Twenty teams from across B.C. came together for the annual men’s bonspiel hosted by the Merritt Curling Club on Jan. 11, 12 and 13.
And while Merritt was well represented, with 11 hometown teams taking part in the competition, the spoils ultimately went to visiting teams.
“It’s nice for the economy and nice that we can attract teams from out of town,” said Paul Montgomery, president of the Merritt Curling Club.
Many of the visiting teams return to the Merritt bonspiel on a yearly basis, he said.
“One guy has come back 20 years in a row,” said Montgomery.
A event winners from Abbotsford: Bob Arksey, Rick Lang, Robert MacDonald and Leonard Tonn. (Bill Stowell/Herald).
Along with familiar faces, this year’s bonspiel featured three youth-aged teams. The Kamloops rink of Colorado Marr, Kieren O’Neil, Ian Poelzer and Ryan Watson had never competed together, but managed to put together a miraculous run en route to winning the B event.
B event winners from Kamloops: Colorado Marr, Kieren O’Neil, Ian Poelzer and Ryan Watson. (Bil Stowell/Herald).
“Boy they were good,” said Montgomery.
The event wouldn’t be a success without the support of local sponsors, added Montgomery. Both Black’s Pharmacy and Boston Pizza sponsored this year’s event.
C event winners from Richmond: Brian Gilmore, Bret Palmer, Rick Beetstra and Darryl Yope. (Bill Stowell/Herald).
“Because they sponsor us, we can have good prizes and a good dinner,” said Montgomery. It is part of the reason the bonspiel remains a popular option for teams across B.C., he added.
All photos by Bill Stowell/Herald.
