🏒 The 1st Woman to Play in the NHL: Manon Rhéaume (Video)

AWSN caught up with Manon Rhéaume recently at the YMCA's Girls Empowerment Day in Los Angeles. The icon and shatterer of glass ceilings shared inspiration and advice for young female athletes.

Watch the interview here:

Manon Rhéaume with AWSN

And just to catch you up to speed. Here's the story of how Manon Rhéaume became the 1st Woman to play in the NHL! 🏒

In the world of professional hockey, Manon Rhéaume's name stands as a symbol of courage, skill, and pure puck-stopping prowess. As the first woman to play in an NHL game, Rhéaume skated her way into the record books, proving that a sharp glove hand and fearless attitude could break barriers and inspire future generations.

The Big Save That Made History

In 1992, the Tampa Bay Lightning invited Rhéaume to their training camp, and the hockey world buzzed with curiosity. Could a woman really handle the blistering slapshots and chaotic crease battles of an NHL game? Rhéaume didn’t just show up; she came to play. On September 23, 1992, with cool confidence and quick reflexes, she took the ice in a preseason tilt against the St. Louis Blues.

Facing a barrage of shots from seasoned NHL snipers, Rhéaume stood tall in net. She made key saves, flashing her glove to snatch pucks out of the air and turning away dangerous chances with crisp pad work. Her stint may have been brief, but the impact? Legendary. Rhéaume’s debut rocked the hockey world and proved that talent and determination know no gender.

A Career Built on Breakaways and Big Moments

Rhéaume's hockey journey didn’t end with that historic NHL game. She continued to suit up in various men’s pro leagues, proving her mettle in net time and again. On the international stage, she backstopped Team Canada to silver at the IIHF Women's World Championships and earned Olympic gold in 1998 when women's hockey made its Olympic debut.

Her play was marked by lightning-fast glove saves, cool poise under pressure, and the heart of a true competitor. Whether facing high-speed one-timers or scrambles in the crease, Rhéaume had a knack for staying sharp and frustrating opponents.

Growing the Game for Future Stars

Rhéaume's impact extended beyond her stellar saves. She dedicated herself to coaching young goaltenders, sharing her wisdom and encouraging young girls to chase their hockey dreams. Her Manon Rhéaume Foundation has supported countless female athletes, ensuring they have access to gear, coaching, and opportunities to develop their skills.

Many of today’s female hockey stars, like Marie-Philip Poulin and Kendall Coyne Schofield, credit Rhéaume’s courage as a major inspiration. Thanks to her bold steps, girls now skate onto the ice knowing they belong right there in the crease, ready to stonewall anyone who dares fire a puck their way.

The Legacy of a True Trailblazer

Manon Rhéaume’s story isn’t just about hockey; it’s about grit, resilience, and proving doubters wrong. Her iconic moment in net was more than just a game—it was a statement that women can excel on any stage.

So, next time you hear the thud of a puck hitting pads or the sweet ring of a goalpost, remember Manon Rhéaume—the goalie who dared to stand tall in the NHL’s blue paint and showed the world that no dream is out of reach.

🏒AWSN has the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

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