Pronghorn Ringette to Host 2024 University Challenge Cup

LETHBRIDGE – The University of Lethbridge is proud to announce that it will host the 2024 University Challenge Cup (UCC), national ringette tournament, at the Cavendish Farms Centre from December 26-31, 2024. This occasion marks the first time Lethbridge has been selected to host this event.

Pronghorn Ringette, a competitive club of Pronghorn Athletics is eagerly preparing to welcome up to 16 university teams from across Canada. The event will showcase elite ringette talent and provide a significant milestone for the Lethbridge ringette community.

Sue Stevenson, Head Coach of Pronghorn Ringette said, "This is the first time that Lethbridge has been given the opportunity to host our national event. We are extremely excited to host up to 16 university teams from across Canada. We have started planning and are looking forward to putting on an amazing event. This is a great opportunity for Lethbridge ringette players to see firsthand how they can combine the sport they love with a post-secondary education under the Pronghorn banner."

Following a successful 2023-24 season, the Pronghorn Ringette team is determined to build on their momentum for the upcoming year. The team has a strong foundation of returning players and is focused on recruiting new talent to aim for the gold medal at the UCC.

Stevenson added, "The University of Lethbridge Ringette Club has historically brought home multiple silver and bronze medals from this tournament and is a respected program nationwide. The team has a good core of returning players from last year's silver medal showing at the UCCs and is actively recruiting to put a team on the ice that will contend for gold."

Cara Parks, President of the Lethbridge Ringette Association said, "This is an amazing opportunity for our community to showcase our sport at a high level. The sport of ringette has continued to grow in Lethbridge and this type of exposure will help bring awareness to the game, including the speed and skill involved in ringette, and hopefully generate some interest for future players."

Parks added, "The University of Lethbridge Pronghorns have had a significant impact on our local athletes. Through their summer camps, participation in our conditioning camps and volunteering with local teams, the athletes have become role models for many of our players. It is exciting for the young athletes to be able to connect one on one with a player of their calibre. It opens their eyes to the possibility of continuing to play during their post-secondary careers. The Pronghorns have helped to elevate the level of play in Lethbridge."

Spencer Pommells, Director of Pronghorn Athletics said, "We are excited to host the University Challenge Cup in Lethbridge for the first time. This is a significant milestone for the Pronghorn Ringette program and a testament to the dedication of the coaches, staff and student athletes who are currently with the program, and those who came before them. Over the years, the competitive club has achieved remarkable success on the national stage. We are excited to welcome teams and institutions from across the country and we are grateful to the dedicated planning committee for their hard work in bringing this event to our city."

The University Challenge Cup 2024 promises high-caliber competition, community engagement and an opportunity to showcase the best of Canadian university ringette.

Contact:

Taylor Crozon, Pronghorn Athletics Sports Information Director
403-380-1851
[email protected]