Mike Grier

If anyone had told us that one of the biggest boss moves of 2022 would involve a Black man and a hockey team, you could’ve only imagined the side-eyes. But in fact, this year Mike Grier made history when he became the first Black man to lead a National Hockey League franchise as general manager. He’s actually been a student of the game for years, first as an NHL hockey player, then a scout, coach and executive team member. Now as a leader of the San Jose Sharks, he will help groom the next generation of talent, both on and off the ice. Who knows, he may even inspire more of us to become hockey fans.