Lamoureux Sisters Get North Dakota’s Highest Award

According to an article in the Grand Forks Herald, Olympic gold medalists and Grand Forks natives Monique Lamoureux-Morando and Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson are now among the youngest recipients of the North Dakota Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award.  At age 30, only the great Roger Maris was younger at 29.   The Rough Rider Award is the state’s highest recognition for its citizens.  Monique & Jocelyne are the 45th & 46th recipients of this prestigious award.

The Lamoureux twins became national heroes after winning the gold medal and helping the team USA women's hockey team to an Olympic championship in 2018.  Both of the twins had a big role in the championship game.  Monique scored the game-tying goal late in the 3rd period and Jocelyne scored the game winner in the "shoot-out".

The Lamoureux's grew up playing hockey in Grand Forks.  They played college hockey at both Minnesota and North Dakota.  Both their brother and father also played hockey for UND.  They're the first North Dakota athletes to bring home Olympic gold according to the article.

I got to know Monique and Jocelyne during my time doing radio in Grand Forks.  I can tell you first hand, how they are such an inspiration and role model for so many.  They've spent countless hours mentoring youth hockey players, speaking at schools and setting a great example on how to be a winner on and off the ice.  In fact, the Lamoureux twins have used their platform as gold medalists to continue promoting gender equity and increased access for disadvantaged youth according to the article.

It was kind of ironic.  My sons first hockey bag I bought for him at Play it Again Sports had a name written in it "Jocelyne".  When I asked the store clerk about it, he said the Lamoureux twins had just traded it in.  I know he thought it was pretty cool at the time when he was a "mini mite".  We now use that red bag as our baseball ball bag and I think about them often, when I'm throwing batting practice to my son.

Congrats to Monique and Jocelyne on North Dakota's highest honor.  A ceremony will take place at a later date.  It's very well deserved.