Ringette holds windup party
Amy Gregson – Times Reporter
What better way to celebrate another successful season for the Strathmore Minor Ringette Association than to hold a party to recognize their players March 28.
They celebrated by introducing each team, recognizing the accomplishments they’ve had and handing out player recognition awards.
“It’s a complete celebration and tribute to our coaches and all the volunteers that have participated in the season and of the players and their achievements in the year,” said Denise Taplin, president of the SMRA.
Taplin said it’s been a very successful season for the assocation.
The association had record numbers for registration and saw the most pre-bunnys ever, those under the age of six and are just learning ringette.
The association tried really hard this year to field a U19 team, the oldest team in minor ringette, but in the end was unable to get the numbers.
Taplin said they are confident they will have a U19 team next year because the numbers are stronger in the upcoming group.
“We will be able to offer a team for every player from the age of three to 18,” said Taplin.
Two of the minor ringette teams won the banner in zone two this year, the Tween B team and the Junior A team.
These teams, along with the Petite A and Junior B, attended provincials.
“I think all the girls had fun at a provincial level competition,” said Taplin. “The sport is at a high caliber level and I think our teams did well and enjoyed their time.”
At the party, each team was called up on stage and each player was introduced. Coaches also spoke of what tournaments the teams attended and how the players improved throughout the course of the year.
The association awarded the Laurie Morton Ruppe Award to four players in the tween and junior division for the sportsmanship qualities they show on the team.
The players who were awarded were Tassia Rushford from the Tween Ice Thrashers, Stephanie Meyers from the Tween Ice Sisters, Jenna Gigantelli from the Junior Ice Ice Baby and Kirsten Dunlop from the Junior Ice.
Each coach spoke about how hard it was to choose just one player on the team, but that they were all great leaders and gave it their all on the ice.
The association handed out 10-year pins to players Becca Dunlop and Kirsten Dunlop. Board members and adult volunteers Darrin Dunlop, Vicky Morris,
Barb Steele and Rina Hemple were also recognized for their commitment to the sport.
“They’re passionate about the sport and to see that range of age and enjoyment they get from each level it’s really exciting.”