Who Are Manon Rhéaume and Gerry St-Cyr

Manon Rhéaume and Gerry St-Cyr represent one of hockey's most inspiring family stories. Rhéaume shattered glass ceilings as the first woman to play in an NHL exhibition game back in 1992. Her partnership with minor league player Gerry St-Cyr created a hockey dynasty that continues through their son Dylan. Their journey shows how one person's courage can reshape an entire sport for generations to come.

Breaking barriers in professional hockey

Manon Rhéaume became a household name when the Tampa Bay Lightning signed her for preseason games during the 1992-1993 season. She wasn't just breaking a barrier she was demolishing it. Before that historic moment, no woman had ever suited up for an NHL team, even in exhibition play. She also became the first female player in major junior hockey with the Quebec Remparts, facing incredible pressure and scrutiny from fans and media alike (honestly, the criticism was pretty harsh). Her international accomplishments matched her professional succes. Rhéaume won two gold medals with Team Canada at the IIHF Women's World Championships in 1992 and 1994, and earned a silver medal at the 1998 Winter Olympics. Her presence in men's professional leagues opened doors that many thought would stay locked forever.

The family legacy continues

Gerry St-Cyr built his own hockey career in minor leagues and roller hockey before marrying Rhéaume in June 1998. Both parents brought serious hockey knowledge to the dinner table every single night. Their son Dylan inherited more than just genes, he inherited a complete hockey education from two experienced players. Dylan progressed through competitive youth programs and earned spots on elite teams, including the USA Hockey National Team Development Program. He followed his mother's path as a goaltender, understanding the position from the ground up. The family's hockey tradition now stretches across three generations, with each generation pushing the sport forward in their own way.

Her impact on hockey today

Rhéaume's influence extends far beyond her playing days. An upcoming film called Between the Pipes will bring her story to movie screens, introducing her legacy to audiences who never watched her play. She continues coaching and mentoring young players, sharing decades of experience with the next generation. Her story sparks crucial conversations about gender, opportunity, and what women can accomplish in traditionally male spaces. Young female goaltenders now see Rhéaume's jersey hanging in hockey history, knowing someone already broke through the wall they face. That matters enormously for recruitment, confidence, and the future of women's hockey at every level.