Last weekend’s Cochrane Classic Ringette Tournament showed off the best the sport has to offer, both on and off the ice.
“The kids always really enjoy the tournaments,” said Laurie Smith, manager of the U14B XLR8 team and mom to player Madison Smith. “They’ve gotten to know each other and make good friendships and bonds.”
In total, 46 teams from around Alberta and Saskatchewan – including 12 from town – took over the Spray Lake Sawmills Family Sports Centre for three days. Girls from four to 18 years old strapped on their skates to compete in seven different age and skill divisions.
Co-director Alyssa Bates said Cochrane teams not only hosted the successful weekend – they also represented in six of the eight finals, and earned gold medals in four.
Smith’s U14B XLR8 team was one of the six who earned top spot in their category. The girls tied their first game against the Airdrie Sting on Friday at 3-3, and dominated the Hussar Fireworks in Saturday’s second game 8-0. The team played two games on Sunday – and Smith said the morning matchup against the Red Deer Revenge was the toughest of the tournament.
“That game was going to decide if we’d make it to the final or not. It was a really back and forth game,” said Smith. “They were just really passing well – just working together as a team. They really started to gel together and they were able to keep their penalties to a minimum.”
XLR8 pushed through and won the Red Deer game 8-6 to propel them into the final matchup against the Hussar Fireworks. The team continued their strong play in the gold medal match – earning the gold medal with a final score of 6-4.
“They were just playing really strong,” Smith said.
Bates said she heard great feedback from parents, players and more about Cochrane’s annual competition. She was also proud to see so many youth getting the most out of such an inclusive and competitive sport.
“Everybody gets involved. Everybody gets to play and they’re all feeling like they’re contributing to the game,” she said, adding the motto on the tournament’s official shirts read “Live Love Play.”
“The girls have their heart in the game, and so do the coaches.”
