Men’s bonspiel another great success

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The annual Strathmore Curling Club Men’s Bonspiel saw many intense, exciting draws, including a junior team making it to one of the finals.
“It was great, there were a lot of really good games, a lot of local teams in it this year which was good to see,” said Brent Ashlee, tournament organizer.
He was impressed with the compete level of the junior team and their success against the more experienced men curlers.
“We had one kids team in here, they’re all around between 14 and 16 years of age,” said Ashlee. “They’ve came in just to have some fun and they made one of the finals and didn’t expect win, but did really well.”
Team Adams, the junior team, based in Calgary and has Strathmore product John Damen as lead, had a very successful tournament in the eyes of his coach.
“They’ve been opening their arms to us and the nice thing is a whole bunch of people are watching him and they’re cheering him on,” said coach Murray Adams of Damen. “I could not be prouder of him,”
Other highlights included the dinner and auction night where players were sold off to teams.
The success of the bonspiel will go a long way for the stability of the club.
“The kitchen has done well and the club’s going to do well, which we need because times are tough,” said Ashlee. “It will be good for next year for the club in trying to keep it healthy and survive.”
The week not only included the games, but a lot of sponsors who came on board to make the bonspiel happen.
“I would like to thank all our local sponsors for all those generous donations,” said Ashlee. “They’re the ones that make the bonspiel happen.”