The Road to Ontario Winter Games 2024

Over Thanksgiving weekend, our AAA High-Performance teams made their way to Kingston for a weekend of training and development. Athletes had their first in-person opportunity to meet their new teammates, whom they will be heading to Thunder Bay with this February to compete in the 2024 Ontario Winter Games. The weekend was busy, beginning at the rink early Friday morning and concluding early afternoon on Sunday. The development camp comprised practices, games, mental performance sessions and team bonding.

Coaches and skaters were joined by Laurie, a former Junior National team coach, who shared her experience and provided valuable mentorship to all in attendance. Former AAA High-Performance athlete Emma Kelly also made an appearance, assisting both on and off the ice. Emma Kelly spoke with Ringette Ontario about how Ringette has prepared her for real life. Emma stated that “ringette has taught [her] work ethic,.” When asked what her favourite part of the AAA Program was, Emma said it “would probably be becoming friends with girls [she had] played against but never had the chance actually to have a conversation with any of them.” Being joined by legacy players and coaches allowed current participants to see how impactful the AAA High-Performance program is, not only in developing ringette skills but in its overall impact on those in attendance.

On the ice, athletes had the chance to participate in joint practices with other teams, as well as multiple games. These gave both players and coaches the opportunity to learn from each other whilst preparing themselves for the tough competition at the Ontario Winter Games. Many teams came up with fun awards for players of the practice or game, encouraging both hard work and team building. Off the ice, teams made their way to Fort Henry’s Fright Night to get to know each other while also having some Halloween fun!

Athletes had the privilege of attending mental performance sessions where they learned about what it takes to perform at this level. These sessions encouraged players and coaches to evaluate what it truly means to be a team and how they can all work together this season to support one another on and off the ice. Participants looked at their own strengths and weaknesses to see where they fit in the team and how they can best contribute. These sessions also allowed players to develop a plan for managing the stresses that come with high-performance sports. Ongoing team and individual sessions will be hosted between now and the next development camp as players continue to balance ringette and school while also maintaining a healthy social life.

Overall, the weekend was a great success. Friends were made, fun was had, and teams are now one step closer to the 2024 Ontario Winter Games. We look forward to seeing you all again in Kitchener in December.

Past Blog: Ontario Heads to Alberta

Ringette Ontario: Ringette Ontario is the Provincial Sport Organization for Ringette in Ontario. Ringette Ontario is an athlete-centric and value-driven organization that oversees all ringette interests in the Province. Ringette Ontario boasts a membership of over 60 Local Associations and more than 9,500 registered players, 2,500 coaches, 300 referees, and countless volunteers. Ringette Ontario delivers programming which focuses on athlete, coach and official development, as well as supporting sanctioned events through Provincials, Regionals and tournaments. Levels of play include AA, A, BB, B, CC, C Recreation, Development and House League Divisions.

Our Vision: Be the leading ringette organization in the country, strengthening communities in Ontario through our sport.

Our Mission: Delivering a lifelong sport community that promotes teamwork and leadership development in an inclusive and safe environment.

Our Values: Our values are the core beliefs that shape the way we interact and make decisions.

Our values are:

Dedication - We share a collective commitment and passion for the game.

Respect - We recognize everyone’s contribution to our community.

Teamwork - We achieve our goals together. 

Inclusion - We welcome all who want to join our safe sport community.

Integrity - We govern our sport with transparency and fairness.