When the world men’s curling championship came to Moncton two years ago, it was no surprise that Ellery Robichaud stepped up to serve as a volunteer.

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Photo: Moncton’s Ellery Robichaud, head coach of the Czech Republic men’s curling team, shares a laugh with his players at Curling Beausejour this week. The Czech Republic team from left: Jindrich Kitzeberger, Jakub Bares, Martin Snitil, Marek Vydra and Jiri Snitil. Robichaud and his team are headed to the world men’s curling championship, which begins Saturday in Regina.

Robichaud is a long-time curling enthusiast in the city. He’s a veteran coach and manager of Moncton’s Curling Beausejour Inc.

But Robichaud had no idea then that his volunteer work would lead to a much bigger role at this year’s world championship, which begins Saturday in Regina.

Robichaud’s task in Moncton was to serve as the driver for the Czech Republic team. Robichaud, who had coached his daughter, Sylvie, to a New Brunswick women’s title and a trip to the Scotties Tournament of Hearts national championship the previous year, and the Czech team talked curling much of the week as they drove around the city.

The team liked what it heard and it wasn’t long before the players reached out to Robichaud to coach their squad.

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