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❄️ Ringette vs. Ice Hockey: A Fun Beginner’s Guide for Women in Ottawa ❄️

Why You Can Play Both — And Why Ottawa Is the Perfect Place to Start

If you’re thinking about getting active on the ice, two sports stand out in Ottawa’s booming women’s recreation scene: Ringette and Ice Hockey. Both sports are fast, exciting, welcoming, and full of opportunities for adult beginners. Whether you’re completely new to ice sports or returning after a long break, Ottawa is one of the best cities in Canada to try either sport — or both!


This guide breaks down the similarities, differences, and benefits of each game so you can decide what fits your style… or discover that you love them both.


Ottawa West Beginner hockey league 3 vs 3

🧊 What Ringette and Ice Hockey Have in Common

Even though the equipment, rules, and strategies differ, ringette and ice hockey share a ton of similarities — especially for beginners:

✔️ Both are fast, fun, team-based ice sports

Each sport offers speed, teamwork, cardio, skill development, and the adrenaline rush of being on the ice.

✔️ Both build confidence, strength, and balance

Whether you’re handling a ring or a puck, you’ll improve your skating, coordination, and athleticism.

✔️ Both offer supportive women’s communities

Ottawa has thriving women’s hockey groups and strong adult ringette organizations. Beginners are ALWAYS welcome.

✔️ Both are great for mental health

The focus, movement, and social connection help reduce stress and improve well-being.

✔️ Both are beginner-friendly


Just to let you know, you do not need years of experience to start either sport. Women in Ottawa start in their 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and even 60s.


🏒 How Ice Hockey Works (Beginner Breakdown)

Ice hockey is fast, exciting, and endlessly fun once you get the basics. Most beginner women’s or co-ed leagues in Ottawa — like the Ottawa West Beginner Hockey League (OWBHL) — focus on:

  • Basic skating

  • Stickhandling

  • Passing

  • Shooting

  • Positioning

  • Simple gameplay


Hockey uses a stick and puck, and the game focuses on speed, shots, breakouts, and teamwork. New players love the thrill of learning something challenging in a zero-judgement, encouraging environment.


ringette-ottawa

🔵 How Ringette Works (Beginner Breakdown)

Ringette is often described as fast, fluid, and creative. Instead of a puck, players use a straight stick and a rubber ring, which promotes:

  • Clean passing

  • Fluid skating

  • Communication

  • Strategy over physicality

Ringette requires players to pass over the blue line, which keeps the game moving with constant teamwork and quick transitions.

Women love ringette because it’s:

  • Fast

  • Dynamic

  • Non-contact

  • Great for skating development

  • Highly team-focused

It’s also known for having one of the most supportive women’s sport communities in Canada.


🔥 Key Differences Between Ringette & Ice Hockey

Feature

Ice Hockey

Ringette

Equipment

Hockey stick, puck

Straight stick, ring

Contact

Low/none in women's leagues

None

Skating style

Quick stops, sharp turns, edge control

Fluid skating, continuous motion

Strategy

Shots, breakouts, puck control

Passing, speed, teamwork

Game flow

Stop-and-start

Fast, constant movement

Best for

Players who like shooting + game structure

Players who like passing + speed

Both develop incredible skating skills — ringette often boosts agility, while hockey improves edges and power.


🌟 Why Ottawa Is Amazing for Women in Both Sports

Ottawa has a HUGE number of rinks, beginner programs, and women’s sports organizations. You can find:

💙 Women’s ringette leagues

Recreational, competitive, and beginner-friendly options exist across the city.

❤️ Women’s hockey programs

Including the OWBHL, women-only clinics, co-ed beginner programs, and skills development led by supportive coaches.

🏒 Try-it sessions

Both sports offer “learn to play” nights where you can try skating, shooting, or passing before committing.

🤝 Friendly communities

Women in both hockey and ringette often say the best part isn’t the sport — it’s the friendships.


🎉 Can You Play Both? Absolutely!

Many women in Ottawa try ringette AND ice hockey — and discover that playing one helps them improve at the other:

  • Ringette sharpens your skating and passing

  • Hockey builds shooting and puck control

  • Both sports grow your confidence

Trying both also keeps things exciting and gives you twice the opportunities to play, practice, and have fun.

If you know how to skate a little, you can try either. With a few practices, you’ll feel right at home.


⭐ Final Thoughts: Choose the Sport That Brings You Joy

Ringette and ice hockey are both incredible sports for women in Ottawa. Each one offers a mix of:

  • Fitness

  • Skill development

  • Team bonding

  • Fun

  • Confidence

  • And a powerful sense of belonging

You don’t have to pick just one — you can explore both and see what makes you smile more.

Whether you’re stepping onto the ice for the first time or rediscovering your love for skating, Ottawa’s beginner-friendly programs are ready to welcome you.


👉 Ready to Try Hockey or Ringette?

Visit OttawaHockeyHub.ca to explore:

  • Women’s beginner hockey

  • Co-ed learn-to-play programs

  • Skills clinics

  • Local leagues

  • Goalie training

  • Ringette and hockey opportunities across Ottawa

Whether you choose ringette, hockey, or both, your new adventure on the ice starts now. Let’s get you skating! ❄️🔥🏒🔵



📋 Ringette Associations & Resources

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