A female hockey player has never officially played in a regular-season or playoff game in the National Hockey League, though several women have broken major gender barriers by participating in official team activities, rookie camps, and pre-season showcases. The closest any female player came to breaking into the league occurred when legendary goaltender Manon Rheaume was signed to a professional tryout contract by the Tampa Bay Lightning, subsequently starting in an exhibition game against the St. Louis Blues in 1992 and stopping several shots against NHL-caliber players. Additionally, elite players like Hayley Wickenheiser participated in men's minor professional leagues, and female goaltenders have occasionally been invited to practice or participate in NHL development camps. While a female skater has yet to earn a permanent roster spot on an active regular-season 53-man or 23-man NHL squad, the rapid growth of professional women's hockey leagues continues to elevate the visibility and competitive standard of the sport globally.