Jocelyne Larocque Bio
Jocelyne Dawn Marie Larocque (born May 19, 1988) is a Canadian professional ice hockey player for the Ottawa Charge of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She previously played in the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), with the Toronto Sceptres of the PWHL, Calgary Inferno and Markham Thunder of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL), the Calgary Oval X-Treme and Manitoba Maple Leafs of the Western Women’s Hockey League (WWHL), and the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA). With the Bulldogs, she was a two-time NCAA Women’s Ice Hockey Tournament champion in 2008 and 2010. Larocque is of Métis heritage and was the first Indigenous athlete to participate in the women’s ice hockey tournament at the Winter Olympics.
Early Life and Background
Jocelyne Larocque was born in Ste. Anne, Manitoba, Canada. She played hockey and basketball during her high school years at College Lorette Collegiate from 2002 to 2004. During the 2003-04 season, she made history by becoming the first female player to appear in the Winnipeg High School Boys League. Larocque’s early exposure to hockey was further enhanced by her participation in the Hockey Manitoba Program of Excellence Camp in June 2004. She also represented Manitoba at the 2003 Esso Women’s Nationals and was honored as the Top Defenceman at the Canadian National Women’s Under-18 Championship in January 2005.
Path to Hockey
Larocque’s hockey journey began with the Team Alberta franchise, which later became known as the Calgary Inferno. She played for the Inferno and was traded to the Brampton Thunder in August 2013, where she served as the final team captain before the franchise relocated to Markham, Ontario. Under her leadership, the Thunder captured the 2018 Clarkson Cup, marking a significant achievement for the franchise. Larocque’s collegiate career at the University of Minnesota Duluth was marked by numerous accolades, including being named to the All-American first team and leading the Bulldogs in scoring for defencemen. She graduated with honors in 2011 with a Bachelor of Accountancy.
Jocelyne Larocque Career
Early Career (2004-2010)
Larocque began her professional career in 2004 and quickly established herself as a talented defenceman. She was instrumental in her college team’s success, contributing to their NCAA national championships in 2008 and 2010. During her college career, she became the all-time top-scoring defenceman in UMD history, finishing with 105 points.
Breakthrough (2014-Present)
Larocque’s breakthrough came when she made her Olympic debut at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where Team Canada won the gold medal. She continued to represent Canada in subsequent Olympic Games, earning a silver medal at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. Her performance in international competitions has solidified her reputation as a top player in women’s ice hockey. In September 2023, Larocque was drafted second overall by PWHL Toronto in the inaugural PWHL Draft, marking a new chapter in her career.
Notable Works and Milestones
Larocque’s career is highlighted by her significant contributions to her teams, both at the collegiate and professional levels. She has received numerous accolades, including being named to the All-WCHA first team and the WCHA Defensive Player of the Year. Her leadership and performance have made her a respected figure in women’s hockey.
Jocelyne Larocque Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Jocelyne Larocque has received recognition for her outstanding performances and contributions to the sport of ice hockey.
Jocelyne Larocque Awards Won
Jocelyne Larocque has achieved notable success in her career, including winning multiple championships and awards, particularly during her time with the Minnesota Duluth Bulldogs and the Calgary Inferno.
Jocelyne Larocque Family
Jocelyne Larocque has a close-knit family background, with her cousin Melanie Gagnon also being a former player for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Her sister, Chantal, has represented Canada at the ISBHF World Championships.
Personal Life
Details about Jocelyne Larocque’s personal life remain private, but her family connections in the sport highlight her deep ties to hockey. She has been recognized for her contributions to the sport and has inspired many young athletes, especially those from Indigenous backgrounds.
