Meghan Hunter is the latest woman to be named an assistant general manager for a NHL franchise after the Chicago Blackhawks promoted Hunter to the role.
Hunter has worked with the Chicago Blackhawks since 2016. She was serving the team as Director of Hockey Administration, overseeing team services, contract execution, and player services prior to her promotion. Hunter was also an amateur scout for the Blackhawks.
Alongside Hunter, the Blackhawks also announced the return of Mark Eaton as an assistant general manager, who will be responsible for managing the AHL’s Rockford IceHogs.
“Meghan and Mark have both been important parts of our operation for a number of years and we are lucky to have them in these important and redeveloped roles,” Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson said in a team press release. “Their leadership skills, shared vision with the rest of the leadership team and knowledge of the game gives me plenty of confidence in us achieving our goals.”
As a player, Hunter played NCAA hockey for the University of Wisconsin where the Oil Springs, Ontario product was a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award.
Hunter is the third woman this season named as an assistant general manager for an NHL franchise as Cammi Granato and Émilie Castonguay were both hired by the Vancouver Canucks earlier this year.
Davidson also promoted another woman from within the organization as Karilyn Pilch was named Director of Player Personnel. Pilch, who was serving as a scout for the Blackhawks, previously served as the general manager of the PHF’s Boston Pride. Pilch built the Boston Pride into a championship team, guiding them to a pair of Isobel Cups. Pilch, who holds a business degree from Boston University, served as the University’s director of hockey operations prior to her time in the PHF.
Each of the women – Pilch, Hunter, Granato, and Castonguay – were identified by The Hockey News as notable women in hockey who could be named future NHL general managers.
Davidson also announced former NHL blueliner Brian Campbell would remain with the organization as an Advisor, Hockey Operations.
