Dec 15, 2022

The growth in Schreder’s Etobicoke league has prompted a collaboration with the city’s Welcome T.O. Winter this year to bring a drop-in ringette pilot program to seven rinks across Toronto: Prince of Wales, Humber Valley, The West Mall, Wallace Emerson, Riverdale, Glen Long and McCowan District Park. Pre-enrollment is not required and participants will be able to borrow equipment from select locations. The free pilot program, which is aimed at anyone six years or older, is designed give more Torontonians a chance to try the fast-paced, noncontact sport. Depending on how popular it proves, city staff will decide at the end of the season whether to run ringette again. A similar program in 2021 for figure skating proved so popular it has now been fully rolled out this year to include drop-in sessions in designated arenas across Toronto. At first glance ringette might look similar to hockey but there are differences — besides equipment that costs considerably less — that go beyond the fact it’s played with a straight stick and blue rubber ring instead of a puck. Erin Wronecki, an executive member and trainer for Etobicoke league, said the sport has grown in popularity both because it is fast-paced — but especially because it is team-oriented. In ringette, at least two passes need to be made before taking a shot at the other team’s net, which therefore motivates teammates to work together to win. Wronecki’s two daughters currently play the game, and said that her oldest initially didn’t have a great experience with other sports because other kids would dominate and get the spotlight. “There’s a place for her on the ice,” said Wronecki. “Now here she is in her ninth season, still playing.” Darren Pace, president of West Ferris Ringette Association in North Bay, said that although the lower cost is a plus, he believes the main attraction to ringette is the all-embracing nature of the sport. “It has historically been a nice, safe and supportive environment for girls and women to experience themselves in a competitive sport,” said Pace. That inclusivity has begun to expand, with the result that roughly 10-12 per cent of his league’s players are boys. “The sport has also been especially openly welcoming to members of the LGBTQ2S+ community,” he added, pointing to the national organization’s transgender inclusion policy. Schreder describes the ringette community as being close-knit, having been friends with the same group of players for a long time. “For anyone new to ringette, I know it can be a little nerve-wracking at first but taking that first step and really getting into it will be worth it,” said Schreder, who aspires to join a varsity ringette team next year at one of the 12 universities across Ontario where the sport is offered. Schreder’s love for the game has led her to take on several roles within the organization such as a learn to skate instructor, a referee and a junior coach for the U12 A Team. Her message for anyone interested in trying ringette is simple: “Don’t be afraid to try new things.” Janiece Campbell is a Toronto-based general assignment reporter for the Star. Reach her via email: janiececampbell@thestar.ca SHARE: