Thinking About Ringette? Advice for Hockey Families Considering the Switch
August 17 2026
Thinking About Ringette? Advice for Hockey Families Considering the Switch
With the 2027 Canadian Ringette Championships coming to the Halifax Regional Municipality from March 28 to April 3, 2027, many local families will have a chance to watch some of the best ringette players in the country compete. The event is expected to bring together roughly 1,000 athletes, 200 coaches, and 50 officials, with competition in the U16, U19, and National Ringette League divisions. Ringette Canada has selected Halifax as the host community, with the Harbour City Lakers Ringette Association leading the event locally. [crc-ccr.ca], [ringette.ca], [harbourcit…ngette.com]
The RBC Centre in Dartmouth will be one of the facilities helping welcome athletes, families, and fans from across Canada. As excitement builds toward the championship, some hockey families may find themselves asking a simple question: should we give ringette a try?
If your child already plays hockey, the good news is that many of their skills transfer directly to ringette.
Parents are often surprised by how quickly hockey players adapt to ringette. Strong skating remains one of the most important skills in the game. Players still need speed, balance, edge control, acceleration, and the ability to change direction quickly.
Your child’s skating ability already gives them a head start
Ringette Canada describes the sport as a fast-paced game built around skating, passing, and teamwork. Many former hockey players find that they are comfortable on the ice from day one because the skating foundation is already in place. [ringette.ca]
One of the first differences families notice is that ringette encourages constant player movement and passing.
Passing becomes a bigger part of every shift
Players cannot carry the ring over the blue lines on their own. The ring must be passed to a teammate to move into the next zone. Ringette Canada explains that this rule keeps everyone involved in the play and rewards players who learn how to work together. [ringette.ca]
For many young athletes, this can be a positive change. Players who enjoy creating plays, finding open ice, and working with teammates often settle into the game very quickly.
The best advice for any family is to spend an afternoon watching a local game or tournament.
Watch a game before making a decision
Reading about ringette only tells part of the story. Seeing the speed of the game, the passing patterns, and the flow of play gives parents a much better understanding of what makes the sport unique.
The Canadian Ringette Championships in 2027 will provide a rare opportunity to watch the highest level of competition in Canada right here in our community. Families who are curious about the sport will be able to see where young players can progress as they move through the development pathway. [ringette.ca], [crc-ccr.ca]
Some kids love the competitive side of athletics. Others enjoy being part of a group, improving their skills, and spending time with friends.
Ask your child what they enjoy most about sports
Ringette places a strong emphasis on teamwork because players rely on one another to move the ring up the ice. According to Ringette Canada, passing, communication, and team play are central parts of the sport’s design. [ringette.ca]
When parents focus on what their child enjoys instead of comparing sports side by side, the decision often becomes much easier.
Many families approach the decision as though they must choose one sport forever. In reality, plenty of young athletes explore different activities as they grow and develop.
Remember that trying ringette does not erase hockey
A season of ringette can help a player build skating confidence, improve their awareness on the ice, and learn new ways to read the game. Even if they eventually return to hockey full-time, those lessons can still be valuable.
Every player is different. Some children immediately connect with ringette. Others discover that hockey remains their favourite sport. Both outcomes are perfectly fine.
Make the choice based on your child
The goal is not to find the “better” game. The goal is to find the environment where your child feels motivated to learn, compete, and have fun with their teammates.
As we look ahead to the 2027 Canadian Ringette Championships in Halifax, local families will have a chance to see the sport at its highest level. If you’ve never watched a game before, consider stopping by. You may leave with a better understanding of why so many players choose to stay involved in the sport year after year.
The Greenfoot Energy Centre and RBC Centre are proud to host ringette leagues, tournaments, and special events throughout the season, helping create opportunities for players and families from across our region.
If reading about ringette has sparked your interest, there is an easy way to get started.
Want to Give Ringette a Try?
Nova Central Ringette Association is hosting a free Come Try Ringette event on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the Greenfoot Energy Centre in Bedford. The session is designed for children ages 4 to 12 and gives families a chance to get on the ice, learn the basics of the sport, and see if ringette is a good fit.
No ringette experience is required, and even first-time skaters are encouraged to participate. Players should bring skates, a CSA-approved hockey helmet, gloves or mittens, and warm clothing. The goal is simple: get on the ice, have some fun, and learn something new.
Many families discover that ringette offers a strong mix of skill development, teamwork, and friendship. The best way to find out if your child will enjoy it is to let them try it for themselves.
To register or learn more, contact Samantha Hatton at childrensprogram@ncringette.com or visit NCRingette.com. If your child enjoys the experience, registration for the Nova Central Ringette Association’s 2026-27 season will also be available.
We hope to see you at the rink.
