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P.A. curling community prepares for Scotties Tournament

Nov 5, 2015 | 5:58 AM

Now that the location has been announced, a committee is starting to prepare for the 2016 Viterra Scotties Tournament of Hearts Provincials.

Bryan Rindal, co-chair of the event, said because of their success hosting both the 2015 SaskTel Men’s Northern Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and the 2015 Viterra Northern Women’s Playdown, CURLSASK picked the city for provincials.

They’ve put together committees to prepare for the tournament, which will run from Jan. 27 to Jan. 31, 2016.

In total, there will be 12 teams competing, most who have been touring. Four teams from World Curl will qualify along with four from CURLSASK and four from a last chance qualifier.

For the event, there will be two pools of six teams, making up Pool A and Pool B which will each have a round robin competition. The top two teams from each pool will go into the playoffs.

“We will determine a provincial winner who will go on to represent Saskatchewan in Grand Prairie (Alta.) at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts,” said Rindal.

The event in Grand Prairie is set for the week of Feb. 20-28

In order to host more events, the Golf & Curling Club recently installed new lighting, which Rindal said is four times brighter than what they had before. They also put in end-to-end sheets, both upgrades Ridal describes as more energy efficient.

Spectators can enjoy Provincials at a cost of $75 for a week-long pass, or $20 for a day.

The Golf & Curling Club will host a luncheon on Thursday, Jan. 28, featuring comedian Kelly Taylor, with an entrance fee of $25.

Rindal said they’re currently looking for businesses who may want to sponsor the tournament.

 

–With files from Don Mitchell.

news@panow.com

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