For the first time in many, many weekends the curling rink saw virtually no action. But there was curling action away from the rink. Wanda Heitt, who curls with the Darlene Gilles rink, and placed well in the women's Scotties tournament of Hearts in Outlook in January, was curling this time in the senior women's provincial play downs. They had a great day Friday. And it looked good for their playoff hopes Saturday. However, in order for them to be in a tie breaker game, two other teams had to lose. Due to 10th end comebacks by both of these teams, Wanda's team's dreams of a playoff berth at the 2011 senior women's provincials were dashed. We are proud of how successful our local teams have been this year, especially those teams that included Heitts. Wanda's husband Glen Heitt also played in the SaskTel Northern Tankard playdowns, as well as playing in senior men's northern play downs. We look forward to more success from them next curling season!
All curling fans in Unity and the province spent the weekend glued to the TV to watch Team Sask. in the Scotties final and remembering fondly the glory days of Sandra Schmirler. And the shouts of joy could be heard around town, and around the province when Amber Holland's Team Saskatchewan pulled out the big win over Team Canada.
The curling rink will now be filled with non stop curling action until season close. This past week the UCHS senior mixed curling team plugged in many practises before they head to provincial championships in Regina March 3 to 5. Starting March 1 the junior district curling play downs were scheduled to be held at the curling club. Hosting boys', girls' and mixed categories, the ice surface was to be buzzing with activity with junior teams from around the district competing for a district championship. The UCHS junior mixed team held the title for the past two years and the school has high hopes for a repeat in this category. Both boys' and girls' teams have excellent chances to finish in the top with their experienced teams as well. However, action was postponed in this competition due to the bad weather that blew in Sunday and Monday so now they won't be complete until some time next week.
This weekend the curling club also plays host to the annual Oilperson's Bonspiel that has attracted a snappy 22 teams, the same as last year. Paradise Road, the same band from last year's bonspiel dance will entertain the crowds Saturday night. Come on down and watch some fantastic curling and free admission to the Saturday dance to go along with this event. And remember, if you aren't watching the action on the five sheets of competition, you can always catch the opening draws of the Brier on the big screen TV in the lounge.
The curling rink action will continue on the March 11 weekend with the annual Ladies' Bonspiel. Immediately following that weekend will be the annual last chance bonspiel sure to draw some big name curlers as it has in the past.
In the hockey rink, the Unity Miners in their second round of provincial play downs against Wynyard, had a tough hill to climb being down 9 - 3 in the first game, forcing them to win this match up by seven goals. They lost game two at home after a battle filled, penalty laden game that included several suspensions. This made it even harder on their chances against a strong Eston team who the Miners met up with in their second round of league playoffs, after knocking off Eatonia. Again, the Miners have a tough hill to climb being down two games when they returned to Eston March 2 in a do or die game
The Unity peewee provincial team is the only team still in provincial play downs and won their second round of playoffs against Kindersley. They now advance to a third round. In league playoffs, the midget A team folded due to lack of a goalie, who had moved to another province. The Bantam AA team is still in their league playoff run. Bantam As were in Rosetown Thursday to continue their league playoff hopes.
Peewees will play host to Macklin in their league playoffs this week. The atom team, coached by Vern Schultz, has lost in their playoff run against Macklin. The team was down only one goal heading to Game 2, but just couldn't quite beat the competition.
The Novice Red team will now face off in the league final playoff series against Wilkie this week. The Unity White Novice Team defeated Luseland in the first round of consolation series and are awaiting Neilburg in the consolation series final.
All of this hockey action could never be possible without the continued dedication of coaches through their many practises and games. These fine gentlemen put in hours away from their homes, work, and regular family times to encourage, teach and coach these kids during their hockey season.
The last minor hockey tournament of the year will be the annual novice tournament, also on the March 5 weekend. Organizers are expecting a six-team round robin format with plenty of prizes to be won and much fun to be had. Unity is known for hosting some of the best kids' hockey tournaments around.
This shows you just how active our community centre is during the winter. You would be hard pressed to be bored during this coming weekend as there are tons of curling and hockey action to be part of. If nothing else, it is a good place to come have a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere that a busy, small town rink has to offer.
March 11 is coming up fast, which means the Unity Skating Club is ready for their annual carnival. Their theme is "Dreams." Coaches are anxious to showcase the talents of skaters right from the smallest Canskaters, who always seem to steal the show, to the successful group of senior skaters. Some of the seniors have been skating with this club and these coaches for more than 10 years. The rink atmosphere is always first to wow the visitor to this annual event. The executive, coaches and skating moms put in many hours fine tuning the routines and costumes so be sure to check out their production.
Away from the rink, the UCHS basketball teams are gearing up for division and conference play downs, which will swing into full gear this week and next. The junior boys have been strong this year and expect to be top contenders in their district quest. The senior boys have struggled a bit but have showed themselves to be faithful and strong in their playoff hopes. The junior girls have had successes this year in both tournament and league play, but are not sure where their district playoff hopes will land them. The senior girls' team has been consistent and have high hopes for being as competitive and fierce as they have been all season.
This weekend Telemiracle 35 will be broadcast from Saskatoon. Who would have believed in 1976 that this pilot project put on by the Kinsmen would raise millions for Saskatchewan people with disabilities, and aid with those needing health treatment outside of the province? All three schools put on annual projects for Telemiracle. St. Peter's will be watching intently as their student, Presli O'Donnell, will be performing at 8:15 a.m. Sunday, and presenting donations on their behalf. Unity Public School held a garage sale March 1 and 2 with all proceeds to go to this worthy cause. UCHS has been holding events each month, hosted by a different grade, to also add to the tally by Unity.
March 7 has been designated by the Chamber of Commerce as "Celebrate Unity" night for all the committees who put on fantastic events throughout 2010, as well as new businesses. The Chamber decided to acknowledge those committees and businesses who helped make 2010 a memorable, event filled and successful year. Guests will be treated to dinner and a comedian, as well as the accolades the chamber will be delivering to them. I look forward to reporting next week on the events of this evening of honour.
A good hearted community group is putting on a fundraiser called MS Liberation Therapy fundraiser featuring Double Vision comedy/magic act. The evening will be held on March 12 and features supper and the entertainment. As well as using this event for a fundraiser, this group, spearheaded by Tim Guth, will be accepting donations for local MS sufferers who are choosing to have liberation therapy in their fight against M
s.
Coffee row has been debating the truth to the ground hog theory as it seems like winter is by no means ready to let go. And with a bout of snow, high winds resulting in poor driving conditions and that never ending nasty cold weather, folks are starting to doubt the groundhog myth. And, with March coming in like a cold hearted lion (well, more cold than lion), conversation was certainly sided both ways as to whether we are going to see spring soon or if we should get used to much more winter. I suppose, though, when the winter debate is through, conversation will quickly turn to flooding concerns either in our area or around the province as this winter certainly brought a larger than predicted snow fall.
Today, as if Unity hasn't had enough excitement in town, a Hollywood actor/producer/director was in our little town. He is filming a production in Provost. Here's a hint. He played third baseman in the movie Major League. I will keep you guessing until next report and give you what details I can.
