Sports
Fast-paced ringette reaching new levels
By Don Fennell
Published 11:01 PST, Fri February 1, 2019
Sam Jacks was the name. Ringette the game.
Called a “dreamer and idea man,” Jacks was
president of the Society of Directors of Municipal Recreation of Ontario in the
early 1960s during which time he dedicated considerable time to developing
youth activities. One of his goals was to introduce an on-ice game for females.
Having introduced floor hockey some 25 years
earlier, in 1963 Jacks took some of the basics of that game but emphasized playmaking
and skating.
Today, ringette is played around the globe
with a world championship contested annually since 1990. In Canada alone, there
are nearly 30,000 players on 2,000 teams. There are even 700 males playing the
game that was once exclusively female.
The fast pace of the game is apparent to
anyone familiar with it. And those who aren’t quickly learn why it’s considered
one of the fastest team sports.
Recently, as part of a team building
exercise, the Richmond Sockeyes faced off against the BC Thunder in an
exhibition game. It didn’t take long for the Thunder to establish dominance.
While the Sockeyes tried to adjust to the rules and rapid pace established by
their opponents, the Thunder demonstrated the importance of team play that is
emphasized over individual play.
Twenty-four years ago, Richmond Ringette
introduced the West Coast Classic to both promote and highlight the game.
Held each January, the 2019 tournament
featured teams from under-10 to masters. The BC Thunder, featuring the best female
players from throughout the province, also played a series of game against the
Edmonton WAM. Both teams play in the National Ringette League.