Manon Rheaume will be 1st general manager of Detroit PWHL team

TL;DR

Manon Rheaume has been appointed as the first general manager of the Detroit PWHL team, marking a historic milestone in women's hockey. Her extensive experience and commitment to the sport are expected to lead the team into its inaugural season.

Key points

Manon Rheaume appointed as first general manager of Detroit PWHL team
Rheaume made history in 1992 by playing in an NHL exhibition game
PWHL Detroit franchise was announced at a press conference

Mentioned in this story

Manon RheaumePWHLDetroit

The Detroit PWHL team has star power in its first general manager: None other than Manon Rheaume, who in 1992 made history when she appeared in an NHL exhibition game.

The appointment by the league on Friday, May 15 comes a little more than a week after a news conference at Little Caesars Arena heralding the arrival of the PWHL's ninth franchise.

“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 press release. “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.”

Olympic silver medalist Manon Rheaume (33) is introduced for the Los Angeles Kings Celebrity Charity Game for LA Wildfire Relief on Feb 23, 2025 at Crypto.com Arena.

Rheaume, 54, joins the team following four seasons with the Los Angeles Kings in Hockey Operations and an 11-year tenure with the Little Caesars AAA (LCAAA) Hockey Club.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” Rhéaume said in the release. “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.”

Q&A

Who is Manon Rheaume and why is she significant in hockey?

Manon Rheaume is a pioneering figure in hockey, known for being the first woman to play in an NHL exhibition game in 1992, and she has now been appointed as the general manager of the Detroit PWHL team.

What is the PWHL and when will the Detroit franchise begin its season?

The PWHL is the Professional Women's Hockey League, and the Detroit franchise is set to begin its inaugural season following its announcement at a recent press conference.

What qualifications does Manon Rheaume bring to her role as general manager?

Manon Rheaume brings an unmatched hockey resume, a championship mindset, and a lifelong commitment to growing the women’s game, making her well-suited for the role of general manager.