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VIDEO: Langley’s annual memorial ringette tournament hits the ice

The tournament attracts a huge number of teams and requires four local arenas

The Fraser Valley Ringette Association annual Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament kicked off Thursday and continues through the weekend.

It runs Nov. 28 until Sunday, Dec. 1 at the Aldergrove Credit Union Community Centre, George Preston Recreation Center, Sportsplex and Canlan Twin Rinks.

Organizers said 90 teams were expected to take part in this year’s tournament.

Formerly the Spirit of Winter tournament, the event was renamed in memory of Vandale, who passed away suddenly in 2009 at the age of 42.

Prior to her death, Vandale was coaching youth ringette with the local association.

Opening ceremonies will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at George Preston Recreation Centre and the games are open to the public.

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The Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament attracted players of all ages. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)
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The Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament attracted players of all ages. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)
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The Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament attracted players of all ages. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)
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The Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament attracted players of all ages. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)
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The Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament attracted players of all ages. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)
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The Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament attracted players of all ages. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)
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The Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament attracted players of all ages. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)
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Supporters (aka moms and dads) were in the stands watching the teams as the first day of the tournament. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)
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The Michelle Vandale Memorial Spirit of Winter Ringette Tournament attracted players of all ages. (Heather Colpitts/Langley Advance Times)


Heather Colpitts

About the Author: Heather Colpitts

Since starting in the news industry in 1992, my passion for sharing stories has taken me around Western Canada.
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