Pronghorns prepared for UCC

By Lethbridge Herald on December 26, 2024.

By Justin Seward

Lethbridge Herald

Eleven Canadian university ringette teams, including the host University off Lethbridge Pronghorns, will compete for the University Challenge Cup national championship beginning today at Cavendish Farms Centre.

“The girls are really excited about this whole week,” said Sue Stevenson, U of L head coach.

“(They are) glad they have home ice advantage that’s for sure and excited to have lots of fans come out and support them.”

Stevenson feels the Horns have an advantage over the eastern Canadian teams.

“We always play two league games on the same day,” explained Stevenson.

 “So we already have that mentality, that work ethic, knowing that we have those two games versus the other teams, (who) typically will play one game one weekend or one game a day. So that’s a huge advantage I think for our girls.”

Stevenson said their off-ice training has been pretty intense.

The Horns placed a focus on cardio and strength building.

“I think that’s going to be really good for them when they come into this tournament as well and they’ve been consistent doing that,” said Stevenson.

“They work out twice a week and they’re on the ice twice a week. So they’re definitely mentally prepared.”

Stevenson spoke about what it takes to be successful at the UCC.

“Just making sure that they are all positive in their heads, that they think that they can do it and the competitiveness that this team has will go a long way,” said Stevenson.

Stevenson hopes the girls have fun and meet new players from across Canada .

“I want them to see that it’s competitive on every level from every team,” said Stevenson.

U of L  won silver last year and a bronze the year before and will look for their first gold medal as tournament host.

“The biggest goal is that we get to that final game and we perform,” said Stevenson.

The UCC runs today until New Year’s Eve and the schedule and results can be found at www. canadianuniversityringette.ca/university-challenge-cup.

The UCC ringette teams are from U of L, Western University, University of Ottawa, Wilfred Laurier University, Northern Alberta University Ringette, University of Regina, University of Victoria, University of Calgary, University of Guelph, Dalhousie University and University of Saskatchewan.

Admission is free and all the games are at Cavendish Farms Centre on Lethbridge’s westside.