Is it something in the water, or specifically the frozen water at the Langley Curling Centre? There’s something that seems to be turning a surprisingly high number of their club members into competitive curlers of late.
And consequently, a larger percentage of the Brookswood centre’s 725-plus members are entering the higher echelons of play – both at the provincial and national levels.
Much is heard about the Langley-based Team Tardi, a quartet of young men currently playing at the national level in the junior men’s competition this week.
In fact, regardless of the outcome at the Canadian competition in Esquimalt – that ends Sunday – the team is also on the books to play in the men’s provincials Feb. 8 to 12 in Abbotsford, and two are set to play in the U18 provincials championships in Nanaimo from March 16 to 19, said centre manager Robyn Parkes.
Other Langley curlers are also earning some time on the ice in provincial arena.
“We’re proud of all the members involved beyond the club play and support them 100 per cent,” she said.
“It’s really exciting for the club as a whole.”
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CAPTION: Zosia Ettenberg, lead on Sticks ‘n Stones, practised throwing rocks at the Langley Curling Centre Monday.
This weekend (Jan. 27 to 29), for instance, play is underway in Richmond – at the provincial level – seeing the Langley-based Sticks ’n Stones play in the wheelchair challenge.
Langley wheelchair athletes Zosia Ettenberg and Tracy Boyd are joined by Kelowna-area wheelchair curlers Mark Peeren and Cyril Kinakin on the ice Saturday at the Richmond Curling Club (accompanied by Langley coach Dave Loosley), hoping to earn themselves a spot at the nationals.
Other LCC teams that are off to compete included Teams Cowan and Lepine heading to the senior ladies provincials in Salmon Arm Feb. 20 to 26.
At the same time, there’s another Team Lepine, this one playing in the senior men’s provincials – also in Salmon Arm at the end of February.
In the meantime, Team Drexel is going to the Ladies U18 provincials in Nanaimo from March 16 to 19.
Reaching across the ages
While many curling clubs across the country are noting declining numbers as members age out of the sport, LCC has maintained a keen interest by players young and old, Parkes explained.
“We’ve been able to hold our own,” she said, acknowledging that many of its members are still older.
The opportunities – both in casual play and competition – nevertheless, are attracting more to the sport. For more information about how to get involved in the sport, people can contact Parkes at 604-530-8218 or online at langleycurlingclub.com.
