A Strathmore resident will represent Canada at the 2025 World Ringette Championship.
After previously playing for the Under-18 Western Canada Team in 2023, Tessa Galandy has been chosen for the Junior National Ringette Team. She will compete for Canada at the 2025 championships at the Isku Arena in Lahti, Finland, from Nov. 3 to 9.
To reach this milestone, Galandy underwent a selection process which involved filling out an application and attending a five-day selection camp in Chestermere. At the end of the camp, each participant was informed whether they had been selected for the team.
"I was very relieved," Galandy said of being selected. "It's good to know that the work that I've put in for the last seven years of high-level ringette paid off for me."
She described the opportunity as both humbling and an honour.
"Not very many people in Canada ever get the chance to wear the Maple Leaf and represent the sport that they love so much," she said. "It's probably going to be one of the best experiences of my life."
Galandy was first inspired to join the sport after watching the daughters of family friends play. She began her ringette journey at the age of six.
Over the years, the sport's environment and community encouraged her to compete at a higher level.
"I've met most of my lifelong friends in the sport, and just having a bunch of like-minded people that all have the mindset of wanting to win, be on a team, and all do it for each other," she said.
She noted that she has been able to compete and grow alongside many of her friends.
"I was lucky enough to have four of my other teammates from the past season also make the Junior National Team. That's really exciting."
Ringette has also taught Galandy life skills both on and off the ice.
"I perform well under pressure," she said, reflecting on what she's learned through team dynamics. "You have to put yourself out there and talk to people that you don't necessarily feel comfortable talking to right off the bat."
Galandy's passion for ringette also fuels her hope for greater recognition of the sport.
"There should be more promotion for high-level ringette and for the sport as a whole. It is its own thing, and it deserves its own attention."
She also wants young girls to know they can achieve a lot in the sport competitively beyond school.
"Just keep working hard if you love it. Keep doing it," she said. "It doesn't have to end with school."
Heading into the 2025 championships, Galandy said she and her teammates are bringing confidence and a winning energy. She is also taking with her an appreciation for those who've supported her journey.
"I would just like to thank Strathmore Minor Ringette Association and Zone 2 AA ringette for having programs in place that introduced me to the sport to allow me to be in the position where I am today and all the coaches that I had and all the board members that made it happen and the volunteers."
Galandy's next big goal is to make the Senior National Team.