Leah Partridge, a skilled ringette player, demonstrates exceptional speed and keen awareness on the ice as she tracks the ring, her teammates, and the unfolding game dynamics without reliance on auditory cues. A fourth-year psychology student and assistant team captain for the Wilfrid Laurier University Golden Hawks, Partridge has been playing ringette since the age of four, despite being born profoundly deaf in both ears. Recently, she participated in the Canadian University Ringette Challenge Cup, a prestigious national tournament for university teams, emphasizing her love for the sport’s intensity and unpredictability.
Challenges arise for Partridge due to her limited functional hearing, even with the use of hearing aids, which are vulnerable to damage from sweat during intense gameplay. Consequently, she has adapted her playing style to heavily rely on visual cues to navigate the game and communicate effectively with her teammates. This adjustment has not only enhanced her gameplay but also made her a more proficient player on the ice.
Hailing from Londesborough, Ont., Partridge was inspired to pursue university-level ringette by her sister’s experience at Brock University. Upon joining the Golden Hawks, her hearing impairment initially went unnoticed by the team, but upon discovery, they swiftly adapted their communication methods to accommodate her needs. Strategies such as direct face-to-face communication, lip-reading, and ensuring a quiet environment for discussions have been implemented to facilitate Partridge’s full involvement in the game.
Despite occasional challenges, Partridge maintains a positive outlook, attributing her resilience to years of experience and the unwavering support of her teammates. As she embraces her role as assistant team captain in her final year, her leadership qualities shine through, uplifting and motivating the team both on and off the ice. Looking ahead, Partridge envisions continuing her ringette journey post-university, potentially exploring opportunities in leagues like the National Ringette League.
In a recent tournament hosted by the University of Guelph with games in Cambridge, the Golden Hawks competed for the bronze title in the consolation final, ultimately falling short to the University of Western Ontario’s Mustangs with a final score of 4-2. Despite the outcome, Partridge’s dedication, skill, and positive spirit continue to inspire both her team and the broader ringette community.