Ringette Canada announces new president and board members

Ottawa, ON–Ringette Canada is pleased to announce the appointment of Debbie Frail as its new president, and the election of two new board members – Shane Lambert (Ottawa, ON) and Tracy Phaneuf (Regina, SK). Nina Tajbakhsh was re-elected as the Athlete Director for a second term. More information on the Ringette Canada board can be found here. 

Debbie Frail (Montreal, QC) takes over the role of president from Angie Milbury (Fredericton, NB). Frail has extensive experience in ringette, having been involved for over 20 years in a number of capacities including administrator, coach, parent, and board member. She has been on the Ringette Canada Board of Directors for the past four years. In that time, she has served on every committee in some capacity, including as Chair of the Governance and Nominations Committees. 

“I’ve had my own consulting business for 25 years,” said Frail. “I’m happy to bring that business experience, the rigorous and structured thinking that I think is going to contribute positively to effectively coordinate the board’s activities to support Ringette Canada.”

Ultimately, Frail believes that her years of coaching and professional experience will translate well into this next leadership experience. 

“I’m looking forward to working with a great group of colleagues,” she said. “The board is a wonderful group, we’re really fortunate to have such great perspectives, wide ranging experiences, and a diverse group of people to make the best decisions possible for Ringette Canada.”

As the new board comes together, they have identified a series of goals in order to advance the sport of ringette. Namely, the continued implementation of the strategic plan, establishing and evolving strong relationships with stakeholders, and continuing education to grow our amazing sport. 

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity [to serve as President]” Frail said. “I’m looking forward to collaborating with the board and RC team to guide the sport. It’s a big challenge, and I’m stepping into some big shoes [of outgoing President, Angie Milbury], but I’m excited.”

The two other new members bring valuable core competencies to the Ringette Canada board. Shane Lambert brings extensive experience with strategic governance, policy development, and financial management. Tracy Phaneuf has valuable involvement in governance, human resources management, and corporate experience. 

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About Ringette Canada

Ringette Canada is the national body that oversees ringette in Canada. Ringette is a Canadian sport that was invented in 1963 in North Bay, Ontario by Sam Jacks. There are currently over 30,000 players on more than 2,000 teams across Canada, with over 1,500 officials and nearly 8000 coaches. Internationally, it is played in more than half a dozen countries worldwide. Ringette has been designated a Heritage Sport by Sport Canada and as part of the Sport for Life movement, ringette is well advanced at adapting Sport Canada’s Long Term Athlete Development model. Learn more at www.ringette.ca.

For more information:

Jenni Lloyd

Communications, Engagement, and Marketing Director

Ringette Canada

jenni@ringette.ca