Manon Rhéaume Takes Charge of PWHL Detroit Team

Manon Rhéaume has been appointed General Manager of PWHL Detroit, tasked with building the organization ahead of its inaugural 2026–27 season and the 2026 PWHL Draft on June 17 at Detroit’s Fox Theatre.

On a day when women’s hockey keeps turning its biggest moments into real, working plans, Manon Rhéaume is stepping into her latest high-stakes role: General Manager of PWHL Detroit.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League announced her appointment on May 15. placing the trailblazer in charge of assembling a hockey operations staff and steering a roster-building process designed to culminate in Detroit’s debut season.. PWHL executives framed the move as more than a résumé upgrade. naming Rhéaume’s leadership and her long record of mentorship as key to the team’s first chapter.

“Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice. ” Jayna Hefford. PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. said.. “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.”

Rhéaume’s appointment follows four seasons in Hockey Operations with the Los Angeles Kings and an 11-year tenure with the Little Caesars AAA (LCAAA) Hockey Club.. As the long-standing LCAAA Girls’ Division Director. she has worked in player development—positions and programs that place athletes on a path toward elite competition. including in Detroit’s next generation.

PWHL also highlighted her advocacy beyond the rink, saying she remains a strong voice for community engagement, growing the game, and expanding accessibility and opportunities for young girls.

Rhéaume’s name carries historic weight in the sport.. She made history as the first woman to sign a professional hockey contract and to play in an NHL game—an appearance that. the league says. reshaped opportunities for players who came after.. Internationally. she represented Canada at the highest level. winning two gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship and a silver medal at the 1998 Olympic Winter Games in Nagano. Japan.. She has already been woven into PWHL’s early moments. performing the ceremonial puck drop at the first-ever PWHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 16. 2024.

Now, she will lead the work that turns a franchise introduction into a team.. Rhéaume is set to guide PWHL Detroit into its inaugural 2026–27 season by assembling staff and beginning a roster building process highlighted by the 2026 PWHL Draft.. The league says the draft will be hosted at Detroit’s Fox Theatre on June 17. with all phases of the comprehensive roster building process finalized and announced by the league in the coming weeks.

Rhéaume spoke directly to the responsibility of the moment, calling the opportunity both an honor and a challenge.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” Rhéaume said.. “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.”

The appointment lands as the PWHL continues to expand and stage its premier moments.. PWHL Detroit was formally introduced on May 6 at Little Caesars Arena.. The league also announced additional expansion—Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario—on May 13, bringing the PWHL’s total to 11 teams.. At the same time. the third PWHL Walter Cup Finals are currently underway between the Montréal Victoire and Ottawa Charge.

Manon Rhéaume PWHL Detroit General Manager PWHL Draft Fox Theatre Little Caesars Arena women’s hockey Los Angeles Kings hockey operations Little Caesars AAA