WRL Open Division...
Because Ringette makes
us who we are
By Amber Penner (WRL Open Rep)
Why Open?
• We are Open because we are
diversified; we are women of
various ages and skill sets,
• We are Open because we realize
that life requires a balance of
commitments and passions,
• We are Open because we are friendly,
welcoming, and accepting; and,
• We are Open because we understand
the benefits of a life in sport;
improved health, happiness, and
overall well-being.
cough), there are commitments that
and there is no other division within
can pull us away from sport, no matter
the WRL that better exemplifies
how great our love for it. Motherhood
this. The players in Open are there
is the most common reason that we
because they love the sport, have likely
lose players or teams from our division.
always loved the sport, and could not
Surprisingly though, these hiatuses
imagine a life without the sport. We
are generally short-lived (a season or
have players just out of high school,
two); which only further fortifies my
university students, part-time workers,
9-5 workers, shift workers, etc. We have comprehension of the depth of our
love for this sport.
players who are single, married, with
and without
children. We
have players
who play
full- and partThe Open Division is the largest
time. We have
division within the Winnipeg Ringette
players who
League (WRL); this season the Open
just play, and
Division will have 41 teams divided
into five loops. We have players ranging those who also
coach, train,
from AA to beginner, and having five
manage, and
loops ensures that each team remains
Dynamite is 1-0 and the Macdonald Sizzlers fall to 0-2
who work
competitive throughout the season.
Macdonald Sizzlers home open er is Nov. 10 against their cross town rivals Macdonald Mojitos.
as referees,
To play in Open you simply need to be
Dynamite hope to continue their winning ways on Nov. 8 when they play host to the Ice Vipers.
timekeepers,
over 18 years old, and have a passion
Good seats always available.
for the sport. As long as you fulfill these scorekeepers,
and shot clock
two requirements we will do our best
I am a hydrologist, a full-time worker,
operators. With each of these players
to find a place well-suited to your skill
comes a support system of families and a life-long student, a daughter, a sister,
set and level of commitment.
and one day I may be a mother... but
friends; those who cheer us on, help
The large majority of our players
I will also always be a ringette player.
babysit, and volunteer, just so that we
have been participating in this sport
As a young player this sport taught
can play the game that we love.
for years, some for their entire sports
me commitment, sportsmanship,
As women, of a certain age (cough
careers. Ringette is a “Sport for Life”,
teamwork, and gave me endurance.
As an adult this sport continues to
mould me; Ringette requires time
management, continued commitment,
physical health, and a positive attitude.
I can also guarantee that if you
don’t show up at the game with the
aforementioned physical health and
positive attitude, you will definitely be
leaving the arena with an improvement
to both. The WRL Open Division
has opened my life to opportunity,
friendships, and immeasurable joy; it is
my goal to ensure that this division can
continue to positively impact players
Macdonald Sizzlers Vs. Dynamite in Open 5 action play at C.A, Barbour Arena.
in this way. l
Dynamite win 3-2 in their home opener on Nov. 1
28 / sportslife