The Airdrie Curling Club hosted its 13th annual McKee Homes Fall Curling Classic this past long weekend, and drew a full slate of 16 teams, several with international ties.
After a few years where the event catered more to domestic teams in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Classic was a return to form with four international teams competing for a piece of the $12,100 purse up for grabs.
There were two teams from China, one team from Japan and one team from New Zealand competing alongside Alberta teams seeking to gain valuable points for the Alberta Curling Tour.
Top prize was $3,200. It was won by the Fei Rink from China. The Parent Rink from Calgary won $2,100. Calgary's Adams Rink and Edmonton's Jacques Rink tied for third place, winning $1,600 each.
Airdrie Curling Club manager Don DeLair said the annual tournament was well-supported again this year by fans and rinks alike, and it was always exciting to see international teams in action.
“We have got a really good ice surface that is well known for that,” he said. “And with our sponsor, McKee Homes, obviously the prize money is there for this tier of competition.”
DeLair said these international teams often come to Airdrie because they simply can’t get the same level of competition back in their home countries.
“A lot of these international teams are just travelling to get experience, and a lot of local Alberta teams want to play some international competition, other than the same people they see every other weekend at a bonspiel,” he explained.
DeLair said 16 rinks entered this year’s Fall Curling Classic, which is a perfect number for the Airdrie Curling Club’s eight sheets.
“Sixteen teams and eight sheets– every draw is full so it works perfect for us,” he said.
DeLair was grateful to McKee Homes and his volunteers who helped put on a great internationally recognized bonspiel in Airdrie again this year.
“We just really want to thank McKee Homes for the sponsorship,” he stated. “Without them, and our volunteers, these kinds of events just don’t run.”
Editor's Note: This story has been updated from a previous version of the story which contained the wrong tournament results, and has now been corrected.
