Former goalkeeper Manon Rhéaume has been hired as a hockey operations and prospect advisor by the Los Angeles Kings, the Californian organization announced Thursday.
“I’m excited to join the Kings and look forward to working with our core group of young players who are going through our individual development process,” the Quebecer said in a statement.
“My goal will be to provide them with the necessary tools and the right guidance so that they can smoothly transition into their ultimate dream of playing in the NHL,” she added.
Rheaume will report to the club’s Director of Sporting Personnel, Nelson Emerson.
Rhéaume, who will remain based in Michigan, will also be involved in assignments within the hockey operations department and will participate in various promotional activities for the Kings.
“Manon is an excellent communicator who will bring a unique approach and play a key role within our hockey operations department,” Emerson said. She has the necessary tools to allow our young hopefuls to complete their development cycle.”
Rheaume won silver with Team Canada at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, the first to include a women’s hockey tournament. She also made history by becoming the first woman to play in an NHL preseason game in 1992 with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
She also stood out last year by participating, as a goaltender, in the breakaway contest as part of the NHL All-Star Game.
A feminine wave
Rhéaume is part of the recent wave of hiring women in key positions across the Bettman circuit.
The day before, the New Jersey Devils made Kate Madigan their first assistant general manager, becoming the sixth woman to hold such a position in the NHL.
General manager Tom Fitzgerald announced the promotion on the eve of the NHL Draft which will take place at the Bell Centre.
Besides Madigan, Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser was promoted to an assistant general manager position with the Toronto Maple Leafs last week, as was Meghan Hunter with the Chicago Blackhawks last month.
The Vancouver Canucks are no exception, with two women occupying identical positions – Quebecer Émilie Castonguay and Cammi Granato.
Angela Gorgon was the first to be named assistant general manager, with the Anaheim Ducks in 1996.