RINGETTE CANADA IS PROUD TO ANNOUNCE TWO NEW INDUCTEES INTO OUR HALL OF FAME

Angie Milbury, President of Ringette Canada, announced today that two individuals have been inducted into the Ringette Canada Hall of Fame in the Coach and Builder Categories. 

“The Ringette Hall of Fame boasts the most incredible people and we are so proud to welcome these two highly talented individuals,” said Milbury. “Their contributions to the sport of ringette cannot be overstated and their induction to the Hall of Fame is richly deserved.”

The Ringette Canada Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of the sport of ringette and the outstanding achievements of ringette athletes, coaches, officials and administrators across Canada.

In the ‘Coach’ Category, one individual was elected.

Barry Hobday is simply an exceptional person who has dedicated almost 40 years to coaching ringette in Manitoba. He has made incredible contributions in the lives of many young athletes. Being coached by Mr. Hobday means playing on a team that feels like a secure family, developing the courage to believe in oneself, and learning the power of teamwork. Being coached by Mr. Hobday means having the chance to connect to inner strength and strivings- for many young people, this may be a precious discovery. It is not hyperbole to suggest that Mr. Hobday is an invaluable positive influence on generations of young people: having a safe place to have fun, a team to which one belongs, exercise, and healthy competition do not just great ringette players make: these are features of resilient people who work together, overcome adversity, and manage stress. 

Mr. Hobday has an extensive coaching history of achievements. In addition to the numerous medals at local, provincial, and national levels, please note the Fair Play awards, the Manitoba Hall of Fame, and the Coach of the Year awards. Mr.Hobday is also committed to sport promotion and athlete development. The eastern Manitoba district (Eastman) has a particularly strong ringette program as a direct result of Mr. Hobday’s efforts; these include founding their Tween AA program and visiting arenas in communities which may not have developed ringette programs to discuss the sport’s potential with prospective players, parents, and coaches. 

To further garner interest in and excitement about the sport, he created Ringette Day, which showcases high level AA league games in various communities. Mr. Hobday also developed a playbook for newer coaches in Eastman. Mr. Hobday’s expertise in ringette on a technical level and his capacity to impart knowledge are outstanding. Along with his warmth, goodwill, and an unbelievable amount of time and effort, Mr. Hobday’s coaching and promotion of ringette is exceptional: a balance of technical and interpersonal skills, of creativity and hard work.

• Nadia LaJeunesse

In the ‘Builder’ Category, one individual was elected.

Beverly Ann Felske was always at the forefront of change. Growing up in the 1940’s, she was averse to societal norms, girls having to wear skirts and dresses.  She wore pants.  As she grew older, she wanted to participate in sports.  In the 1950’s, this was strongly discouraged.  Beverley did not let this stop her, she played with the boys whenever she could.  In the 1970’s, after having a family of her own, Beverley wanted girls to have more access to sport. She had heard of the sport of Ringette being played in other provinces and she was ready to bring it to Port Coquitlam.  

Beverley took the initiative to build the very beginnings of Ringette in British Columbia. She gathered volunteers to work together and chaired meetings to create our association. She advocated for sponsors, worked with the city to gather ice time, organized coaches and promoted Ringette in our city. Bev also worked to create a provincial organization for Ringette in 1974. 

The depth and scope of Beverley’s work to sport in British Columbia is extraordinary. Her outstanding leadership can be found in many organizations across our province. Beverley was the founder of Port Coquitlam Ringette, President/Director of B.C. Ringette, a longtime director for the B.C. Snowmobile Federation and she was a founding member, President/Director of ATV B.C.   Beverley did not stop there.  She networked with other provinces to bring their teams to B.C. and vice versa for more competitive play.  Later this would lead to inter-provincial play and eventually bringing the National Ringette Championships to Port Coquitlam in 1984 and 1992. Beverley’s dedication to Ringette was also noted on a National scale.  She was a founding member at the first ever meeting to create Ringette Canada alongside June Tiessen, the first Ringette Canada president, in 1974

Unfortunately, Beverley passed away in this past December 2020, but her legacy lives on. Beverley fostered the love of the game in her community, and across the country for future generations to come. 

• Cindy Nedo

Please join us in celebrating and welcoming into the Ringette Canada Hall of Fame, Barry Hobday and Beverly Ann Felske.