The RAB Ringer- May 2025
The RAB Ringer
Your Source for Ringette News and Stories from
Ringette Alberta
Top STORY: Welcome to Rocky Mountain Rage!
Please join us in welcoming the Rocky Mountain Rage, the newest team in the National Ringette League!
Representing Cochrane and the surrounding area, the Rage will compete this fall as the 14th team in Canada's premier league for elite athletes 18 and older.
Led by veteran coaches Chris Kelly and Leigh Sauer, proven champions at the provincial, national, and international level, the Rage is here to raise the bar for competitive ringette and inspire the next generation of athletes.
?? TRYOUTS OPEN SOON:
?? Registration opens: Sunday, June 1
?? Tryouts begin: Monday, August 25
With a bold new logo, a powerful coaching staff, and a mission to build a culture of excellence and community, the Rage is ready to hit the ice and make history.
Let’s go, Rage!
Every Kid Can Play: Expanding Access to Ringette Across Alberta
We’re excited to share that Ringette Alberta has partnered with Sport for Life to help more kids access and thrive in our sport, thanks to funding from the Government of Alberta’s Every Kid Can Play grant.
This initiative supports three key program areas:
- Flex Ringette: for teens who need a more inclusive, flexible way to stay in the game
- Learn to Play Ringette: a 6-8 week bridge program designed to welcome brand-new players
- Enhanced AA Development: targeted support to strengthen high-performance athlete pathways
Our partner, Sport for Life, is a national leader in long-term athlete development and inclusion in sport. Their guidance helps ensure our programs are built on best practices in equity, physical literacy, and long-term growth.
As part of this partnership, They want to hear from you!
We know so many of you have thoughts and feedback that will help guide this program planning.
Please use this form to share your thoughts!
Deadline to reply MAY 15th
Final Call: Join the Athlete Advisory Council by May 15!
Do you have ideas to improve ringette in Alberta? Want to represent your peers and help shape the future of our sport?
Ringette Alberta’s Athlete Advisory Council is looking for athletes aged 15+ from across the province to share input, offer feedback, and contribute to initiatives like stakeholder engagement, program development, and promotional activities.
Council members will:
- Bring forward athlete perspectives from all levels of play
- Collaborate with Ringette Alberta staff
- Help grow the game through content and events
? Must be a registered player and in good standing
? Apply by Wednesday, May 15
Alberta Winter Games 2026 - Coming Soon!
Planning is underway for the 2026 Alberta Winter Games, and exciting updates will be rolling out soon!
Watch your inbox and follow Ringette Alberta on social media for key announcements from your association.
- Coach applications open in June
- Athlete (Birth years 2010, 2011) registration begins in September
RINGETTE ALBERTA AWARDS
Each year, Ringette Alberta proudly celebrates the individuals who make ringette in our province not just possible, but extraordinary.
From behind-the-scenes volunteers to rising young leaders, these award recipients represent the heart of our sport. Their passion, leadership, and dedication inspire connection, growth, and excellence across Alberta.
We’re thrilled to introduce this year’s honourees:
Friends of Ringette Award: Linda Forrester
Linda has been a driving force in Lacombe Ringette, as a coach, player, parent, and community builder. This year, when her local U16B team was at risk of folding, she built a brand-new team from scratch, uniting athletes from across Central Alberta. Her unstoppable heart has kept the game alive for countless players.
Ringette Excellence Award: Matt Schewe
Matt, of Fort Saskatchewan, has led with humility and consistency through every role, from on-ice helper to executive leader.
Ringette Excellence Award: Dallas Smith
Dallas, a beloved member of Lacombe Ringette and founder of the Central Alberta Open League, created lasting opportunities for women to continue playing the game they love.
Ringette Excellence Award: Lynette Zyznomirski
As Treasurer and later President from 2016 to 2025, Lynette guided her association through challenges, including the pandemic, with strength, vision, and a deep commitment to community.
Senior Official of the Year: Jasper Greysson-Wong
A leader in officiating, Jasper consistently steps up, mentoring others, covering last-minute games, and bringing professionalism and passion to every rink.
Coach of the Year: Jeff Popiel
Jeff’s impact goes far beyond the bench. Known for his inclusive, athlete-first leadership, Jeff has built teams that feel like family and created unforgettable seasons for his players.
Junior Coach of the Year: Maria Betke
At just 17, Maria is already shaping the future of ringette, mentoring younger players, promoting goalie development, and proving that leadership starts young.
Board Service Awards: Brandon Campbell & Sandra Fenton
Brandon joined our board in 2023 and brought strategic insight, financial expertise, and a passion for growing ringette from the grassroots up.
Sandra has served on the Ringette Alberta Board for the past 10 years, but that’s just the beginning of her contribution to the sport. Her leadership, wisdom, and commitment have left a lasting mark on our entire community. We recognize her today with deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks.
We are deeply grateful to each of these leaders for their service, their spirit, and their impact on the game we love.
See more about each winner on our social media.
Thanks for reading and sharing this important information!
The Team at Ringette Alberta
Official Sponsors
Upcoming Events
Mar. 18, 2026 to Mar. 22, 2026
Western Canadian Ringette Championships
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
