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Curling in Canora returns after one-year hiatus

Canora and area curlers have reason to rejoice, plans are in place for a full season of curling.
Curling Season is here_result
It’s been a long time since the curling ice in Canora was filled with activity. After a lost curling season in Canora last year due to the pandemic, plans are underway for a full season of local curling competition and fellowship in 2021/22. / File Photo

For many, curling is a very competitive sport. But it’s also an opportunity to have some fun and spend time with friends on the ice, something that has been sorely lacking in Canora since COVID-19 came on the scene in early 2020.

But the Canora Curling Club held its annual general meeting on October 14, and has announced plans for a full curling season in 2020/21, led by Kelly Beblow, president.

The club is looking forward to starting the season and getting curlers back in the hacks. Every year a free membership is awarded to someone in attendance at the AGM. For the 2021-2022 the membership was won by Patrick Miechkota.

The club is ready to try out the new refrigeration equipment that was installed by the Town as the pandemic prevented it from being used last year. The Club made repairs to the scoreboards as well, so that they will be ready to go.

Generally, it takes two weeks for the club to get things ready, from the preparation to the finished product. There is a lot of work involved and “they do a great job transforming the Sylvia Fedoruk Centre into one of the most attractive and best ice surfaces around,” said Aaron Herriges, director of Leisure Services.

The club is made up of all volunteers except the hired ice makers. A contract for the ice making has been proposed to Mark and Kelly McTavish to return again. If all goes well, the ice could be ready for the week of November 15.

For anyone looking to register for any of the activities, they can do so by:

1) using the online registration inquiry or printing off a registration form found under curling at Canora.com; or

2) contact them via their Facebook page or email canoracurling@gmail.com

The Canora Curling Club has a message for everyone thinking about getting involved in local curling.

“Curling is a great recreational opportunity for our citizens of all ages. It’s also a great way for newcomers to meet people, because the game is so relaxed and allows for good conversation. Over the last few years, we’ve seen many new faces get involved and their skill is improving as well. There is a good blend of experience and beginners.”

“The Canora Curling Club has a variety of sliders, brooms, and delivery sticks available for beginners who do not have their own equipment. All that beginners need is comfortable clothing and clean indoor shoes suitable for on-ice activities. Also, if you have limited ability to slide to deliver a rock, no problem, as the club offers delivery sticks that allow you to deliver great shots standing up. Many of our members use them as they are quite popular and a great way to stay active.”

With the ongoing pandemic, the club will require all who enter the facility to provide proof of vaccination. The public masking order will resume inside as well. For information on pandemic regulations, contact the Canora Curling Club.

Bonspiels scheduled for the coming season include:

  • Christmas Bonspiel – tentatively scheduled for December 26-28, 2021.
  • Town and Country Bonspiel – tentatively scheduled for January 26-30, 2022.
  • Mens Bonspiel – tentatively scheduled for March 3-6, 2022.
  • Ladies Bonspiel – tentatively scheduled for March 17-20, 2022.
  • Mixed Bonspiel – tentatively scheduled for March 24-27, 2022.
  • Seniors Bonspiel – tentatively scheduled for January 17-20, 2022. They may also schedule one in November 2021.
  • Windup Bonspiel – tentatively scheduled for April 1-3, 2022.

There will be evening Rec curling on Thursday nights. For people looking to register as an individual, the Club can provide help finding a team to play on.

Teams with players who have paid afternoon memberships will receive a prorated fee.

Teams with students enrolled in Youth Curling will receive a prorated fee.

Youth Curling will resume on Wednesdays.

Afternoon Drop-In Curling is Monday, Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.

Sheila Dmitriuk and Shannon Berehula are looking to run the concession again.