Power Player: Britney Snowdon (National Ringette League Star Center)

A true engine of the game, Britney Snowdon has built a career defined by intelligence, creativity, and an unrelenting love for ringette. Coming off a remarkable season with 48 goals and 48 assists, the Moncton native continues to raise the bar as one of the NRL’s most dynamic playmakers—equally dangerous as a scorer or distributor. With more than two decades in the sport, appearances with Team Canada, and a deep-rooted connection to the Atlantic Attack, Snowdon’s impact extends far beyond the scoresheet. In this Power Player interview, she reflects on her evolution, the moments and mentors that shaped her, and why ringette’s future has never looked brighter.

AWSN: You put up an incredible 48 goals and 48 assists last season—what part of your game do you feel has evolved the most to reach that level of production?

Britney Snowdon: Gaining more experience and confidence has helped me evolve in the NRL. Each year, I learn more about myself, my game, and the game itself. With that being said, I would say my ringette IQ has evolved the most by having the ability to stay poised and make the right decision with the ring.

As a centre, what do you feel is the most underrated skill required to dominate the position at the elite level?

An underrated skill required to dominate as a centre would, without a doubt, be agility. Being able to quickly stop and reposition in the triangle is a key skill that has become crucial because of how much the sport has evolved offensively. The passes are harder, quicker, and more deceptive, and the athletes have become more creative, stronger, and faster.

You’ve spent over 22 years in ringette, plus three years as an AP—what motivates you to keep pushing your game forward year after year?

The love I have for this sport is indescribable. The joy of a nice play, pass, or goal, the speed, and the creativity of the game are what keep me coming back. Not to mention the friendships I have created within this sport. Creating bonds and relationships with like-minded people is a true treasure I will always be grateful for. Ringette has brought me all of this and continues to do so.

When you look back at your development, was there a specific moment or season when something “clicked” and you felt you could compete at the national level?

Lorrie Horne coached me at the national level when I was 15 years old. She taught me an offensive system/framework I never knew I needed. It was after that season that I felt the most creative and viewed the game in a completely different way. I was able to find ways to incorporate all three players in the offensive zone to become a threat, which makes it more difficult to defend.

You’ve appeared with Team Canada in both 2022 and 2025—how did stepping onto the ice in that red-and-white jersey change you as a player?

Knowledge is a superpower. What has changed me as a player is taking the opportunity to learn from my coaches, pick their brains, ask a lot of questions, and get feedback. There’s also the privilege of sharing the ice with incredible athletes and learning from them.

What lessons or habits did you pick up from the national team environment that you brought back to the Atlantic Attack?

I am a forward for the national team, and this year I have had to step up into the centre position. Something I have been able to bring to my game is containment on the forecheck. It’s about taking away opponents’ lanes and restricting them to one area of the ice.

Growing up in Moncton, what was the local ringette community like, and how did it shape your early love for the sport?

I loved the Moncton Ringette Association for many reasons. This organization introduced me to my very best friends. This community always reminded me what the sport is all about – having fun. It also taught me how to read the ice at a young age. I would prioritize setting others up to score, which ultimately formed my playmaking abilities.

Your favourite memory is playing Nationals with your sisters—what made that experience so meaningful, and how did it feel competing alongside family?

I am the youngest of four girls, with eight years separating my oldest sister and me. My eldest sister, Jess, would joke about playing long enough for me to reach the age to be eligible for the NRL so that we could play together. In 2018, when I reached the age of 18, I was able to officially be a part of the Atlantic Attack. Not only was Jess on the team, but so were my other sisters, Kelly and Jenny. It was the first and last time all four of us got to play alongside one another. It was such a special moment, as I had always watched my sisters accomplish such remarkable things in the sport. This time, I was finally able to do it with them.

You and your family have recently been featured in a first-of-its-kind ringette documentary called Sisters of the Ring, available on YouTube. How important is it that this type of media exists to help audiences connect with the athletes and understand more about ringette?

It is incredibly important to have this type of media reach the public. This sport is too special not to share with the world. With this documentary and with games being broadcast, the sport of ringette is on the right path toward the recognition it deserves.

Who has been the most influential coach or mentor in your career, and what is the biggest lesson they taught you?

I mentioned Lorrie Horne in a previous question, and that still stands. However, I can’t answer this question without mentioning my parents and sisters. Without my parents, I would never have gotten to where I am today. They have played a huge role in my development. On that note, without the influence of my sisters, who introduced me to this sport, I wouldn’t be the player I am today. Growing up watching them play, I tried to soak up everything they did and bring it into my own game.

How do you prepare mentally for high-pressure games, especially when you’re expected to be a high-impact playmaker?

I remind myself to trust and believe in my abilities. I know what I’m capable of – I’ve been playing for many years. I also love to lighten the mood with my teammates. Smiling and joking around are a big part of my personality. When I’m having fun and smiling, I play my best game.

As a veteran with over two decades in the sport, how do you approach mentoring younger players entering the NRL?

I love letting them know when they’ve done something great in practice or in a game. I try to be vocal when I see a good play – they deserve to be acknowledged. Confidence is such a big part of the game. I also believe leading by example is contagious. I try to be the player I would have looked up to.

Fans describe you as both a scorer and distributor—how do you decide when to attack the net versus when to set up the play?

Ultimately, it’s all about reading and reacting to the play. If they give you the opportunity and space, take it. If they collapse on you, dish it. Be a threat first, attack the net, and always have an awareness of where your teammates are.

What’s one aspect of ringette strategy that you wish more fans understood or paid attention to?

As an offensive-minded player, one aspect of the game I wish was more understood would be the set plays in the offensive zone. The precise cycling and timing have to be in sync for it to work. Not only that, but the pass needs to be in the right spot, the receiver has to stab the ring, and the play has to be executed at high speed.