Southeastern Manitoba is in for a treat this weekend with the ringette's equivalent of the NHL coming to Steinbach.
The Prairie Fire and the Edmonton Wham will be representing the National Ringette League, playing a three game season series at the T.G. Smith Centre.
The three games will be played amongst Steinbach Ringette's annual tournament, which started on Thursday and will be wrapping up on Sunday. Prairie Fire centre, Mandy Nordstrom says it will be fun showcasing the sport in her home community.
"People don't realize that the NRL exists," said Nordstrom, who has been selected to the league's All-Star team this year, scoring 18 goals and 20 assists for 38 points in 15 games. "This is our chance to showcase the league in a local community and show them what we are all about and how competitive we can be."
She also explained that this isn't the first time the NRL has been to Steinbach, but it will be the first time the community will be hosting an entire season series.
The NRL is represented by 16 teams, with four in the west and 12 in the east. The Fire is Manitoba's only local team and it consists of three girls from southeastern Manitoba; Sylvie Boheimer and Stephanie Holden from Lorette and Nordstrom from Steinbach.
The Fire and the Wham won't just be competing against each other this weekend, they will also be taking some time passing their skills on to the young ringette players at 2:45pm Saturday afternoon.
"We want to give back to the community because we are very appreciative for what they are doing for us," says Nordstrom. "In between our games we will be hanging out with the kids going out on the outdoor rink, giving them a chance to see what it's like and have some fun."
She adds that it's really exciting to see so many young players signing up and choosing the sport over all the other options that are available.
"When I was young, we use to describe it has hockey for women. We really want to take ringette and make it it's own sport. I think we have done that with the NRL. It's great to see young players grow and develop so they can play in the league."
Nordstrom mentioned that it's tough, because ringette doesn't get the same exposure like many other sports in North America. She strongly encouraged any one who is not familiar with the sport to come out to the Steinbach arena this weekend to check it out.
"Give it a chance, you will be in awe! For years I have had to deal with people saying there needs to be bodychecking and it needs to be more physical. If you come watch us - we get slashed, we take hits, we go down. The sport has changed and it's not what people perceive," she said.
The (13-1-1) Fire will square off against the (4-11-0) Wham on Saturday at 11am and 7:30pm and then again on Sunday at 9:15am.
Thu, May 9, 9:45 AM
Part-time, Permanent, Healthcare
Featured
