It was a mixture of camaraderie and friendly competition among curlers at the Silver Fox Entertainment Complex in Summerside over the weekend.
Men, women, junior and mixed teams flocked to the ice from across the province for the annual Island Petroleum cashspiel, in a bid to sweep up a grand prize.
“There are 16 teams participating from around the Island while planning to get ready for their provincial championships that will be early in the New Year,” said Jonathan Greenan, a member of the Darren Higgins rink.
Michael Spencer, left, and Jonathan Greenan prepare to sweep a shot released by Terry Arsenault during the Island Petroleum cashspiel in Summerside over the weekend. – Desiree Anstey
He added: “I’ve known my teammates for the better part of 30-plus years. Three of us played competitively as juniors and then one newcomer has been with us for five years. We’ve all had different curling backgrounds.”
Curling is a sport that requires physical, social and strategic skill.
“It’s a great way to get out and be active, and curling is a lot more athletic and competitive than people realize. Certainly, a lot of people who curl have grown up with this in their background that’s how I got involved. My parents use to curl with their teacher’s league,” said Greenan.