REGINA — The Queen City Classic Ringette Tournament will feature a marquee matchup on Saturday, Jan. 31, when the University of Regina Cougars face the University of Saskatchewan Huskies in a game designed to pack the stands.
The feature game drops the puck at 4:15 p.m. at the Co-operators Centre, Rink 6, and puts two of Saskatchewan’s newest university ringette programs head to head.
Assistant coach Nicole Rodgers said the spotlight matters.
“We are really excited to be the feature game,” Rodgers said. “This is a chance to show younger players what university-level ringette looks like and what they can work toward.”
The Regina Ringette Association is hosting the tournament, drawing teams from across the province and turning the weekend into a celebration of the sport. The Cougars-versus-Huskies matchup adds a rivalry edge between Saskatchewan’s two major universities.
“There’s definitely a healthy rivalry,” Rodgers said. “It’s great competition, and it’s exciting to showcase the talent we have right here in the province.”
Saturday’s game will also recognize graduating seniors from both teams, highlighting the balance between athletics and academics within the university programs.
“This is a chance to celebrate what our student-athletes have contributed to their teams, their schools and the community,” Rodgers said.
Fans can expect more than just hockey. There will be a 50-50 draw, door prizes, spirit giveaways and a chance for minor ringette teams in attendance to win a future on-ice session with the Cougars.
Admission is five dollars for adults. University of Regina students and anyone 16 and under get in free. Funds raised support the Cougars ringette team with travel and tournament costs.
Now in its third season, the University of Regina ringette program continues to grow. The team recently moved into Tier One competition at the national University Challenge Cup, a milestone Rodgers said reflects how quickly the program has developed.
“This game helps prepare us for what’s next,” she said. “But more than that, it helps grow ringette.”
The message from organizers is simple: wear green and gold, bring the noise and fill the rink for a rivalry that keeps gaining momentum.
