Team Sask Ringette

When the roster is finalized for Team Sask Ringette, their coaching staff knows they have a special group on their hands — just how special they are is a story that continues to unfold, as we work our way deeper into the heart of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer.

Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Team Sask arrival day at the 2019 Canada Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from the opening ceremonies of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.

The team is headed by Coach Darrell Leibrecht, a 4-time Canada Games veteran with decades of experience helping to bring together hundreds of teams who have experienced success at every level of the sport. The group of girls he is guiding here, however, is something else all together. On arrival day — before a single blade hits the ice — Coach Leibrecht says, “I have never, ever, coached a team this tight knit in all my years of coaching.” High praise from someone with his decorated background.

Photos from Team Sask arrival day at the 2019 Canada Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from the opening ceremonies of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.

I have never, ever, coached a team this tight knit in all my years of coaching.

— Coach Darrell Leibrecht
Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.

When you see this team first hand, it’s clear that Leibrecht’s words are in no way shape or form an exaggeration — they may in fact be the perfect summation. Friends off the ice, coordinating outfits, and in their active group text – their bond extends to that place where the “noise” ends and the games begin.

 

Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.

Immersed in a world-class tournament filled with the best players the country has to offer, Team Sask knows when to put the niceties on hold and showcase the aggressive style of play competing in every matchup until the final whistle — regardless of how stiff their competition is.

Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Mens Hockey against Team Alberta at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.

Saskatchewan has their fair share of ups and downs on the ice, but that is yet to deter the spirit of a group who continues to exhibit resiliency in competition, and unwavering support for their Team Sask counterparts at venues throughout Red Deer.

Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.

They are confident in their abilities to finish the 2019 Canada Games on a strong note, and move forward as a young squad with many great memories and experiences to build on. Not just for future Games, but in whatever endeavors their futures hold.

 

Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.

And of course, this is all part of a games experience that’s as much about what happens on the ice, as off. During the opening ceremonies, Dana Sapieha was asked what her plans were for the games outside of competition. Her response; “I really want to experience everything the games have to offer. I really want to try and meet someone from a new sport every day.” Safe to say that goal is well within reach, thanks to the nature of the Ringette Sask collective.

Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada. Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.
Photos from Ringette against Team Ontario at the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, AB Canada.

So no matter what happens, when the competition in Red Deer comes to an end, there’s no doubt we’ll all be proud of what Team Sask Ringette accomplishes here.