Because the curling rink was unusually idle this weekend, many of you had a chance to catch Amber Holland in her opening draws at world women's curling competition.
And because many are sad to see the curling action leave for the season there is a Fun Spiel on the March 26 weekend. Each team must have at least one senior or one junior player. In the 21 weeks since October that the rink has been open, there were only 10 weekends the curling rink was idle.
Hockey action has lots of excitement still to go. Local girls Jensen Chorney, Brennae Hofman, Samantha David now play Estevan in the provincial peewee A girls' final. They lost their first game in Estevan by only one goal and returned to Dodsland to play game 2 Thursday.
The local peewees played the league B final March 16 in Macklin and were up 4 - 2 in a two-game total-point series. They won this consolation side 8 to 4. The local peewee provincial team has advanced to the provincial final against Prairie Storm. Their first action was Friday night in Unity with the results being a big win. Their next game in this final series is this week. The local bantam A team won their series and advanced to the league final against Kyle with their games being held away March 19 and at home March 20. They scored a 6-3 win in Kyle. Justin Gerein had a fantastic game with four of the goals. The return game was at home and did not disappoint. The bantams came away Highway 14 league champions.
Other local girls playing hockey yet are Kelsey Wildeman, Sydney David and Heather Wood. These gals play for the West Central Wheat Kings Midget AA team based out of Kindersley. They came in first in their league and are still playing in league playoffs. They are also still in provincials. They got past East Central, Saskatoon and Biggar to advance to the provincial championship. Their league record was an impressive 20-3-1.
Unity was voted into another series of finalists being named top six for best rink burgers in Saskatchewan. March 19, Cory Wolfe of the StarPhoenix, as well as Rory MacLean, travelled to Unity to find out what is so special about our rink burger. Was it the atmosphere that complimented its flavour? Was it the on ice action that gave it some spice? Or was it the hands that prepared it? Tune in to either April 2 edition of the StarPhoenix for the results, or this correspondent's article to find out.
The last event at the hockey rink takes place this weekend with the annual Canucks recreational hockey tournament. This tournament has spanned 20 years and has always been hosted by the Canucks. Although it has toned down from its former glory of an event spanning three days and including a dance, it has never lacked entrants or spectators. The Canucks have also used funds from this tournament to sponsor things in the community such as the shack used at the outdoor arena for lacing up, or helping to sponsor minor hockey jerseys, or minor ball jerseys.
Many folks have asked me what I am possibly going to write about when the curling and hockey seasons are officially over. However, I need not look far as even though the ball diamonds won't be seeing action quite yet, there are teams doing light practise indoors as they itch for ball season to begin. Unity minor ball is fortunate to have strong leadership on their executive, as well as consecutive years of success that have helped foster ball fever in town. So it won't be long before the crack of the bats can be heard again at our local diamonds.
The UCHS basketball senior teams, both boys' and girls', moved from their victories at conference play downs to regional play downs for their chance to advance to provincial championships. The senior girls travelled to Clavet but unfortunately played their first game against top seeded Clavet and they came up short. They also had a tough second match and could not come up with a win. The senior boys travelled to regionals with high hopes as well, but they too did not advance.
The credit union held their annual meeting March 22. The credit union is happy with the continued success they are showing. The credit union is also a huge supporter of local activity both financially and with volunteer help provided by their staff.
The Unity Ministerial Association continues their annual Lenten lunches this weekend and they will run throughout the Lenten season. The various churches around town take turns hosting these Wednesday lunches and provide food, worship and fellowship for those who choose to attend.
Unity lost a great community member last week with the passing of Gary DeRoo. We will all miss the smile in his eyes and that mischievous grin. Gary was involved throughout the community, but one of his more notable accomplishments was his mentoring of youth coaches, as well as assisting with Special Olympic curling program in Unity. The curlers he worked with adored him and eagerly anticipated his arrival each week. I know a young gal whom he mentored, as she volunteered for this program, and she says on a social networking site that Gary "taught her patience, acceptance, compassion and likes to give everyone something to believe in." His presence will be missed in many venues in Unity. His contribution to the community and those who resided in it will never be forgotten. Thoughts and prayers are passed on to his wife and family.
Coffee row is certainly full of a lot more smiles now that spring seems imminent. These round table discussions at our various coffee shops around town usually have similar topics to discuss and often result in similar conclusions. I know I appreciate the hearty laughter that comes from these groups. And whether you agree with their discussion or not, one can appreciate the wisdom these groups hold, the humour that they can deliver, the invitation to join in the conversation and the freedom to voice their opinion without consequence. This is one of the aspects that makes small town living enjoyable, inviting and maybe sometimes predictable, yet always comfortable.
So, again, you can see we keep busy in Unity with activities and wisdom from our friends on coffee row. Until next week
