Where to Learn About the History of Ringette in Calgary

Updated

Ringette Calgary points visitors to a dedicated history site that covers the association's story from its first season in 1977, including photos, facts, and milestones such as Calgary Ringette joining Ringette Alberta in July 1978. Start there if you want the fullest account; the main association site itself only summarizes a few highlights.

What the History Site Covers

According to Ringette Calgary, the history site is the place to find "information, photos, and interesting facts" beginning with the 1977 season. That makes it the primary destination for anyone researching how the sport took root in the city.

Key Facts Highlighted on the Main Site

The association's homepage offers a preview of the history content:

  • First season: 1977, the starting point for the history site's timeline.
  • Provincial affiliation: In July 1978, "Calgary Ringette" joined "Ringette Alberta."
  • Founding figure: Frances Willis organized the first season.

These details are presented as teasers ("Did you know" items), so treat them as entry points rather than a complete chronology.

How to Use the History Site

  1. Go to ringettecalgary.ca and look for the history link on the main site.
  2. Browse the timeline from the 1977 season forward for photos and facts.
  3. Cross-reference names and dates (such as Frances Willis and the 1978 Ringette Alberta affiliation) if you are writing about the sport's local origins.

The expected result is a fuller picture of the association's development than the homepage summary provides.

Related Context on the Main Site

The same site documents other historical threads that may interest researchers:

  • Scholarship history: Ringette Calgary set up a ringette scholarship at the University of Calgary in 1989; it was renamed the Don Henderson Memorial Scholarship in 1993 after the passing of Don Henderson, one of the individuals who started ringette in Calgary.
  • Current scholarship recipients: The site names recent winners, such as Emily Johnson as the 2025/26 Don Henderson Memorial recipient and Ashley Chapman as the $1000 "2015 Western Canadian Ringette Championships Legacy Scholarships" winner.

These items show how the association connects its founding era to present-day programs.

Common Snag

The history content lives on a separate site linked from Ringette Calgary rather than on the main pages. If you only skim the homepage, you will see just the 1977, 1978, and Frances Willis highlights — follow the history link for the full archive.