From the first time Willie O’ Ree laced up the skates in 1957 for the Boston Bruins, there have been several Black players who have conquered the ice with speed, grace, and amazing skill. Whether it was Grant Fuhr in the pipes, to Jarome Iginla to PK Subban, hockey has always been a place where the best was allowed to demonstrate their incredible ability to light up the scoreboard each night. However, there weren’t many of them holding front office positions…until now.

On Tuesday, former NHL forward Mike Grier was named the first Black general manager when he agreed to a deal with the San Jose Sharks. Grier made the announcement himself on their official Twitter page:

The hiring was first reported by ESPN.

Last season, Grier was a hockey operations adviser with the New York Rangers and a scout with the Chicago Blackhawks. He also was an assistant coach with the New Jersey Devils. He played for over 14 seasons in the NHL, playing with the Edmonton Oilers, Washington Capitals, Buffalo Sabres and the Sharks.

He may be the first Black GM in NHL history, but only the second GM in his own family. His older brother Chris is the general manager of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins.