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Winnipeg Free Press
a day ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoban's storied career a reflection of how far women's hockey has come
Jocelyne Larocque has seen a lot of things during her decorated hockey career. But the 37-year-old from Ste. Anne admits the multiple plot twists she experienced this past season were a shock to the system. A blockbuster trade. A thrilling run to the Professional Women's Hockey League Final. A heartbreaking Walter Cup defeat. A stress-filled expansion process. The departure of four talented teammates. And, above all, the continued rise of her sport in North America. It's quite a story, one the two-time Olympic gold medallist shared with the Free Press during a phone chat this week as she finally had the chance to catch her breath. ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ottawa Charge defender Jocelyne Larocque (23) celebrates her goal in Game 2 of the Walter Cup Final against the Minnesota Frost. 'I feel so lucky and grateful to be part of this,' Larocque said of what she believes is a golden era in women's hockey. 'You know, I have past teammates that are older than me, the same age as me, younger than me, that are like, 'Man, we're so jealous.' I'm like, 'Yeah, I would be too. Like, I get to experience what we fought for.'' Larocque started the year patrolling the blue-line for the Toronto Sceptres, one of original six teams of the PWHL which began play a year ago. She finished it as a member of the Ottawa Charge, courtesy of a four-player deal that went down in late December between the clubs. 'I won't lie — it was a shock. I assumed with my age I was going to retire in Toronto. When I got the call I was being traded, I was speechless,' she said. Those initial emotions quickly turned into excitement. 'I was happy it was Ottawa. I like their style of play. They're hard-working, try to make the other team's life as hard as possible. They're a physical team,' she said. 'I was happy to stay in Canada so I tried to look at the positives. For me, with my experiences in hockey and in life, I try to think when things are outside of my control, I just try to convince myself that they're for my best interest. So even on the drive through Ottawa, I was like, 'this is going to work out better for you.' And the transition went better than I expected.' With Larocque providing steady two-way play, the Charge lived up to their name. They finished third in the regular-season standings with a record of 14-12-4 — four points behind her old team in Toronto — but really turned it on when the stakes got higher. They upset the No. 1 ranked Montreal Victoire 3-1 in the opening best-of-five playoff series, with their only defeat being a quadruple-overtime classic. Then came a showdown with defending champion Minnesota, who had knocked off Toronto in the other semifinal. SPENCER COLBY / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Ste. Anne's Jocelyn Larocque (right) was drafted second overall in the inaugural Professional Women's League Hockey draft in 2023 by Toronto. All four games required overtime and ended 2-1. Ottawa took Game 1 but dropped the next three, including a triple-OT marathon in Game 3. 'It was so much fun,' said Larocque, who had four points (1G, 3A) in eight playoff games, adding onto her seven points (0G, 7A) in 30 regular-season games. 'I think back to when I was a kid and remember being on the outdoor rink, pretending you're playing Game 7. Most of the championships I've played in the past, they've always been just one game. But to be in a series is so fun.' Exhausting, too. 'My body hurt after it, but it was a blast,' she said. 'We were two shots away from winning a Walter Cup, and obviously it didn't go our way. But with how close the games were, how competitive it was, it was a blast.' Then came some additional pain. Larocque and her Ottawa teammates had grown close — a bond tested by the league's aggressive expansion which will add Vancouver and Seattle next season. They will be the seventh and eighth teams in the PWHL, which saw its average attendance jump 27 per cent to 7,230 per game compared to the inaugural campaign. Each of the six existing teams was allowed to protect only three players, leaving the rest vulnerable in a draft. Larocque wasn't protected, sparking some anxious moments as she waited to learn her fate. 'You're just waiting for the unknown,' she said. Ultimately, her name wasn't called. But the Charge lost four major pieces: top defender Ashton Bell (another Manitoban and 2022 Olympic teammate) and starting goalie Emerance Maschmeyer went to Vancouver; forward Danielle Serdachny and defender Aneta Tejralová to Seattle. SUPPLIED Jocelyne Larocque poses with her niece and nephew, twins Rylan and Graclyn, before the start of a Walter Cup Final game in Minnesota. 