Ripperz to host U16 provincials

Times Contributor

 

The Strathmore Minor Ringette Association (SMRA) and the Strathmore Ice Ripperz U16B team have been chosen to host this year’s U16B Provincials this coming weekend March 8-10. This is an important opportunity for SMRA and especially the host U16 team as they are very excited and hope that all the teams attending will have lots of fun and skate hard. 

The weekend’s events begin on Friday, March 8 on the gold ice surface at the Strathmore Family Centre. The teams will all take part in an opening ceremony followed by a skills competition, in which all players must participate in at least one event. The teams will then gather at the Civic Centre for a congratulations banquet beginning at 6 p.m. 

Sonny Warrack is the head coach of the Ripperz and is very proud of his girls, as well as of his hometown of Strathmore. 

“This event is a great way to showcase ringette to the community,” said Warrack.

He would love to see families with children of all ages out to participate in this event and witness this sport at its highest level of competition. 

“It is my hope that many future young players and current players as well as community supporters join us this weekend and come away with a new desire to try a new sport,” he said. 

Warrack’s team would like to thank the Strathmore Minor Ringette Association for their strong support and backing during their bid to host this year’s provincial games. 

“Strathmore Minor Ringette Association is among the finest ringette associations in the Province, and my team is very proud and fired up to represent our community this weekend,” said Warrack, extending his appreciation.

Team goalie Raylee Dunbar has been a rock in net for this season, often holding the team in early in order to give the girls time to heat up. Rockyford area residents Danielle Clyne, Teddi Ann Skibsted and Cassie Rieger have added a lot of energy and fun to the team as well as regular goal scoring all season long. First year U16 members Jemma Warrack and Becky Driver have provided fierce fore-checking and steady offense while by age they are only considered U14 level. 

First year U16 players Hannah Wylie and Meg Warrack have been consistent defensive standouts for the team all year and will be leaned on heavily to contain top players from opponents this weekend. Second year players, team captain Kyra Keer and assistant captains Maclynn Ruckaber and Tassia Rushford will be counted on to spur the team on with their passion for ringette, strong offensive play and incredible determination. 

Fellow second year player Jenny McCollister, who has been very steady and always in proper position at defense, with her positive outlook will be sure to keep everyone on the level during the games to come this weekend.

A lot of hard work went into the preparation of the U16B Provincial Tournament and the association would love to see the community come out to support the girls in their first game of the tournament on Friday, March 8 at noon against the Medicine Hat Zing.