A Chatham-Kent girls ringette team is taking its competition to the next level this season.
The u12 Chatham Thunder went undefeated on their way to taking home the Western Region championship last season, so this fall, they're going to move up to play in a provincial division.
Team Manager John Haggerty says they have a very skilled group of players.
"Our girls last year did so well that I'm not sure they were challenged as much as they could've been," says Haggerty. "Between myself and Renee Rivard, who's our coach, we're going to give it a shot and see how the girls will react to it."
A higher level of competition won't be the only challenge the team will face this coming season, though. Moving up to the provincial level also means they'll be increasing their travelling time.
"We'll be playing pretty much anywhere," says Haggerty. "Could be Niagara Falls, could be Thunder Bay, could be anywhere throughout the province... basically the Ontario Ringette Association will set up the schedule... I'm hoping they'll be kind to us."
While a number of the girls from last year's team are no longer available, because of the age restriction, Haggerty says they have a talented bunch of rookies that should mix well with their skilled veterans.
"Right now it's about 50-50, we have several of the girls last year who played u12 that were only ten years old at the time, but their skill level is off the charts," says Haggerty. "We figured we'd keep them back in u12 so that they can help some of the younger kids as they move up."
The team's first game of the season is Friday at the Thames Campus Arena in Chatham at 7pm against London.
Haggerty says anyone who is interested in playing ringette should contact Chatham Ringette at info@chathamringette.com.