The curling season came to a close in Boyle on the weekend with the annual Mixed Bonspiel.
The event served as one last chance for local curlers to throw some rocks before the ice comes out at the Millview Recreation Complex. As it was Easter weekend, the bonspiel wasnít as busy as it was in previous years, but the 14 teams that did take part all enjoyed a great weekend according to Boyle Curling Club executive Candy Nikipelo.
ìItís been very good. The finals have all been very competitive,î she noted as the championship games wound down.
The bonspiel served as a meeting ground for veteran curlers and those just starting out with the game.
ìThereís definitely a wide range of skill at a mixed bonspiel,î said Nikipelo.
Held Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the bonspiel kept the local arena hopping, but curlers took a break on Friday night for a dance to celebrate the event and the season.
Former club president Les Botten was pleased with the outcome of both the bonspiel and the season.
ìAll our events went off well,î he said.
When all the rocks had been thrown, the ëAí championship (sponsored by Boyle Value Drug Mart) went to the team of Travis and Wanda Semashkewich, Derrek Sheen and Fallon Brassard.
ìIt felt good,î said Travis of winning the ëAí event.
The ëBí championship (sponsored by Dwayne Szmyrko Construction) was won by the team of Renee and Kevin Szmyrko and Jen and Jason Marcoux. Don Shapka Trucking sponsored the ëCí championship, won by Kelly and Chad Knippel and Lorraine and Larry Zayezierski.
The rocks and brooms have been put away, but the curlers are already looking forward to the new season that will get underway in October.
ìWe hope to get some new curlers out next year (and) pique some interest in curling again,î said Nikipelo.
