January 3 marks a special occasion for BC’s ringette community. Fifty years ago on January 3, 1974, the first ringette players took to the ice at the Aldergrove Arena during the sport’s inaugural season in BC. To mark the anniversary, the Lower Mainland Ringette League (LMRL) is launching a refreshed brand and special commemorative logo.

The new artwork was commissioned to draw interest to ringette by acknowledging the sport’s unique heritage and to celebrate those currently involved. Building on its achievements over the past 50 years, ringette is looking ahead to a bright future where everyone can play.

“Our board decided that the timing was right to create a new brand that speaks to the future of ringette, while acknowledging the sport’s history. Ringette has evolved since the 70s to become a competitive, athletic, and inclusive team game. It is played in arenas and communities across Canada and internationally,” Shannon Bettles, spokesperson for the LMRL explained.

Originally called “ring hockey,” ringette was introduced to the Lower Mainland by Trudy Cuthbert of Langley, who headed a steering committee in 1973 with a goal to explore the possibilities of organizing a new winter sport for girls. Cuthbert learned about the alternative sport through a television piece that explained how, in 1963, Sam Jacks from North Bay, Ontario created a new game he called ringette. According to Ringette Canada, it was a game designed to keep people moving and encourage participation.

A 1973 Langley Advance newspaper reports that Mrs. Cuthbert has been addressing assemblies of girls at the local secondary schools. By the time January 2, 1974, rolled around, the league had over 200 players registered with more waiting to join. 280 athletes and 14 teams were created in the Langley Ringette Association, the province’s first ringette club.

The first ringette game was held at the Aldergrove Arena.

Andi Mortensen, the artist of the new logos, describes the designs: “The interlocking rings represent integration and inclusion, while also forming a ringette ring. The mountains are formed by an L and M, representing the Lower Mainland Ringette League. The sunrise is the dawn of a new appreciation for the sport and a new era for the sport.” The anniversary logo is a throwback to the heritage side of ringette. The crest shape and crossed sticks are representative of early ringette designs with the mountains, maple leave, and waves representing the Lower Mainland. The golden colour marks the 50th anniversary.

Those interested will have an opportunity to purchase commemorative clothing and a special crest featuring the new logos this season with proceeds going back into promoting ringette for the benefit of future generations.

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