Manon Rhéaume Appointed General Manager of PWHL Detroit Team

The Professional Women’s Hockey League has made a significant move by selecting Manon Rhéaume as the General Manager for its Detroit franchise. This announcement follows last week’s revelation that Detroit will be the ninth city to host a PWHL team, with games set to take place at the renowned Little Caesars Arena.

Rhéaume is a storied figure in women’s hockey, recognized as the first woman to play in an NHL game. Her illustrious career includes being a two-time Women’s World Championship gold medalist and an Olympic silver medalist, making her an ideal choice to lead the new team. The PWHL expressed their enthusiasm in a statement, highlighting her pioneering role and exceptional credentials. Jayna Hefford, the PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations, praised Rhéaume, stating, “Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice. She brings an unmatched hockey resume and a championship mindset.”

Rhéaume herself shared her excitement about the new role, saying, “I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit. This city has such a deep hockey tradition. The passion for hockey here is truly special.” She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of women’s hockey, stating, “I can’t wait to get started and build a team that Detroit fans will be proud of.”

Before her appointment, Rhéaume spent four years with the Los Angeles Kings in their hockey operations department and has also worked as an analyst on Bally Sports Detroit. Her extensive experience includes 11 years with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club. A former goaltender, Rhéaume made history with two preseason appearances for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992 and 1993.

Looking ahead, the 2026 PWHL Draft is set to take place just four blocks from Little Caesars Arena at the Fox Theater, marking another exciting chapter for women’s hockey in Detroit.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.