The Lightning played their first preseason game against the Minnesota North Stars in September 1992, and later that preseason, Manon Rheaume became the first woman to participate in an NHL game, making her the first woman to play in any of North America's major professional sports leagues. She played one period and scored a goal. Rheaume was born in Quebec City but grew up in Montreal. She began playing soccer at a young age before switching to ice hockey in high school. She went on to play college hockey at Boston College before turning pro with the Washington Power of the WCHL. The Power were owned by the NHL's Capitals at the time, so when Washington opened its roster for competition purposes only, Rheaume made the team as a forward. She played two games with the Capitals during the 1991-92 season without registering any points before being sent down to the Power where she finished out the year. In 1993-94, she played all 82 games for the first of three consecutive seasons while scoring 26 goals and adding 42 assists for 68 points. She helped the Power win the league title each year along with two conference titles. After the 1995-96 season, the Power moved to Florida and were renamed the Panthers, so Rheaume joined them as they entered the NHL. She played four seasons with the team and was a part of two more conference finals appearances.