The Jet FM Jets hockey team set aside their hockey sticks and pucks and came out for a game of ringette against the Cougars Masters ringette team. The April 3 event was put on to demonstrate ringette and to raise money for KidSport and the Masters team. Organizers say it was a success all around with $350 raised for both organizations through raffles and donations.
Kathy Dyck, player for the Cougars and one of the organizers of the event, emphatically stated, “We couldn’t have raised this money without so many generous donations from the community: JetFM, Bobbi Norton of Jockey Canada, Black's Cycles, Kingfisher Oceanside Spa and Resort, The Beachclub Resort and Spa Parksville, Bellini's Hair Salon, West Coast Elite Hockey Academy, Extreme Runners, The Broken Spoke and London Drugs. We can’t thank them enough!”
After a brief explanation outlining the nuances of ringette and the difference between it and hockey, the two teams took to the ice. The Jets were quick to pick up on the rules and soon had the Cougars working hard to stay ahead. The Cougars won by a final of 7-5.
Andrew Davis of the Jets said after the game, “We had a great time. We like to give back to the community and if we can have some fun while we do that even better.” And, if you missed the game, don’t worry, Davis is already thinking ahead. “The Cougars were a great team and I think a rematch is definitely in order. The JetFM Jets are ready.”
They will have to wait for next season though as the Cougars are winding up their season with a tournament in the desert. One of the “hottest” locations for a ringette tournament, the Cougars are looking forward to some stiff competition in Las Vegas. They leave this weekend.
Teams from all across Canada are participating in this tournament. You can track the Cougars' progress on their Facebook and Twitter pages: facebook.com/CVRingette and/or twitter.com/CVRingette.
Arran Kerrigan from the Cougars encourages people to “leave comments and ‘cheer’ for us on those pages as we will be checking them regularly.”
To find out more about ringette or to become a sponsor visit www.comoxvalleyringette.com.