It is that time of the year… getting registered for the various classes, clubs and teams that will enrich our kids lives. This would be a great year to sign your kids up for ringette.
"The teams in the Valley are growing and there are more opportunities for games and one on one coaching than ever before," a Comox Valley Ringette Association spokesperson said. "Ringette is a wonderful way to learn how to skate, learn invaluable team skills and have a fabulous time in an encouraging and safe ice culture."
According to the organizers of this year’s Come Try Ringette event, “Ringette has some very distinct differences to other ice sports. In fact, while it looks a bit like hockey, it more closely resembles lacrosse or basketball in terms of its offensive and defensive play. Ringette uses a rubber ring and sticks with specially designed tips. The objective is to score on the opponent by shooting the ring into their net.”
Also, “Unlike hockey, the ring must be passed across the blue lines. This encourages passing and team play, enhancing the flow of the game and making it very fast. The game is kept fast moving and wide open as only three players from each team may enter the offensive or defensive zone at a time. There is lots of room to move which creates many scoring chances.”
Helen Oliphant, CVRA president, player with the Cougars Masters’ team and organizer of this year's Come Try Ringette event, is excited by the growth of the sport and hoping for a big turn out to this free skate.
“All you need,” she explained, “are some warm clothes, your skates, a helmet, a pair of mitts or gloves and enthusiasm! Sticks will be provided and there are a limited number of helmets available for those who do not have their own.” Parents and guardians must be in attendance and will be provided plenty of information about ringette and the Comox Valley Youth Program.
Oliphant notes the association’s efforts to keep costs down for parents. “We will have a gear swap before and after the ice time so that parents can outfit their kids without the expense of all new gear.”
Boys and girls aged seven to 12 years old who would like to try this fun and exciting ice sport are invited to come out to the Comox Valley Sports Centre Arena #2 from 3-4:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14.
To register for this free event visit www.cometryringette.com or the association’s website for more details: comoxvalleyringette.com.
The Comox Valley’s Youth Ringette Program runs from mid September to mid March. Under the direction of Ringette Canada certified coaches, participants have weekly ice times on Tuesdays from 4-5 p.m. In addition to skill development, youth participants will have the opportunity to host and/or travel to play real games against other teams throughout the season. Registration is ongoing and it is never too late to join in the fun.
– Comox Valley Ringette Association