ESTEVAN -
The 2023 SaskTel Tankard provincial men’s curling championship in Estevan began in fine fashion on Wednesday night with the opening ceremonies.
Members of the local pipes and drums band and Estevan cadets led the way onto the ice for dignitaries, organizing committee members, CurlSask representatives and the teams.
Kyle Whitehead led everyone in singing O Canada, and Tyler McMillen served as the master of ceremonies. There was the acknowledgement of being on Treaty 4 land. Chief Connie Big Eagle from the Ocean Man First Nations welcomed everyone to being on Treaty 4.
Other speakers included Estevan MLA Lori Carr, who also brought greetings on behalf of SaskTel, Estevan Mayor Roy Ludwig, event committee chairman Devon Fornwald, and CurlSask vice-president Helen Fornwald, president Jim Wilson and competition liaison Steve Turner.
Helen Fornwald noted this was the second half of “back to back, rockin’ the hack” in Estevan, as the city just hosted the Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts women’s provincials from Jan. 25-29.
“After an exciting week of women’s curling – and what a week that was – we are excited to welcome all of you to the 2023 SaskTel Tankard,” said Helen.
She noted 532 school students attended last week’s games during the morning draws. Helen recalled that one girl who was about eight years old walked in and asked where the hockey players were.
“Once she left after being with her class, she said ‘I want to be a curler.’ And that’s what it’s all about,” Helen said.
After hosting the Tankard in 2018, she said the Estevan Curling Club knew it could pull off this event, and it’s happening with a team of 190 volunteers who are leaving a lasting legacy of curling in Estevan and Saskatchewan.
“Thank you volunteers for all your support, and what an amazing job you did last week. I’m very proud,” said Helen.
A lot of people made it possible to transform Affinity Place into a curling venue that has exceeded everyone’s expectations, she said.
Wilson applauded the players for reaching this stage.
“It is going to be one heck of a week here in Estevan as we declare the next Brier representative. This week is going to be filled with great shots, huge wins and likely some upsets, but until that last stone is thrown on Sunday, it could be any one of these teams earning the green jacket and representing Saskatchewan at the Brier in London, Ontario,” said Wilson.
Devon Fornwald said Affinity Place is one of the best in Canada for a curling event, and Estevan is proud to have it. He thanked everyone for the time it takes to put on this event.
“Our volunteer base has been noticed across Saskatchewan as one of the best,” said Devon.
Within days, the 1,000 volunteer shifts were 90 per cent filled.
The Bill Kapiczowski rink, which made it to the semifinals of the provincial masters men’s curling event in Estevan last October, delivered the ceremonial opening shot. Joining him on the ice were teammates lead Lawrence Hansen, second Ron Rittaler and third Gary Cheney.
The Tankard will run from Feb. 1-5 at Affinity Place in Estevan.
