#YQLdads - Meet Terry, dad of Stevie

To help the Family Centre in Lethbridge celebrate #YQLDads, we will be sharing stories all week about some awesome Ringette dads in Lethbridge! Today's story is about Stevie and her dad Terry.

Terry has been a ringette official for almost 25 years, both in British Columbia and Alberta. He was introduced to ringette by a friend who had daughters in the sport at a time when he was becoming disenchanted by the politics and bullying of referees that was happening in minor hockey. He has enjoyed the sport ever since and has worked his way up to a level 4 official, reffing in such tournaments as the Western Canadian Championships, the Golden Ring Tournament in Calgary and the Jim Bening Tournament in Saskatoon and partaking in a few National Ringette League games when they have taken place in Southern Alberta. So naturally when his daughter came along he was excited to introduce her to the fantastic game of ringette. His daughter Stevie and his wife accompanied him to countless tournaments across Western Canada. By the age of two Stevie was able to demonstrate several officiating signals and entertained countless crowds in her replica official’s sweater.

Stevie joined the Lethbridge Ringette Association at the age of 4 and was playing with girls up to age 8. She enjoyed being on the ice and occasionally even listened to the coaches and did the drills and skills like the other girls on her team. Her first year was all about learning to skate and hold her stick. Terry occasionally took Stevie out public skating and played pass with her on the outdoor rink he built in the back yard that winter. She developed from a one foot push skater to a two foot alternating skater by the end of the season.

Stevie is now in her sixth year of ringette and loves it. Terry has always encouraged her to skate hard and do her very best. They are often heard in the car or on the couch discussing a play or skill that she is having trouble with or wanting to get better at. Stevie loves the parent/daughter ice times that happen throughout the season and spends the time chasing her Dad around the ice trying to best him. Of course he never “lets” her and when she boasts that she is faster than him, he has to prove her wrong! Stevie looks forward to the day when she can outskate her Dad! They are both all smiles when they are challenging each other.

Stevie says “my Dad is always there to encourage me, he is always there for me when I am sad or discouraged after a tough loss or when I am down on myself. He always says, what have I always told you? Did you try your hardest? I think you did great out there!”