WESTLOCK - Following back-to-back seasons that ended prematurely due to COVID-19, Pembina Ringette Association brass have their fingers crossed that restrictions will at least remain status quo to allow for the U16B Ringette Provincial Championships slated to be held in Westlock mid-March.
Association president Janice Tymkow said the provincials, which run March 18-20 and will feature 12 teams from around Alberta including the local U16B Rage, will undoubtedly be the highlight for ringette locally this year following two seasons that saw play halted due to COVID-19 — the association had been on track to host the 2020 provincials before all athletics were shut down that spring.
The Rotary Spirit Centre will be the main site for the event including the opening ceremonies and gold-medal final, while a few games over the weekend will be played in Thorhild, which is the association’s other home rink. Tymkow noted the U12Cs will also be hosting the league championships in March and the majority of those games will be played in Thorhild.
“It’s a big deal, I’m sure the girls are getting excited. We’re going to do whatever we can to make it a memorable weekend for all of the girls that are coming because we recognize too that for some of these girls it’s nearing the end of minor ringette careers,” said Tymkow, noting the association also played host to the U16B provincials back in 2019.
“The work has been going well and we’re fortunate in that we have a fantastic guest speaker for the opening ceremonies. Everyone has really stepped up and are doing their parts. The sponsors have been great too because we know times are tough. People have been very, very generous. It’s just exciting to be able to bring a big event to Westlock.”
On the ice for 2021/22 the association has six teams, which is the same as what they traditionally field. The difference this year, said Tymkow, is that the clubs have fewer girls, which has been a little challenging when players get sick and can’t take to the ice.
“They are a bit smaller, I know our U10s have eight, but they only play three-on-three. Our 12s, 14s and 16s are on the smaller end with 12 to 14 players, but that’s still doable,” said Tymkow.
“The only thing is that if one goes out, a couple go out. I know on my daughters’ team — both my daughters play on the same team — there are three sets of siblings. But knock on wood, so far, so good.”
End of the day, Tymkow said they’re happy they’ve been able to have a full season of play and are now looking forward to playoffs. Ringette Alberta recently advised the association that playdowns will be staggered over a couple of more weekends so there’ll be less chance of any COVID-19-related cancellations.
“I think we’re all pretty hopeful. We’re all doing our part and following the necessary guidelines and everything else. Now we just cross our fingers and hope for the best,” she said.
On the ice recently the U10s and U14s played at a tournament in Hinton and although they didn’t medal, they did get into some good competition and “just have some fun,” said Tymkow. She also noted that with league play winding down the U14Bs and U16As are looking to get on a run during playoffs and earn provincial berths.
