Leah Partridge, a dedicated ringette player, showcases her speed and keen awareness on the ice as she skillfully tracks the ring, her teammates, and the unfolding game dynamics without the ability to hear the players behind her. A fourth-year psychology student, Partridge serves as the assistant team captain for the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks. Despite being born profoundly deaf in both ears, she has been actively involved in ringette since the age of four. Recently, she and her team participated in the Canadian University Ringette Challenge Cup, a prestigious national tournament for university squads.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the sport, Partridge finds the high intensity and dynamic pace of ringette exhilarating, highlighting the unique excitement and unpredictability of each game. Coping with minimal functional hearing, even with the aid of hearing devices that are prone to damage from sweat during gameplay, Partridge has honed her playing style by relying on visual cues to engage in the game and communicate effectively with her teammates. Embracing the need for adaptation, she believes this challenge has contributed to her growth as a player, enhancing her ability to read plays and make strategic moves on the ice.
Hailing from Londesborough, Ontario, Partridge joined the Golden Hawks with a strong passion for university-level ringette, inspired by her sister’s ringette experience at Brock University. Her coach, Abby Breckles, commends Partridge’s swift integration into the team, noting that her hearing impairment initially went unnoticed during tryouts. The team has implemented various strategies to ensure Partridge’s active involvement, including face-to-face communication and creating quiet spaces for discussions. Partridge’s teammates maintain a supportive environment, utilizing loud communication on the ice to aid her awareness during gameplay.
Despite occasional challenges, Partridge remains confident on the ice, drawing on her extensive playing experience since childhood to navigate any obstacles posed by her hearing impairment. Recognizing the unwavering support from her teammates, she values their encouragement and team spirit, which have been instrumental in her personal and athletic development. As she fulfills her role as an assistant team captain in her final year, Partridge’s positive attitude and leadership qualities have significantly contributed to the team’s cohesion and performance.
Looking ahead, Partridge envisions continuing her ringette journey beyond university, exploring opportunities in leagues like the National Ringette League. While the Golden Hawks competed for the bronze title in the Canadian University Ringette Challenge Cup, ultimately falling short in a competitive match against the University of Western Ontario’s Mustangs, Partridge’s dedication and resilience on the rink continue to inspire her teammates and fans alike.
