Sundre’s annual Open Spiel draws bigger turnout this year

Simon Ducatel Apr 9, 2024 6:00 AM
Sundre-area resident Ayden Shpak, who was playing with a rink with players from Bergen and Sundre that was skipped by Josh Shpak, gets focused on his target trajectory as he prepares to release a rock during games held on Saturday. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff▲
Sundre-area resident Eric Beaupre, who was playing with a rink skipped by Kevin Bouchard, lines up a shot and prepares to release a rock during games held on Saturday. Simon Ducatel/MVP Staff▲
Skip Travis Phillips, whose rink included third Brian McTaggart, second Lonny Mackenzie, and lead Garret Dichrow, defeated the rink skipped by Nels Brian to win the A event. Submitted photo▲
Skip Dan Ferguson, right, third Roger Mckenzie (missing), second Darlene Kapiczowski, middle, and lead Nancy Ferguson came out ahead of the team skipped by Kayla Notley to win the B event. Submitted photo▲
Skip Parker Konschuh, third Paige Papley, second Casey Leszynski and lead Fred Leszynski defeated the Glen Smith rink to claim the C event. Submitted photo▲
Skip Josh Shpak, third Ayden Shpak, second Dominic Shpak and lead Zoey Shpak won against the Shane Jacobs rinks to take the D event. Submitted photo▲

SUNDRE – The local curling club’s annual season wind up bonspiel got started a day early last week after exceeding the number of teams organizers had hoped for.

“We had 31 teams,” Lonnie Halladay, president of the Sundre Curling Club, told the Albertan.

“We had 28 last year, so it was good,” added Halladay.

The club’s season windup Open Spiel was originally scheduled to start on April 3, but games instead ended up getting underway on April 2 with the finals held on April 7.  

Halladay was pleased with that turnout and said there were even some players who came out from Calgary and Edmonton.

“We had lots of support from the Cremona club, Eagle Hill, Caroline, Olds; it was well represented,” he added.

And there wasn’t only a good turnout of teams but also a contingent of spectators who just came out to enjoy watching the action.

“Curling was close. They had to draw to the button on two of the four finals, so they were well matched up,” said Halladay.

“If it’s a tie after eight (ends) then we have a draw to the button as the ultimate winner, and they were within inches of each other. So it was pretty exciting for the fans,” he said.

“The lounge was busy all weekend.”

The club’s big banquet was held on April 5 followed by some nighttime draws that eventually resumed the following day, which featured a special visit, he said.

“We had the Alberta Boston Pizza Cup show up on Saturday night,” he said.

“Aaron Sluchinski and Dylan Webster came up to the lounge with the cup … it was pretty cool,” he said, adding Webster, who’s originally from Sundre, got his curling career started through the local junior program.

Sundre Curling Club 2023-24 Open Spiel winners:

A event

Skip Travis Phillips, third Brian McTaggart, second Lonny Mackenzie, and lead Garret Dichrow.

B event

Skip Dan Ferguson, third Roger Mckenzie, second Darlene Kapiczowski, and lead Nancy Ferguson.

C event

Skip Parker Konschuh, third Paige Papley, second Casey Leszynski, and lead Fred Leszynski.

D event

Skip Josh Shpak, third Ayden Shpak, second Dominic Shpak, and lead Zoey Shpak.

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