In 2006, in response to Manitoba’s inception to the National Ringette League, a group of young ladies hit the ice. After several team building get togethers, the name Winnipeg Prairie Fire was born.
During their first season, Prairie Fire faced many growing pains. The coach who was in place stepped down for personal reasons, leaving the team with no coach and the team of 11 skaters had been reduced to only eight skaters and one goalie. Fortunately Bob Madziak and Brian Timmerman came forward to co-coach the team, as both of them had already committed to coaching other elite teams at the younger levels. As the season went on, Prairie Fire was able to convince a ninth skater to join the team in December of that year and a tenth skater returned to Manitoba to join them by mid-January. Prairie Fire was fortunate to be able to draw on the talent of Manitoba Open players as affiliates and finished their inaugural season in a respectable placing.
Over the next few seasons, Prairie Fire continued to increase their team numbers and strength and by 2008 they had placed 3rd in the Western Division. This placing gave them a berth into the National Ringette League Championship in Charlottetown, PEI and a fifth place finish overall.
In 2009, the Prairie Fire continued to gain momentum, practicing twice a week and attending the gym twice a week. The hard work and dedication of these players gave them a solid third place finish in the Western Division and they were off to Saskatoon, Saskatchewan for their second NRL Championship tournament. The team’s work ethic and spirit was rewarded with a bronze medal.
2010 saw Prairie Fire explode in the Western Division, taking a solid first place finish at the end of the regular season. The team then went off to Cambridge, Ontario for the NRL Championship, where their momentum was challenged and they would have to return home with a fourth place finish. Although disappointed, Prairie Fire players remain positive and proud of their accomplishments. Veteran defensive player Jessica Simpson shared her thoughts by saying, “Being on one of the two most elite teams in Manitoba has instilled pride in me. Prairie Fire has built a reputation as a powerhouse over the past five years and it gives me a sense of accomplishment to be a part of that. I am glad that I play the game I love on a team with girls that I have been able to build great friendships with.”
Ringette is a team sport, a philosophy Prairie Fire believes in fully, but a few players have been acknowledged by the National Ringette League by being rewarded Rookie of the Year in 2006-2007 and Defensive Player of the Year in 2009-2010. Prairie Fire players have also been recognized by Ringette Canada’s Nation Team Coaches, goalie Elise Crocker and forward Leah Montsion were named to the U19 Team Canada West roster and center Sheena MacDonald, forward Andrea Ferguson and defense Lindsay Burns have all been rostered on the Team Canada senior team.
The upcoming season will see Rick Montsion leading the Prairie Fire as head coach and he is confident that the team will maintain their position as one of the elite NRL teams. Prairie Fire will continue to improve and will establish themselves again as a strong contender for the NRL Championship title. “Moving forward as the head coach, my personal goal is to prepare this team so that they are able to attain both their personal goals and the team’s goals, to strengthen teamwork, and to develop the desire for success,” said Montsion. “I want to provide an atmosphere where each athlete challenges themselves so they improve both as an individual and a team member. Setting goals is easy; reaching your goals is the tough part. My responsibility as their coach is to assist each player and the team in reaching their goals.”
