In 1975, Stan Shipston started the sport of Ringette in Thunder Bay. He had been looking for some time for an alternative to Hockey for his daughters, Jan and Beth, and after seeing what Ringette had to offer, he decided to give his daughters the opportunity to try it.
The first Ringette game in Thunder Bay was played at Volunteer Pool. Stan was President of Thunder Bay Ringette for the first year. Stan then became Games and Tournament Director for the North West Region for 5 years and served as 2nd Vice-President for the Ontario Ringette Association for 5 years.
During his time with the TBRA, he coached all levels of play from Bunnies to Seniors.
It was announced on July 31st, 2001 that Stan will be inducted into the NWO Sports Hall of Fame.
The Thunder Bay Ringette Association is a volunteer-driven organization that organizes and administers Ringette play in Thunder Bay. The Association acts under the provisions of the Ontario Ringette Association and the Canadian Ringette Association. As such, we abide by any policies or decisions made at those levels.
Such areas in which the Thunder Bay Ringette Association deals directly with other regional and provincial associations includes tournaments. The Association regularly takes part in tournaments all over the country. Comparatively, one area in which The Association strictly abides by the policies of the Canadian Ringette Association is when it comes to equipment use and disciplinary procedures.
The Thunder Bay Ringette Association is headed by a volunteer Executive Board of Directors. However, there are a lot of people involved with the day-to-day running of The Association. The Board of Directors are the executive administrators of the league. The Board of Directors cannot make a decision that is in contrast to a decision made by either the Ontario Ringette Association or the Canadian Ringette Association.
If you have any further questions or would like to find out more about Ringette in Thunder Bay or about the Thunder Bay Ringette Association, please read our Frequently Asked Questions section and/or contact us.
The Thunder Bay Ringette Association endeavours to provide a fun and safe atmosphere so that participants may fully enjoy the sport. As our motto suggests, this is very important to us so that everyone benefits from it:
In order to fully enjoy the leagues administered by the Thunder Bay Ringette Association, we encourage you to read the following texts as it relates to enjoying your time playing Ringette:
The game of Ringette is a team sport. Work for the good of the team. Respect the rules of the game. Obey them and play fairly at all times. Respect and consideration of the coach, manager and trainer. Respect and consideration for your team mates. Respect for your opponents. Respect for the officials and their decisions. Recognize and give credit to the ability of other players and opponents. Enjoy each game and play, win, lose or draw.
Remember that children play organized sports for their own fun; they are not there to entertain you and they are not miniature pro athletes. Let your child attempt any team position - goal tender, forward, centre, or defense. Applaud good plays by your team as well as the opposing team. Show respect for your team's opponents. Without them there would be no game. Never ridicule or scold a child for making a mistake during a game. Condemn the use of violence in all forms. Respect the decisions of the officials. Encourage players to always play according to the rules.
Dear God,
Help me to be a good sport.
I don't ask for the easy way to do things,
Just put me where I am needed,
All I ask is give me the strength to give 100%.
I thank you for the chance to play in the hard games,
I know you will not give me more than I can handle.
And Lord, help me to accept the bad breaks,
No matter what the others do, help me to play the game square,
Help me to study the book so I'll know the rules,
And if I am benched for sickness, poor play or age,
May I accept it as part of the game,
Don't let me pout, whimper or cry, and O Lord,
Let me say thank you for giving me the chance
To give what was expected of me, my best for the team,
For my friends and to all that care.
And may I remember I can only learn losing,
And when I win I will always treat the other
Team with respect, not humiliate or make fun of
The loser, because without them there would be
No game.
