“Wow! Look at that crowd. Just like the old days,” was one of the comments about the nineth annual Combined Men’s and Ladies’ Bonspiel hosted by the Vanderhoof Curling Club. There certainly was a crowd as, not counting spectators, there were 96 curlers in 24 teams competing to deliver rocks closest to the button for three simultaneous events on the ice over the weekend of Jan. 20 – 21.
And no, that is not a typo in the headline as this year the costume theme was famous rock bands like the Beatles, ZZ Top and there was even an appearance by the all girl Zoo Pub Rockers, the Rebels and a gang of rock groupies too.
The two dozen teams who took part were made up of twelve men’s teams, including a team from Fraser Lake, plus twelve ladies’ teams, including four teams from Fort St. James and one from Fort Fraser. All games were eight ends and teams had two hours to complete each game. In full bonspiel tradition there was a banquet, concession and prizes.
“We can’t thank everyone enough for getting out and filling seats at the club this weekend! It’s great to see the community out to support the club and watch some curling!” says Colleen Nelson, President, Vanderhoof Curling Club.
“We couldn’t pull off a successful event without the help and support of so many different club members, local businesses, all out of town and local teams, and community members. Our thanks to our A, B, and C event sponsors! Thank you to those who contributed door prize items as well,” says Nelson.
There was crazy curling fun with sweeping late into the early hours of the morning, but also very serious competition – each team vying for top spot. Vanderhoof teams took first place in the men’s and ladies’ A events. Here follow the results of the top two teams in each of the competition events. The last name of the skip as team names.
Ladies A event
1st: Team Haller
2nd: Team Ubleis
Ladies B event
1st: Team Campbell
2nd: Team Nelson
Ladies C event
1st: Team Stephen
2nd: Team Woodruff
Men’s A event
1st: Team Scott
2nd: Team Avison
Men’s B event
1st: Team Lukens
2nd: Team Woodruff
Men’s C event
1st: Team Thiessen
2nd: Team Byron
More pictures on Page 7
