The first annual Stadnyk Frozen Ring outdoor ringette tournament will be staged this weekend at the Willoughby Park rink next to Neil M. Ross School.
Representing the St. Albert Ringette Association (SARA) in the U10 novice tournament are the Slash, Sting, Hurricanes, Luna Chix and Fire Rings. Rounding out the six-team draw is Edmonton Chaos.
The opening game is 9 a.m. Saturday between the Slash and Sting in pool A.
Sunday’s final is 2:30 p.m.
“An outdoor tournament is something we’ve wanted to do for years,” said Len Samletzki, tournament organizer and Fire Rings coach. “Our coaches, players and parents reminisce about playing outdoors so we’re really excited to bring the game back there. This tournament is going to be a memory the players will keep with them forever.”
Saturday’s under the lights showcase game between U19 St. Albert and Riviere Qui Barre starts at 7 p.m.
“We’re excited for our showcase game. It’s going to give people a great look at how ringette is played and an appreciation for how fast of a game it is,” Samletzki said.
The tournament is named after Glenn Stadnyk, the former longtime SARA president.
“Glenn put his heart and soul behind this organization to make ringette the popular sport it is today. He’s done amazing work for many years,” Samletzki said.
Tonight marks the last home game for the St. Albert Sabres before the playoffs in the Alberta Major Bantam Hockey League.
Puck drop is 7:45 p.m. against the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers at Akinsdale Arena.
The Sabres (18-6-6) are fourth in the nitro north division and the Rangers (5-22-3) are fifth in the charger north division.
After tonight the Sabres have two road games left to play before the best-of-three divisional semifinals start Tuesday.
The St. Albert Merchants have two games remaining before the playoffs get underway in the Capital Junior B Hockey League.
Tonight at 8 p.m. the Merchants (19-13-4) skate against the North Edmonton Red Wings (10-22-4) at Clareview Arena.
Friday the Merchants host the Beverly Warriors (22-11-3) at 8 p.m. at Akinsdale Arena.
If the Merchants maintain their fourth-place position in the west division, they would play the fifth-place Edmonton Mustangs (17-15-4) in the best-of-three qualifying round. The winner would challenge the Morinville Jets (24-10-2) or Spruce Grove Regals (23-12-2) in a best-of-five quarter-final.
Last weekend the Regals edged the Merchants 3-2 in St. Albert.
