What do you get when you mix curling with your favourite pair of pyjamas? A curling pyjama party, of course!
This past weekend, the Comox Valley Curling Club hosted the Open Mixed Bonspiel with 26 teams from as far away as Marpole on the mainland attending. We even had curlers from our Novice League pairing up with other couples to take in the pyjama party on ice so good on you, Christine, Leanne, Tim, Jen, Jason and Megan.
Most of the teams got into the theme of the ʻspiel, sporting a variety of pyjama styles that ranged from the very conservative to the absolute outrageous. The three-day cash ʻspiel was filled with fun and games and a ton of laughs. It was topped off by a great Saturday banquet and some serious ʻshooterʼ games putting a run on the bar.
Best team pyjamas was a hard choice with so many dressing up but the Riva-Crerar and the Langridge couples won out with some pretty creative renditions.
The finals on Sunday proved, once again, to be a great spectator sport with a lot of armchair coaching and comments as the four event teams made their shots (or not) to the delight (or not) of the fans.
The ʻAʼ Event, sponsored by Finneron Hyundai, was a battle between the Cote and Brennan teams. Norm Cote, with hammer, had to draw and sit on the opponent's rock back of the t-line to take the win. With his third Lonnie Schopp
calling line, and sweepers Craig Bernes, second, and Laura McLeod-Cote, lead, brushing hard, a hush came through the crowd watching, knowing that the rock was light. Being the last game on the ice, the surface must have firmed up as the draw came up short to give the win to skip Dan Brennan and teammates third Andrea Folk, second Duncan McGeorge and lead Heather Shivas. Third place went to the Larson rink.
The ʻBʼ Event, sponsored by Thrifty Foods, was the Jack Holden team of third Mary Holden, second Sam Bender and lead Sharon Walker against the Ken Rodonet foursome of third Joanne Moreau, second Tony Wong and lead Denise Jensen. It came down to the seventh end when a cluster of biters scored for Holden, taking a five- point lead over the Rodonets rink, ending the game. Third place went to the Baltis rink.
The ʻCʼ Event, sponsored by Boston Pizza, between Alberti and Michell did not go the full eight ends with Ray Michellʼs team stealing three to cinch the deal. Rayʼs teammates were third Melanie Rait, second Jade Jensen and lead Mare Michell. Third place went to the Goodwin rink with Bolivar taking fourth.
The ʻDʼ Event, sponsored by a Friend of the Spiel, went to the Merv McMartin team with third Kari Alberti, second Dave Wilson and lead Judy McMartin. They played the Vern Reimer team with third Sue Taylor, second Bruce Taylor and lead May Reimer. In third place was the Simpson rink with Erhmantraut fourth.
This year, the club welcomes Ronni Lister of Remax as our new Mixed Open diamond sponsor and her support is very much appreciated. Huge kudos are extended to Cody, Brett, Craig and Don for the great ice conditions; to general manager George Goodwin, Becky and Mark Joneson catering; Marcia and Tanya for keeping the bar hopping; the Bonspiel Committee of Kim, Mickey, Heather, Mary, Kathy and Sharon; Volunteers Judy and Terry Francis, Don Nickason, John Davis; Sam and Debbie Bender and anonymous supporters.
The bonspiel also received support from Subway, Old House Spa, Shearlocks Family Hair Care, Sleemans, Yummies and Gyros Greek Cafe and the Bulk Barn and the committee extends a sincere thank you to all.
EXTRA ENDS The club is hosting the Tim Hortons Provincial Senior Competition from Feb. 17-23 … eight menʼs and eight womenʼs teams will be vying for a spot at the Canadian Senior Menʼs and Womenʼs Curling Championships, March 22-30 in Yellowknife … the CVCC Royal LePage Menʼs Bonspiel from March 14-16 features a medieval theme … for more information contact the club at info@comoxvalleycurling.com …
– Comox Valley Curling Club