More than 50 years after Sam Jacks invented the game, the recreation complex that bears his name will host one last major ringette event before its doors are shut for good.
The Sam Jacks Recreation Complex and West Ferris Arena will host, along with Pete Palangio Arena and rinks in Astorville, South River and Trout Creek, the 2019 provincial ringette championship.
The West Ferris Ringette Association’s president, Kelly Van Buskirk says over 200 games will be contested by 70 to 80 teams made up of players age 12 to 20. The tournament will be held during the school break, March 14-17, 2019, and is expected to draw 1,000 players.
LISTEN: Van Buskirk on the growth of ringette:
The theme of the 2019 championship will be “Welcome home,” a fitting tribute considering the sport got its start here thanks to Jacks’ vision. Van Buskirk says the financial spinoff is considerable when you take those players and factor in coaching staffs, parents and families. Up to 3,000 people are expected to visit North Bay for the championship.
North Bay City Council and staff are in the midst of deciding where the replacement arena for the Sam Jack Recreation Complex will be situated. It has already been determined that the new arena will not be built at the site of the existing West Ferris Arena.
