Last week in this space we reviewed results from the local senior men’s Wineworks Bonspiel held at the Nanaimo Curling Centre.
Space didn’t permit mention of news from other leagues, so we’ll rectify that now by catching up on other local curling news.
First to a sad note, though, as we pass along belated condolences to the family and friends of Steve Stechishen. Steve was an assistant ice technician at the Nanaimo club for the past 10 years, and his soft-spoken manner, quiet sense of humour and friendly demeanor made him a favourite with curlers in all leagues.
At a gathering held in Steve’s memory at the curling centre, it was announced a senior men’s bonspiel trophy will be re-named in his honour.
On to happier news now, as winning teams have been declared from the most recent portion of competition from local men’s leagues.
Tuesday night men’s league coordinator Kevin Weinreich sends word that the second square of the season has now been completed.
Top team in the A division of the square was that of skip Steve Waatainen, third Kevin Weinreich, second Sean Krepps and lead Keith Clarke. Winners of the B division were skip Dan Allarie and his teammates Dave Wainright, Matthew Merrit and Braiden Kirkland.
Tops in C division on Tuesdays was the team of Gary Nixon, Rod Edgeworth, Stan Wheat and Mike Redlick, while the winners of D division were Rick Ringma, Scott MacLean, Don Lutes and Lorne Bury.
In the Thursday night men’s league, the 16 teams recently finished a round robin format before splitting into A and B divisions. Aggregate winner of the round robin, posting an impressive undefeated record, was the team of skip Craig MacRae, third Louis Cavezza, second Paul Merkel and lead Tom Weinreich.
Last weekend, it was my pleasure to emcee the opening ceremonies of the ThyssenKrupp Elevator B.C. Wheelchair Curling Championships held at the Nanaimo club. Event coordinators Ellis Tull and Corrine Jensen did a super job of staging the competition, with plenty of help from numerous community sponsors including the News Bulletin, their organizing committee and other club volunteers.
Certainly the provincial championships provided an excellent opportunity for the wheelchair-accessible Nanaimo Curling Centre to show itself off as a ‘barrier free’ facility.
The event also featured entertaining and well-played curling, culminating in the championship final on Sunday afternoon.
Whatever your sport, a reminder in closing to play your hardest, play fair and show good sportsmanship.
Ian Thorpe writes about sports Saturdays.