2021 • ANNUAL AWARDS EDITION

Team Tran/Sluchinski Home Hardware Canadian Mixed Doubles Brittany Tran Aaron Sluchinski

Team Hansen, Hinton CONTENTS Club Championship Champions Men 1 2021 Champions and Alberta Glen Hansen, Duane Wright, Third Representatives Shaughn Lalonde, Second Brent Fellows, Lead 1 2021 Award Recipients Cody Ives, Alternate 2 Message from the President Team Steuber, Spruce Grove, Club Championship 2 Message from the Executive Champions, Women Director Tiffany Steuber, Skip Brittany Martin, Third 3 Club of the Year Recipients Jen Person, Second Brittany Zelmer, Lead 4 Curling Community Hero Recipients 2021 Champions Team Helston/Miller U21 Mixed Doubles and alberta Champions 8 President’s Award Lauren Miller representatives Benjamin Helston Team Bottcher Team Walker Rob Helston, Coach Scotties Tournament , Skip of Hearts Team McMullan Darren Moulding, Third Laura Walker, Skip Wheelchair Champions Bradley Thiessen, Second Kate Cameron, Third Mike McMullan, Skip Karrick Martin, Lead Taylor McDonald, Second Warren Fleury, Third PLEASE , Alternate Rachel Brown, Lead Don Kuchelyma, Second LIKE US! , Coach , Alternate Shawna Walsh, Lead Follow Curling Alberta on social Shannon Pynn, Coach Rick Jenkyns, Coach media! If you haven’t yet clicked on our Facebook page or Twitter Account, now is a great time. We 2021 Award recipients post reminders, announcements, celebrations, stories, and photos Clubs of the Year Daryl Huff, Leonard Price, all year round. Click those ‘like’ Shamrock Curling Club Leduc Curling Club Drumheller Curling Club Sylvan Lake Curling Club Jamie Olver, Shawna Walsh, and ‘follow’ buttons on Facebook Banff Curling Club Rocks Wheelchair Curling and Twitter right now! Curling Community Thomas Olver, Association Heroes Banff Curling Club Dennis Graham, Canmore Ron Pelkey, President’s Award Golf and Curling Club Calgary Curling Club Mike Libbus, Okotoks Curling Club MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

2021 was a challenging year and To those being recognized, thank you. our curling clubs, staff, athletes, and Your contributions, passion, and energy volunteers faced adversity unlike towards our sport is appreciated and anything we have encountered in the you shone brightly in an otherwise past. With operations significantly trying time. At a time when we need it disrupted, we had to devise new ways to most, we are honored to celebrate your #keepcurling, despite eventually closing accomplishments and are grateful to have our doors (all the way, if not most of the people like you at the heart of our curling way) during the season. community.

While the upcoming 2021/22 season This year we will welcome the award holds much promise, we remain mindful recipients to enjoy a fun day at the Leduc of the challenges ahead. Golf and Country Club at the Curling Alberta Awards Celebration and Golf Today we are celebrating some of the Tournament, presented by Sentinel bright points from 2021. The people, Storage. We look forward to spending clubs, and special efforts hidden behind time with other curlers from across our the day-to-day obstacles we faced. It was great province, and to moving towards a their leadership, dedication, and ingenuity great year ahead with renewed energy. that helped curlers return to the ice and enjoy the sport we all love. Steven Young President, Curling Alberta

