In a move that cements Detroit's place in hockey history, the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) has named Manon Rheaume as the first general manager of its newest franchise. The announcement, made on May 15, comes just over a week after the league celebrated Detroit's arrival as the ninth PWHL team at a press conference inside Little Caesars Arena.
Rheaume, 54, is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 1992, she became the first woman to play in an NHL exhibition game, suiting up for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the St. Louis Blues. She followed that with another exhibition appearance in 1993, forever etching her name in hockey lore. A silver medalist with Team Canada at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, Rheaume has spent the past four seasons in Hockey Operations with the Los Angeles Kings and 11 years with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club.
"Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice," said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. "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 first order of business? Building a support staff ahead of the expansion draft on June 17 at Detroit's Fox Theatre. For fans already dreaming of lacing up their skates in Rheaume-inspired gear, this is a moment to celebrate a true trailblazer taking the helm.
"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."
With Rheaume leading the charge, Detroit's PWHL team is poised to honor its rich hockey legacy while writing a bold new chapter for women's hockey—one that fans can proudly wear on their sleeves.