"This team loves to make controversial trades HOLY": PWHL fans react as Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres make blockbuster trade involving 4 players

Late Monday night, the Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres announced the first major trade of the Professional Women's Hockey League's (PWHL) second season.

The Charge acquired forward Victoria Bach in exchange for 30-year-old Hayley Scamurra, daughter of former NHL player Peter Scamurra, and 36-year-old three-time Olympian defender Jocelyne Larocque. Defender Savannah Harmon also joined the Sceptres as part of the trade.

Victoria Bach, a 30-year-old from Milton, Ontario, was selected in the seventh round of the PWHL's inaugural 2023-24 draft on Sep. 18, 2023. During her time with the Sceptres, Bach recorded three goals and three assists in 22 games.

Jocelyne Larocque, a defender from Ste. Anne, Manitoba, boasts an impressive international resume, including two gold medals and one silver medal representing Canada. She also has 11 consecutive World Championship appearances, resulting in four gold medals, six silver medals and one bronze medal. Larocque was drafted second overall by the Sceptres in the PWHL's inaugural draft.

The trade has sparked mixed emotions among fans, with many taking to X to express their thoughts and feelings.

"this certainly is a fair trade," wrote one fan.

"Now why would we do that???" reacted another fan.

"So who won the deal?" questioned another fan.

The Toronto Sceptres' trade of alternate captain Jocelyne Larocque sent shockwaves through the fan base. As a key player for coach Troy Ryan last season, Larocque's departure was unexpected. She had committed to the franchise with a three-year deal and was the Sceptres' second-overall pick. In 29 games, she recorded a goal and 11 assists.

"Wow I thought Larocque was untouchable," wrote one fan.

"this team looooves to make controversial trades HOLY," one fan noted.

"we're splitting up larocque and fast whoa!" another fan wrote.

Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres set for first meeting following 4-player trade

Toronto Sceptres v Ottawa Charge - Source: Getty

Following the first trade of the PWHL's 2024-25 season, the Ottawa Charge and Toronto Sceptres are set to face each other for the second time this season. Their initial matchup took place on Dec. 3 when the Charge hosted the Sceptres at TD Place and secured a 3-2 victory.

Both teams are currently struggling, as the Charge and Sceptres occupy fifth and sixth place, respectively, with identical 2-3-1 records.

Tuesday's matchup promises to be a fascinating contest, as all four traded players will be facing their former teams for the first time since the trade. The game details are as follows:

Time: 7:00 p.m. EST.

Date: Tuesday, Dec. 31.

Location: Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto.