Jocelyne Larocque, a decorated Canadian hockey player of Métis heritage, is expressing a strong desire to see Indigenous athletes achieve significant success in sports, particularly hockey, beyond her own accomplishments. This aspiration emerges at a time when a new professional women's league is creating new pathways, offering both challenges and opportunities for athletes at the highest level.
A Journey Marked by Perseverance
Larocque's path to becoming a prominent figure in women's hockey was not without its hurdles. Early in her career, she experienced instances where she was made to feel out of place.
During her youth, she recalls facing taunts and comments suggesting she was taking a spot meant for boys.
These experiences caused her to feel scared at times, but her deep love for the sport and the support of her family and teammates allowed her to persevere.
Her older sister, Chantal Larocque, also a hockey player, served as an inspiration and support system.
Read More: AFL Star Jacob Weitering Hurt Early in Origin Game
The establishment of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) is seen as a pivotal development for women's hockey, offering a dedicated professional platform.
Larocque's Significant Career Milestones
Larocque's career is distinguished by numerous accolades and consistent high-level performance.
She is a three-time Olympic medallist, having earned gold medals in 2022 and 2014, and a silver medal in 2018.
Her international success extends to the IIHF World Championships, where she has contributed to multiple medal-winning teams, including gold medals in 2024 and 2021.
She was recognized as Manitoba’s Indigenous Female Athlete of the Decade in 2021 and is a recipient of the Tom Longboat Award for her contributions to sport.
At the collegiate level, she achieved First Team All-American status twice and was a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award. She also holds the record for the highest-scoring defenseman in her university's history.
Larocque plays for the Ottawa Charge in the PWHL.
The Role of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL)
The recent inception of the PWHL is creating a notable buzz and represents a significant advancement for professional women's hockey.
Read More: USC Trojans Beat Pepperdine Waves in Close Game
Jocelyne Larocque and Victoria Bach are among the Indigenous players now participating in this new league.
The league is expected to generate more opportunities for athletes and potentially serve as a powerful platform for Indigenous athletes.
Larocque views the PWHL as a crucial step, highlighting the potential for increased visibility and opportunities for Indigenous athletes.
The presence of Indigenous athletes in the PWHL is viewed as a responsibility that players like Larocque take seriously, aiming to inspire younger generations.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Larocque's personal journey and professional success position her as a key role model, particularly for young Indigenous athletes.
She has spoken about her own feelings of not belonging when she was younger, making her empathy for aspiring young athletes particularly poignant.
Larocque is eager to see Indigenous athletes not only participate but excel at all levels of sport.
She acknowledges that records are meant to be broken and that young Indigenous athletes often approach her to share their dreams, indicating a direct impact of her visibility.
Read More: Updates on Injuries for Chris Woakes and Matt Burton
"Records are meant to be broken. Going into communities, she said young Indigenous athletes will come up to share their dreams." (CBC Sports)
Expert Perspectives
The emergence of a professional league and established role models like Larocque is seen as a positive development by those following women's hockey.
The PWHL is described as "booming" and is creating significant "buzz" across North America, suggesting a strong foundation for growth.
The league's existence is directly linked to the creation of opportunities and pathways that may not have been as readily available previously.
The increased visibility and professional opportunities afforded by the PWHL are instrumental in fostering the growth and success of Indigenous athletes in hockey.
Conclusion and Implications
Jocelyne Larocque's ambition to foster the success of Indigenous athletes underscores the evolving landscape of women's hockey. Her personal experiences of overcoming adversity, coupled with her substantial career achievements, position her as a powerful advocate. The establishment of the PWHL provides a tangible platform that can translate these aspirations into tangible outcomes for aspiring Indigenous hockey players. The ongoing narrative suggests a growing commitment to ensuring greater representation and achievement for Indigenous athletes within the sport.
Read More: 2026 Winter Olympics: What Happened in Milano Cortina
Sources Used:
CBC Sports: https://www.cbc.ca/sports/olympics/winter/hockey/canadian-hockey-player-larocque-to-wants-see-indigenous-athletes-excel-9.7086376 - Provides current statements from Jocelyne Larocque regarding her aspirations for Indigenous athletes and the impact of the PWHL.
APTN News: https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/indigenous-players-part-of-new-booming-professional-womens-hockey-league/ - Highlights the presence of Indigenous players, including Larocque, in the new PWHL and the league's positive reception.
The Toronto Star: https://www.thestar.com/sports/hockey/toronto-defender-jocelyn-larocque-honoured-to-be-a-role-model-for-next-generation-of-hockey/articleea060721-a039-5d42-a5a6-04675695069c.html - Details Larocque's personal experiences with discrimination in hockey and her perseverance.
Team Canada (Olympics.ca): https://olympic.ca/team-canada/jocelyne-larocque/ - Provides comprehensive biographical details and career highlights for Jocelyne Larocque, including her Métis heritage and awards.
