Top flight curlers on display when Nelson hosts 2016 Canadian Direct Insurance BC Men’s Curling Championships
By The Nelson Daily Sports
The calendar may say August, but organizers of the 2016 Canadian Direct Insurance BC Men’s Curling Championships are already busy preparing to roll out the red carpet for the best curlers in the province.
The Nelson Curling Club was awarded host club for the provincial men’s tournament during the spring.
Organizers have been working with Curl BC to make the 2016 Championship, set for February 10-14, the best of the best.
“For all of those who do not follow or curl, this prestigious event is the forerunner to the Canadian National Men’s Curling Championship . . . also known as the Tim Horton’s Brier, which will be held in Ottawa in March 2016,” said Vivian Benedetti of the Nelson committee.
As the precursor to the Brier, the Canadian Direct Insurance BC Men’s Curling Championship hosts the best 16 men’s teams from throughout the province.
Nelson is no stranger to hosting provincial events.
Twice the Heritage City club has played host to major tournaments — the BC Interior Curling Championships in 1980 and in the mid 1990’s, BC Senior Women’s and Masters Playdowns to name a few.
Nelson is also no stranger to curlers excelling at the provincial and national stage.
The likes of George Beaudry in the Senior’s Division comes into play when people talk about Nelson Curling success, winning the provincial crown in 1987.
There’s also Tara Richardson, at the Junior Curling level, Lois Cutler, who led her Senior Ladies rink to a Bronze Medal.
And then there was the Dean Horning rink, with Nelson’s own Fred Thomson at third, along clubmate Rob Nobert and Don Freschi of Trail who captured the Purple Heart in 2005.
Thomson also skipped Nelson to a pair of Provincial Mixed title in 2003 and 2004 with Heather Griffiths, Brent Pihowich, Allison Hurley.
Back to defend the Canadian Direct Insurance 2015 crown, is Vernon’s Jim Cotter.
Cotter, third Ryan Kuhn, second Tyrel Griffith, lead Rick Sawatsky and coach Pat Ryan defeated Team Joanisse 7-6 in the thrilling final in Vernon.
It was the second win in as many days for Team Cotter, which outlasted Brent Pierce 7-6 in 11 ends.
The week of the February event, teams arrive Tuesday of the event for a practice round and banquet.
Opening draw in the triple-knockout event goes on the Wednesday along with opening ceremonies.
There are three draws per day with the Page Playoffs beginning Saturday.
The Final is slated for the Sunday. Both Page Playoff semi final and Championship contest are being telecasted live on Sportsnet TV.
However, avid curling fans will want to take advantage of the on-ice viewing and curling lounge viewing.
Benedetti said hosting the Canadian Direct Insurance Championship is a huge undertaking for the club.
The event needs many volunteers to ensure the success.
Anyone interested in volunteering should contact Tim Beecham of Garry Meadows at: [email protected] or [email protected].
Business owners looking to provide sponsorship should contact Benedetti or Brenda Fraser at: [email protected]or [email protected].
