Learn more about ringette by coming out to cheer for the Paris Thunder at next weekend’s tournament

By Casandra Turnbull

If you’re looking for a family-friendly event on Family Day weekend, bundle up, grab your noise makers and make your way to the Brant Sports Complex of the Burford Arena for a weekend of fast-paced Ringette fun.

The Paris Ringette Association will welcome nearly 50 teams from across Ontario to their annual Ringette Tournament February 16-19 Teams from all age categories, Fun3/U10 to U19B and open divisions, will hit the ice to compete. If you’ve ever wondered what the game is all about, take a seat and enjoy as you learn what this team centric sport is all about. “Ringette is such an amazing sport to watch. It is a fast-pace game where teamwork is essential,” explains Paris Ringette Association President Jen Mayhew. “We have many volunteers helping out during our tournament weekend, our PRA families are volunteering to make this a very exciting event ”

This tournament is a fun tradition for PRA players, the last tournament was held in 2019 before the pandemic. Everyone is excited to welcome back players from across Ontario and even the team making the trek from Finland!

This isn’t the first time Finland players and families have travelled to little Paris, Ontario, Canada for the tournament They’ve competed before and enjoyed it so much they’re coming back again. The tournament falls during their ‘school break’ at home, explains Mayhew, and players from that

Ringette can be a real blast. Don’t believe us? Visit the Brant Sports Complex or Burford Arena next weekend and check out the Paris Ringette Association’s annual tournament where nearly 50 teams from across Ontario will compete in various age categories.

Photo by Michelle Malvaso

Team are reportedly excited to return and play in the U16A division.

Mayhew confirmed that all Paris teams will participate: Fun2, Fun3/U10, U12B, U14B, U16A, U19A, Open A, U19B and Open B divisions. On Saturday, February 18th , Fun2 teams will compete in “Funfest” a special day where teams will play two games and then sit down to a pancake lunch and participate in fun team events designed to build team moral and break the ice, so to speak. Players will have the chance to dress up like their coaches and mascots. “It’s a really fun event for these young ones,” said Mayhew.

Paris Ringette Association executive, coaches, players and parents wanted to send out a big thank-you to all their sponsors for making this tournament a success They formally invite everyone to come out and learn more about ringette, a uniquely Canadian sport that’s as challenging as it is enjoyable! Watch the PRA website for more details, including a schedule with game dates and times. There is no admission so come out and cheer on your Paris Thunder!