Even after 30 years, the name “Rheaume” generates memories of the early days of the Tampa Bay Lightning. In 1992, Manon Rheaume became the first woman to play an exhibition game, not only in hockey, but in any of the major national sports in North America as she appeared in games against the St. Louis Blues and Boston Bruins during the Lightning’s preseason.
For the next five years she would play games for various squads in minor-league hockey, from the Atlanta Knights to the Las Vegas Thunder. She’s stayed close to the hockey world following her playing career and is currently working in hockey operations for the Los Angeles Kings.