Just call it a sister thing. Whenever another hockey team has sisters on the rosters, Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando take notice.
Well, the US Olympians are twins themselves. Combine that with how few sisters play hockey or reach national teams playing internationally, it’s easy enough to notice whenever sisters are dressing up for another country.
“It’s just cool to see,” Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson said.
The Lamoureux sisters will have some sisterly company at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Teammate Hannah Brandt’s sister, Marissa, plays for the unified Korean women’s team, and Switzerland has two sets of sisters on the roster with Nina, Isabel and Monika Waidacher, plus twins Laura and Sara Benz. Canada nearly had its own sister act with Sarah and Amy Potomak, though neither made the Olympic team.
Being sisters definitely can provide an edge in hockey.
“When we get the opportunity to be on the ice together, there’s a chemistry that just never goes away,” Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson said. “It’s always there. So whenever we have an opportunity to have a couple shifts together or if we’re ever put on a unit or line together, it’s always there. And we’ve pushed each other every day whether it’s workouts, during on-ice training, it’s just that accountability that we’ve always had growing up.”
Even though women’s hockey didn’t debut at the Olympics until 1998 in Nagano, playing hockey simply was something the Lamoureux sisters were bound to do. They were born in Fargo, North Dakota, their father, Pierre, played for the University of North Dakota, and all four of their brothers played hockey in college, with Jacque a Hobey Baker finalist in 2009 with Air Force.
The Lamoureux sisters played a year in college at Minnesota before switching to North Dakota for their final three seasons, the last in 2012-13. They have played internationally for the United States since 2006. Both play forward, though Monique also plays defense. Now 28, the sisters credit each other for their long success, which now includes a third Olympic berth.
“That’s part of the reason we’ve pushed ourselves to this level and been competing at this level for quite a long time is that built-in accountability day-in, day-out even if we’re not with the team,” Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson said.
Monique Lamoureux-Davidson calls it the benefit of having grown up together playing every sport together on the same team, even though they haven’t played together on the ice as much as people might think. Coaches have often spread the skill by playing them on separate lines.
“It’s just that thing when we’re on the ice together, we have that undeniable chemistry,” she said.
And the American sisters definitely have an Olympic edge having won silver medals in both 2010 and 2014. Jocelyne has 11 points (two goals, nine assists) in 10 Olympic games, while Monique has 13 points (seven goals, six assists) in the same span. The US women’s team leaves Wednesday for South Korea chasing the gold medal that eluded the Americans in Sochi, where the United States blew a 2-0 lead to Canada in the final.
For Monique, she’s chasing simple fulfillment.
“The last four years we’ve been kind of chasing down this dream of being Olympic champions, and nearly every single day your day is scheduled around being the best athlete you can be,” she said, “and you change up your plans, you do everything you can to be the best athlete, best leader, best team you can be.”
Jocelyne can’t wait for the opportunity to represent the United States once again in the Olympics with pride the emotion that bubbles up whenever she thinks of the Winter Games. It’s what the sisters have been working for most of their lives. And there’s one ultimate goal.
“It’s gold,” Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson said. “We’ve come up short the last two Olympics and our ultimate goal is just to play our best. If we can do that, we truly believe we can come out on top.”
American twins will have some sisterly company at Olympics
American twins will have some sisterly company at Olympics
Saudi Pro League partners with Word Football Summit for WFS Asia show in Riyadh
- Set to take place on Dec. 2-3 at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, the event will bring together more than 2,000 industry leaders
LONDON: The Saudi Pro League, Asia’s top-ranked football league, and the World Football Summit announced on Monday a strategic partnership ahead of the WFS Asia 2024 in Saudi Arabia.
Set to take place on Dec. 2-3 at Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, the event will bring together more than 2,000 industry leaders to discuss and shape the future of football business.
“We are delighted to partner with the World Football Summit,” said Omar Mugharbel, CEO of the Saudi Pro League.
“This collaboration serves as a platform to welcome the global football industry to Saudi Arabia, fostering opportunities for shared growth and mutual prosperity. From our humble beginnings with just eight teams to becoming Asia’s top-ranked league today, our journey highlights the transformative power of football in driving both sporting excellence and societal progress,” he added.
Jan Alessie, co-founder and director of the World Football Summit said the SPL’s success in recent years has been rooted in three key pillars: nurturing young talent, securing world-class international players, and improving club governance.
This evolution aligns seamlessly with WFS Asia’s mission to drive innovation in football business, making the event a natural platform for the SPL to share its insights and experiences.
“The Saudi Pro League’s evolution represents one of the most remarkable stories in modern football,” he said.
“Their commitment to developing local talent while attracting global stars has created a unique model that deserves industry-wide attention. This partnership will provide invaluable insights for football executives worldwide,” he added.
The key themes for the 2024 edition of WFS Asia are the integration of cutting-edge technology in football and the innovation of fan engagement strategies to enhance the sport’s appeal and accessibility.
