Women in Sports History
Manon Rhéaume Breaks Through
Contributed by Jackie
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 I was very nervous. I didn't think about being the first woman. I thought about doing my best and concentrating on
the puck. 
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Manon Rhéaume (ma-NO¯[N] ra¯-O¯M) was born on February 24, 1972 in Lac Beaufort, Quebec. Little did anyone know at the time, Manon would go on to make history in the world of sports. She started ice skating at three years old and just two years after that began hockey, goaltending. Rhéaume became the first girl to play in the all boys International Pee Wee Hockey Tournament in Quebec at the age of 11. At age 19, Rhéaume continued breaking through gender norms, playing in a major junior hockey game for men. Although they lost that day, 6-4, she was not discouraged. In fact, she took her play and tenacious attitude one-step further as the first woman to play in the NHL.
On September 23, 1992, Manon made history by tending the goal for the Tampa Bay Lightning. The then 20-year-old played one period in the pre-season exhibition game against the St. Louis Blues, recording seven saves and allowing only two goals.
Manon Rhéaume recalls, "I was very nervous. I didn't think about being the first woman. I thought about doing my best and concentrating on the puck.” (Toronto Star, Sept. 24, 1992). Rhéaume proved women could play with the boys.
Some people believed the appearance of a female in the National Hockey League was a publicity stunt, but that did not phase the pioneering goalie. Rhéaume certainly made an impression on the Tampa Bay Lightening as she was offered and accepted a contract with their minor league affiliate. With all the media attention surrounding her, she had plenty of opportunities to promote herself. She even turned down a $50,000 offer to pose in Playboy magazine. Not only did Rhéaume chisel her own path in the ice from a young age, she did so with class. Rhéaume demonstrates the ability women have to achieve their athletic goals with determination and passion.
For more on Manon Rhéaume, including video, visit: http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-41-311-1632-10/on_this_day/sports/twt
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