Manon Rheaume is making history once again. The trailblazing former goaltender—who shattered barriers as the first woman to suit up for an NHL exhibition game—has been named the first general manager of the Detroit Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) franchise.
The announcement, made by the league on Friday, May 15, comes just over a week after Detroit was officially welcomed as the PWHL's ninth team at a press conference at Little Caesars Arena. Rheaume, now 54, brings a championship mindset and decades of hockey experience to her new role.
"Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice," said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, in a statement. "She brings an unmatched hockey resume, a championship mindset, and a lifelong commitment to growing the women's game. Her experience at every level of hockey, combined with her leadership and vision, makes her the perfect person to lead PWHL Detroit into its inaugural season."
Rheaume's journey to this historic appointment is nothing short of legendary. After her groundbreaking NHL tryout in 1992—where she played one period for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the St. Louis Blues—she went on to win a silver medal with Team Canada at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. She also spent four seasons in Hockey Operations with the Los Angeles Kings and an 11-year tenure with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, building deep roots in the Motor City's hockey community.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” Rheaume said. “This city has such a deep hockey tradition, and the passion for hockey here is truly special. The growth of women’s hockey has been incredible to watch, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the sport alongside the PWHL. I can’t wait to get started and build a team that Detroit fans will be proud of.”
As general manager, Rheaume's first major task is assembling a support staff ahead of the expansion draft on June 17 at Detroit's Fox Theatre. With her pioneering spirit and deep ties to the game, she's poised to write the next chapter of hockey history—and we can't wait to see what she builds.