Curlers are familiar with players yelling out “I’m shot” and no one appears alarmed.
For those not familiar with the game, this terminology refers to having a rock closest to the button thus scoring in an end.
Curling is one game that offers a “raise,” “a double,” “takeout” and “sweeping the house clean” without costing your payroll, your bar tab, your bank card or cleaning fees!
Curlers who take part in curling season at the Unity Curling Club can count on superb ice conditions, thanks to icemaker Gerry Guggemos. Guggemos has a reputation province wide for pristine ice conditions.
Curling fans love the far end cameras that give a bird’s eye view of those “close to the button” calls; as well as generous windows on each sheet to enjoy an excellent view of the game.
Anyone can come down to the curling club and watch free of charge.
Although some planned events earlier this season had to be rerouted into the new year due to lack of entries, the curling club has set their sights on months ahead.
The club is offering a great alternative to a day of movies and eating leftovers. The Boxing Day funspiel provides some fresh air and exercise following Christmas Indulgences. Entries are being accepted and can include curlers of all ages.
In January the curling club will host a senior men’s and women’s cash spiel as well as the senior women’s qualifier Jan. 29 to Feb. 1.
The annual men’s bonspiel runs Feb. 10-15. The oilman’s bonspiel is from Feb. 26 to March 1st. The ladies’ bonspiel is from March 13-15 and the year end funspiel March 20 and 21 closes off the season.
League curling offers opportunities for every age and curling skill level. Monday nights the sheets are busy with the junior curling program, hosting 21 kids from Grades 3 to 7. The club also has 14 youth curlers in the Thursday night league, with an additional team of four in Tuesday night’s league. UCHS holds their practices with junior high teams on Tuesdays and senior high teams on Thursdays.
The Tuesday and Thursday afternoon league has 13 curlers registered to date and curlers enjoy games, stick curling and coffee and camaraderie afterwards. Sixteen teams take part in the Tuesday night league. Wednesday night’s super league action hosts 10 competitive teams.
Thursday night hosts 10 teams, some playing for the first time and some playing just for the love of the sport.
Curling Club president, Glen Heitt, will be skipping a competitive team in this year’s circuit with hopes of earning a provincial spot. Heitt has been on the competition circuit winning top prize in the Midas event at the CN Curling Club in November, defeating familiar foe, Euguene Hritzik out of Saskatoon.
Over the summer the club was able to renovate the bathrooms and are another improvement to the facility. The curling club lounge and the curling ice are open to bookings for private events at reasonable rates. Interested parties need just call the Unity Curling Club at 306-228-2212.
