Ringma Expected to Answer the Bell!

Thursday June 8th, 2023
North Saanich, British Columbia

Risto Ringma will be patrolling the back end for the Peninsula Panthers this coming 2023/24 season after signing with the Club last Friday night at the Panorama Recreation Centre.  He comes with a reputation of an honest hard-nosed player and with the name Risto Ringma he would have also fit seamlessly as a co-star in the 1969 American Western film 'True Grit' starring John Wayne.  Risto Ringma's do not come around all that often!

The 18-year-old defenceman comes from the JDF U-18 program which was coached last season by Panthers current Head Coach and General Manager Tyler Stanton.  The Bench Boss knows Ringma well considering that he has coached him the past three seasons.  There was a notable twinkle in Stanton's eye when he discussed Ringma.

"Risto is an edgy, high-paced, 2-way defenceman, who brings a 'team first' attitude to the Panthers. He is someone who was vital to JDF's Provincial silver medal last year. His drive and eagerness to get better, is something our organization preaches, and we could not be more excited to have Risto a part of our organization" 

Ringma had not played high level hockey three years ago, as his focus was on baseball.  But his high level of compete and his willingness to learn served him well.  Stanton recalled how he would often come off the ice asking questions while trying to drink in every word and it is this attitude that the General Manager believes has propelled him to the Junior level.

"I had not met with Risto prior to last Friday night but was left very impressed with his demeanor," quipped Pete Zubersky.  "The young fellow was very respectful and I watched him interact with his father and that was also important for me to see.  Tyler speaks highly of him and I am excited to see what he will bring to the table.  He's a big boy and I expect that he will add some grit to our own zone."

Ringma also had a big smile on his face and had the following to say about joining the Squad: 

"I’m really honoured to have the opportunity to join the Panthers organization.  From the discussions and the interactions I have already had with the coaching staff, owner, and teammates, I am very excited to be a part of this team and ready to contribute to the success of this organization. I look forward to bringing my gritty, hardworking, and team focus style of play to the Panthers and can’t wait to get on the ice in Panorama and support the team in achieving our goals this season. I’d like to thank the Panthers organization for giving me this opportunity" 

Stanton continues to put his fingerprints on the Organization and has been busy over the past couple of weeks in discussions with other General Managers around the Province and may have some news in the next number of days.  But for now he can be satisfied with the addition of Risto Ringma.  Giddy-up!