Manon Rheume to Perform Ceremonial Face-Off For NWHL

The inaugural season of the National Women’s Hockey League begins Sunday, October 11 as the Buffalo Beauts host the Boston Pride at HarborCenter in Buffalo, New York.

Manon Rheaume, the first woman to appear in a National Hockey League game, will drop the ceremonial first puck prior to the game at 3:30 PM. Beauts goaltender, Brianne McLaughlin-Brittle said, “She has influenced the women’s game is such a huge way over the years. As a female goalie, I looked up to her.”

The first 1,000 fans that enter the HarborCenter will receive a commemorative NWHL puck, while the first 500 will also receive a Manon Rheaume trading card. Fans are also invited to bring their skates, for a post-game skate and autograph session with the Beauts players.

Rheume said, “I am excited for the start of the NWHL, it is a great moment for women’s hockey and I am honored to be part of it.”

Her story will be featured on the big screen, in Between the Pipes, a scripted full length biopic based on her story of being the first woman to appear in an NHL game. The film is produced by Lazy Kitty Productions with Rheume and former NHL goaltender Steve Valiquette serving as associate producers.

The film is set to be released in theaters in 2017, so that it coincides with the 25^th anniversary of Rheume making history.

The doors will open at 2:00 PM, with the opening ceremonies set to begin at 3:00. Fans are encouraged to arrive early.

The other two teams in the league will face off in Stamford, Connecticut, as Connecticut Whale take on the New York Riveters, on Sunday afternoon as well.