Breaking Barriers: Manon Rheaume's New Role in Women's Hockey

Manon Rheaume, renowned for being the first woman to play in an NHL pre-season game, has been appointed as the general manager of the PWHL's new Detroit team. Transitioning from hockey operations with the Los Angeles Kings, Rheaume will lead the team into its inaugural 2026-27 season.

In a pioneering move within women's sports, Manon Rheaume, the first and only woman to play in a National Hockey League (NHL) pre-season game, has been named general manager of the Professional Women's Hockey League's (PWHL) new Detroit team.

Bringing her extensive experience from four successful seasons in hockey operations with the NHL's Los Angeles Kings, Rheaume will oversee the team's entry into the league in the 2026-27 season. She will focus on building a formidable roster and hockey operations staff, in preparation for the league's draft on June 17, 2026.

A decorated athlete in her own right, Rheaume boasts a distinguished career on the ice, winning gold medals with Canada's national team at the women's world championships in 1992 and 1994, and a silver medal at the 1998 Olympics. PWHL Detroit was officially unveiled as an expansion team on May 6, marking an exciting new chapter for women's hockey.