Meet Chris, Ringette coach, and dad to Asia!

We aren't done sharing stories about awesome Ringette dads in Lethbridge! Today's post is about Chris, dad to Asia! Thanks Chris for sharing your ringette journey with us

Ringette was not a sport I knew much about prior to my daughter’s entry into the sport. There was a ringette program in Fernie when I grew up playing hockey but I had never seen a game. My daughter Asia started on a team of beginners and I would have described them as ‘walkers’ rather than skaters.

I became involved in ringette right away when I noticed the need for parent volunteers to help to encourage the girls to develop their love of the game and all of the skills that come with the game. Early on it was easy because the focus was the basics of skating, with many skills transferable with hockey. As her team has progressed there are now many aspects of the sport that no longer mimic those skills required in hockey – it is truly a uniquely challenging game!

I have now coached for four years and am slowly developing a stronger knowledge-level of the game. I have ensured that my own training is being kept up through coaching certification, by observing some of the games at the higher levels, and by playing periodically with other adults. My plan is to stay involved in the game as a coach as long as there is a need or as long as Asia wants me there!

Ringette is an amazing sport. The game transitions very quickly and requires a combination of many skills. Not unlike any team, we have had some mixed success on the ice with wins and losses. Yet I define big picture success by the other aspects of the game including physical fitness, mental toughness, team building, and fun!