The Red River Rage U12 ringette team is made up of girls in Grades 5–6 (ages 10–11). The U12 team plays in both the Winnipeg Ringette League and the Eastman Ringette League. There are 14 players split between three towns: Niverville (12 players), Ste. Agathe (one player), and St. Adolphe (one player). Some girls have played seven years, and other players may only be in their second year of the sport. The team is coached by Melanie Hall and Jackie Dumaine, and managed by Stuart Ginter.

Thanks to a cold snap right before Christmas, a small army of volunteers led by Niverville Curling Club legend Kevin Stott managed to get the ice ready just in time for opening day, which took place on Tuesday, January 5. Thanks to this year’s super El Niño, the NCC was handed the task of making the playing surface ready in just two and a half weeks. In a normal year, we would generally take four weeks to prepare the ice.

You may have heard of the Crow Wing Trail here in Niverville, but did you know the Crow Wing Trail is the longest section of the Trans-Canada Trail in Manitoba? The Crow Wing Trail is 191 kilometres and starts in the RM (Rural Municipality) of Emerson-Franklin, then runs through the Roseau River First Nation, the RM of De Salaberry, St-Pierre-Jolys, Niverville, and the RM of Ritchot to Winnipeg.

These days, it is a novelty to watch a hockey game played in the great outdoors. The National Hockey League holds an annual Winter Classic, around New Year’s Day, in which a regular season game takes place outside, a throwback to days past. This year, the good people of Ste. Agathe held their very own Winter Classic. Speaking for myself, I spent New Year’s Day at a friend’s home in the country; their yard is large enough for their very own outdoor rink, and yes, a friendly game broke out.

The Red River Rage ringette program is thriving in our community. 60 players are registered in the local program this year. While most communities are worried about not having enough players to form a team, Niverville’s biggest challenge is making sure the players get enough ice time.

It’s a trade that has so far worked out very well for Tyler Anderson.