February 10th, 2021

The Medicine Hat Ringette Association (MHRA) reluctantly would like to announce that the 2020/2021 ringette season has officially ended. “The decision was a hard one to make,” says Jay Pinnell President of MHRA, “we all wanted to get back to the sport we love but we just couldn't make it happen under all the limitations.”

Ringette has not been permitted by the Government of Alberta since team sport restrictions came in place at the beginning of December due to Covid-19. Earlier this month Ringette Calgary, the league that Medicine Hat ringette plays in, announced there would be no more scheduled games this season. That was followed by a last minute announcement from the Government of Alberta that youth minor sports would be permitted with a multitude of restrictions. With the numerous challenges of keeping athletes three metres apart at all times, limited change room access, no spectators/parents allowed in local facilities and possible 24 day quarantines for volunteer coaches the MHRA ultimately decided it would be best to end the season a few weeks early.

As only half the season was completed, all MHRA members will be refunded 50% of the season fees that were paid. Refunds should all be processed by the end of March.

For those players still interested in getting on the ice the MHRA is exploring possibilities and local partnerships to offer skill development camps within the current restrictions. Interested ringette players should contact the MHRA for more details, athletedev@mhringette.com

“A big part of ringette is the social aspect” concludes Pinnell “we want to be able to offer our players a quality experience with games, skills and fun with their friends. We are looking forward to next season and seeing all our athletes enjoying themselves on the ice again.”