The St. Albert Mission U19AA ringette team is celebrating its second consecutive national title after an impressive showing at the 2023 Canadian Ringette Championships held in Regina from April 9-15.
The Canadian Ringette Championships is an annual event that showcases the best ringette talent from across the nation, attracting teams from various age divisions to compete for the coveted title of being the top team in the country.
Over the course of a week, teams participate in a series of round-robin, playoff, and medal games, highlighting the athleticism, skill, and teamwork required to excel in this fast-paced, strategic sport. The championships not only serve as a platform for players to demonstrate their abilities on the ice, but also foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among teams, athletes, coaches, and spectators, ultimately promoting the growth and recognition of ringette in Canada.
Under the guidance of head coach Jennifer Krochak, the Mission were unequivocally dominant.
The group opened the tournament with a crushing 11-2 win against the Eastman Flames, followed by a 7-3 victory over the Saskatoon Blazers. Then, the group continued their winning streak with a 4-0 shutout against Calgary, thanks to a stellar performance by goalie AbbyRuth Gering.
The Mission went on to defeat Team BC in the round-robin, qualifying for the quarter-finals, where they triumphed over Quebec. In the semifinals, they once again overcame Calgary, earning a spot in the gold medal game. The Mission emerged victorious against their Alberta rivals, Zone 2, with a decisive 8-1 win.
St. Albert's U16AA team also had a successful showing at the championships, bringing home a bronze medal.
Nyah Bodnarchuk, a player on the Mission, spoke about the team's mindset and preparation for the championship. "I did believe we had the skill to repeat this year; the majority of our players were returning and the first years on our team always pushed themselves so hard. At the start of the year, I could see, in my mind, holding that trophy yet again at the end of the season.”
When asked about the biggest challenge faced by the team during the championship weekend, Bodnarchuk highlighted the mental aspect of the game. "It can be difficult to remain calm and continue to play 'our game' once the championship round of games becomes do-or-die,” she told The Gazette. “Luckily for most of us, it was our second time around, and we knew the mental game at nationals can be just as important as the physical game."
Bodnarchuk attributes the team's success, in large part, to their unwavering resilience and selflessness.
"I think it was our determination to play for each other. No one on this team was selfish this week, and we all trusted each other to do our jobs. That is what made us successful."
Representing St. Albert on a national stage has been an incredible experience for the team — as athletes, but also as members of their community.
"St. Albert has a strong ringette community, and we are so proud to represent the association both years,” Bodnarchuk shared, acknowledging the impact of the team’s accomplishments on their hometown. “When we won last year, we were invited to city council to be recognized, and Mayor Heron declared a citywide 'Ringette Day' in St. Albert. It was so special to have the whole city behind us and be recognized in these ways. We are excited that we could acknowledge that support by playing hard all week and once again bringing home a gold medal."