'After our final game everybody was bawling. And it was for that reason — we knew this wasn't even going to be close to what the Charge would look like next year,' said Larocque. 'All four players that are leaving, it's gut-wrenching. There weren't four players I would have been okay with leaving, but the ones that did, oh man. I don't know if I've even fully processed that they're not going to be on the team next year.' The other five teams were decimated, too, which has led to some pundits suggesting the expansion rules should have been tweaked. Larocque sees both sides of the coin, recognizing it's important to have a competitive league which brings out the best in everyone. 'You know, on one hand you're happy that there's more jobs for tremendous women hockey players. With the calibre of play, there could be probably double the teams,' she said. 'So you want it to expand, but yeah, it's tough. I'm happy that they didn't do this expansion in, like, September. It's nice that we know now (to process).' Speaking of expansion, Larocque continues to hold out hope that Winnipeg will one day be in the mix provided a potential owner steps forward to express interest. 'I can't see why they wouldn't be,' she said. 'Winnipeg is such a great hockey city, a central location. I totally see it in the future.' Larocque isn't sure if she'll still be playing when that happens — 'we're all getting older, right?' — but she also isn't thinking about hanging up her skates any time soon. Along with preparing for her third PWHL season, she also has her eye on what she hopes will be a fourth straight stint on the Canadian Olympic team, this time in Milan in February. 'I don't focus on my age,' said Larocque, who was the first female to ever play in the Winnipeg High School Boys league back in 2003 and went on to play four years with the University of Minnesota-Duluth before graduating and turning pro in 2011. 'I mean, it does take work — eating properly, staying in shape, all those things. And I might be a little more sore after games. But I actually think I'm getting better every year.' SUPPLIED From left: Ste. Anne's Jocelyne Larocque, Brandon's Kristen Campbell and Deloraine's Ashton Bell pose with their gold medals at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Larocque's Ottawa Charge teammate Bell was recently traded to Vancouver in the PWHL expansion draft. She notes luck has also been on her side in terms of avoiding any serious injuries during her career, along with a serious dose of love for what she does. 'An Olympic year is always super exciting. A lot of their decisions will be based on what happens in the PWHL. So, for me, it's just ensuring I have a really good off-season and work hard to be a part of that team,' said Larocque. 'When I was a kid, people would tell me that I couldn't play professional hockey because I was a girl. Now, girls can. I feel lucky and I feel grateful. It gives me a lot of joy.' Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. X and Bluesky: @mikemcintyrewpg Mike McIntyreReporter Mike McIntyre is a sports reporter whose primary role is covering the Winnipeg Jets. After graduating from the Creative Communications program at Red River College in 1995, he spent two years gaining experience at the Winnipeg Sun before joining the Free Press in 1997, where he served on the crime and justice beat until 2016. Read more about Mike. Every piece of reporting Mike produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Boston Globe
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
Expansion Seattle begins its roster with former Fleet captain Hilary Knight
The right wing tied for the league lead with 29 points (15 goals, 14 assists), and in 2023-24, the PWHL's inaugural season, helped the Fleet to the Walter Cup Final. Vancouver, which will also enter the league next season, went defense first by landing the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost's blue line duo of Claire Thompson and Sophie Jaques. Advertisement The Frost teammates were among the league's top-scoring defensemen. Thompson, Jaques and Toronto's Renata Fast were the finalists for the defender of the year honor, and the Minnesota pair represented Canada at the world championships in April. After having two players pulled from their roster, the Frost were allowed to protect an extra player, and they chose to keep forward Britta Curl-Salemme. In this initial five-day signing period, during which Seattle and Vancouver are allowed to add up to five players who were either left unprotected by their current teams or eligible to become unrestricted free agents. Both franchises will then take part in an expansion draft on Monday. After that, each team will have a dozen players. Then they will fill out their rosters during the PWHL draft on June 24 and during the league's free agency period. Advertisement
The Province
04-06-2025
- Sport
- The Province
Vancouver's expansion PWHL team signs its first player
