Ringers golden in OT

Times Reporter

 

Going undefeated in five games, the Rockyford Ringers U16B ringette team won Provincials in Calgary from March 14-16, defeating the Calgary Prime in overtime 9-8. The majority of the team – with the exception of two players – won provincials as U14’s last year as well.

“They played their hearts out. They did unbelievably well,” said assistant coach Kevin Elder.  “It was very unexpected. They played hard all weekend and ended up coming out with the win.”

With less than five minutes remaining in the gold medal tilt, Rockyford were down 8-6. The Ringers scored two goals to force overtime, and scored the game winner within the first few minutes.

“I was always pretty confident that they would do it. They’ve just been that kind of team all year. I was never really in doubt, actually,” Elder said. “It was a team effort, all of them.”

The U16B team also won the Golden Ring tournament in Calgary earlier this year, and went 12-2 in league play.

At Provincials, the Ringers also defeated Lacombe 13-9, Spruce Grove 12-4, Lethbridge 7-6, and Red Deer 7-4 – the last win placing them in contention for the gold medal game. Twelve teams in total competed at the tournament.

Next season, Elder said, a few of his 12 girls will move up to U19, but the core will remain. The team surprisingly also had five girls underage, who should be playing at the U14 level, but starred on the U16 squad.