The Sault Ice Hawks U14 squad was going for gold at the 2025 Ringette Ontario Provincial A Championships held in Sault Ste. Marie this weekend.
The team took silver after a 3-2 loss to Timmins in their final game at the Northern Community Centre Sunday.
Players can still be proud as they put in a fine effort throughout the tournament.
After dominating the Etobicoke Stingers in a 6-2 victory in their first game of the tournament Thursday, the Ice Hawks went on to beat Dorchester, Etobicoke, West Ottawa and Ottawa for a perfect 5-0 record before winning the semis Saturday.
“It was a close final game,” said Chelsea Clingen, Ice Hawks coach, in an email to SooToday Sunday.
“The girls played their absolute hearts out, were role models for younger players from the club who were cheering them on, and showed Sault Ste. Marie how beautiful the game of ringette is. What a group to do it with as well; their bond is really something special.
"I cannot say enough about how proud I am of these girls. And a big thank you to parents, coaches, managers, fans, and the Sault Ringette Club for an unforgettable weekend of ringette,” Clingen said.
The Ice Hawks U14 team was the only Sault squad at the tournament that included 42 entries from across Ontario competing in divisions ranging from U14 to 18 and over.
As a player, Clingen's 18+ A team also achieved silver in the tournament with a close final game won by Mississauga 6-4.
"As president of our ringette club, I am incredibly proud of our athletes and what they accomplished during this year's provincial championships," said Amy Peltonen, Sault Ringette Club president.
"Watching our home team compete with such heart in front of a cheering crowd was truly special. Although they may not have taken home the gold, their silver medal is a testament to their hard work. They have made our hometown proud and have set an example for the sport of ringette in Sault Ste Marie.”