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Curling fans from across Saskatchewan gather for the Provincial Championships. This year's event is a unique spectacle, combining both men's and women's competitions, a change that has drawn excitement and big crowds.
Among the many fans is 74-year-old Curt Orth, who travelled from Langenburg, Sask., to cheer on his hometown favourites, Team Thomas. Orth’s passion for curling runs deep—he’s been involved in the sport since the age of eight.
“Well, basically just for the curling,” Orth said when asked why he made the trip. “But seeing as how we have a team lined up which is our hometown, we’ll be cheering for them. Tyler Hartung is from Langenburg, and the gentleman playing second is from just outside the area.”
Orth shared that Tyler Hartung has curling in his blood. “Tyler has curled with his brother in playdowns, and they’ve curled with their dad before. He’s got a lot of experience.”
The combined men’s and women’s championships are a highlight for Orth, who believes it will enhance the fan experience.
“I think it should draw bigger crowds,” he said. “You’ve got full days of curling—probably 16 games a day. It’s pretty exciting.”
Orth’s love for curling is evident not just in his words but in his actions. He still curls twice a week, participates in bonspiels, and logs an impressive 100 games a year. As the president of the senior curling club in Langenburg, he’s a key figure in his local curling community. His curling journey began in the country school days where he spent days curling in the village of Marchwell.
The Provincial Championships are not only a celebration of the sport but also a showcase of Saskatchewan’s curling talent. With players like Team Thomas inspiring cheers from fans like Orth, the event promises to be a memorable one.
For Orth, the trip to Kindersley is another opportunity to enjoy a sport that has shaped much of his life. “It’s great to see this level of curling right here in our province,” he said.