Local ringette is thriving in southeastern Manitoba. Recently, many young players had the opportunity to represent Team Manitoba in the Western Canadian and Canadian Ringette Championships.
The Eastman area was pleased to show a total of seven players on the U14AA provincial team. The high-performance team was the youngest, and only, group in its age range to register as a AA team and head to the Western Canadian championships.
Additionally, the Eastman Heat U16A and Eastman Heat U19A both won provincials. In doing so, they were able to represent Manitoba at nationals.
Many outstanding ringette players who made the elite teams hailed from Niverville, St. Adolphe, and Ste. Agathe, as well as St. Pierre, Grunthal, Beausejour, and Oakbank.
Niverville’s Natalie Harder, 13 years old, had the opportunity to try out for the provincial U14AA team and was thrilled to secure a spot on the provincial team. From March 29 to April 1, the team played in the Western Canadian Ringette Championship, coming in eighth out of ten teams.
For many of the young players, it was their first experience playing at an AA level. Harder says that despite how challenging the experience was, it was extremely rewarding.
“The tryout process was stressful because I was trying out for my province and not just an A team,” says Harder. “It was really fun to meet some of the girls I was potentially going to play with on Team Manitoba. It was an exciting moment when I found out that I had made the team.”
The young players worked hard to develop teamwork. Harder says that all her teammates were able to be supportive of one another, especially under such positive coaching.
“The atmosphere was really good with the girls,” she says. “We all bonded closely in the short time we had together. We were very open and chatty with each other—and the coaches were really positive to all of the girls. They helped push me to be the best player I could be.”
Harder says that one of the highlights of the tournament was the opportunity to compete with other teams from all around Western Canada, not to mention getting to spend each and every day with her teammates and coaches.
As a young athlete, the opportunity to be exposed to a high level of competition at such a young age can come with risk, but the opportunity can also give a massive boost in the areas of communication, in-game intelligence, and increasing stamina and athleticism.
As for Harder, she enjoyed the fierce competition. She also has some advice for anyone thinking about trying out for high-level teams.
“I would probably say to remember to have fun and try your hardest at every shift,” says Harder. “For someone that wants to play at higher levels—work hard, never give up on yourself, and remember what the sport is about. The sport is about fun, friendship, and determination.”
