Feb. 4—GRAND FORKS — Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando did not think 2018 would be their last Olympic Games.
They expected to try out for another U.S. Olympic Team after they led the Americans to their first women's hockey gold medal in 20 years. Monique scored the game-tying goal in the third period and Jocelyne scored the shootout-winning goal to beat rival Canada in the final.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement"Obviously, then we had our first boys," Jocelyne said. "Then, COVID happened. It was a life-altering and eye-opening experience for a lot of people."
In February 2021, they announced their retirement from the U.S. national team.
"I think the further we get away from it, the more we appreciate what we were able to accomplish and how we were able to accomplish it," Jocelyne said. "You become moms and have a family. My dad asked me if we miss playing. I straight-up said no. We worked so hard on the national team, and when it's time, you just know. Now, to be able to go and watch will be a unique, fun experience."
The Lamoureux twins will be back at the Olympic Games this weekend for the first time since winning gold in Pyeongchang, South Korea, eight years ago.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Grand Forks natives are part of the U.S. Presidential Delegation heading to Milan, Italy. The delegation also includes Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Feritta, speed skater Apolo Ohno and figure skater Evan Lysacek.
Ohno won gold medals in 2002 and 2006. Lysacek won gold in 2010.
The Lamoureux twins are planning to attend two U.S. women's hockey games — Thursday's game against Czechia (9:40 a.m. Central) and Saturday's game against Finland (9:40 a.m. Central).
They will attend the Opening Ceremony on Friday and watch from a box.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThey are scheduled to leave the Olympics and return to Grand Forks on Monday.
"We're excited to see the Olympics as spectators," Monique said. "The World Championships are great, but the Olympics have a whole different energy around them. To be able to experience it in a different capacity is really exciting for us. We're very flattered to be invited and to be able to go and represent the U.S."
The Lamoureux twins first received a call from Dave Fischer, the senior head of communications for USA Hockey, who asked if they would be interested in going if they were nominated by the U.S. Olympic Committee and chosen. The sisters said yes.
In Milan, they'll see some former teammates.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSix members of the 2018 gold medal-winning squad are on this year's U.S. Olympic roster — Megan Keller, Lee Stecklein, Cayla Barnes, Hilary Knight, Kelly Pannek and Kendall Coyne Schofield.
Stecklein, Coyne Schofield and Knight were on the silver-medal 2014 team with the Lamoureux twins. Knight was on the 2010 silver-medal team with the twins, too.
The Lamoureux twins also played with Finland captain Michelle Karvinen at UND.
"With the PWHL, the structure going into the Olympic Games is different than what the U.S. and Canada have had before," Monique said. "The level of play will be better than what we've ever seen."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJocelyne said she's enjoyed watching the new generation of players take over. The U.S. won gold at last year's World Championship, beating Canada in overtime.
"The younger players play with an edge and a fearlessness," Jocelyne said. "I love the way Abbey Murphy plays. She plays with a chip on her shoulder. The younger players are not afraid to make big plays when it matters. They're not just dumping and chasing to get rid of a puck. It's a fun team to watch. Obviously, I'll be seeing old teammates out there. That will be a lot of fun and I'm excited.
"I'll probably get a little itch to play, but that ship has sailed."
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