The expansion PWHL Detroit franchise has named Manon Rheaume as the team’s first general manager in club history on Friday.
Rheaume is a highly decorated former player, having won two gold medals with Team Canada at the Olympics, and becoming the first female player to appear in an NHL game. The 54 year old executive joins Detroit after spending the last 4 seasons in the Los Angeles Kings hockey operations department.
“Manon is a pioneer whose impact on the game extends far beyond the ice,” said Jayna Hefford, PWHL Executive Vice President of Hockey Operations. “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.”
Rheaume has extensive experience in the youth development pipeline for hockey as well, having been a long serving director of the Little Caesars AAA hockey club. The LCAAA organization has been one of the most successful youth programs in the United States for years.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” said Rhéaume. “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.”
Up next for the Detroit franchise and Rheaume will be to build out their hockey operations staff. This will include front office roles, coaches, and more as the team prepares to kick off its inaugural season in 2026-27.
Photo: PWHL