By Scott Roblin

Teenage ringette players working together on skill development

Nov 12, 2018 | 3:13 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – They say age is just a number, which is something that young ringette players in Medicine Hat are taking to heart.

Well into their 2018-19 campaign, local players of all ages are hitting the ice together to have some fun while elevating their own games.

The most recent case of these exhibition games came on Saturday, with the U16 ‘B’ squad hitting the ice at the Kinplex for a scrimmage against the U14 ‘A’ team.

Skill development is the focus of these games for Medicine Hat Ringette, but that doesn’t mean either side took things easy.

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The U16 team edged out the U14s, in a game that featured a number of new offensive zone plays for both teams.

U16 centre and defenceman Hailey Hudson said they older girls like passing on their knowledge, especially since coming out of the U14 program.

“It’s kind of fun just to get to show them sometimes what ringette can look like once you get to a higher age level,” said Hudson. “Especially since how long we play for compared to U14.”

Although the teams lined up on opposite sides of centre, they both sported the same Medicine Hat crest. Many of the players have friendships through the Medicine Hat Ringette system, even if they aren’t necessarily the same age.

That was put on display on Saturday, as U14 defender Pacie Harper slipped on a late penalty shot and went crashing into the boards.

She was quickly helped back onto her skates however, with the assistance of the goaltender who she just stared down at centre ice.

“I think it was just good for me for her to come over and just say, ‘Good try’ or whatever and give me feedback,” said Harper.

The U14 team had a rough couple of games two weeks ago when they fell in back-to-back contests against the Adrenaline, seeing their record on the season slip to 2-2-1.

It’s be a tougher go for the Medicine Hat U16 squad meanwhile, as they sit last in league play with a 0-4-2 record.

However, Hudson said these exhibition games allow them to develop specific skills and plays throughout the season, something the team is already seeing.

“I feel like from the beginning of the season we’ve really improved on our stabbing and our passing, getting the ring up the ice and scoring goals,” said Hudson.

The U14 club hits the road for Airdrie on Saturday, while the U16s are off until November 24 when they play a pair of games in Calgary.