The Gary Moe Auto Group Sportsplex will be busy all weekend from November 15th to 17th with the Lacombe Ringette Ice Breaker Tournament. The tournament will be raising funds through bake sales, raffles, and draws to support and fundraise for the Lacombe Ringette Association.

Ringette teams of all different age groups and skill levels from all over Alberta and even neighbouring provinces have come to Lacombe to test their skills in a friendly competition.

In the city, ringette has fostered a sort of culture and community that many athletes benefit from their whole lives.

“It gets our kids out and actually active and starting to show leadership and sportsmanship. Even the friendship they’re going to have—that social aspect and that’s huge,” said Shelley Leslie, Lacombe Edge Coach for U-14 B Level.

Some of the athletes that have participated in the ringette program go on to play for Universities, or WAM! in Edmonton. Other players just benefit from the skills learned and the friendships made.

Although ringette is commonly understood as a primarily female sport, the Lacombe Edge teams also have a couple of boys playing as well and welcomes all genders. As a sport, ringette has something a little bit different to offer than hockey that male players might prefer.

“If they are looking more for like the aggressive sport—hockey. If they are looking for more streamlined, more team-friendly or team building, then ringette is the go-to one,” explained Leslie.

Geographically, spending time in rinks throughout Central Alberta has united the smaller communities and brought people together who might not have otherwise met without the sport.

“So, we not only have the city of Lacombe but it’s also for Blackfalds and Ponoka. We all have that central location and we can all meet,” said Leslie adding “Then all these girls go and play softball together or they go and play another sport together. So, it just develops those life-long friendships.”

Ringette also supports the community in ways that may not always be recognized. The tournament itself brings new customers and people to experience Lacombe’s culture and local businesses. In addition to this, the teams work hard to support businesses in the ways they can.

“We do get sponsorships with all of our local businesses around and we get advertising for them and it just shows support for each other,” said Leslie.

Ringette’s history in Lacombe runs quite vastly as many ringette moms have played in the past and know and remember each other because of the sport. These moms are able to see their kids do the same. 

Altogether, Lacombe’s ringette scene plays and has played a huge role in community building and creating a safe and inclusive space where kids can form comradery, and learn sportsmanship.

If you are interested in the tournament or looking to catch some games this weekend, click here.