The True Story of Manon Rhéaume, the First Woman to Play in the NHL

On September 23, 1992, Manon Rhéaume made history when she became the first woman to play in a regular season National Hockey League (NHL) game. Rhéaume, a goaltender from Quebec, Canada, played for the Tampa Bay Lightning against the St. Louis Blues. She stopped 16 of the 21 shots she faced, and the Lightning won the game 4-1.

Rhéaume's journey to the NHL was not an easy one. She faced discrimination and skepticism from many people who believed that women could not play hockey at the highest level. But Rhéaume refused to give up on her dream. She practiced tirelessly, and she eventually proved her doubters wrong.

Breaking the Ice: The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey League

by Angie Bullaro

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22447 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	40 pages

FREE

Rhéaume's success in the NHL was a major breakthrough for women's hockey. It showed that women could compete with men at the highest level of the sport. Rhéaume's story is an inspiration to all women who dream of playing hockey at the highest level.

Early Life and Career

Manon Rhéaume was born on February 24, 1972, in St-Félix-de-Valois, Quebec, Canada. She began playing hockey at the age of four, and she quickly developed a passion for the sport. Rhéaume played on boys' teams throughout her childhood, and she was often the only girl on the ice.

In 1990, Rhéaume made the Canadian national women's hockey team. She was the youngest player on the team, and she quickly became one of its best players. Rhéaume helped Canada win a silver medal at the 1992 Winter Olympics.

NHL Debut

In 1992, Rhéaume was invited to try out for the Tampa Bay Lightning. She impressed the Lightning's coaches with her skills, and she was offered a contract. Rhéaume made her NHL debut on September 23, 1992, against the St. Louis Blues.

Rhéaume played well in her NHL debut, and she helped the Lightning win the game. She became an instant sensation, and she was featured on the covers of magazines and newspapers around the world.

Later Career

Rhéaume played in two more NHL games during the 1992-93 season. She then returned to the Canadian national women's hockey team, and she helped Canada win a gold medal at the 1994 Winter Olympics.

In 1995, Rhéaume joined the Trois-Rivières Draveurs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL). She was the first woman to play in a major junior hockey league. Rhéaume played for the Draveurs for two seasons, and she helped them win the QMJHL championship in 1996.

Rhéaume retired from hockey in 1998. She was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2016.

Legacy

Manon Rhéaume's legacy is one of inspiration and perseverance. She proved that women can compete with men at the highest level of hockey. Rhéaume's story continues to inspire women around the world to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem.

Rhéaume is a role model for all athletes, both men and women. She is a reminder that anything is possible if you work hard and never give up on your dreams.

Breaking the Ice: The True Story of the First Woman to Play in the National Hockey League

by Angie Bullaro

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22447 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	40 pages

FREE