the block, Gracie Bukowski, will take over as General Manager.
You might recognize the last name from her brothers, Kow, Trent, and Noah—all top-tier players in their own right—but Bukowski, an MBA graduate from NYU, doesn’t exactly have the experience to back up the appointment.
Her first move as GM was to acquire Cole Korhonen from New Jersey in exchange for Lars Raimond and future considerations.
Korhonen, who billeted with the Bukowskis in Winnipeg at the tender age of 15, has mostly been wasted with the Blue Demons, though his place on their top offensive line had long been cemented.
It has been announced that he will be harboring number 42.
Ms. Bukowski’s appointment is shattering glass ceilings in more ways than one. She becomes not only the first female GM but also the youngest.
Chatter of nepotism is already spreading. Ms. Bukowski, after all, is engaged to Liam Donnghal—the Stars’ captain—and rumor has it that Donnghal and the new team owners are, in fact, related.
New York Stars’ fans had this to say:
“Hockey’s a man’s sport. Not sure what the Stars are thinking, but it’s madness bringing in Gracie Bukowski. Was sad they lost, though. Brilliant team this season. Real shame.” William F., Buffalo, NY.
“Korhonen was wasted in New Jersey and that the new GM has all these contacts at her fingertips gives me hope for the future. Go STARS!” Juniper K, Staten Island, NY.
When a team promising so much falls short, oftentimes the one to pay the price is the coach. Amid these changes, one has to wonder about Allan Bradley’s fate in the new-look Stars’ future.
