Jincy Roese didn’t always love hockey. In fact, when she first laced up skates at the age of 10, she hated it.
“I absolutely abhorred it,” she says, laughing now. “I didn’t like my feet getting cold at all.”
That’s almost hard to believe, considering where that reluctant start eventually led. Roese (née Dunne) grew to love the sport and is now one of the top defenders in the world, an Olympian, and a two-time World Championship medalist. Roese is nearing the end of her second year as a pro, helping to lead the Charge in Ottawa – where she currently leads her team in both assists and ice time.
Though her parents never played hockey, Roese grew up in a household where the sport was basically a second language. With five siblings who all competed at high levels – collegiate, pro, and even national teams – the Dunne family is a hockey dynasty of its own.
Before we dive into her story, Jincy is more than happy to announce the starting lineup for the Dunne family:
Jessica Dolce, Jincy’s older sister, only 14 months apart.
“Jessica is married and mama to my godson, Billy Joe Dolce IV,” Jincy said. “Jessica and I are only 14 months apart. She’s probably the biggest reason I went to Ohio State. I was attached to her hip growing up!”
Josh Dunne, her younger brother and current forward with the AHL’s Rochester Americans.
“Josh is 18 months younger than me. We grew up doing everything together as well. He played USHL, Clarkson, and did two years with Columbus and Cleveland. He is by far the best coach in our family.”
Josey Dunne, played for Chicago Mission and the University of Minnesota, and is currently playing and doing her masters at Lindenwood.
James Dunne, currently playing at Oklahoma State University. “He is the laughter and light of our family.”
Joy Dunne, a standout at Ohio State and with Team USA. “And Joy is tearing it up at Ohio State (62 points in 29 games) and with the USA women’s national team. The true athlete of the family!”
With a family that practically lives and breathes hockey, it’s no wonder Jincy found her way to elite hockey herself.
“At some point, chasing any goal that matters to you will probably frustrate you or even bring you to tears—but stay in the fight.”
From those early (and warmer) roller hockey days to her role as one of the top defenders in women’s hockey today, Jincy took some time to answer our questions – and didn’t hold back.
You grew up just outside of St. Louis. How did Blues legend Al MacInnis and The Tkachuk family become part of your youth hockey backstory?
I was playing with Al’s daughter on the U12 Lady Blues. He reached out to the coach of the 1997 Junior Blues (boys team) and said they should give me a tryout to see if I can make the team. They listened, I made it, and it just so happened Matthew Tkachuk (now an NHL star) was on the team and his father, Keith, was helping coach. Brady played more with my brother, Josh, but would occasionally sub in for us if we were short on players.
You had an incredibly successful career at Ohio State. Which moment from your time at OSU stands out to you the most?
My fifth year was by far and away my best year (right until COVID cancelled it!). Our team culture was great, I laughed everyday, and loved going to the rink. I was in my masters and loving it, and just really happy during that time.
What did it mean to you to put on a Team USA jersey for the first time and what do you remember about that whole experience?
I was soooo young and terrified! I was 15 years old and just in awe!
What’s your favourite victory, gold medal, or moment in hockey?
My last year at Ohio State, we’d been the first team in Ohio State history to win our league tournament. I just remember the team had so much energy and we were having so much FUN. I had never laughed so hard, so often, and been so goofy in such a big game. And we pulled out a huge win against Wisconsin. It was also memorable because that was my last college hockey game (with COVID canceling our season) and I ended my college career with 99 points. I think that is hilarious.
What’s been the most challenging moment of your career so far, and how did you overcome it?
My first experience getting cut from the 2014 Olympics was hard because I was so young (16) and felt like an absolute failure. It took me a while to learn how to navigate it and gather the resources I needed to move forward. Four years later, I was cut again, and then you begin to wonder if you ever have what it takes. I think faith, gratitude, and perspective are what helps me overcome on a daily basis.
Did you ever think a league like the PWHL would come along and be so successful?
I knew it would probably come some day, but didn’t know if I’d still be around playing in it. I’m glad I stuck around though because what a gift to wake up and get to play hockey for a living!
You were drafted by Ottawa in the very first PWHL Draft. What do you remember about that day?
I remember watching the draft from my apartment in NYC not knowing what in the world was going to happen. I didn’t attend the draft because (way in advance before we even knew a draft was happening) I had surprised my husband with tickets to his favourite band for his birthday.
Is your husband a hockey player too?
No. He doesn’t play hockey, can’t skate; total numbers guy.
“I want to be remembered as someone who treated everybody with respect, honour, and kindness—who left people and places better than they found them.”
As one of the best defenders in women’s hockey, what’s your approach to training and nutrition?
It’s all in the details! Warm up, take care of your body, listen to it, cool down. You have one body, take care of it! Food is fuel, I want to make sure I’m putting the best kind of fuel in it!
What advice would you give to young female athletes who dream of playing for their national team or competing at the collegiate or professional level?
You have to love it. You have to always fight to keep that love and know why you do what you do. At some point, chasing any goal that matters to you will probably frustrate you or even bring you to tears—but stay in the fight, keep the love and don’t have a backup plan!
Many MANY years from now, when hockey is behind you, how do you want to be remembered in hockey?
I want to be remembered as someone who treated everybody with respect, honour, and kindness and left people and places better than they found them. I’m less concerned with what they thought about me as a player and more concerned with how they thought about me as a person.
As her family, friends and teammates would probably tell you, if that’s the legacy she’s aiming for, Jincy Roese is right on target.
