Expanding the offering
Hurricanes working with provincial association to bring sport to collegiate level on Prince Edward Island
The Holland College Hurricanes are going to ice a women’s ringette team this fall.
Director of athletics and recreation Albert Roche said they received positive feedback from current and incoming students about the idea when it was gauging interest.
“We are impressed with the growth of the sport and the fact that Island teams are successfully competing nationally is encouraging,” he said. “Ringette P.E.I. has to be commended for their commitment to the long-term development of the sport.”
Exactly whom the Hurricanes will play has not been settled.
Roche said it could play tournaments or join the Canadian University Ringette’s Atlantic league, which includes teams from Acadia, Dalhousie and St. FX universities.
Isabelle Saunders and Ashley Hollis are both excited with the news.
“It will provide an opportunity for students to continue to play ringette at a competitive level,” said Hollis, a Stratford native who played for the National Ringette League’s Atlantic Attack for two seasons. “It will greatly expand the amount of teams and games available to these student-athletes who otherwise have limited places to play.”
Saunders, a Charlottetown native, said she sees the addition of the Hurricanes team giving the sport more recognition in the province.
“It gives student-athletes the opportunity to stick to ringette knowing that there is a competitive league when they get older. Having the opportunity to be on a college team without having to switch to a different sport will make the sport grow on P.E.I.”
Ringette P.E.I. president Mike James said he feels it’s ready for intercollegiate ringette to come to Prince Edward Island.
“It is an opportunity for the athletes who love this sport to be able to combine their love of the game with playing at a collegiate level,” he said.
Players looking for more information or who are interested in playing are asked to email hollandhurricanes@hollandcollege.com.