As Kraft Hockeyville winner in 2009, one would think Terrace’s ice sports priorities are set.
However, with excitement brewing over the 2015 Canada Winter Games coming to Prince George, it could be break-out time for underground winter sports like ringette.
Here in Terrace, ringette enthusiast Kim Nicholson wants people to get pumped about the coming season.
“Hockey seems to take the centre line in this area. Not a lot of people are aware that ringette is offered and what type of sport it is. It’s a growing sport, huge in Alberta and Ontario, with large leagues down south, too,” Nicholson said.
According to Nicholson, ringette offers all the thrills inherent in the speed of hockey but with fewer concussions than that contact sport.
“It’s a wonderful alternative for parents who fear the contact in hockey. It takes all of what hockey has except the heavy duty contact,” she said.
Tired of dealing with puck hogs who never pass? Well, the rules of ringette require that the puck carrier must pass once they hit a line, according to Nicholson.
“You can’t cross the lines with the ring so you actually have to play truly as a team and everyone needs to know how to play their position and move very quickly,” she said.
In short, Nicholson thinks the sport is more egalitarian and less violent than hockey.
She prefers to see it as a sport that is a good fit for hockey players too, because it can help hone skating skills as well as on-ice vision.
It isn’t hockey versus ringette, it’s rather hockey and ringette, hand in hand.
Nicholson said the Terrace association caters to various ages and genders. Those who excel can go play in tournaments in Prince George and other areas. Players who do well and have a desire can play for the Prince George team in tournaments in the U18 and U16 tournaments.
Those who are just beginning can come out and participate in the practices and scrimmages. It is open to all ages and genders.
The season is coming fast and Nicholson is spreading the word. The Terrace Ringette Association’s first ice-time scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 3 at the Terrace Sportsplex.People can also come out to Clubs Night to learn more about it on Thursday, August 29 at the Sportsplex banquet hall. The cost for the season is $250. With at least two hours ice time a week, Nicholson says that’s a great price. There is also Come Try Ringette Day on Sept. 15 at the Sportsplex at 6:30.
Looks like it’s time to get your ring on.