Vancouver inked defender Claire Thompson from the Minnesota Frost when the exclusive signing window opened to expansion teams on Wednesday Published Jun 04, 2025 • 1 minute read Minnesota Frost goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) Sophie Jacques (16) clear the puck, as Claire Thompson (42) falls while defending against Ottawa Charge's Shiann Darkangelo (27) during first period PWHL playoff hockey action in the Walter Cup Final, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Photo by Justin Tang / The Canadian Press Vancouver's new Professional Women's Hockey League team has signed its first player, nabbing defender Claire Thompson from the Minnesota Frost. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors The two-time Walter Cup champions left the 27-year-old defender exposed and Vancouver inked her when the exclusive signing window opened to expansion teams on Wednesday. 'I'm incredibly excited to join PWHL Vancouver and be a part of this new chapter of women's ice hockey,' Thompson said in a news release. 'The opportunity to help build something special from the ground up is truly meaningful. I can't wait to connect with the fans and represent this city.' Thompson, who hails from Toronto, had four goals and 14 assists in 30 games for Minnesota last season and is a finalist for the PWHL's defender of the year honour. She added another six helpers in eight playoff appearances as the Frost captured the league championship for a second straight year. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Thompson has ample international experience, helping Canada to gold at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. The move to Vancouver will reunite the five-foot-eight blueliner with general manager Cara Gardner Morey, who was her coach at Princeton. 'Claire is one of the best defenders in the world and a phenomenal leader who will help create a culture of excellence in Vancouver,' Gardner Morey said in a news release. 'Having had the privilege of coaching Claire at Princeton, I know how exceptional she is as a player and as a person and couldn't be prouder to build our foundation with her contributions both on and off the ice.' Read More
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Emily Clark's OT goal lifts Charge over Frost 2-1 in final series opener
Ottawa Charge fans cheer before the start of the PWHL's Walter Cup Final against the Minnesota Frost, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) Ottawa Charge's Emily Clark (26) gets tangled up with Minnesota Frost's Kelly Pannek (12), during third period of a PWHL playoff hockey game in the Walter Cup Final, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) Minnesota Frost goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) protects the puck from Ottawa Charge's Tereza Vanisova (13) during third period of a PWHL playoff hockey game in the Walter Cup Final, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) Ottawa Charge forward Emily Clark (26) celebrates her game winning overtime goal with teammates Mannon McMahon (18) and Gabbie Hughes (17) during overtime action against the Minnesota Frost in the PWHL final, Tuesday May 20, 2025 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Ottawa Charge forward Rebecca Leslie (37) celebrates her goal against the Minnesota Frost during second period of a PWHL final game, Tuesday May 20, 2025 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Ottawa Charge forward Rebecca Leslie (37) celebrates her goal against the Minnesota Frost during second period of a PWHL final game, Tuesday May 20, 2025 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Ottawa Charge fans cheer before the start of the PWHL's Walter Cup Final against the Minnesota Frost, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) Ottawa Charge's Emily Clark (26) gets tangled up with Minnesota Frost's Kelly Pannek (12), during third period of a PWHL playoff hockey game in the Walter Cup Final, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) Minnesota Frost goaltender Nicole Hensley (29) protects the puck from Ottawa Charge's Tereza Vanisova (13) during third period of a PWHL playoff hockey game in the Walter Cup Final, in Ottawa, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press via AP) Ottawa Charge forward Emily Clark (26) celebrates her game winning overtime goal with teammates Mannon McMahon (18) and Gabbie Hughes (17) during overtime action against the Minnesota Frost in the PWHL final, Tuesday May 20, 2025 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) Ottawa Charge forward Rebecca Leslie (37) celebrates her goal against the Minnesota Frost during second period of a PWHL final game, Tuesday May 20, 2025 in Ottawa. (Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press via AP) OTTAWA, Ontario (AP) — Emily Clark scored at 2:47 of overtime on Tuesday night to