Rhéaume played for the Atlanta Knights (IHL) against Salt Lake City, becoming the first woman in a regular-season men's pro hockey game.
On December 13, 1992, Manon Rhéaume achieved another historic milestone, becoming the first woman to play in a regular-season men's professional hockey game. Suiting up for the Atlanta Knights of the International Hockey League (IHL) against the Salt Lake City Golden Eagles, she entered the game in goal at the start of the second period.
Unlike her earlier NHL appearance, which came in a preseason exhibition, this contest counted in the official standings of a professional league, making it an even more significant and unambiguous breakthrough for women's participation in men's professional sports. Some media outlets have mistakenly conflated this IHL appearance with an NHL regular-season game, but reliable historical accounts confirm it took place in the IHL.
Rhéaume's performance that night proved she could hold her own against seasoned professional male players in real competitive circumstances, not merely showcase appearances. It reinforced the legitimacy of her earlier NHL preseason appearance and further solidified her reputation as a serious professional athlete rather than a novelty act.
This achievement remains a landmark in sports history, frequently cited alongside her NHL debut as proof of her genuine skill and the barriers she broke for women seeking opportunities in traditionally all-male professional leagues.