Manon Rhéaume has been named general manager of the PWHL’s expansion club in Detroit, tasked with building the franchise’s hockey operations department and preparing for the inaugural roster. The league’s expansion draft and player acquisition process are expe
Detroit is preparing to meet a landmark moment in women’s hockey. and the PWHL has moved quickly to put a familiar name in charge of its newest chapter.. Manon Rhéaume has been named general manager of the league’s expansion club. with her first major assignment beginning the build of Detroit’s hockey operations and the framework for its inaugural roster.
The PWHL announced Friday that Rhéaume will lead PWHL Detroit as it prepares for its inaugural season in the city.. Her hiring comes after four seasons working in hockey operations with the Los Angeles Kings and an 11-year stretch with the Little Caesars AAA Hockey Club. where she served as Girls’ Division Director and played a key role in player development and mentorship.
Jayna Hefford, PWHL executive vice-president of hockey operations, framed the decision as both a hockey pedigree and a leadership fit.. “Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice,” 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.”
Rhéaume’s appointment is also a continuation of a trailblazing career that helped change hockey history.. She became the first woman to sign a professional hockey contract and later 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.
On the international stage, Rhéaume represented Canada to major milestones, winning two gold medals at the IIHF Women’s World Championship and capturing silver at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano.
Her Detroit connection is already in place.. She was selected to take part in the ceremonial puck drop during the league’s first game at Little Caesars Arena back in March 2024.. Now she’s stepping into a front-office role with the team officially joined to the PWHL earlier this month as part of the league’s continued expansion efforts.
“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.”
She added: “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.”
Beyond the announcement itself, the next steps are already mapped out.. 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’s entry has also widened the league’s footprint.. With the additions of Detroit, Las Vegas and Hamilton, the PWHL has expanded 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.
Manon Rhéaume PWHL Detroit general manager women’s hockey Little Caesars Arena expansion draft 2026 PWHL Draft Jayna Hefford Ilitch Sports and Entertainment
Love this for Detroit.
So she’s GM now… does that mean she’s also gonna be on the ice? Like I’m confused how women’s hockey stuff works but I’m rooting for it.
I saw her name and thought she was gonna coach or something. But GM makes sense I guess since she’s been in hockey operations. Also the whole “expansion draft” part—do they just pick whoever? Feels like a big deal though, Detroit finally getting a team for women.
Not gonna lie I didn’t know who Manon Rhéaume was until this. First woman to play in an NHL game right? But why is the league “PWHL” acting like it’s brand new, like are they trying to copy the Red Wings model? Detroit sports always end up being drama anyway lol. If she’s been dealing with player development for years then cool, but I’m still waiting to see the roster… because I swear half these expansion teams take forever to fill out.