This month, Ringette Ontario would like to recognize an extraordinary team for our March ’ Team of the Month’ feature: Guelph Predators, U12B

 

"The 2023-24 U12B Guelph Predators began with 14 motivated young ladies - some second-year U12 players, some coming from FUN3 and one rookie to ringette. In addition, they had a rookie head coach who had incredible support from great assistant coaches and on-ice helpers. During the season, these girls experienced a lot of adversity as they struggled with numerous injuries - including a fractured collar bone, ankle injuries, knee injuries, back injuries, two concussions, a sprained finger and numerous illnesses. In addition, during the regular season, they had 4 rotating goalies, so it was tricky to find consistency here. However...before, during and after every game, these girls were always smiling ear to ear and were just happy to be around each other as they were all so positive and uplifting. With all the injuries, getting their full team at practice to work on new concepts/drills and breakouts together was difficult. During the regular season, in 19 games, they managed to piece together only 3 wins and a tie.

Then came Provincials...in the first game, these incredible girls stepped up their toughness and defensive strategy, fighting hard against a very tough Waterloo team, resulting in a 4-1 loss. However, they carried this toughness throughout the remainder of the Round Robin, winning 4 consecutive games and finally punching their ticket to a semi-final round, as the initial goal of the Provincials was to make it to Sunday!

In the semi-final game vs Gloucester, the girls were down 4-1 after the first period. However, they were determined not to go down without a fight! They scored a big goal with 11 minutes to play, putting them down by just 2 goals. With about 6 minutes to play, Guelph got served a penalty, but this only fired them up more! Guelph scored again with only 5 minutes to go and still short-handed, putting them behind by only one goal! With the momentum on their side and one minute to go, Guelph finally scored the equalizer! After a timeout to plan the final 60 seconds, the girls executed their plan perfectly, scoring the game-winner with 30 seconds left in regulation!

Guelph played amazingly all tournament, and their hard work, grit, and determination had put them in the Gold Medal game, a rematch against the tough Waterloo team they played in the first game of the Round Robin. Guelph kept it close in the first period, but unfortunately, they ran out of gas in the 2nd period, and a strong Waterloo team secured the win and the Gold Medal...with the Guelph team earning a well-deserved Silver Medal!

There were lots of tears in the dressing room afterwards, but those tears were because they were all so grateful to have shared such a memorable experience together in a roller coaster of a season! Although many players will be together on the same team next year, they knew this was the last time this exact group of girls would share the same changing room after a game, and they all embraced it like true athletes! This Guelph team overcame and embraced so many challenges together during the 2023-24 season. They are now all better individuals and athletes for sharing this magical season with a fairytale ending!"

 

Past’ Team of the Month’

2023-2024 Season

Ottawa Ice U19 - September 2023

 No Team - October 2023

 U14A Whitby Wild - November 2023

Dorchester, U16B WRRA - December 2023

Oshawa Storm Ringette Association U12A - January 2024

Barrie and District Association U14 AA - February 2024

 St. Thomas Thunder, U14B - March 2024

2022-2023 Season

Sunderland Stingerz U14 A - November 2022

U12 St Catharines Comets - December 2022

Oshawa Storm Open A - January 2023

Greater Sudbury U14 A. - February 2023 

University of Waterloo - March 2023

 

 

HOW TO BE FEATURED

 

Ringette Ontario has some of the best students, athletes, community volunteers and coaches in the province, and we want the world to know it!

Each month we will feature a team that has displayed how they will and have committed to accomplishing goals in different areas of their lives this season (ringette, academics, community involvement, etc.)—interested in nominating your Team? Fill out the form below and share some of your Team’s highlights with us.

Ensure your submission includes the following:

• Team Name
• Team picture (Please submit your team photo to marketing@ringetteontario.com, with Team Name & division)
• How your team work towards reaching a goal they set for themselves this season (on the ice, in the classroom/workplace or your local community) or how they managed to overcame a challenging moment this season?

Review the Team of the Month example to ensure you submit it correctly.

Team of the Month submissions will be on a rolling basis, and winners will be selected and announced on the 30th of each month, so be sure to submit your team information on time. This season, teams will be rewarded with awesome gift cards to a local, healthy restaurant in your community.

Have any questions? Send them to marketing@ringetteontario.com. 

 

Team of the Month Form