The Canadian Ringette Championships (CRC) are kicking off in Ottawa with the opening ceremonies taking place at TD Place Sunday.
The all-girls teams from across the country will compete for national championship titles.
“We’re going to come in here and hopefully do our best and really show Canada what Ontario is. We’re really going to try and represent Ontario well,” said Cassidy Marchment, a Team Ontario U16 AA player.
There are 200 coaches, 50 officials, hundreds of volunteers and about 1,000 athletes of all ages competing in the games.
“I’m looking forward to a very exciting week for our girls. If they can keep playing the way they finish the season, we should do well,” said Barry Gorham, a Team Ontario U16 AA coach
Parents were at the opening ceremony in true spirit, wearing team colours and costumes while chanting and knocking noise makers.
To qualify, all teams had to place first, second or third in their provincial competitions.
“I am so excited to see 900 elite female athletes congregating in our city to share their love of the sport, their passion with the sport, with all of the Ottawa community,” said Phyllis Bergmans, co-chair of the 2025 Canadian Ringette Championships host committee.
The championship runs until April 5 with medal games taking place at the Slush Puppie Centre in Gatineau.