Campbell River Blind Curlers Gear Up for Provincial Championship

The Campbell River Blind Curling Club will host the BC Provincial Championship on January 8-9, 2024. Head coach Bruce Laurie expressed enthusiasm for the event, stating, “With only four teams in the province, it is our time to host.” The tournament will take place at the Campbell River Curling Rink, where local competitors hope to leverage their home advantage to secure a spot in the top two teams.

Four teams will participate in the championship: Campbell River, Prince George, Vancouver, and Kelowna. The competition will commence on January 8 at 3 p.m., with subsequent round-robin matches scheduled for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. the following day. The top two teams will earn spots in the upcoming Western Canada Championship later in the year.

Historically, the Campbell River team has faced challenges in the BC Championships but has made significant strides in the past. One year, despite finishing third in the provincial championship, they advanced to the Western Championship held in Winnipeg, stepping in to fill a gap left by teams from Saskatchewan. Since then, they have struggled to surpass the strong performances of Vancouver and Prince George.

Laurie highlighted the camaraderie among the teams, noting that “they are all now friends, and it is like getting a big happy family together.” To support their efforts, the community has rallied around the team, with local business Painters Lodge providing accommodations for the competing teams during the championship. A raffle fundraiser is also planned at the rink next week, showcasing the community’s investment in the success of their local curlers.

As the championship approaches, excitement builds within the club and the wider community. The event not only represents a competitive opportunity but also a chance for local supporters to celebrate the spirit of blind curling in British Columbia.