Sue Ring-Jarvi: Pioneer of Women's Hockey in Minnesota

At Augsburg University in Minneapolis, women from 18 to 74 years old participate in a summer hockey league.

Leading the charge on the ice is the influential Sue Ring-Jarvi, who has been playing for over half a century.

A Lifelong Passion for Hockey

Sue Ring-Jarvi's passion for hockey is unmatched, having dedicated decades to fostering a love for the sport among women since 1974 at the University of Minnesota.

During her time at the university, she proactively recruited 30 women by advertising and organizing gatherings, laying the groundwork for what would become the inaugural Gopher women's hockey club team, predating official NCAA teams.

A Legacy of Achievement

Ring-Jarvi secured early morning ice time for her team, which helped establish a foundation that would see the university’s women's team eventually capture six NCAA titles.

Her contributions to the growth of women's hockey in Minnesota fill her with pride.

Inspiring Generations

Remaining active at 74, Ring-Jarvi inspires women like Janal Petersen, who finds motivation in the sport despite recovering from injuries like an MCL tear.

The league has become a family affair for players like Heidi Osendorf and her daughters, Trista and Leah, who all relish the opportunity to share ice time together.

To them, Ring-Jarvi serves as a role model, demonstrating that age is no barrier to enjoying and excelling at hockey.

Passing on the Legacy

Ring-Jarvi recounts her own mother's influence, who took to the ice at 47 and continued playing until 81, highlighting the enduring nature of hockey.

In engaging with younger players, she finds not only a way to stay physically young but also to keep up with the latest in technology, enjoying every mentoring moment.

Continued Dedication

Sue Ring-Jarvi shows no signs of slowing down, her love for the game fueling her continued participation and mentorship. Her commitment is chronicled in her recent book, available at local sports stores.

She concludes with a powerful reminder of the impact of passion, saying, "Consider what you can achieve when you truly love something."