A new year has begun for the Red River Rage, the local ringette club which has seven teams competing this year. All of the teams play out of the arenas in Niverville and Ste. Agathe, but the players come from such communities as Niverville, St. Adolphe, Morris, and St. Jean. The Rage has teams for girls of all ages, from beginners to those who are in their late teens.
The first major tournament of the season will take place in Brandon in November, with approximately 80 players making the trip out west.
“Many of us our still trying to decide if we’re going for the ringette or just the fun of hanging in the hotel with our club,” says Heather Wallace, a member of the Rage board.
At this early point in the season, the Rage don’t have much to report when it comes to games and standings. However, the club wants to take the opportunity to single out one of its many valuable coaches for special recognition: Melanie Hall.
Hall has been a part of Rage ringette for almost ten years, and she has been coaching some players of her U16 team since they were Bunnies (five years old).
“Mel gives selflessly year after year, always willing to lend a hand,” says Wallace. “She has made a huge impact on not only ‘her girls’ but their parents, grandparents, other coaches, as well as many members on the Rage board as they see her smile on the ice each new season.”
Two words that describe Hall, according to Wallace, are devoted and caring.
“Coach Mel continued to coach her girls even without her daughter being on the team,” says the parent of one of the players. “I’m sure she made some sacrifices and we appreciate her dedication. When Mel coaches, she exudes a love of ringette that permeates the entire team. Being patient, organized, and challenging are just a few of her strengths that we admire and appreciate.”
The players on Hall’s team are just as effusive in their praise.
“Coach Mel is encouraging, and even if we lose a game she always says it’s okay, that we will just work on getting better,” says Nyah.
Another player, Tierzah adds, “Coach Mel pushes us to do our best. She never talks down to us and she makes playing ringette fun!”
Members of the entire club say they are grateful for the amount of time Hall has put into the program over the years, pointing out that her efforts in the sport of ringette will have a lasting impact on many local players—and their communities—for years to come.
“Coach Mel has given these girls a love for the game of ringette,” says another parent. “She has taught her players the fundamentals of the game, but more importantly she’s instilled in these girls the virtues of teamwork and to always try your best. She has helped develop these girls into confident young ladies.”