Fredericton Celebrates 50 Years of Women’s Ringette Growth

Fredericton is marking an important milestone as it celebrates 50 years of women’s ringette. Louise Wilkins, a pioneer of the sport in the region, recalls a time when team sports for girls were rare. She was part of the city’s first women’s ringette league, which has since inspired four generations of players in her family, including her daughter, granddaughter, and great-granddaughters.

During the Ed Benoit Early Bird Ringette Tournament at the Grant-Harvey Centre, Wilkins watched her great-granddaughters take to the ice. This tournament, attracting 93 teams from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Ontario, stands as Fredericton’s largest annual winter sporting event, generating an economic impact of approximately $850,000.

Reflecting on the sport’s evolution, Wilkins noted, “It’s a good game for girls to get out and team sports are so good, especially. To see it now develop… They make lots of friendships and it’s really good for their development.” The growth of ringette in Fredericton is evident, as the sport has gained popularity and acceptance over the decades.

Ringette New Brunswick was officially established in 1981, providing a structured platform for the sport to thrive. Wilkins, who played for 15 years, has observed a shift in the game’s pace and rules, yet emphasizes that passing the ring continues to be a vital skill for players. Her daughter, Stacey Scott, now coaches the team her great-granddaughters are part of, furthering the family’s connection to the sport.

“It is great just to see them all come through and play the game and enjoy the game,” Wilkins expressed. “That’s the biggest thing: to get them out and get them doing something they’re really enjoying.”

The tournament concludes on Sunday, but the excitement for ringette in the region does not stop there. Earlier this year, Dieppe was announced as the host city for the 2027 IRF World Ringette Championships. This event will mark the first time the championships are held on Canada’s East Coast, promising to showcase the talent and growth of the sport on a larger stage.

As Fredericton celebrates its rich history with women’s ringette, the community looks forward to nurturing future generations of players, ensuring that the sport continues to flourish for years to come.