Detroit's new professional women's hockey franchise has named a pioneer in the sport as its general manager.
The franchise, which has yet to select a nickname or mascot, announced on Friday that Manon Rhéaume will take the reins of PWHL Detroit.
"I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” said Rhéaume 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 last position in pro hockey was as a prospect and operations advisor for the NHL's Los Angeles Kings.
She already has a place in hockey history as the first woman to suit up as a goaltender for an NHL team. She tried out for the Tampa Bay Lightning before the 1992-93 season and played in two preseason games. Before that, Rhéaume was the first woman to play for a major junior hockey team, playing one game with the QMJHL's Trois-Rivières Draveurs.
She won an Olympic silver medal for Team Canada's women's hockey squad at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.
Rhéaume already has a strong connection to Michigan hockey as a player, executive, and broadcaster. She briefly suited up for the IHL's Port Huron Icehawks and the Flint Generals. Rhéaume also spent 11 years as the girls' division director of the Detroit-based Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club.
For the 2021-2022 season, she served as the rinkside reporter and analyst for Detroit Red Wings hockey telecasts.
Detroit will host the PWHL Draft on June 17 at the Fox Theatre and will begin league play next season.
