Queen City Classic ringette tournament returns to Regina

The 32nd annual Queen City Classic ringette tournament returned to Regina. (Hallee Mandryk/CTV News)

The Queen City Classic ringette tournament has returned to Regina for the 32nd year. Teams from across western Canada made their way to the Co-operators Centre to hit the ice.

The Regina Ringette Association annually hosts the event, which draws in a lot of talent from outside the city - and provides an opportunity to show off the ringette talent within Regina.

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While winning is certainly the goal, the athletes who spoke with CTV News shared that they’re in it for much more than a trophy.

“The opportunities and the relationships you build with like the people and like that you grow relationships and you grow together like you’ve been friends since you’re a little. You just keep playing together,” said 14-year-old, Chloe Larson.

Larson’s teammate on the Cyclones, 14-year-old Samantha Pettigrew echoed these sentiments.

“I’ve enjoyed all the friends I’ve made, the opportunities traveling, and it’s just a great sport overall,” Pettigrew said.

For the young athletes, tournaments like the classic are a fun change of pace.

“The atmosphere and like the people and playing teams that you’ve never played before with like complete strangers and yeah, it’s just a great atmosphere and fun,” Larson said.

“It’s great team bonding, the things we do are lots of fun,” Pettigrew added.

The duo shared that the weekend has been a fun chance to improve as athletes alongside their teammates.