The Interlake Ringette Association kicked off the season in full swing as it hosted the Snowman Classic Tournament from Nov. 27 to 30, with games played across St. Andrews, Selkirk, Garson, East Selkirk and Stony Mountain.
R4U Winnipeg Beach – Burns
The event coincided with Selkirk’s official Ringette Weekend, declared Nov. 28–30, bringing added excitement to an already lively schedule.
Three Interlake teams and one squad from the Northwest Ringette Association skated in the R4U division, the development program for players aged four to eight. Interlake currently operates three R4U groups — two based in St. Andrews and one out of Winnipeg Beach.
The tournament also featured two U10 divisions, U10B and U10C, each with an Interlake team competing alongside clubs from Winnipeg and southeast Manitoba. The U12B and U12C divisions welcomed another pair of Interlake squads, rounding out a busy weekend that showcased the growth of the sport throughout the region.
In total, 21 teams laced up for the four-day event, which emphasized fun, community spirit and team bonding as much as on-ice play. Teams were invited to build snowmen to take home as keepsakes, and older U12A and U14A players volunteered their time to help the youngest R4U athletes with crafts — a gesture organizers say helps build mentorship and encourage the next generation of ringette players.
Interlake Ringette currently has 146 athletes registered this season.
The association’s next big event will be the Rings of Steel tournament for U12A–U16 from Jan. 8 to 11.
