Curling may already be in full force in some provinces, and PEI curlers, such as Charlottetown’s Eddie MacKenzie rink, have already been winning cashspiels off-Island, but the season here on PEI is just getting underway, Here is a summary of startup information for the province’s seven dedicated curling clubs (curling also takes place part-time at the Eastern Kings Sportsplex in Souris, and the Belfast Recreation Centre):
Charlottetown
Photo: A sneak peek at the Charlottetown Curling Complex renovations
Icemaking is already underway at the Charlottetown Curling Club, newly rechristened the “Charlottetown Curling Complex”. The facility was renovated over the summer. For curlers wishing to get a head start on their season, or new curlers wishing to give the sport a try before registering, there will be free clinics on Oct 9, 10 and 11. running from 4-6 pm Junior and 6-8 pm (adult) each day. Membership and league signup will take place from October 9-13, with an open house/social evening to unveil the newly renovated facilities also taking place on October 13. Most league play gets underway the week of October 21.
Silver Fox
Refrigeration specialists are currently onsite at the Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club in Summerside, installing a new condenser for the ice plant, with plant startup set for Oct. 4, and ice availability by Oct. 15. The club will be holding three open house nights – Oct. 15, Oct 16, and Oct 18, from 7-9 pm each evening, with on-ice instruction for those wishing to try the sport, or get a refresher, and information available on club membership. Signup sheets for evening leagues are available on the main bulletin board, with mid-October signup deadlines for each draw, and draws beginning at various dates from Oct. 17 through Oct. 25. The club is also hosting an Island-wide Senior league in preparation for provincial Senior events, and for the national Senior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championship, being held March 16-24 at the club.
Crapaud
The Crapaud Community Curling Club, renovated last season, is holding early registration on Oct. 19, with a car rally on Oct. 27, and ice availability the first week of November.
Cornwall
The Cornwall Curling Club was totally rebuilt last season, with a new clubhouse and a new ice plant. Registration for returning members will take place on Oct. 10, with free curling instruction and signup for new members Oct. 15, 16, and 17. Daytime curling is scheduled to begin Oct. 15, with league curling starting Oct. 21.
Montague
The Montague Curling Rink kicks off its season with a BBQ and Registration night on Friday, October 5 at 6:30 pm, followed by its Annual General Meeting on Oct. 19. The ice will be ready in advance of the PEI Brewing Company Fall Classic Atlantic Curling Tour cashspiel, set for the club Oct. 26-28. The annual lobster and ham takeout will take place on November 3, starting at 2 pm.
Western and Maple Leaf
Curling at the Western Community Curling Club in Alberton, and the Maple Leaf Curling Club in O’Leary normally gets underway in mid November.
Visit each facility’s website and/or Facebook page or call or email the respective facility for more details on season startup.