The Portage Thunder Ringette program has started off the season with a bang. 

The U12, U14, and U16 squads remain undefeated after the opening weekend and look to have very successful seasons in 2022-23. The head of publicity for the organization, Chad Calder, says it was the perfect way to start off the year.

"It was a big weekend for all the girls. The opening weekend is always stressful for the girls, coaches, and especially the new players. Everybody really came together in all of these games, and everybody seemed to have fun. Starting off the season with wins in the column is always a great way to start."

Calder notes it's great to have, what should be, a regular season upon us.

"Last year was a bit of a hit and miss with the girls because it was always hanging over our head that the season was going to be cancelled again like it was the year before," Calder explains. "This year, the excitement to go out there and play, and not have to worry about if there's going to be a game next week, really has the girls enthusiastic."

While the ringette attendance for the Thunder is still below the pre-COVID numbers, according to Calder, he adds they had a solid amount of first-time players join the club.

"The U12 team has five new girls, and the R4U program has 16, I believe. The R4U is the beginners' program, and it's really strong. The U12 is a bit tighter because we lost a lot of the girls to U14 but we were able to pick up five new players who've never played before, and so far, they're really enjoying it. We look forward to increasing numbers in the future."

The Thunder program is hosting a home tournament in a little over two weeks, with at least four teams in attendance from every age group.

"Portage Ringette is hosting a major tournament on the weekend of the 18th, 19th, and 20th. We have teams coming from all over the province. We've pretty much booked up every hotel room in Portage and the surrounding area to accommodate all the teams coming in."

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