NEWS PHOTO SEAN ROONEY - Landyn Schnell delivers a rock for his Nalco Champion team at the Oilmen's Bonspiel at the Medicine Hat Curling Club Friday.
It’s hard not to get a little political when talking about this year’s Oilmen’s Bonspiel.
With music playing during the second draw Friday at the Medicine Hat Curling Club, co-chair Trevor Copeland can’t help but note how there’s only 20 teams for this year’s 47th annual event, down from as many as 80 when the oil and gas sector was in it its boom cycle.
“We used to have a lot more teams but because of the impact on the oil and gas industry we’re down to 20 teams this year,” said Copeland. “It was a four-day tournament; we’re down to two days now.
“You know what, we’re not going to give up. We’re going to keep on doing it as long as we can.”
Times might be tough but the bonspiel is a chance to have some fun, get some last competitive games in and then turn out the lights on the local curling season. Once the finals are done Saturday night the ice will melt until the fall.
“It’s nice because we empty the bar, empty the kitchen,” said Copeland. “This is just a good time to share stories, talk about what’s going on in the industry and have a good time.”
While election talk may dominate some conversations, so too will draw weight and crazy in-off double takeouts. Draws Saturday are at noon, 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
