“Mannon 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, championship mentality and a lifelong commitment to growing the women’s game. Her experience at every level of hockey, combined with her leadership and vision, make her the ideal person to lead PWHL Detroit in its inaugural season.”
As the longtime LCAAA Girls Division Director, Reaume has leveraged her hockey experience to provide unparalleled guidance, development and leadership for Detroit’s next generation of elite athletes. Rheaume remains a powerful advocate for community involvement, growing the sport and creating vital access and opportunities for young girls in sport.
Rheaume made history as the first woman to sign a professional hockey contract and play in an NHL game, redefining opportunities for future generations of players. 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 a part of PWHL history, performing the ceremonial puck drop in the first-ever PWHL game at Little Caesars Arena on March 16, 2024.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to join the PWHL and help build something special in Detroit,” Reaume said. “This city has such a deep hockey tradition, and the passion for hockey here is truly special. It’s incredible to watch the growth of women’s hockey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to help shape the future of the game with the PWHL. I can’t wait to get started and build a team that Detroit fans will be proud of.”
Rheaume will lead PWHL Detroit into its inaugural 2026-27 season by assembling a hockey operations staff and carrying out a roster building process highlighted by the 2026 PWHL Draft, which will be held on June 17 at Detroit’s Fox Theatre. All phases of the comprehensive roster construction process will be finalized and announced by the league in the coming weeks.
The PWHL Detroit was formally introduced on May 6 at Little Caesars Arena, with the announcement of additional PWHL expansions to Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario, bringing the league’s current total to 11 teams. The third PWHL Walter Cup Final is currently underway between the Montreal Victoire and the Ottawa Charge.
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