Newly acquired Jocelyne Larocque brings wealth of experience to Charge

Among the most accomplished blueliners gracing the ice in PWHL play, December 31, 2024 marked the beginning of a new chapter for Jocelyne Larocque. In one of the most surprising trades in league history, Larocque and forward Victoria Bach were shipped to the Ottawa Charge in exchange for Savannah Harmon and Hayley Scamurra.

Representing the first trade of the 2024-25 season, it was truly unforeseen by players and fans alike. Undeniably, Larocque held an important place in Sceptres franchise history. In addition to being the first player drafted by the club,, also skating in the league’s first-ever game, her role as alternate captain was testament to her strong leadership. As a side note, Larocque had also played professionally in the Greater Toronto Area for the Markham Thunder, capturing the Clarkson Cup in 2018.

Coincidentally, Larocque’s first point of this season was an assist on a goal scored by Bach. Taking place on December 7 in a loss to the Minnesota Frost, Bach’s goal representd her first of the season. Adding to the theme of coincidence, Renata Fast, Larocque’s defense partner, earned the other assist.

Of the two Ottawa players traded to Toronto, Savannah Harmon had been Fast’s defense partner when both played NCAA hockey for the Clarkson Golden Knights. Although it was highly visceral to lose Larocque, a player that Fast also called a teammate in multiple Olympic Games, the arrival of Harmon provided an element of consolation.

“It’s definitely emotional. It’s tough to see someone who means so much to the team and the organization, and someone who’s been a big part of the player that I am today, to see her move to a different team… but Savs [Harmon] and I have history together. We’re really good friends and it was a comfort knowing that Savs was coming as well, and that I have that comfort with her.”  

On the day of the trade, the Charge and Sceptres were scheduled to face off at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Arena. Although Larocque and Bach only needed to take a few steps down the hallway, the visitor’s dressing room had been unfamiliar territory for the recently acquired duo. In the spirit of professionalism, both employed a highly positive attitude. Joining their new team, any feelings of unease or shock quickly evaporated as smiles on their faces helped set the tone upon meeting their new teammates.

Proving essential, both were surrounded by a few familiar faces. Bach called Ottawa-raised Rebecca Leslie a teammate on the Boston University Terriers over the course of four fantastic seasons (2014-18). During their senior season, Bach and Leslie were team captains, each earning recognition as Hockey East All-Stars.

For Larocque, her legacy as a longtime blueliner with the Canadian national team took on a whole new dimension as the newest member of the Charge. Two members of the coaching staff, Carla MacLeod and Haley Irwin, have called Larocque teammates while wearing the Maple Leaf. Among Larocque’s current teammates on the National Team, elite goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer is among Ottawa’s fan favorites

Taking to the Coliseum ice in a white Charge jersey, a sight made much more difficult to fathom by the number 23 adorning the back of Larocque’s jersey, fans showed their gratitude with cheers and applause. Having worn number 51 with Toronto, 12 represented Bach’s new number in Charge colors. Pencilled in on the second line, she skated alongside former Hockey Humanitarian Award winner Gabbie Hughes and first-round draft pick Danielle Serdachny.

Highlighted by a 38-save performance from Maschmeyer, Larocque recorded 19:16 minutes of ice time. Prevailing in a hard-fought 2-1 final, Jincy Roese, now Larocque’s new defense partner, logged the game-winning goal.

Regardless of the final score, the outpouring of emotion proved to be the true story of the game. From the homemade signs displayed by fans, thanking Larocque and Bach, the feeling of gratitude was certainly mirrored by the players. During the postgame handshake, the sense of change truly sunk in, providing an opportunity for one more chance at goodbye. With no shortages of hugs and tears, Larocque definitely left a memorable impression on so many during her proud time in Toronto.

“This is a game that I will remember for the rest of my life. It was odd. It was bizarre. Especially since we were playing in Toronto. That’s part of pro sports. This league is what we fought so hard for and it’s part of it. I’m pretty lucky that I get to live these emotions. I live a pretty good life. I have my health and my happiness. I’m excited to be part of Ottawa. The vibes are great. Everyone was so welcoming, the staff and the players. I’m excited for 2025.”  

All images by Lori Bolliger Photography