Paying your taxes? Doing your homework? Cleaning the toilet? There is a whole list of things in life that can’t exactly be described as total fun, but you gotta do them. The Wellington North Ringers, both the U12 and U14 models, experienced the ringette version of that reality this past weekend as it was the “C” level Ringers duty to play “B” level opponents. And while the result was one sound beating for the U12’s and two for the U14’s there is always positives to look for. Right off the bat how about Christen O’Donnell’s magnificent display of goaltending in Guelph on Friday night. Facing 53 shots in the game. C.O. gave a belief-defying 24 saves on 27 shots performance in the opening period. Add in some relentless effort by defencemen Genna Wright, Sarah Seifried, Erica Saunders and Nicole Burns and you’ve got a real accomplishment against an excellent team. Not to be outdone the forwards put out a determined effort and even scored a few goals. More experienced players Jenna Leith, Charlotte Brunkard and Alexis Bushey were super competitive with the Guelph girls. On Sunday night in Clifford, vacation hotspot of Minto Township, it was the rookies’ turn to shine. While Hanover (playing in Clifford because their arena is being rebuilt) was much to strong to defeat, they were given a test by the likes of Brandi Grose, Brandy McEachern, Jennifer Henry and Rhiannon Roberts-Allen all first year ringette players improving with each game. Good work girls!
The U12’s nasty job was to take on the “B” level Elora-Fergus Edge and they gave it every ounce of energy they had. McKenzie Hanlon was a standout in goal facing tough shots all day. Macy Showers got the Ringers on the board early before the Edge came back with a vengeance. Meghan Benn and Amelia Walker were excellent on defence as was Chevonne Wright. Catarina Oakes made many fine rushes with a speedy Jordan Bushey helping out on wing. McKenzie McDougall was a pit bull I the trenches and Liam McArthur showed the same competitive spirit. And how did rookies Courtney Voison and Carissa Campbell do? Drove the crowd crazy every time they touched the ring! They’ve got bright futures in this game. And that’s the point.
While both sets of Ringers had a tough weekend the future will always be bright as long as they play with energy, passion and joy.
Ringette Roundup: Thank you Mount Forest for your support of our Ringette Bottle drive. Heads up Arthur we’re coming your way to get those empties Sat. Jan. 23.
And now a word from our Sponsors: Christen O’Donnell’s magnificent display was brought to you by Jim’s Auto Service; “Super” Alexis and “Speedy” Jordan Bushey great games were compliments of Ron Speer Poultry “Growing Chickens like he dickens in the suburbs of Kenilworth”. The “shining” rookies Brandi Grose, Brandy McEachern, Jennifer Henry and Rhiannon Roberts-Allen were courtesy of Coffey Brothers Insurance. Thanks Joe!