Keen to try curling this season? All you need, says Cody Bergen of Steinbach Curling Club, is a clean pair of shoes and a willingness to learn.
On Thursday, October 17 and Friday, October 18 from 7pm-9pm the club will be facilitating a free “Learn to Curl Clinic,” with lessons given by Manitoba Curling Hall of Famer Barb Mehling. The registration deadline is Friday, October 11 and participants can register online.
“We welcome anyone who wants to curl to come out and try it,” says Bergen. “It’s a great way to learn about the sport without any obligation.”
As it enters its 76th year of operation, Steinbach Curling Club is also ready to welcome players and teams of all ages and skill sets. There are men’s, women’s and mixed leagues, as well as dedicated leagues for seniors, juniors and stick curling. A Friday night fun league is also popular.
“We have curling programs for absolutely every age group seven-years-old and above,” Bergen explains. “And if you’ve got bad knees or a bad hip or just can’t bend over so well anymore, we’ve got stick curling! It’s a little easier on the body and has become a very popular sport.”
The club will also be hosting stick curling clinics on Friday, November 8 from 10am-11:30am with an advanced clinic from 1pm-3pm. Registration is $10 and can be paid upon arrival at the rink. The leagues themselves, get started in the third week of October.
“We ask that you register for leagues by October 14,” says Bergen, who adds that he especially enjoys watching young curlers on the ice for the first time.
“Seeing first-time curlers come in with our junior coordinators, and watching them learn throughout the season is just awesome,” he says. “They play a number of bonspiels throughout the year, and by the end they notice an incredible difference in their skills.”
Steinbach curlers will also notice the new carpet, paneling and paint in the 1800 sq ft licensed Granite House Lounge on the facility’s upper level. The lounge is a popular viewing area during draws, and it’s become a go-to events venue as well.
“It’s available to rent throughout the year and is great for hosting Christmas parties,” Bergen says. “We’re booking up quick.”
Steinbach Curling Club can be reached by calling (204) 326-3676 or by emailing steinbachcurl@live.ca. Further information regarding leagues, rules, etiquette and bonspiels can be found on its website, and registrations for the Learn to Curl Clinic and various leagues can be completed online.