Ty Banks
Operations Manager
At Granatier Sportsplex, one of our core goals is to foster skill development through focused, high-repetition game like environments — and our partnership with the Saskatoon Ringette Association (SRA) is a powerful example of what that looks like in action.
Over the past season, we collaborated closely with the SRA to offer dozens of dedicated weekly training sessions tailored specifically to ringette athletes of all ages and levels. These sessions weren’t just ice time — they were structured, progressive programs built to improve skating mechanics, shooting technique, and most importantly, small-area decision-making.
A Customized Approach to On Ice Ringette Training in Saskatoon
Ringette is a fast-paced, highly skilled sport that thrives on quick transitions, agility, and sharp decision-making. Knowing this, our coaching team at Granatier Sportsplex designed a training curriculum that emphasized:
- Edge control and explosive starts for tighter turnarounds and quicker reactions in tight spaces
- Position-specific drills that mirror the movement patterns of ringette gameplay
- Small-area battle and transition drills to simulate real-game chaos and sharpen hockey sense
- Shooting and passing fundamentals with repetition-based drills to build confidence and precision
Tangible Results From Consistent Development
Across the board, we saw significant gains in player performance. Athletes who attended our sessions consistently reported:
- More comfort and control in small-area pressure situations
- Increased skating speed and balance in transitions
- More powerful, accurate shots and faster release times
- Greater confidence in both practices and games
Parents and coaches also noted a measurable difference in how players approached gameplay — not just technically, but mentally. Players became more decisive and proactive on the ice, taking risks and playing with greater purpose.
The Value of Partnership
This collaboration with the Saskatoon Ringette Association was more than just a programming opportunity. It represented a shared commitment to the long-term development of young athletes in the region. Together, we ensured that players weren’t just showing up — they were improving.
By offering multiple weekly sessions, we created flexibility for families and more opportunities for consistent reps. Many athletes participated in two or three sessions per week, which helped reinforce the skills taught and build muscle memory.
We also worked closely with SRA leadership to align our programming with their seasonal goals. Whether it was pre-season fundamentals, mid-season refinement, or postseason skill sharpening, our training sessions were timed and structured to meet the demands of each point in the calendar.
Focus on Development Over Competition
While games are a fun and vital part of the ringette experience, development happens in training. That’s the philosophy we operate under at Granatier Sportsplex. This partnership allowed us to focus purely on skill acquisition — something that’s often hard to prioritize during a busy game schedule.
With smaller coach-to-player ratios and a controlled learning environment, we ensured players were constantly engaged. Whether it was working on stride efficiency, passing accuracy, or offensive zone entries, the emphasis was always on learning and growth.
“The girls not only improved their skills noticeably over the season — they had a blast doing it. The energy at Granatier was always positive, the sessions were well-run, and the players looked forward to it every week. It’s been a game-changer for our development pathway.”
— Lori Flamond
Development Coordinator
Saskatoon Ringette Association
Granatier Sportsplex U5 Ringette Program:
We’re also proud to announce that Granatier Sportsplex is now home to Saskatchewan’s first and only U5 Ringette program. After seeing the incredible response and development success of our U5 hockey program, we knew it was time to offer the same opportunity to the ringette community in Saskatoon and the surrounding area. This program is designed to introduce young athletes to the fundamentals of the game in a fun, supportive, and development-focused environment. Registration is now open at gsplex.ca/u5-ringette/ and we can’t wait to welcome the next generation of ringette players to the ice!
Final Thoughts
The partnership between Granatier Sportsplex and the Saskatoon Ringette Association is a case study in what can happen when two organizations align around athlete development. Through structured, focused, and player-centered programming, we helped dozens of young athletes improve their skills, grow their confidence, and deepen their love for the game.
If you’re interested in learning more about upcoming ringette development programs at Granatier, or want to get involved, visit gsplex.ca or reach out to our team directly.
Better training. Better development. A better experience on the ice. That’s our promise at Granatier Sportsplex.
If you think your team or child could benefit from tailored on ice development at Granatier Sportpslex, feel free to reach out anytime to info@gsplex.ca