Players ready for Alberta Winter Games

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

Eight Strathmore-area ringette players watched their dream become a reality when they made the Zone 2 team after competing against 52 other players in six try-out sessions.
Rockyford’s Taneil Kalbhen, Rosebud’s Hailey Kenney, Strathmore’s Ashley Lecavalier, Grace Olson, Anne Sauve, Daylen and Tatum Wathen and McKenna Blades were able to crack the 17-player roster.
Tatum Wathen plays for the Strathmore Ice U19B team and was nervous going into try-outs because she wasn’t used to the higher competitive level. However, she is aware of the role she’ll have to play in order to advance the team.
“Everyone who tried out were so good,” said Wathen. “And all the girls are really good. It just made me work harder to be better. I would like to win the games.”
She said they’ve played the Zone 3 Calgary team in a game where she thought they were going to get dominated. They managed to tie the Calgary team, which was encouraging for Wathen and her confidence going into the event.
For Lecavalier, making the team was a proud moment in her 12-year ringette career.
She learned a lot from playing the Zone 3 team about what it will take to be successful in the tournament.
“I learned that you have to work as a team and not be selfish,” said Lecavalier.
The overall experience is what she is looking forward to most and hopes to become a better ringette player because of it.
Ann Sauve, who plays with the Calgary Apex U16 double-A team, said it was exciting to get the opportunity to reunite with her Strathmore friends.
According to Sauve, the competition won’t be an issue as she is used to that level of competitiveness, having played it with her club team.
“(The play) is going to be fast, fun and competitive,” said Sauve. “I think so, especially with these girls playing double-A for Zone 2, I think they’ll be looking for us.”
She added that based on her Summer Games fast-pitch experience two years ago, it’s a fun experience with the opportunity to meet many new people and foster relationships going through different sports after the games are completed.
Zone assistant coach Jan Wathen said the team is excited about the group they are sending to the games.
“It is great to have so much local talent playing at a high level,” said Wathen. “I wish the players all the best. It will be a great experience and hopefully many positive memories.”
The 2016 Alberta Winter Games will take place from Feb. 13-16 in Medicine Hat.