MANITOUWADGE -- Dig out your brooms and slip into your sliders, because the olde Scottish game is about to make a comeback at the Manitouwadge Curling Rink next week.
An open community meeting was held on Tuesday night to discuss the 2022 curling season. Because of COVID restrictions, a modified season is planned. There will be no regular league games, but the plan is to take this opportunity to offer single drop-in games.
“We’re calling this our comeback year,” says Tara Balog, executive board associate. Everyone at the meeting agreed that they want people to come back to the game, whether they played it once upon a time, they’re newcomers to the sport, or they’re simply folks that are unsure if they’d like the game. By not having to commit to a weekly league, this will give them the chance to try their hand to see if it’s something they’d like to do more often.
There are two groups of curling teams offered at the club for now; Ladies’ curling, and a ‘Stick’ curling club, open to all players.
Stick curling, originally developed for folks with physical limitations, is now enjoyed by everyone. It is played by teams of two. Six rocks are delivered with an adjustable stick from the hog line, down the ice to the opposing house. This style of curling still retains many of the traditional elements, such as in-turns and out-turns, sweeping (within the house only), take-outs, and of course, getting closest to the button!
Ladies’ drop-in games are scheduled for Tuesdays, (Feb. 22, and March 8 and 22), starting at 7 p.m. Then on Wednesdays, (Feb. 23, and March 9 and 23), Mixed ‘Stick’ curling drop-in games will be played. There is an admission fee of $10 per person for the drop-in games. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the equipment; brushes, brooms, sticks and other equipment are available to use, free of charge.
Two bonspiels are also planned for later in the season. The Mixed ‘Funspiel’ hits the ice on March 5, and the Mixed ‘Stick’ curling ‘Funspiel’ is in the hack on March 26. Both of these events will have a yet-to-be-determined theme, but in previous years, players dressed up in costumes, having a blast with ‘Mardi Gras’ and ‘Disney Cruise’ themes.
Still not sure if curling’s the game for you? Check out the ‘Introduction to Curling’ session taking place on Feb. 28. There, you’ll get the chance to throw a rock, sweep a bit, and “hurry hard!” Players from all levels are invited, and the enthusiastic members of the Manitouwadge Curling Club are sure you’ll fall in love with the game.
For more information about the Curling Club, the drop-in games or the ‘Funspiels’, check out the club’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Manitouwadge-Curling-Club-144793582244942 or call Tara Balog at 807-853-1941.
