The sounds of skates crunching through ice and rubber hitting goalie pads will be echoing through the West Fraser Centre on Saturday, Nov. 27, but it won’t be hockey players making those noises.
Quesnel Ringette will be hosting a free night to get people to try the sport.
People participating must be vaccinated and will need to register online.
The local team’s first two tournaments of the season were cancelled due to COVID-19, but vice-president Robyn Cassidy is hopeful games will be up and running soon.
“We have some kids travelling to Houston, we have a couple kids who made the BC Winter Games team,” she said. “With COVID, it’s kinda tough… Normally we would play Prince George, but with the public health orders, we’re not supposed to do that.”
The organization also runs a ‘little lightnings’ program, where aspiring players get a set of gear and five weeks of ice time. Parents are even encouraged to take to the ice with their kids.
“We really want to focus on the younger kids, giving them a chance to come try this, it’s actually a pretty exceptional sport,” Cassidy said, pointing out Quesnel is set to host the 2024 BC Winter games and hopes locals will be representing their region.
READ MORE: ‘The work begins now’ — Quesnel’s 2024 BC Winter Games bid successful
Cassidy added that ringette is fighting perceptions the sport is just “female hockey,” and can’t be started unless you know how to skate.
“We’ll teach anybody at any age,” she said. “There’s no reason to not come out if you’re 15 or 30.”
Ringette participation numbers have gone down in Quesnel. Cassidy said she hoped the sport can bring happy nights to other families.
“My family never thought we would be a rink family and here we are five years, and we’re there four nights a week and have been since we started,” she said.
READ MORE: ‘We’re crossing our fingers’ – Quesnel Ringette Association optimistic about season
Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com
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cassidy.dankochik@quesnelobserver.com
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