Manon Rhéaume has been appointed general manager of the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s newest franchise in Detroit, a move that places one of the sport’s most pioneering figures at the helm of a historic expansion.
A career defined by firsts
Rhéaume made history as the only woman to ever play in the NHL, suiting up for the Tampa Bay Lightning in preseason contests, and she backs that milestone with two world‑championship titles and an Olympic silver medal from her years with Canada’s national team.
From player to architect
After retiring from competition, she spent four seasons in hockey operations with the Los Angeles Kings and previously contributed eleven years to the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, where she mentored countless young girls aspiring to the sport.
Crafting the inaugural roster
The PWHL’s expansion roster‑building process, set to launch on May 28, will see Rhéaume oversee player selections through the league’s draft and a dedicated expansion procedure, a framework recently detailed in a guide sent to PWHL Players Association members.
Home court and community roots
The Detroit team will call Little Caesars Arena home, sharing the venue with the NHL’s Red Wings and the Pistons, a partnership that promises a vibrant hockey atmosphere and deep ties to the city’s sporting culture.
Rhéaume expressed excitement about the challenge, emphasizing her commitment to growing the women’s game and delivering a competitive squad that reflects the talent and passion of the sport’s growing fan base.