Members of the host committee for the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship, along with Mayor Greg Dionne (far right). (Rob Mahon/paNOW Staff)

By Rob Mahon

Mixed Curling Nationals

Prince Albert Curling Club to host Canadian Mixed Championships

Oct 26, 2022 | 5:06 PM

Some of the best curlers in Canada will be making their way to Prince Albert in just a few weeks’ time. The city will play host to the Canadian Mixed Curling Championships from Nov. 6-12.

“There’s always the last-minute jitters,” said Pat Bibby, secretary of the host committee. “But it’s getting pretty close and it’s coming together well.”

For the past two winters, curling events around the province and beyond have been at the mercy of pandemic restrictions. This season, however, they’re hoping to be able to host the event in full without worrying about a possible shutdown due to COVID.

“It’s feeling much better (after) having a few events and such cancelled last year,” said Bibby. “It’s nice to be able to do it. Just to be able to have people in the building again is awesome.”

Putting on an event like this will take a lot of volunteer support, and the committee has certainly gotten that. They have 100 dedicated volunteers, and though they have filled all the vital roles, they’re not opposed to the idea of more help if it turns out they need it.

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“We have awesome volunteers in Prince Albert, it’s always been very good,” Bibby said. “We’ve always had a lot of support for our volunteers. I think we’re pretty close (to capacity) but there’s always the last-minute thing or two, so if there’s somebody floating around, they can give me a shout.”

As for the event itself, there will be 14 teams from across the country, including a team from the Swift Current Curling Club representing Saskatchewan. Many of those competing have been involved in other high-level events, so the level of curling should be top-notch.

“A lot of names, some have been here before when we’ve hosted Canadians,” said Bibby. “A lot of names I recognized, so I’ll be excited to see them in the mixed format.”

Bibby added they’ve worked with Curling Canada before and feel they’ve cultivated a good relationship with the organization.

“We feel very fortunate with Curling Canada that we’ve hosted several national events here and they come back to us,” Bibby said. “We’re happy to host them whenever we can.”

Games will be free to attend, and the committee has said they’ll set up bleachers in the rink itself as well as a sheltered seating area.

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rob.mahon@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RobMahonPxP