Crowsnest Pass Curling members out on the ice during a match. The Shamrock Funspiel is the next big event for the organization. Devin Brady Photo.
Devin Brady
Mar 8, 2023
The Crowsnest Pass Curling league is searching for younger players to pick up the sport.
For 43 years Flora and Jim Griffiths have been curling at the Crowsnest Pass Sports Complex. The building first opened in 1979 and in 1980 it saw the first curling teams enter its doors. Since then it has seen many faces come and go. Thursday afternoons at 1 p.m. is when the seniors league convene for a couple of hours of activity followed by snacks, a hot beverage and a 50/50 raffle. This league is the heart of the Crowsnest Pass curling club, but Jim and Flora are hoping to attract a younger crowd and help boost the sport’s popularity in the community.
The ice is open four days of the week for the different leagues to meet and play. Monday at 6:30 p.m. is family curling, Tuesday at 7 p.m. is open for anyone to drop-in and learn from the years of experience in the arena. Thursday sees the seniors league at 1 p.m. and the mixed league at 7 p.m. New this year is ‘sturling’ on Sunday afternoons at 1 p.m., a fast-paced game with teams of two instead of four with each person throwing 36 rocks.
“Curling is hurting overall in Alberta,” said Jim after an afternoon on the ice when talking about wanting to induct more youth into the sport, “Parents are the driving force, without them there are no kids. Once they come out though, they like it.”
On March 11 you can join in the fun at the Shamrock Funspiel where all are welcome. If you do go, pack a delicious lunch for the lunch swap. If you have the most attractive lunch box, you just may win a prize according to Flora. However, the biggest event they have every year is the Bunny Bonspiel at Easter to end the season with a bang.