Manon Rhéaume, the trailblazing goaltender who made history as the first woman to appear in an NHL game, has been appointed general manager of Detroit’s upcoming professional women’s hockey franchise in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Rhéaume’s groundbreaking moment came in 1992 when she attended the Tampa Bay Lightning’s training camp, later playing two preseason exhibitions against the St. Louis Blues and the Boston Bruins, a feat that opened doors for future generations of female players.
Trailblazing career
Her elite résumé includes gold medals at the 1992 and 1994 IIHF Women’s World Championships and a silver medal from the 1998 Winter Olympics, underscoring a career spent at the pinnacle of international competition.
Executive recognition
Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, praised Rhéaume’s impact, stating that her deep understanding of the game and commitment to growth make her the ideal leader to guide the Detroit franchise as it prepares for its 2026‑2027 season debut.
Rhéaume expressed enthusiasm about joining the PWHL and building a team in Detroit, emphasizing the city’s passionate sports culture and the opportunity to inspire the next wave of young athletes.
Looking ahead
The new franchise is slated to enter the league in the 2026‑2027 season, marking a significant expansion milestone for the PWHL and reinforcing Detroit’s role as a hub for women’s professional hockey.