The Lamoureux Twins
Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson
&
Monique Lamoureux-Morando
HOCKEY - TEAM USA
ARCHETYPE: THE CAREGIVERS
Day 53/135
Athletic Accomplishments
At first, I thought it might be disrespectful to write just one profile for Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, the incredible twin sisters who have been a fixture of the U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team since 2008. But then I realized that the Lamoureux twins share a Twitter account, and that everybody loves a two-for-one. So, you’re welcome. And thank you, once again, to the twins.
Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux grew up in North Dakota, playing hockey on the boys’ team in town. In high school, they received scholarships to Shattuck-St. Mary's School in Minnesota, where they led the team to 4 state titles and 3 national championships (2005, 2006, 2007).
In college, they led the University of Minnesota to the Frozen Four before transferring to the University of North Dakota and continuing to dominate. Then, the twins made their way to the national team, where they won six World Championship gold medals (plus one silver) and three Olympic medals, two silver and one gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics.
At the 2018 Olympics, both Jocelyne and Monique had a huge role in bringing home the gold medal. In the final, Monique scored a goal at the end of regulation to tie the game against Canada. After the overtime periods, the game went to a shootout, where, wouldn’t you know it, Jocelyne scored the game-winning goal.
The sad news for U.S. hockey fans is that the Lamoureux twins retired in February of this year to focus on their families and careers after hockey. Their absence leaves a big gap both on the ice and in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere.
Character Archetype: The Caregivers
Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux each contributed a key goal on the way to the U.S. winning a gold medal in the 2018 Olympics. That would have been enough to solidify their place in hockey history. But these two have done so much more.
According to ESPN’s Emily Kaplan, the twins were key leaders in 2017 negotiations with USA Hockey, demanding equitable support. This led to a truly revolutionary four-year contract with better pay, travel arrangement, and insurance coverage. Notably, after each having a baby in 2019, they actually used the maternity leave that they had fought for. LIKE A BOSS.
The Lamoureux twins retired in February, which is a sad loss for American hockey fans. But after an incredible career on the ice and pushing for equity, they leave the team and terms much better than they found them.
NOTE ON WOMEN’S HOCKEY: On Friday, the IIHF Women’s World Championships were cancelled. Scheduled to begin May 6th, players were devastated to learn of the last minute cancellation. Leaders like Hilary Knight and team captain Kendall Coyne-Schofield spoke out, and expressed their frustration and exhaustion with what they believe is a blatant disregard for women’s hockey.
So, while the negotiations with USA Hockey represent real progress, there’s still miles to go before women’s hockey get the respect they deserve.