Yvonne Johnson grew up in 91原创 playing street hockey with her older brothers and skating on the local ponds.
But when her brothers began playing ice hockey, she was left on the sidelines, longing to participate.
However, there was no girls hockey team in her area at the time.
A film shown at her school about ringette, opened up a new option for her. The new ice sport just for girls was first invented by Sam Jacks in Ontario in 1963.
Ringette is similar to hockey but faster, Johnson explained.
鈥淚t鈥檚 more of a passing game. The ring has to be passed over each blue line,鈥� she said. 鈥淩ingette also has some basketball or lacrosse strategies such as zone play or shot clock.鈥�
In short order, the ice sport started up in 91原创 by Gertrude (Trudy) Cuthbert in 1973, a member of the 91原创 Recreation Commission, founding member of the 91原创 Family Life Association, and director of the 91原创 Big Sister organization.
Ringette was first played at the Aldergrove Arena, and then the 91原创 Civic Centre (now the George Preston Recreation Centre). The first ringette association in B.C. was called the 91原创 Municipality Ringette, and the teams were named after their sponsors, such as Big O鈥� Tires and Ray & Bob鈥檚 Farm Girls.
Eventually it grew popular enough that the association split into two rival associations: 91原创 Ringette and Aldergrove Ringette, only to amalgamate again 20 years later as the Fraser Valley Ringette Association.
Local politics and opinions at the time about women and girls in sports played a role in the invention of ringette, Shannon Bettles, director of promotions for the Lower Mainland Ringette League, said.
鈥淸We] feel this history today by being one of the largest associations in B.C. This goes to show how important ringette alumni, and their families, have been in promoting and supporting the sport over the decades,鈥� Bettles said.
In a 1973 interview with the "91原创 Advance", Cuthbert said 300 girls had expressed interest in playing an ice sport, and stated that 鈥渞ecreation is just as important for girls as it is for boys.鈥�
For Johnson, that rang true.
鈥淚 was so excited about it that as soon as I got home that day. I told my mom all about this wonderful new opportunity and asked her if I could join ringette,鈥� she shared.
Johnson has played ever since 鈥� for 50 consecutive years.
She enjoys the teamwork and camaraderie.
鈥淩ingette is a team sport in which no player can go end-to-end with the ring,鈥� Johnson noted.
Though she plays locally, Johnson has attended tournaments out of town and played against one of the first teams to travel to Canada from Finland. She was also selected to represent B.C. at the National Championships a few times.
An annual tournament, the Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament is one of the largest tournaments held currently and was named in honour of Johnson鈥檚 late step-daughter.
Vandale passed tragically and unexpectedly in 2009. In the years prior, she was involved with the Fraser Valley Ringette Association as a player, coach, and board member.
鈥淪he proved herself to be truly dedicated, not only to the sport but鈥� to the players that she coached and mentored,鈥� Johnson commented. 鈥淢ichelle led by example, striving to be the best that she could be, to work together as a team, and to display good sportsmanship in any situation.鈥�
While the season typically runs September to mid-March, there are intakes, opportunities to try the sport, and off-season tournaments often held during the summer months.
For anyone interested in joining ringette, Johnson recommends connecting with their local or provincial association. The try-it events can be found at .
For more information on the history of ringette and how it got it start in B.C. 鈥� right here in Aldergrove 鈥� people can visit .
