Lacombe and Blackfalds will be well represented at the 2020 Alberta Winter Games.
Six ringette athletes — Nola Conrad, Maya Weidner, Mia Cunningham, Sarah Hatto, Taryn Miller and Erika Litwin — will represent Zone 4 from Feb. 14-17 in Airdrie.
Taryn Miller, 16, has played ringette for 11 years will compete for the second year in a row at the Games
“I’m expecting there will be some tough competition on the ice but it will be a lot of fun,” Miller said.
Miller credits her coaches and hard work for the chance to be able to play int he games.
She added, “I look forward to competing along side the other local ringette players because they are great friends and teammates.”
Weidner, 15, has nine years of ringette experience was happy to make the team.
Wiedner said she loves the game and also credited her coaches for helping her get to this point. She is looking forward to playing with other Zone 4 athletes.
She is looking forward to having, “Fun playing with different players than I normally play with.”
Cunningham, 14, has played ringette for nine years and said she is nervous, but excited to play in the Games.
Cunningham said her coaches and teammates have helped her love of the game grow and is looking forward to stepping out on to the ice.
She expects to, “Have an amazing experience and see the high level of play”.
Litwin, 16, has played ringette for 12 years said it is neat to be around thousands of athletes looking to compete.
She said her passion for the game has allowed her to succeed.
“It has allowed me to commit myself to work hard and give my best effort even in the most undesirable situations,” she said. “Although if it weren’t for my parents and coaches giving me that extra push and providing me with all the necessary tools to thrive, I don’t see myself being where I am today.”
Litwin knows the competition will be stiff, but said hard work will create a positive result.
Conrad, 13, has played for nine years and is thrilled to represent Zone 4.
Coaching has been key for Conrad.
“Lots of good coaching has helped me to be successful in ringette, as well as always pushing my self harder every game and practice to become stronger and better,” she said.
She added she is excited to play with these athletes again.
“I have had the chance to play with almost all the girls on my team and they are all great girls to be on and off the ice with,” she said.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to play with all these great ringette players again.”
Zone 4 will compete at the Alberta Winter Games Feb. 14-17 in Airdrie.
todd.vaughan@lacombeexpress.com
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