In an effort to score some new players, Greater Vernon Ringette is opening up the rink to the public.
“Ringette is just like hockey, only faster,” said Coralee Hamilton, whose two daughters play and love the game.
Ringette, like hockey, is played on ice with skates and sticks with five players and a goalie per team on the ice. While the objective is to score, the emphasis is on play-making and skating skills.
Anyone who is interested in sharpening up their skating skills through the sport of ringette is encouraged to come try it out for free Saturday, Nov. 7 at 1 p.m. at Kal Tire Place.
“In Vernon anyone (boy or girl) can join,” said Hamilton, as ages four and up can sign up.
Registration is ongoing for the season which runs from September to March, concluding with a tournament in Kelowna.
Practices are held once a week for U9’s, twice a week for other age groups, and all have a game on the weekend. Vernon plays teams from Westside to Salmon Arm.
“Ringette is a super fast heads-up game, with a few more rules than hockey; kids have to look for passes and keep track of where the other team mates are,” said Hamilton.
“Ringette truly teaches kids to work together as a team to score goals.”
The sport is also filled with friendships, both on the ice and on the parents’ bench.
“I hear nightmare stories about sports parents and how crazy they are we have two kids on two teams and the parents are all great along with the kids,” said Hamilton.
“For us it had been a great experience, on all aspects.”
As a hockey player, Hamilton sees amazing benefits from the sport, and she urges anyone who thinks otherwise to come out Nov. 7.
“I would ask anyone that thinks ringette is just for girls or stupid or easy to seriously put on some skates and come catch a ring.”
For more information, visit Vernonringette.com, check out the Greater Vernon Ringette Facebook page or email Lisa Quiring at dlquiring@gmail.com
