Medicine Hat's U16 ringette team scores a goal in its game Friday morning at the Moose Recreation Centre during the Ed Horvath Ringette Tournament. Chris Marflett/CHAT News

By Jesse Gill

SPORTS

Ed Horvath Ringette Tournament underway in Medicine Hat

Dec 6, 2024 | 4:54 PM

The annual Ed Horvath Ringette Tournament is taking over the ice at a number of rinks in Medicine Hat this weekend.

It is named after Horvath, who was instrumental in getting ringette going in the city.

Games kicked off Friday morning and is running through Sunday for the event that has been held in the city for over 30 years.

Rod Thompson, president of the Medicine Hat Ringette Association, said there are over 30 teams from out of the city joining and competing alongside a number of local teams.

“We have games for age groups all the way from U10 up to the open division,” Thompson said.

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“We see a lot of athletes that are graduated from playing U19, and really there’s no age limit on it,” he added.

“There’s going to be some really good ringette in town this weekend.”

Ringette is a fast-paced game, that includes a 30-second shot clock, a red ringette line where only three offensive and defensive players can enter at any time.

To enter the offensive zone, a player has to pass it across the blue line, and unlike hockey there are no offsides or icing of the ring, and two line passes aren’t permitted.

Girls hockey has become more popular over the years, taking away some potential players.

But despite this, Thompson said ringette has still seen growth locally this year.

“We definitely felt it during COVID. Our numbers dwindled a little bit, but I would say right now we’re in the midst of rebuilding years,” Thompson said.

“Our numbers are up this year, and that’s really exciting, especially for the younger age groups. Our numbers are very healthy, we have a lot of teens in the younger age groups.”

Each game will be played in a pair of 20 minutes stop time halves, taking place at the Moose, Kinplex and Big Marble Go Centre arenas throughout the weekend.

The semi-finals are taking place Sunday morning, and the finals are slated for Sunday afternoon.

There is no cost for spectators.