The Appointment of Manon Rhéaume
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has officially announced the appointment of Manon Rhéaume as the general manager for its new Detroit expansion team, marking a significant moment in women’s hockey development. At 54, Rhéaume is not only a two-time world champion and an Olympic silver medalist but also a pivotal figure in the sport’s history, having made history as the first woman to play in the NHL during preseason games for the Tampa Bay Lightning in the early ’90s. She also holds the distinction of being the first woman to have a hockey trading card.
A New Chapter in Rhéaume’s Career
Rhéaume’s new position signals an important step in her career within the realm of professional women’s hockey. Her arrival in Detroit marks a new beginning, as she previously played a crucial role in hockey operations for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings and dedicated over a decade to mentoring young female hockey players through the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club in the Detroit area.
Support from PWHL Leadership
Jayna Hefford, the PWHL’s executive vice president of hockey operations, praised Rhéaume, emphasizing her invaluable experience, championship mindset, and relentless dedication to advancing women’s hockey. Hefford highlighted Rhéaume as an ideal leader for the Detroit franchise, setting the stage for a successful inaugural season.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” Rhéaume expressed. She acknowledged the city’s rich hockey heritage and the unique passion for the sport among its fans. Rhéaume is committed to contributing to the growth of women’s hockey and is eager to start building a team that the local community can rally behind.
Upcoming Season and Team Development
The PWHL’s Detroit franchise is set to begin play in the 2026-27 season, as part of an expansion that includes new teams in Las Vegas and Hamilton as well. The team’s home games will take place at the Little Caesars Arena, home to both the Detroit Red Wings (NHL) and the Detroit Pistons (NBA).
In building the inaugural roster for the PWHL Detroit, Rhéaume will utilize the league’s unique expansion process, which includes several signing windows and does not follow the traditional expansion draft format. The roster-building process is projected to commence on May 28, with the detailed guidelines recently provided to players. A significant milestone in this journey will be the PWHL Draft scheduled for June 17 at Detroit’s Fox Theatre, where the new team will select players to complete its lineup. The PWHL will communicate further details about the roster assembly process in the coming weeks, ensuring a structured approach to forming the new team.
