Manon Rheaume: The 'First Lady' of Hockey

2008-09 Upper Deck Masterpieces Brushstrokes Autographs of Manon Rheaume

After many years of searching, I finally snagged this noteworthy piece for my goalie collection at the 2022 Spring Expo in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

The card I'm talking about is the 2008-09 Upper Deck Masterpieces Brushstrokes Autographed card of Manon Rheaume - The First Lady of Hockey. 

For those unfamiliar with Rheaume's story, she was the very first Female athlete to play in the National Hockey League (NHL). She earned this historic honour when she debut for the NHL's Tampa Bay Lightning in one of their pre-season exhibition games against the St. Louis Blues on September 23rd, 1992. She also replicated this feat once more in 1993, playing another exhibition game with Tampa Bay.

​As for this card, the Upper Deck Masterpieces product truly was a sight to behold. Featuring many key veterans of the sport, while also showcasing a wonderful design that really stood out compared to other products of that time period. I have wanted this card for many years now ever since I found out Rheaume was in the set, but I was always outbid or the price point was too high for me. I lucked out and found this at one of the dealers' tables at the Expo for a fair price, so I quickly made a deal.

While my collection mainly focuses on one player, I do like to collect a card or two of some of the greatest to ever play the position, and I truly feel Rheaume belongs in that discussion not only for her play that helped her breakdown barriers in hockey, but the mark she left on the sporting world itself. 

Enjoy this piece of hockey history!

Happy Collecting, 

​- Aaron / creasecollector

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