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1980’s |
Ringette was first introduced in Prince George in the fall of 1980.
The first team had 22 participants between the age of seven and fourteen. In January of 1981, Ringette gets some exposure from the local media during the mini-tournament at the Kin Centre with teams from Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake. At the same time, Vancouver instructors held a workshop for the players. This new sport "just for girls" attracts interesting comments in the local newspaper, from a reader and from an old ringette player.
By the second season, the association has two teams and trying to get enough players for a third, with ages ranging from six to 17. Prince George participates for the first time in the BC Provincial Championships, hosted by Langley from March 11-14, with a Jr. Belle team (Ring Rats/13-14 yrs). Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake played exhibition games in conjunction with the championships against teams from Howe Sound and Langley.
At the beginning of 1982-1983 season, the Association had five teams: Petite-Tween, Junior-Belles, Belles, and a Ladies team. By January, more girls have joined ringette, the Petite and Tween age players are divided into two teams. The First Annual Northern "B" Ringette Tournament was held in Vanderhoof during the weekend of March 20th. The "Nechako Chronicle" dubbed the event a success, with the Vanderhoof Tween team winning their division. PG Petite team came home with the first place trophy. The PG women’s team swept the title over teams from Vanderhoof and Fraser Lake. The Prince George Bunnies (players under seven) had an exhibition game during the tournament.
The Provincial "B" Tournament were hosted by Port Coquitlam February 11, 12 and 13th, 1983. The Knights of Columbus (Petite team 9-10yrs) wins all five of their games to capture the first ever title for Prince George. Shopper’s Drug Mart (Junior-Belle) wins the most Sportsgalship trophy.
1983-1984 season started with the Association hosting a mini-tournament in November, with teams from Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof. We have two Petite teams (Knights of Columbus, Operating Engineers), one Tween team (The Keg), one Junior-Belle team (Shoppers Drug Mart), one Belle team (The Eagles), and one Ladies team.
Ringette was showcased in the Northern BC Winter Games for the first time in February 1984.
Mayor Elmer Mercier proclaimed March 12 to 16 Ringette Week in PG and decides to try the game himself.
Prince George teams returned home with gold and silver medals from the 2nd Annual B.C. Ringette "B" Provincials in Port Coquitlam. The "Knights of Columbus" (9-10) (combination of the two petite teams) overwhelmed the opposition for their second straight title in the Petite division.
During the 1985-1986 Ringette season, The "Northern BC Ringette League" is established with three associations: Prince George, Fraser Lake and Vanderhoof. PGRA was instrumental in the formation of other associations in the North, and as part of National Ringette Week, the Association staged weekend games involving Burns Lake and Houston. The two groups are interested to participate in the league next season.
The Petites "Operating Engineers" team come home with Silver from the "B" Provincials.
The Board of Directors of Prince George Ringette Association filed their "Constitution and By-laws" on February 11, 1988, with the Province of British Columbia and became a registered society on April 15, 1988.
