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.
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.