In a move that solidifies her legendary status in hockey history, Manon Rhéaume has been named the general manager of the PWHL's expansion franchise in Detroit, the league announced Friday.

At 54, Rhéaume is no stranger to breaking barriers. The former Canadian national team goaltender is a two-time world champion and Olympic silver medalist, but she's best known as the only woman ever to play in the NHL, having suited up for preseason exhibition games with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992 and 1993. She also made history as the first woman to have her own hockey card in 1992.

Now, Rhéaume is taking on a new challenge—her first role in women's professional hockey. As the GM of PWHL Detroit, she'll be tasked with building the team from the ground up ahead of the 2026-27 season.

"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's resume is as impressive as it is diverse. Over the past four seasons, she worked in hockey operations with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings. For 11 years, she's also been a key figure with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, mentoring and developing girls' hockey players in the Detroit area.

"I'm incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit," Rhéaume 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."

The PWHL's expansion to Detroit was announced last week, with additional teams in Las Vegas and Hamilton revealed Wednesday. PWHL Detroit will call Little Caesars Arena home—the same arena that hosts the NHL's Detroit Red Wings and NBA's Detroit Pistons. Rhéaume will now work through the league's expansion roster-building process to assemble the inaugural team.

For fans of women's hockey—and anyone who appreciates a good underdog story—this is a moment to watch. Rhéaume has already shattered ceilings on the ice; now she's poised to build a legacy behind the bench.