lead the Ottawa Charge to a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Frost. With the win, the Charge take a 1-0 lead in the Professional Women's Hockey League best-of-five championship series for the Walter Cup. Game 2 in the series is Thursday in Ottawa. Advertisement Ottawa is a perfect 3-0 on home ice through the playoffs. The Frost have never won Game 1 of a playoff series in four attempts. Clark came down the wing and wired a shot past Nicole Hensley, who finished the game with 17 saves. The game required extra time after Gwyneth Philips had a rare miscue early in the third period, leading to the Frost's tying goal. Philips, who stopped 25 shots, mishandled the puck while attempting to play it, turning it over to Katy Knoll. Knoll quickly fed a pass to Klara Hymlarova, who buried the wide-open chance to tie the game 1-1. With 6:08 remaining in regulation the Charge were set to go on the power play but officials then reviewed an incident that saw Rebecca Leslie cross check Mellissa Channell-Watkins. It was initially assessed as a major but then downgraded to a minor creating offsetting minors. Advertisement Leslie had brought the crowd to its feet midway through the second period when she beat Hensley high glove side to give Ottawa a 1-0 lead. Moments earlier the Frost had been generating a number of chances on the power play, but Philips was solid. As the penalty was expiring the Charge were able to clear the puck with Jocelyne Larocque making a cross-ice pass to Tereza Vanisova who dropped a pass to Leslie. Hensley couldn't get a clear view of the shot, partially screened by her teammate Lee Stecklein. ___ AP Women's Hockey:
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Charge Ready to Make History: Walter Cup Final Berth Within Reach in Ottawa
Get ready, Ottawa. The Charge are on the cusp of something special, with a chance to punch their ticket to the Walter Cup Final at TD Place tonight. Leading the Montreal Victoire 2-1 in their best-of-five semifinal series, it comes down to Game 4, one win away from what would be a historic achievement for the franchise. This series has been a rollercoaster and everything that playoff hockey was meant to be. Ottawa took Game 1 with a gritty 3-2 win, but Montreal pushed back hard, evening the series in a gruelling 3-2 quadruple overtime classic in Game 2. But in true late season Charge fashion, they bounced back with a massive 1-0 shutout victory in Game 3 at home on the back of a phenomenal 26-save shutout performance from Gwyneth Philips. That kind of resilience isn't just luck but a testament to their mindset all season long, and seeing everything come together at exactly the right time. "We've been through a lot as a group this whole season and I think that prepared us for these playoffs," explained defender Ashton Bell. "Handling the adversity, the ups and the downs and not letting it sway us too high or too low, just staying even keeled. The belief in the group is something that speaks for itself. This group wants to win and we believe in ourselves.' Defender Stephanie Markowski echoed that sentiment and emphasized how important the "one shift at a time" approach is, now more than ever. "At times, you definitely look at the big picture and the Walter Cup, but we're just trying to take it game by game and treat every game on its own and adjust our game plan for the situation at hand," Markowski shared. "You want to stay in the moment and not look too far ahead, just shift after shift, period after period.' This mental toughness isn't accidental but has been instilled in this team throughout the season. The coaching staff has talked about looking at the season in five-game segments, and that mentality has prepared the group for this moment. "We faced adversity head on, it's not always easy, but you don't lose sight of what the end goal is," head coach Carla MacLeod said. "If you believe in the people around you, it's unbelievable what can transpire. We're still in the midst of an incredibly challenging series, but for us, we've always focused on us, and are trying to make sure that we're elevating our game every single day. It clicked within our room and they really took control of the variables and understood that they could do this together.' Their collective belief has Ottawa one step away from their first Walter Cup Final. They know Montreal won't make it easy, as every game in this series has been a battle, and all won by a single goal. But with the home crowd at TD Place ready to bring the energy, the Charge will be pushing hard. The team has watched as the Minnesota Frost battled their way to the Walter Cup Final with a back and forth 4-3 overtime win against Toronto Wednesday night. That sets the stage, as the second spot in the Walter Cup Final could be decided tomorrow night and the Charge are ready to leave it all on the ice for a chance to play for the Walter Cup.
