Geraldton Curling Club - junior curling

Junior Curling at the
Geraldton Curling Club

2024-25

JUNIOR CURLING (ages 7+) will be held on Tuesday - 5:30 to 6:30

Contact Dorothy Sutherland for more information - 807-853-0677

See League page for more info.

The Geraldton Curling club offers the youth of Greenstone the opportunity to “Throw Rocks at Houses.” Junior Curling has been available at the present day Geraldton Curling Club since the Winter of 1985. Over the years, the Club has supported junior curling in a variety of ways.

Once a curler's skill level has progressed to a higher level, there may be an opportunity for competitive curling. The club has sent many U18 (formerly Bantam) and U21 (formerly Junior) teams to compete in out of town competitions at the Region and provincial levels. Many of the competitive players also have curled in the adult leagues.

On a less competitive note, funspiels are incorporated into the regular season, and curlers are also encouraged to become involved in the funspiels promoted by the other clubs within Greenstone.

This season there will only be one session from November 11th until March 31st. The Club has brooms, sliders, grippers available for use by the kids. Clean shoes (to be used only for curling) with a good grip are a necessity as is warm clothing. Safety, instruction, skill competition, and games are provided for the players to learn the game of curling.

We also offer the 'Skills Awards' program promoted by Curling Canada. This program allows curlers to compete against themselves to improve their skills, while at the same time earning a badge and certificate in progressive levels. We provide an environment which promotes fun, friendship and respect, all while learning the game of curling.

For more information regarding the Youth Curling Program contact the Junior Curling Chairperson - Dorothy Sutherland.

LOCAL FLAVOUR at the SCOTTIES!

Not many of us get a chance to take part in a Canadian National championship, but a couple of members from the Geraldton Curling club had that dream come true at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts held in Thunder Bay in February 2025.

As part of the Hit/Draw/Tap competition that was run at curling clubs across the country the top five junior curlers in Northwestern Ontario from three different age groups ages

6-12 had the chance to compete on Scotties ice! Dylan Sutherland, son of Dorothy and Dwayne Sutherland had the honour of showcasing his skills and had an incredible time participating in this exciting event, coming away with a gold medal in the 8-9 age group, along with memories that will last a lifetime!

Dylan, as well as Joel Poulin also from Geraldton Curling Club's junior program, had the opportunity to meet and represent the Kaitlyn Lawes team from Manitoba at the Scotties as part of the Future Stars program. Juniors from across Northern Ontario applied and were chosen to meet one of the Scotties' teams, receive an autographed jersey as well as other gifts, be part of the pre-game competition, and get introduced along with their assigned team before one of the draws.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and staff at the Scotties and the Northern Ontario Curling Association who made these events a reality!

If you were watching any of the Scotties games on tv, you may

have seen a familiar local face. Karen Saarimaki was

appointed by Curling Canada to be the Chief Umpire of this

major Season of Champions event. As the Chief Umpire she

was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the competition

as it took place. Karen has worked as an observer, timer,

game umpire and chief umpire at many Northern Ontario

and Canadian championship events over the past two decades,

including as Deputy Chief Umpire as the Scotties in 2022 when

there were no fans in the stands. Other officials from

Northern Ontario who were part of the Scotties Officiating