More than 60 sturlers will be invading the Innisfail Curling Club ice this week for the return of the Sturling Bonspiel.
Sturling is a variation on curling that involves teams of two who play six ends with six stones, where sweeping is allowed only from the hog line to the back of the house at the playing end. Curlers can either use the stick, or slide out of the hack to deliver the stone.
“The game is very interesting,” said Larry Nelson, curling club board member, who noted it has been about three years since the bonspiel has been played in Innisfail. “Sturling is a quick game that keeps everyone interested.”
The sturling spiel will run on Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 32 teams are expected to be part of the action.
“The Turkey Shoot will go on Friday, December 12,” said Nelson. “Teams of six shoot for the button and get points for their accuracy. The winning teams and curlers used to get turkeys, but now we just give them certificates. It's a lot of fun and meant for families to get together and enjoy an evening.”
The executive added there are three major events scheduled for 2014, including a new recreational curling league tentatively slotted for a Dec. 19 start date.
“We are planning to have our new rec league start on Friday nights for non-members and members of the curling club,” said Nelson. “There will be a two-tier cost to the weekly event, which will include usage of the clubroom for cards, shuffleboard or just visiting.”
Brent Asham, curling club icemaker, noted the club would be hosting the Men's Open Bonspiel on December 5 to 7, which he added is always a good draw.
“In addition to our league, we are looking to rent the clubroom and ice out to other organizations as well as have our sponsors recognized in the house to generate a little income for the club,” said Asham. “The room will hold up to 160 people for meetings and Christmas parties.”
Nelson said the club's first bonspiel in 2015 is the annual farmers/farmerettes event in January.
“The farmers/farmerettes is the biggest bonspiel the club hosts and attracts curlers from Central Alberta and beyond,” said Nelson.
For more information on the curling club call 403-227-3079 or go to innisfailcurling.com. Information on sturling can be found at www.sturling.net.
