Ringette Canada inducts members to Hall of Fame

Two new members inducted into Ringette Canada's Hall of Fame

Ottawa, Ontario - February 12, 2003 - Ringette Canada today announced it has named two new members to its Hall of Fame. The Ringette Canada Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding contributions to the development of the sport of ringette and the outstanding achievements of ringette athletes, coaches and officials across Canada. Being inducted into the Hall of Fame are Jane Larkworthy from Stratford, Ontario and Regina's Jim Benning.

"Our Hall of Fame was established so we could properly recognize the outstanding commitment and efforts made by various individuals involved in the sport at the national level," said Bill Hubbs, Executive Director of Ringette Canada. "Both Jim and Jane have contributed significantly to the growth and success of our sport and I am very pleased they are being recognized for their efforts through their induction into our Hall of Fame."

With over 25 years experience, Jane Larkworthy joins the Hall of Fame in the category that recognizes officials. In addition to her role as a referee at many Canadian Ringette Championships (CRCs), Jane was Ringette Canada's Officiating Director from 1989 to 1995, a period during which the sport underwent a number of major rule changes. Jane has also served as Director of Officials at the CRCs (1990-1995), Canada Winter Games (1991, 1995) and the World Ringette Championship (1990). While she retired from active on-ice duty in the late 1990s, Jane is still an active officiating evaluator and player in Ontario. Jane also continues to represent Ringette Canada on the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Technical Committee for Equipment and Facilities for Ice Hockey, and was instrumental in the development and implementation of CSA's ringette-specific facial protection standard. Jane was inducted into the Ontario Ringette Association Hall of Fame as a Provincial Builder in 1990.

Jim Benning joins the Hall of Fame in the builder category. Jim helped establish Regina Ringette in 1977 and over the years has held various committee, board and director positions with Regina Ringette, Ringette Saskatchewan and Ringette Canada. He organized the first national referee's clinic, which was held in 1979 in Regina, and was a National Officials Certification Program instructor for over ten years. In 2001, Regina Ringette renamed their largest tournament the Jim Benning Invitational in recognition of his contribution to the sport in their community. Jim currently coaches a team in the Regina ringette league.