As the brainthrust of Northern Ontario ringette gathers this weekend to select a Regional team to compete at the 2006 Ontario Winter Games, they shouldn't have to look far to spot super-sniper Danyka Gagnon. The 15 year-old Grade 10 student at College Notre-Dame can usually be found in close proximity to the opposing netminders, filling the net at a frantic pace.

Scoring has always been something that has come naturally for the Azilda native, who first picked up ringette following in the footsteps of older sister Anyse. "It seemed like I played "bunnies" forever" laughs Gagnon, in trying to recollect her earliest memories of the sport. Her talent quickly became apparent as she moved to "AA" competition by the time she had reached the petite division.

With such natural ability on the ice, Gagnon took a hiatus from ringette for a three-year period to compete in girls hockey but returned to her passion with a renewed enthusiasm. "I don't know that I can explain why I just like ringette better" said Gagnon. "I find I need to be faster for ringette as it's really a chase game...and because of the rules, you need more communication with your teammates."

And teammates, it seems, are quick to communicate in return with the outgoing ringette star. "She's always been a natural" smiles Jenna Kiviaho at a recent practice of the Valley East Junior rep team, providing some friendly ribbing of her teammate cast in the spotlight. While Gagnon would love to see ringette added to the Olympic lineup in order to pursue her sport at the highest possible level, there are some definate short-term goals that she has her sights set on.

"I really want to make the "AAA" team and compete at the Winter Games" states Gagnon. "And I'm hoping to have a chance to play with Team Ontario at some point in the next few years." And at the pace that Danyka Gagnon is hitting the scoresheet, that would seem to be a pretty safe bet.