Women’s hockey trailblazer Manon Rhéaume named GM of PWHL Detroit
TL;DR
Manon Rhéaume has been appointed as the general manager of the PWHL's new expansion team in Detroit. She is a pioneering figure in women's hockey, known for being the first woman to play in the NHL.
Key points
- Manon Rhéaume named GM of PWHL Detroit
- Rhéaume is a two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist
- She is the first woman to play in the NHL
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Women’s hockey trailblazer Manon Rhéaume named GM of PWHL Detroit
Manon Rhéaume has been hired as general manager of the PWHL’s new expansion franchise in Detroit, the league announced on Friday.
The 54-year-old former Canadian national team goaltender is a two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist and one of the most influential figures in women’s hockey history.
Rhéaume is the only woman to have ever played in the NHL, suiting up in preseason exhibition games in 1992 and 1993 for the Tampa Bay Lightning. She also became the first woman to have her own hockey card in 1992.
Her role in the PWHL marks a new chapter, and Rhéaume’s first in women’s pro hockey.
“Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice,” said Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s 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.”
Rhéaume spent the last four seasons working in hockey operations with the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and has worked with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club for 11 years, providing mentorship, development, and leadership for girls hockey players in the Detroit area.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” said Rhéaume. “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.”
The PWHL announced it would expand to Detroit for the 2026-27 season last week, with additional expansion teams in Las Vegas and Hamilton revealed on Wednesday. PWHL Detroit will play at Little Caesars Arena, home of the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings and NBA’s Detroit Pistons.
Rhéaume will assemble PWHL Detroit’s inaugural 2026-27 roster through the league’s expansion roster building process and via the 2026 PWHL Draft, which will be hosted at Detroit’s Fox Theatre on June 17.
The PWHL Players Association sent its members a guide to the expansion roster-building process that included multiple signing windows and no traditional expansion draft. In Friday’s news release, the league said: “All phases of the comprehensive roster building process will be finalized and announced by the league in the coming weeks.”
The expansion process laid out by the PWHLPA document is tentatively set to begin May 28.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
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Q&A
Who is Manon Rhéaume and what are her achievements in hockey?
Manon Rhéaume is a former Canadian national team goaltender, a two-time world champion, and an Olympic silver medalist, recognized as a trailblazer in women's hockey.
What is the PWHL and when was it established?
The PWHL, or Professional Women's Hockey League, is a new league aimed at promoting women's professional hockey, with its expansion team in Detroit recently announced.
What significance does Manon Rhéaume's hiring as GM hold for women's hockey?
Her hiring as GM marks a significant milestone in women's hockey, highlighting the increasing recognition and opportunities for women in leadership roles within the sport.
