Players and staff of Red Deer Ringette help promote the sport at a Red Deer Rebels game in December. (Red Deer Ringette/ Facebook)

By Ian Gustafson

Red Deer Ringette to host 40th annual Friends on Ice Tournament

Jan 2, 2025 | 3:08 PM

Red Deer Ringette is celebrating four decades of competition this weekend with its Friends on Ice Tournament.

From Jan. 3 – 5, the organization will welcome over 65 teams from across Alberta to the 40th annual Friends on Ice Tournament marking a significant anniversary milestone.

President of Red Deer Ringette, Sarah Tittemore, said it’s exciting to have so many teams come to Red Deer.

The tournament, which is free to attend, will feature multiple ages and skill levels at the Kinsmen, Dawe and Collicutt Centre arenas.

“We encourage our community to come out,” she said. “We’re so excited to host teams from across Alberta here in Red Deer to help promote the game.”

Saturday and Sunday

AHS reports temporary closure to Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service

2h ago

LAST SEEN DECEMBER 30, 2024

Missing: Peyton Chilton, 15, of Red Deer

Jan 03, 2025

road safety

Red Deer Photo radar locations for January 2025

Jan 03, 2025

For more information, visit reddeerringette.com or for the tournament schedule visit the ringettealberta.com.

They will also host a free Come Try It event on Jan. 4, at the Kinsmen Arena from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m., where children can experience the sport of ringette for the first time.

Those interested aged four to 16 years old will receive instructions and information from experienced players and coaches on and off the ice.

Participants must bring their own helmet and skates, but the organization will provide sticks and rings.

“We invite anyone who has a great attitude and wants to learn about ringette to come give it a try,” Tittemore said.

“Across Alberta, sports had a rough go through COVID in getting registration numbers back. Red Deer Ringette is really lucky we’re back to our pre-pandemic numbers. We’re just really trying to expose more people to the sport.”

The president said one of the most important things for young people is to feel connected and to be part of a team.

In joining ringette, she said children will form friendships and get the opportunity to be a part of a competitive environment.

“Being out with your friends, having fun, and being part of a team is all part of those skills we want to develop in young people,” she said.

“I know that my girls in particular find so much confidence and fun from the game that I hope to share that with more people in the community.”