The 2015 open men’s bonspiel saw two local curling rinks compete in the finals in their events this past weekend in Canmore.
In total, 32 teams of four were on the ice over the three days (Jan. 9-11) at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club, competing in a four event bonspiel.
“There were a lot of close games over the weekend,” said event organizer Dennis Graham.
The last few teams vying for top spot in their events wrapped up play on Sunday. Graham said some of the teams played into the early hours that morning and then were back on the ice just a few hours later.
“That is pretty typical for the Canmore spiel,” said Kevin Webster with a laugh. His rink was throwing rocks Sunday and finished second in the B event. Team Ferguson from Calgary, who won the ‘A’ event two years ago, bested the local curlers for the B title.
“They’re a great team and we’re pretty pleased how we did with them for sure,” Webster said.
This year is the seventh consecutive that Webster and his team curled together in the annual tournament.
“The Canmore spiel is probably one of the best men’s bonspiels in southern Alberta,” Webster said. “It fills up every year and there’s never a problem … it’s great value and we have a lot of fun.”
In the A final, Team Egger from Brooks defeated Team Gowsell from Calgary.
Team Fabro defeated the other local team, Troy Weatherhog, in the D final of and, Team Moss bested Team Watson in the C final.
Graham was pleased with the results of another sold out tournament in the popular bonspiel.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said Graham. “Hopefully, people look at curling and they see it on TV and the real high end stuff. But it’s also a great sport for beginners.”
