Phil Esposito, a Hall of Fame hockey player and the general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning, invited Rhéaume to the team’s 1992 preseason training camp, just prior to the team’s inaugural year. Despite objections from others on the team, he insisted that she play in part of an exhibition game. Although he later admitted this was a stunt for media attention, Rhéaume’s singular feat has been an inspiration for women’s hockey players.