They're some of the best ringette players in the country – a two Montreal ringette teams are about to show their stuff at the Canadian ringette championships in Burnaby B.C. next week.
A total of 46 teams will compete in three divisions, and the Montreal Mission open division and U-19 teams are looking to dominate on the other side of the country.
"It's very exciting. It's the best part of the season. That's what we work for, and that's why we play," said leading scorer and U19 coach Julie Blanchette. "It's such a big event for us ringette players. It's the top in Canada."
Makaya Roberts said she's excited to head to her first national championships, which begin Monday and wrap up next Saturday.
"We worked really hard this year. We've been training every week and I'm really excited. It will be a really good experience," she said,
Despite women's hockey exploding in popularity, these women say ringette remains their first love.
"Ringette has been a life-long passion for me, ever since I was four years old. I don't see myself playing any other sport with this much passion, determination and commitment," said Blanchette.
Mission head coach Dan Dussault said there's something special about the game.
"This is my 32nd year in ringette, so I really enjoy the sport," he said. "I think this is the fastest game on ice, so that's why the girls like to play."