Additionally, the summit will emphasize the development of sports tourism, showcasing football’s potential to drive economic growth. Sustainability in football will also take center stage, highlighting environmentally conscious practices within the industry.
The event will further spotlight the growth of women’s football and the importance of youth development programs, reinforcing the Kingdom’s dedication to inclusivity and nurturing future talent.
Saudi Arabia to launch professional cricket league: SACF chief
- PIF involvement will see world-class stadiums built in Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia will launch its own professional cricket league and has plans to enter into international cricket investments in cooperation with the Public Investment Fund, the chief of the sport’s federation in the Kingdom has said.
World-class stadiums in Riyadh, Jeddah and Yanbu will also be developed under the plan.
It came as the Kingdom hosted the Indian Premier League mega auction for the first time, with top players signing for teams in India’s T20 league, the world’s biggest and most popular.
Speaking to reporters at Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah, Prince Saud bin Mishal Al-Saud, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Cricket Federation, said: “Plans are underway to enter into international investments in cooperation with the Saudi Public Investment Fund that will support their shared ambition to grow cricket at every level of the game in Saudi Arabia.
“One of the most important plans is to set us on the path to achieving our vision to make cricket a major sport in Saudi Arabia and at the same time creating our own professional league.”
He added: “Part of our strategy aims to build on Saudi Arabia’s cricket infrastructure by developing world-class facilities in Riyadh, Yanbu and Jeddah.”
When asked by Arab News about the impact of hosting the IPL mega auction in Saudi Arabia for the first time, he said: “It is a great opportunity for us to host this year’s prestigious auction. With the full support of our government, we are sending a message that it is really a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to developing cricket here and establishing our country as a global hub for sporting events.”
Commenting on upcoming events, he added: “A lot of things are coming on the pipeline, and we are determined to achieve our big ambition.
“We have more work to do and we are excited about the future and look forward to working with all our partners to achieve this vision together.”
The two-day mega auction began at the Abadi Al-Johar Arena in Jeddah on Sunday.
The squads of the league’s 10 franchises — Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad — will be finalized on Monday from a pool of 574 players.
The IPL will enter its 18th season in March next year, and the Red Sea City is an important stop en route.
Salah says he is ‘more out than in’ at Liverpool as he enters final months of contract
- Mohamed Salah: ‘Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club’
- The Egypt international is 32 and has been at the club since 2017
Mohamed Salah has raised doubts about his Liverpool future, saying he is yet to be offered an extension to his contract, which expires at the end of the season.
Salah spoke out after scoring two goals in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Southampton on Sunday and suggested he is more likely to leave than stay with the Premier League leader.
“Well, we are almost in December and I haven’t received any offers yet to stay in the club,” he told reporters. “I’m probably more out than in. You know I have been in the club for many years. There is no club like this. But in the end, it is not in my hands.”
Salah’s goals saw Liverpool extend its lead at the top of the standings to eight points. The Egypt international is 32 and has been at the club since 2017.
He has scored 12 goals in 18 appearances this season.
Salah gave a rare interview to English print media before boarding the team bus after the Southampton game and expressed his frustration about the lack of progress with his contract.
“I’m not going to retire soon so I’m just playing, focusing on the season and I’m trying to win the Premier League and hopefully the Champions League as well. I’m disappointed but we will see,” he said.
“I’m very professional. Everybody can see my work ethic. I’m just trying to enjoy my football and I will play at the top level as long as possible. I’m just doing my best because this is who I am and I try to give it all for myself and for the club. We will see what happens next.”
Salah has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia since the oil-rich nation launched a drive to lure some of the biggest players in the world to its top league.
Salah is Liverpool’s all-time leading scorer in the Premier League with 167 goals. In all competitions he has scored 223 goals in 367 appearances.
He has won a full set of trophies with the Merseyside club including the league title and the Champions League.
Jeddah event celebrates African heritage, culture, and unity
JEDDAH: VibeScape and SightScape hosted African Night, an event brimming with vibrant energy, cultural performances, and diverse activities, over the weekend at Yazen Ranch in Jeddah.
The event featured activities for all ages, and guests were welcomed by the beats of African drums and live DJ performances, setting an energetic tone for the evening.
A standout feature was the captivating African stage shows, which brought stories of heritage and unity to life. Guests also enjoyed unique activities like stargazing with telescopes, interactive color fights, and marshmallow roasting by campfire.
Families delighted in the animal interaction area, meeting ostriches, deer, and other exotic creatures, while others explored carnival games, karaoke sessions, and photography corners.
Guests enjoyed a buffet featuring a variety of African dishes, offering a taste of the continent’s rich culinary traditions.
Khaled Hashem, founder of VibeScape and SightScape, shared his vision for the event.
