A message from the RDR President

Hi Folks

As the regular season winds down and playdowns/provincials/playoffs take center stage for league teams, I have a few items to share with respect to the end of the season.

We have a Try It Event scheduled for March 4^th at the Dawe from 10:00-11:15 AM.  If your daughter has a friend who may be interested in seeing what ringette is like please let them know about the activity.  At the last event, we had a couple of players come with their friends to support and encourage them on the ice.  They only require a helmet, skates and warm clothes (equipment is fine) to attend.  Attendees can pre-register here :  http://www.cometryringette.ca/event/red-deer-come-try-ringette-2/ .

We also have a number of playdown games scheduled for Red Deer over the Feb 24/25^th and March 4^th/5^th weekends.  Please check the Ringette Alberta site under U12A/U12C banners for times and arenas.  If your daughter is moving up from U10 next season, these games are a great chance to get an idea of the level of play at U12.

We have arranged to host a National Ringette League game between Edmonton WAM and Calgary RATH on Sunday March 19^th at the Kinex from 11:15 to 1:15 PM.  These athletes represent the highest level of league play in Canada and a large number of central Alberta players have been part of the WAM team over the years.  We encourage all our families to come see the game and show our support as they prepare for the Canadian Ringette Championships.  A reminder for this event will be sent out in mid-March as last year’s event was well attended and very exciting to watch.

The Canadian Ringette Championships take place in Leduc over the week of March 27^th to April 1^st.  As the championships are rotated across Canada this is an excellent opportunity to take a short drive and see the best teams in Canada play.

Looking out further:

• The RDR Annual General Meeting will be held April 20^th.  If you can assist in one of our Director or Executive roles, please consider offering your time.  See the RDR website for details.
• The registration window generally opens from June 1^st to June 30^th for online registration.  Exact dates will be communicated closer to June.
• Rustbusters camp will take place from Aug 21^st to Aug 24^th.  This is an excellent opportunity for players to get their legs back under them and reunite with friends after the summer break.  Registration is done while completing the online registration.
• U12 and up evaluations and tryouts will start the long weekend in September (Sept 2^nd & 3^rd).  We realize it’s not perfect timing but with the RD Arena out of commission, we have to utilize the ice provided to us to complete our tasks.  As well, we work together with other sports to minimize try out overlaps.  As a reminder, timed drill results are required by Ringette Alberta for all U10, U12 and U14 division players.
• For parents new to RDR or playing in the BGL league, we are looking at arranging a parent meeting date sometime between Aug 21^st and Sep 2^nd to review the evaluation process, general association and league play expectations.  Once finalized, the date and time will be communicated in mid-August.

If you have any questions or want to discuss open positions in the association, feel free to catch me at the RD Ringette Association meeting Thursday, Feb 16^th at the Baymont Inn & Suites.

Thank you

Mike Sullivan

RDR - President