Stab the ring. Triangle defence. Goalie ring. If you don鈥檛 know what these terms mean you can come learn this and so much more at Comox Valley Ringette Association鈥檚 upcoming event.
On Sunday, Sept. 10 from 11 a.m. to noon at Sports Centre#2 the CVRA will be hosting a free skate for everyone ages three and up that wants to come try this quintessentially Canadian sport. Parents must accompany kids under five and kids that can鈥檛 stand independently on their skates.
鈥淩ingette has some very distinct differences to other ice sports,鈥� said the organizers of this year鈥檚 Come Try Ringette event. 鈥淚n 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.鈥�
There are also some unique rules.
鈥淯nlike 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. This is a game where everyone plays and the whole team is involved.鈥�
Arran Arthur, association president, a player with the Cougars Masters鈥� team and organizer of this year鈥檚 Come Try Ringette event is excited by the growth of the sport and hoping for a big turnout to this free skate.
鈥淎ll you need are some warm clothes, your skates, a helmet, a pair of mitts or gloves and enthusiasm,鈥� she explained. 鈥淪ticks will be provided and there are a limited number of helmets available for those who do not have their own.鈥�
Parents and guardians must be in attendance and will be provided with plenty of information about ringette and the Comox Valley Youth Program.
The event is open to ringette players of all levels, but it is definitely geared more toward beginners looking to find out what ringette is all about and if it is a sport they would like to play more of in the future. This includes adult women for the female masters鈥� team.
The Comox Valley鈥檚 Youth Ringette Program runs from mid-September to mid-March. Under the direction of Ringette Canada certified coaches, participants have one-to-two weekly ice times. This year, athletes will also get power skating sessions and skills clinics from former Team Canada players. There are teams/programs ranging from parent and tot all the way to masters so that players of all ages can play. Visit for more details.