“We wanted to create an experience that brings people together and celebrates the richness of African culture. Seeing families and friends connect and enjoy themselves motivates us to keep innovating,” he said.
SightScape, a Saudi platform offering city passes, encourages locals and tourists to explore the Kingdom through curated experiences. Along with VibeScape, it contributes to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s entertainment and tourism sectors, supporting Vision 2030’s goal of promoting cultural exchange and enhancing local experiences.
Morooj Ghoneim, the choreographer behind the stage performances, said: “Our African-themed show is a celebration of traditional and modern African culture, brought to life through music and dance. We incorporated over six iconic songs, ranging from classics like ‘Waka Waka’ to contemporary hits, all performed with authentic African rhythms and drums.
“The choreography was designed to reflect the vibrancy and essence of African dance, and the team worked tirelessly to ensure each performance truly honored the culture and spirit of Africa.”
Afrah Al-Naeem, an attendee who came with her family, said: “The African shows were absolutely breathtaking; they truly transported us to another world.
“As a Sudanese, I felt immense pride seeing our culture and cuisine showcased so beautifully. My family loved the petting zoo, and the pleasant weather made the outdoor activities even more enjoyable. Everything was well-organized,” she added.
Salem Abdullah, another guest, praised the variety of activities, saying: “From the color fight to the nature walk, every moment was unique, and the vibrant community spirit was inspiring.
“Events like this show how much the Kingdom has evolved, offering exceptional entertainment for everyone and setting a new benchmark for events.”
Saudi’s Al-Qahtani aims to avenge loss to Jordan’s Alhyasat in Riyadh
- The hometown fighter lost to his opponent in the semifinals but was handed a reprieve after original finalist Islam Reda withdrew due to injury
RIYADH: An odds-on favorite to become one of four inaugural PFL MENA champions, Saudi Arabian featherweight star Abdullah Al-Qahtani found himself on the wrong end of arguably the biggest upset of the first season — he fell to relative unknown Abdelrahman Alhyasat in the semifinals.
Al-Qahtani had steamrolled his first four assignments inside the PFL SmartCage, but “The Reaper” was effectively neutralized by Alhyasat, as the Jordanian “Cobra” grappled his way to a unanimous victory.
It seemed Al-Qahtani would have to go back to the drawing board and try again next season, but fate handed him a second chance at gold. Original finalist Islam Reda was forced to withdraw due to injury, clearing the path to a spot in the finals and a shot at redemption against Alhyasat.
With gold on the line, the two talented 145-pounders will face each other in Riyadh on Nov. 29.
Back in the hunt, Al-Qahtani says he has studied his mistakes and plans to make things right.
“Together with my coaching team, I’ve analyzed the mistakes I made in the semifinal and focused on the positive aspects of my performance,” he said. “We’ve set the right plans for the final. God willing, Abdullah will be the one to crack Alhyasat’s code, win, and bring joy to the Saudi audience.”
Given that Al-Qahtani is arguably the biggest mixed martial arts star in Saudi Arabia today, it would be easy to assume his morale took a hit after bowing to a less-experienced fighter. But Al-Qahtani maintains the loss to Alhyasat was not a big deal.
“Abdelrahman has five victories in his professional career and won the semifinal by unanimous decision. This hasn’t put pressure on me or affected my morale,” he said. “Since the PFL announced a month ago that I would be in the final, replacing Islam Reda due to his injury, I’ve been training intensively to prepare.”
Now with higher stakes, Al-Qahtani is more motivated to bring home the inaugural PFL MENA Featherweight Championship.
“I have nine wins against two losses, and this motivates me to give my best, avenge the semifinal loss, and claim the title. Fighting on home soil with the Saudi crowd behind me will be a strong support as I aim to secure the belt.,” he said.
The complete PFL MENA Championships Fight Card:
PFL MENA Featherweight Championship: Abdelrahman Alhyasat (5-0) vs. Abdullah Al-Qahtani (9-2)
PFL MENA Welterweight Championship: Mohammad Alaqraa (7-0) vs. Omar El Dafrawy (12-6)
Amateur Women’s Atomweight Bout: Hattan Alsaif vs. Lilia Osmani
PFL MENA Bantamweight Championship: Ali Taleb (11-1) vs. Rachid El Hazoume (15-3)
PFL MENA Lightweight Championship: Mohsen Mohammadseifi (6-1) vs. Georges Eid (10-4)
Showcase Fights:
Lightweight MENA Showcase: Mansour Barnaoui (21-6) vs. Alfie Davis (17-4-1)
Heavyweight MENA Showcase: Slim Trabelsi (7-0) vs. Abraham Bably (5-0)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Jesus Pinedo (23-6-1) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-4)
Featherweight Global Showcase: Asael Adjoudj (8-1) vs. Jose Perez (9-1)
Middleweight Global Showcase: Costello van Steenis (15-3) vs. Joao Dantas (7-1)
