Edmonton's Laura Walker represented Alberta at the 2021 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Calgary earlier this year, and will be looking to defend her provincial title in January in Grande Prairie (Canadian Press file photo)

By Shane Clausing

Curling

Grande Prairie Curling Centre ecstatic to host 2022 provincial curling championships

Mar 24, 2021 | 5:08 PM

The Grande Prairie Curling Centre says it is ecstatic about being given the opportunity to host two provincial championships in 2022.

“It’s probably going to be one of the biggest major events the curling centre has hosted,” said Collin Griffith, the Executive Director of the Grande Prairie Curling Centre.

The Boston Pizza Cup and Alberta Scotties Tournament of Hearts will decide which men’s and women’s team, respectively, will represent Alberta at the national curling championship (the Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts).

The tournaments are set to take place from January 3 to 9, 2022 at the Downtown Arena and Events Centre. This will be the first time the men’s and women’s championships are hosted in the same city.

“We’ve been working on a bid proposal for the last six weeks or so and working with Curling Alberta. We are elated to be hosting this combined men’s and women’s curling championship,” said Griffith.

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With respect to an outlook for the sport of curling in the province next season, Curling Alberta says it is preparing for a return to play as usual this fall.

However, the provincial governing body will continue to monitor any changes in the COVID environment and the guidance of provincial and local health authorities and adjust as necessary.

Organizing committee chair Ray Mildenberger says after what has been a difficult year for the sport of curling in Canada, he hopes this tournament will help attract new fans and players to the sport.

“We’ve been looking to increase the recognition of the Curling Centre in our community as well in the Peace Region for sure. The biggest thing is we are trying to grow the sport back to some better days. This event is going to give us the exposure that we’re looking for and that’s huge for us.”

Both Mildenberger and Griffith spoke highly of the leadership involved in the bid process.

Griffith feels the City of Grande Prairie won the bid because it has a great reputation for hosting major Curling Alberta events.

“The community has a long and enviable record of having not only a massive fan interest in curling events but also in being an excellent host and having a great volunteer contingent to help stage and host these events.”

In years past, Grande Prairie has hosted the 2006 Ford World Women’s Curling Championship, the 2015 Home Hardware Canada Cup and the 2016 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Griffith tells EverythingGP with the expanded field of players, several hundred volunteers will be needed to help put on the event. Those interested in volunteering are asked to contact the curling centre by calling or on the internet.

Throughout the week of curling, the Grande Prairie Curling Centre is also planning on hosting various events at their facility where curling fans can come together and celebrate the game.

Sportsnet is scheduled to provide broadcast coverage of the semi-finals and finals on January 8th – 9th, 2022.