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Manon Rhéaume Named GM of Detroit PWHL Expansion Team

5/16/2026

Summary

Rhéaume Hired GM

The Professional Women's Hockey League appointed Manon Rhéaume—first woman to sign a hockey contract and winner of two Olympic golds and a 1998 silver—as general manager of Detroit’s expansion team on May 15, 2026.
Detroit will build its roster via an expansion draft after the playoffs and the June 17, 2026 PWHL Draft, joining Las Vegas and Hamilton to bring the league to 11 teams for 2026-27.
Hefford praised Rhéaume’s experience.

Summary

DiDia Hired GM

Dominique DiDia was hired as GM of the PWHL’s Las Vegas expansion franchise.
She has represented players such as Aerin Frankel, Blayre Turnbull, Cayla Barnes and Hannah Bilka, and after joining CAA Sports in 2022 launched its hockey department.
She spent nine years with the Los Angeles Kings, ending as director of marketing and publicity.
Executive vice president Jayna Hefford praised DiDia’s vision for building a team and culture that matches the PWHL’s ambition and Las Vegas energy.

Summary

Detroit Unveiled

The Detroit PWHL franchise was unveiled at Little Caesars Arena on May 6, 2026.
The unveiling panel featured Chris Ilitch, Mary Sheffield, Jayna Hefford and Amy Scheer.
Mayor Mary Sheffield said the team will bring a new era of opportunity and visibility for women’s sports in Detroit.
Dakoda Rhéaume-Mullen, who plays for the University of Michigan Wolverines, and Northville native Cyr, a Michigan State player in 2022-23, illustrate the regional talent pool.

History

Historical Context

In September 1992 the Tampa Bay Lightning signed goaltender Manon Rhéaume, the first woman to hold a professional hockey contract and play in an NHL exhibition game. The milestone paved the way for women’s hockey, and the Professional Women’s Hockey League, now 11 teams strong, named Rhéaume Detroit’s GM and hired DiDia for Las Vegas, echoing the 1992 breakthrough.

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Rhéaume Hired GM

The Professional Women's Hockey League appointed Manon Rhéaume—first woman to sign a hockey contract and winner of two Olympic golds and a 1998 silver—as general manager of Detroit’s expansion team on May 15, 2026.
Detroit will build its roster via an expansion draft after the playoffs and the June 17, 2026 PWHL Draft, joining Las Vegas and Hamilton to bring the league to 11 teams for 2026-27.
Hefford praised Rhéaume’s experience.

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