#10 Nicole R. (Nic)

Hey! Im Nicole R and I'm 18 years old. I have been playing ringette since i was about 9. I play out of St. James, this year i played for Belle A Silver Heights Stars. My most memorable ringette moment has to be when my team went to westerns.

Im really pumped about the trip, I think its gunna be awesome being overseas and playing ringette with such a fun group of people. Im also pretty excited to room with the Bains on the ferry, that should be a great time.

GOOO INNFERRRRNOOOOO woooo

July 14 team photo

just missing Megan, Nicole R and Teresa... we'll get a full team photo yet!!

#25 Rayanne L .. 13 days left!! :D

hihi, my name's Rayanne L.! I recently turned 18 and I am the newest (and last, I think) member to join the Manitoba Inferno team :) woo!

I have been playing ringette for 9(or so) years now, and have played at all levels. I played 3 years with the Eastman AA Flames, and the remainder of the years with Lorette or Grunthal. I'm so excited to go to Finland and play the sport I love in a completely new place! It'll be my first time out of Canada. :)

Unfortunately, I haven't started packing yet, so I should probably get on that. The only thing I do have is a money belt, which thankfully my friend's mom is letting me borrow! (Thanks RobbyIrv!).

I remember when Kelly invited me to join the team, and how excited I was then, with MONTHS to go before the departure date. Now that its only 13 days away, its hard to contain my excitement! Thanks mom & dad for everything and letting me go, love you! Go Inferno.

# 6 Kelly B.

Hi everyone! My name is Kelly Bacon and I’m twenty years old. I started playing
Ringette at the age of four so it’s been a large part of my life since before I knew which skate went on which foot.

I’ve played AA as well as A, mainly out of the south end of the city (APFG). Aside from playing, I’ve also done some coaching and instructing. I’ve earned a Gold, Silver and Bronze medal at the Western Canadian Ringette Championships. I was lucky enough to be picked up to play with Team Manitoba at Westerns twice, as well as getting to experience it with the girls I’ve grown up playing with. I’ve done plenty of traveling throughout Canada to different tournaments however I have to say Europe is the most exciting place to date.

I couldn’t be more excited to go do what I love across the ocean with a very talented
and altogether great group of girls. So far I really haven’t done anything to prepare for the trip.., to the dismay of my parents this is a general trend in my life. After a year of fundraising and hard work by many people it is super exciting to finally be this close to leaving!

#12 Steph

Hi everyone! My name is Steph and my blog is only 11 days late (sorry kelly!) I am 20 years old and attend the University of Manitoba.

I started out as a figure skater but quit when I was 8 and I've been playing ringette ever since. I have played at the AA and A level, out of APFG, for 12 years now. I have had the privilege to be apart of Team Manitoba twice,Team Host as well as being placed on the All Star team at the Western Canadian Ringette Championships. I have coached in the past but have been mostly instructing ringette at various camps all over Winnipeg for the past 4 years as a full time job and even made a trip up to Thompson, MB.

I can't believe the trip is only TWO weeks away.. It seems like yesterday when Coach Kelly first asked me if I was interested in traveling to Europe to play. I am very excited.
If you know me, you probably won't be surprised when I tell you I haven't done much planning for the trip yet but I have big plans for the next two weeks.

#13 Megan

My name is Megan Mankewich. I just turned 18 years old and have played ringette for 13 years now. I am from the Interlake so I have played on teams out of Warren and Stonewall. I have also played in St. James and I also played Magic AA for a year.

I have coached my sisters team for a couple years and time keep when the warren arena needed. Throughout most of the winter I am constantly in and out of arenas. The people I have met throughout playing this sport are incredible people and getting the chance to travel with them to Eurpore, is a great opportunity. This trip is going to be an experience of a life time and I am super excited for it.

As for preparing I have not done much. I got a nice light weight suitcase as a grad present and a money belt that was used when some of my class mates travelled to Europe over spring break. For the most part I will probably be super rushed a few days before the trip to get ready. I have never travlled out of North America so this will be a great experience!

#9 Kelsey

My name is Kelsey and I am 20 years old. I have played Ringette for 14 years. I played mostly on A teams in my years of playing Ringette. I never really had a home team to play on when I was younger; I have been bounced around from River East to Transcona since I was 11. I did however find a home in St. James with a wonderful team and awesome people. The highlight of my Ringette career, beside this trip, would have to be when I went to Westerns.

To prepare for this trip so far I have bought a money belt and a toiletry bag. I also replaced my gloves because my old ones were missing the palms. I am most looking forward to going to Prague and the actual tournament.



*Note from Coach Kelly: sorry for the delay in posts. Hope to get back on track asap!