Detroit's new Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) expansion team has made a historic move, naming trailblazing goaltender Manon Rheaume as its first general manager. The team, set to debut in the 2026-27 season alongside new franchises in Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, will call Little Caesars Arena home—and they’ve chosen a true pioneer to lead the charge.
Rheaume, 54, joins Detroit after four seasons in the Los Angeles Kings' hockey operations department. But her legacy stretches far beyond the front office. In 1992, she became the first woman to sign an NHL contract, playing a period in goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning in a preseason game against the St. Louis Blues. She followed that up with another preseason appearance against the Boston Bruins in 1993, shattering barriers with every save.
Her playing career didn’t stop there. Rheaume went on to play 24 games in men's minor leagues, posting an impressive 5-0-1 record in the ECHL during the 1993-94 season with the Knoxville Cherokees and Nashville Knights. On the international stage, she earned a gold medal at the World Championships and a silver medal representing Canada at the 1998 Nagano Olympics—cementing her status as one of the sport’s most decorated pioneers.
“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.”
For Rheaume, this role is about more than just building a team—it’s about honoring a city with deep hockey roots. “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. The passion for hockey here is truly special. The growth of women’s hockey has been incredible to watch. I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the sport alongside the PWHL.”
As Detroit prepares to welcome its new PWHL squad, fans can look forward to a team built by one of the game’s true legends. Whether you’re stocking up on gear to support the new franchise or celebrating the legacy of women’s hockey pioneers, this is a moment worth marking on your calendar.