Kids can Come Try Ringette for free on Aug. 26

Kids from ages four to 15 years old from Brandon and the surrounding area are invited to try out one of Canada’s fastest growing sports for free on Saturday Aug. 26 at 1:30 p.m. at Westman Communications Group Place.

Come Try Ringette will feature an hour of fun on-ice games and activities led by Ringette Manitoba instructors. No previous ringette experience is necessary. Players must have their own skates and wear a helmet as well as mitts or gloves. Sticks will be provided, and a limited number of helmets will be available for players who don’t have their own. Visit www.cometryringette.ca to register or contact Brandon Come Try Ringette Coordinator Kyla Henderson by emailing kylajmhenderson@gmail.com or calling 204-573-5083.

“Ringette is a fast game that is great for developing passing and skating skills as well as teamwork,” Henderson says. “That team spirit really shows itself off the ice as well, as players take part in team cheers and make many life-long friendships.”

The ringette season begins in September and runs until March, with players normally playing games or practising twice per week. The Brandon Blizzards ringette teams are looking to build on their historic 2016-17 season when the U12 (ages 10 and 11) and U14 teams (ages 12 and 13) played in the Winnipeg Ringette League for the first time. The U14 Blizzards went on to win the provincial B championship.

Amy, a member of the provincial champion U14 Blizzards, has played ringette for six years.

“It looked like a fun sport that was different from hockey, and I met a whole team of girls that have been my friends for a long time,” she says. “I went to Come Try Ringette day and really wanted to play after. My mom played it when she was younger and had good memories too.”

“The success that we had last season was amazing, and we’re excited to see what our players can accomplish this year as we are hoping that our U10 team will join the older teams the Winnipeg league. We would like to add a new U16 team as well,” Henderson says. “It’s just as important to us to make sure that our youngest and newest players are also learning new skills and realizing the benefits of playing ringette because they are the future of the sport. Come Try Ringette is where we can give new players a look at how much fun ringette can be. ”

Representatives from the Brandon Ringette Association will be on hand to answer questions about the sport, and registration forms will be available at the event. Registration forms will also be available at the Shoppers Mall Brandon Clubs for Kids day on Saturday, Aug. 21 or by visiting ww.brandonringette.ca. Registration fees for new players start as low as $170 for the season plus fundraising and jersey deposits that can be earned back.