The U16 AA BC Northern Lights ringette team, featuring players from Quesnel returned from Calgary as one of 187 teams participating in the Esso Golden Ring tournament.
In round robin action the Northern Lights scored a 4-3 win against the Calgary Classics but then lost their only game of the tournament 7-4 , in a physical and fast-paced game only a few hours later, to Rive-Sud from Quebec.
Rive-Sud went on to win the U16 tournament.
The Northern Lights faced the Regina Stingers Saturday morning in another fast-paced and aggressive game that saw one a Northern Lights captain taken out and unable to finish the tournament due to a concussion. The girls played well, worked together as a team and helped each other out when needed.
The BC Northern Lights then faced the Central Alberta Sting in what proved to be very physical with each team being in the penalty box eight times. The Sting took a two-goal lead in the first 30 seconds of the game, but buoyed on by fans and coaching the Northern Lights made a game of it and the game ended in a 4-4 tie. Although the tie was a big game for the Northern Lights, it kept them out of the playoff round as a result of their points for/points against ratio.
Melinda Moorhouse, coach of the Northern Lights, felt her team played exceptionally well and the players showed what the Northern League has to offer with some great upcoming players and our team showed some of our strengths in the sport as well as working together as a team.
Coaches Don McMartin and Judy Young added they were impressed with the heart the girls displayed and they played with the best teams across the province.
The Northern Lights now prepare for the AA Pacific Ring tournament in Richmond, Feb 4-6 and then the Provincials in March.
