Annual ringette tournament once again a success

Times Reporter

 

The annual Laurie Ruppe Memorial tournament put on by the Strathmore Minor Ringette Association, SMRA, took place from Feb. 4 to 6. 

Kim Proust, coordinator, said there have been mini tournaments for the past few years, but this is only the second year they have had a tournament with all of the divisions. 

“Laurie Ruppe was a member of our community, she participated in lots of sports and events in Strathmore,” said Proust. 

Ruppe passed away in 1996 following an accicent. Laurie Ruppe was an amazing woman who was instrumental in the sport of ringette in Strathmore. She held the position of vice-president on the SMRA board for two years. She had a true passion for the game, and played on the women’s team for 10 years. 

“She used to coach her daughter in ringette and she also used to play ringette, so that’s how it came about to have a Laurie Ruppe Memorial,” said Proust.  

She was always very competitive and showed good sportsmanship both on and off the ice. Ruppe’s mom and dad were in attendance and have come out every year to watch some of the games. Proust said Ruppe is sadly missed by the community, but will be remembered forever.

“Ironically, Laurie coached me when I was little and now I’m running this tournament that’s in memorial of her, so it kind of came full circle,” said Proust.  

“We had such a fantastic response to our tournament that I actually had to pull names out of a hat kind of deal because we had so many people apply.” 

Proust said it was a spectacular weekend, and they hosted 19 teams plus nine home teams.

“I would like to thank Tami Lemoine and all of the volunteers for the weekend, this weekend definitely would not have taken place without all of the spectacular volunteers which were too many to name,” said Proust.