Learn The Game

The Game

Ringette is a thrilling ice sport that shares some similarities with ice hockey but boasts its own set of rules and characteristics that make it a distinct and exciting game. With its fast-paced action and emphasis on teamwork and skill, ringette has gained popularity in many countries.

The Basics

The objective of the game is to use a ringette stick to hit a ring into the opposing team’s goal. The team with the most goals at the end wins!

Each team has six players on the ice: two defence, two forwards, a centre, and a goalie.

Ringette has four integral rules related to the lines on the ice rink that are critical for game play:

1. The Free Play Line or the “Ringette Line”
   • Marks one of the restricted zones
   • Three players and a goalie from each team area allowed to play within the restricted zones
2. Goal Crease
   • Only the goalie is allowed to enter the crease
3. Blue Lines
   • Players must pass the ring to each other over each blue line
   • If a player passes the ring over both blue lines, their team cannot play the ring
4. Free Pass Circle
   • A free pass (the ringette equivalent of a face off) is used to start play.
   • The passer is the only player allowed free pass circle and can freely move anywhere within their half of the circle
   • The passer must move the ring outside of the free pass circle within 5 seconds
   • Other players are only allowed to touch the ring once it has left the free pass circle.