This year’s Golden Hammer Bonspiel once again provided some great curling action. Twenty-two teams competed in the Nov. 4-6 event at the Comox Valley Curling Club.
Sunday’s finals were all nail biting as each of the three events came down to the last rock to determine the winners. In the ‘A’ event, sponsored by Francis Jewellers, Campbell River’s Dean Thulin and a local team skipped by Ron Schmidt traded ends back and forth until the very last rock. Thulin made a clean take-out for the victory, denying the Schmidt rink a 'two-peat'. Thulin’s teammates were third Lyle Boyce, second Brad Sullivan and lead Tom Green.
The ‘B’ event final sponsored by Comox Valley Dodge Chrysler Jeep again saw the lead change hands throughout the game. The game featured 'the guys' Campbell River’s Tom Franklin rink versus 'the gals' of the Lynne Noble rink from Qualicum. Franklin made a difficult hit and stick with his last rock to claim victory. Helping Tom were third, Terry Kratzman; second, Greg Clayton; and lead Rick Sloan.
The ‘C’ event final, sponsored by Crown Isle Resort and Golf Community, had locals Randy Veitch pitted against Rod May. Both teams battled hard for eight ends with Veitch making his last shot to claim victory. Randy's teammates were third Rick Aker; second, Harvey Jenkins; and lead Jim Taylor. "Congratulations to all our winners," an event spokesperson said.
The Crown Isle-sponsored ‘Draw to the Button’ was again part of the action with all players having an opportunity to participate. After preliminary rounds on Friday and Saturday, the three finalists had their chance to win an annual social membership for themselves and their teammates at Crown Isle.
Lyle Boyce from Campbell River proved he had the skill as his shot glided to a halt to grab a piece of the button. "Congratulations to Lyle and his teammates from the Thulin rink – these guys really ‘swept’ our bonspiel with luck that extended off the ice as well," the spokesperson said.
"The curling club is indebted to our sponsors for their generosity and the members and friends who support this popular bonspiel every year. We had great ice (thanks Brent), great food (kudos to Mark and staff), lots of fun and great curling," the spokesperson added.