In the place where ringette is said to have been invented, they're getting ready to host the provincial championship for the sport.
Officials in North Bay say nearly 1,000 athletes will be in the city next month to compete in over 200 games.
Excitement is building already for local ringette players, as the top teams in the sport will all be here in mid-march.
Abby Elvish is with North Bay's under-14 team, which won the gold medal last year.
"It's super exciting because it's here and I think it's amazing." said Elvish.
An estimated 70 teams comprised of players between the ages of 12 and 20 will be competing, and games will take place in arenas from Astorville to Sundridge.
But the main location for the tournament will be the West Ferris Arena.
It's slated for replacement, so this will be the rink's last chance at hosting a big tournament.
Kelli Van Buskirk is the volunteer president for West Ferris Ringette Association.
“Our girls grew up playing here. It's the birthplace; the arena is the birthplace of ringette. We come here, like I said, early Saturday mornings, we're on the ice. It's, it kind of holds a special place in our hearts. It will be really great to play here one last time.” said Van Buskirk.
Aside from enjoying a sport they love, local ringette players and coaches say they'll have to be “on their game,” as competition will be tough.
And they're also out to grow the sport and attract new players.
Lauryn Hamilton is a player with West Ferris Ringette Association.
“I've had this core group of girls that we've played with our whole life. Like, we don't, we just don't get that many people try out, which hasn't been that bad, because our girls are good enough to play at that level. But yeah, it's hard to keep girls in the sport with girls hockey growing so much.” said Hamilton.
City officials estimate the tournament, running from March 14 to 17 will bring in 1,000 players, and nearly 3,000 spectators. Andthey say that will mean an economic impact of about $1.5 million.
