The Gibsons Curling Club played host to its ninth annual master men's bonspiel March 14 to 16 with a full slate of 16 teams (five local and 11 from off-Coast).
As clarification, the term 'master' does not have anything to do with curling expertise - only age - and the main focus is on camaraderie, friendship, sportsmanship, and fun. Curling expertise is nice, but not essential. The format was such that each team played five games with 'seeding' each draw after the first day. The win/loss record, ends won, and points scored -in that order - were used to determine each team's overall position in the bonspiel. Cash prizes were paid to the top three teams in each draw, with a bonus to the overall winning team. In addition, half of the players (two per team) went home with great door prizes thanks to the undying generosity of the local business community.
This year's competition was particularly close as no team won every game, and no team was winless. In fact, the overall winner, the Gorick rink from the North Shore Winter Club and two other winners, were decided by the total number of ends won while total points scored was used to decide the third place finish.
"This is a very popular event, and we have been told repeatedly by visiting teams that it is the most fun and best overall bonspiel in the entire circuit," said co-ordinator Mike Lesik. "St. Patrick's Day is the theme for this event each year. The upstairs lounge was decorated accordingly, and participants were encouraged to wear something green on the final day. There were many strange green outfits worn both on the ice, and to the fantastic banquet held in the lounge. Thanks to the many volunteers who made this event so enjoyable and successful."
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