The name Saskatoon Ice has been part of our ringette community for many years. It was a fitting name when it was created — our athletes play on ice, and the name became part of the team’s identity and history.

We respect that history. But times change, and the meaning and associations of words can change with them.  

Today, the acronym “ICE” carries associations far beyond the sport of ringette. It is widely recognized as the acronym for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and here in Saskatchewan, ICE is also associated with the Internet Child Exploitation unit.  These associations have created an unintended and uncomfortable situation for our athletes.

We are not asking for history to be erased. Rather, we are asking for the opportunity to build on that history.

Professional sports organizations have demonstrated that long-standing team identities can evolve when circumstances change. Saskatoon Ringette can do the same.

Changing the name would not erase the accomplishments, memories, friendships or history created under the Saskatoon Ice name. Those things belong to the athletes and families who have been part of the program and will remain part of its story. Instead, a new name could represent the next chapter.

On Sept 27, we are asking the Saskatoon Ringette Board to:

Consider a name change that honours the history of Saskatoon Ice while giving current and future athletes a name they can proudly wear, cheer for and represent.

We are not asking the Board to erase a legacy. We are asking the Board to allow that legacy to evolve.

Please sign this petition if you believe Saskatoon ringette athletes deserve a team identity that they can proudly carry into the future. Let’s honour the past while creating a name our athletes are proud to cheer for today — and for years to come.