As the PWHL prepares for its inaugural season in Detroit, one of the sport’s most recognizable trailblazers has been brought in to lead the team.
The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced Friday that Manon Rhéaume has been named general manager of the expansion club.
Rhéaume joins the organization after four seasons working in hockey operations with the Los Angeles Kings and an 11-year tenure with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club, where she served as Girls’ Division Director and played a key role in player development and mentorship.
“Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice,” PWHL executive vice-president of hockey operations Jayna Hefford said in a statement. “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.”
It is another milestone for Rhéaume after she became the first woman to sign a professional hockey contract and made history in 1992 as the first woman to play in an NHL game, appearing in a pre-season contest with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Rhéaume represented Canada on the world stage, winning two gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship and capturing silver at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.
She has already established roots in Detroit and was selected to take part in the ceremonial puck drop during the league’s first game at Little Caesars Arena back in March 2024.
“I’m incredibly honoured and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” Rhéaume said in a statement. “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.”
Rhéaume’s first order of business will be constructing Detroit’s hockey operations department and beginning the process of assembling the club’s inaugural roster. The league’s expansion draft and player acquisition process are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with the 2026 PWHL Draft set for June 17 at Detroit’s Fox Theatre.
Detroit officially joined the league earlier this month as part of the PWHL’s continued expansion efforts. The additions of Detroit, Las Vegas and Hamilton have expanded the league to 11 teams.
The league is partnering with Ilitch Sports and Entertainment to bring the franchise to Detroit, and as of today, fans can put down deposits on season tickets.
