Player Development

SGRA Development Philosophy

SGRA is committed to providing development opportunities for athletes at every age and skill level. Our goal is to build confident, well rounded ringette players by supporting strong skating fundamentals, technical ringette skills, game understanding and a lifelong enjoyment of the sport.

2026/27 Player Development Program

During the most recent Ringette season, SGRA partnered with Mel Thomas Performance to advance the skill development of our players. The support of Mel and her team received overwhelming positive reviews from the coaches across the association.

SGRA has again partnered with Mel Thomas and has taken the initiative to increase the player & goalie development budget for the 2026/27 season.

Active Start & U10 Step 1–2

Three skating-focused development sessions per team
Focus on foundational skating skills appropriate to the age/stage

U10 Step 3 & Up

Minimum three development sessions per team with Mel Thomas Performance
Coaches select areas of focus based on the needs of their team
Sessions tailored by Mel Thomas to support those development goals

Who is Mel Thomas?

Mel Thomas brings a unique combination of elite playing experience, technical skating expertise and education to athlete development. A former Team Canada and Team USA athlete and 19 season National Ringette League player, Mel continues to work with athletes and coaches at all levels of the game, including as a Skating Performance Coach with Team Canada Ringette programs.

As a certified ringette and hockey coach, Ringette Canada coaching facilitator and experienced educator, Mel focuses on age appropriate, game relevant instruction that helps athletes develop strong technical skills and a better understanding of their performance.

Through SGRA's partnership with Mel Thomas Performance, coaches identify areas of focus for their teams and Mel tailors each session to support those development goals. Coaches are encouraged to participate, allowing the skills and teaching concepts introduced during these sessions to carry into regular team practices.

Coach Involvement

Coaches are encouraged to actively participate in development sessions so that skills, drills and teaching techniques can continue to be incorporated into regular team practices throughout the season.

Are You A Goalie?

SGRA has a separate goalie development program and budget. Visit our Goalie Development Page where information will be posted as it is updated - link below

Goalie Development

Additional Development Opportunities

SGRA will be gauging interest in club run spring/summer development camps to further support athlete training after the season is over.

Third party opportunities for further development can be found at the below link:

Sport Camps, Programs, and Academies

Player and Goalie Long Term Athlete Development:

SGRA's approach to player development is guided by Ringette Canada's Long-Term Development framework, which recognizes that athletes have different developmental needs at different ages and stages.