Mike Grier made history as the NHL's first Black general manager when the San Jose Sharks announced his appointment to the position on Tuesday.

Grier has broken a long-standing barrier within NHL, which could have far-reaching implication for years to come.

"It's something I'm extremely proud of," Grier said of being the league's first Black GM. "I realized there was a responsibility that comes with the territory but I'm up for it [with] how I carry myself and how the organization carries themselves. ... For me, my job is to do the best I can for the San Jose Sharks organization, and if I do that, hopefully it opens the door to give other opportunities to other minorities to get in front-office positions and maybe lead a team down the road as well."