Manon Rhéaume

Canadian ice hockey goaltender who became the first woman to play in an NHL game and won Olympic silver with Canada's women's national team.

The first woman to play in any of North America's four major professional sports leagues — signed a professional contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992 and played in an NHL pre-season game, a moment that changed women's sport history. Ice hockey combines exceptional skating, physical toughness and split-second decision-making across a demanding professional season. Career highlights included First woman to play in NHL (pre-season 1992), Olympic Silver 1998, IIHF Women's World Championship Gold x2. What distinguished Manon was consistency of performance at the highest level — competing with and against the very best while maintaining standards across an extended career in ice hockey. Manon's career stands as a testament to the dedication that sustained excellence in ice hockey demands across many years of competition.

Rhéaume was known for her quick reflexes and competitive spirit between the pipes. She demonstrated excellent positioning and mental toughness, essential qualities for succeeding as a goaltender at the highest levels of hockey.

Rhéaume broke significant gender barriers in professional hockey and inspired countless young female players to pursue the sport at elite levels.

• First woman to play in NHL (pre-season 1992)
• Olympic Silver 1998
• IIHF Women's World Championship Gold x2
• Pioneer of women in professional sport
• First woman to play in NHL
• Olympic Silver Medal 1998
• IIHF Women's World Championship Gold 1994
• IIHF Women's World Championship Gold 2000