The Northern Lights ringette team has placed seventh out of nine teams at nationals.
The Lights travelled to Cambridge Ontario to compete against the country’s best at the 2011 Canadian Ringette Championships March 27 – April 2.
It was the first time a ringette team from the north has had the chance to represent the province at nationals.
Aimee Qualizza is the only player from Terrace on the regional team, which hosted players from Quesnel, Prince George and Houston.
“The experience was really cool, and I don’t think any of the other tournaments could top it,” Qualizza said.
She felt the best part about the tournament was bonding with all of her teammates out of town.
Melinda Moorhouse was one of the team coaches at nationals and is very happy with the players.
“The north should be proud of our young athletes, they played hard with everything for seven days straight in the big league,” she said.
The Northern Lights also placed well during the skills competition.
Jamie Beck from Houston won fastest skater, and players from the Lights placed second overall during the shooting and skills category.
The Northern Lights were also awarded the Agnes Jack True Sport award, which was based on sportsmanship both on and off the ice.
“To play against the best in Canada and to get the Agnes Jack True Sport Award was the icing on the cake and well deserved by the team,” Moorhouse said.
Andre Qualizza, Aimee’s father, travelled with her to the tournament and said they could not have done it without all of the support from local businesses.
He said more than 10 businesses in town got on board to help Aimee get to nationals.
For full game results, check the Terrace Standard online at www. Terracestandard.com.