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

As we tentatively emerge from the and abilities return to the ice and embody constraints that have held us back the values that make our sport so great. over the last year and a half, it is a time for celebration and reflection. Despite If we have learned anything this year, the many challenges this past season it is to never put off something that is presented, many positive opportunities important. So today we acknowledge for growth and connection within our and celebrate all the fantastic work we curling communities have emerged. have done, reflect on what gave us the strength to meet each challenge head on, We witnessed a defining moment for and move with renewed purpose towards our sport with the safe and successful next season. hosting of Curling’s Capital series of events in Calgary. The dedication and To the recipients of this year’s Curling commitment of all those behind the Alberta awards, and the people that scenes that allowed athletes to return to nominated them, you are the trailblazers the ice and champions to be crowned. that inspire us and represent the best our sport has to offer. Thank you for In a sense, 2021 has been an age of your extraordinary efforts, tireless heroes, and not necessarily the ones contributions, and passion for the sport wearing capes. From the frontline of curling. healthcare workers, caregivers, parents struggling to work remotely while Take good care over the summer and I educating their children, to the managers, look forward to seeing you back on the volunteers, and staff at our local curling ice this fall. centres, we are grateful for each and every one of them. Countless others Jill Richard rallied together to help curlers of all ages Executive Director, Curling Alberta

2 Curling Alberta | 2021 CLUB OF THE YEAR RECIPIENTS Shamrock Curling Club both the Edmonton & Area Curling Clubs doing something pretty special and CLUB OF THE YEAR (EACC) and Curling Alberta’s own on-ice good here and it reflects well on our mask policies. membership,” said Chris McTavish, General Manager, “There are a lot of “It’s wonderful to receive Throughout the pandemic, the Shamrock recognition for all the hard work people pulling on the same rope and continued to keep their membership people are proud to be part of our we put in. The award is a reflection informed, connected and engaged with community.” of our membership and our online 50/50 raffles, with monthly jackpots community and honours how we surpassing the $6,000 mark. With the With its enthusiastic and vibrant managed our way through these inevitable forced closure for curling clubs membership, the Shamrock Curling Club troubled waters together.” across Alberta, the Shamrock offered their showcases Alberta’s grassroots curling membership the option of a refund or a and community spirit and remains a place It began with twelve people meeting donation of their dues. Their innovative that brings neighbors together and where at Hart’s Drug Store in January 1955, Shamrock Loyalty Card provided life-long connections are made. Curling to discuss forming a curling club. The discounts for the upcoming season and Alberta is pleased to congratulate the Shamrock Curling Club in Edmonton a Shamrock loyalty curling pin, which Shamrock Curling Club as a recipient of officially opened its doors on February 14th, incentivized the donation option. The 2021’s Club of the 1956 and has embraced a strong sense of Shamrock Curling Club received an Year Award. community and comradery ever since. overwhelming $100,000 in During the 2020/21 season, the donations, Shamrock Curling Club raised the bar in reflecting their navigating the challenges presented by true sense of the ever-changing landscape COVID-19 community and presented. At the beginning of the collective strength, season, their robust and detailed return as well as putting to play communication established a level them firmly in the of trust and safety for their membership black to start next to return confidently back to the ice, with season. their registrations reaching 90% capacity. Their on-ice mask wear policy paved “It highlights the the way and provided a framework for fact that we are

Sylvan Lake Curling Club better place is evident today. CLUB OF THE YEAR When Curling Alberta first determined For nearly one hundred years, the Sylvan that the combined Men’s and Women’s Lake Curling Club has been throwing rocks Provincial Championship would not be down the ice, beginning as a two-sheet viable in a large arena due to no fans natural ice rink and only 32 members. and COVID-19, they Since opening their doors in 1928, the looked to smaller club has become a focal point not only communities. After for local curling enthusiasts, but as a reaching out to Sean gathering place for community meetings Durkin from the Town and social functions. Today the club of Sylvan Lake and calls the NexSource Centre home, and Leslie Hill from the provides a world-class curling experience, Sylvan Lake Curling while still maintaining that small-town Club to see if they community vibe. Descendants of the would support this founding members are actively involved in initiative, both the the Sylvan Lake Curling Club and their rich . . . continued on curling history of making their community a next page

Curling Alberta | 2021 . . . continued from previous page “With all of the uncertainty that we group of volunteers and the curling town and curling club eagerly jumped experienced while planning the club. We look forward to working onboard. From that moment forward, their Men’s and Women’s Provincial with them again in the future.” support was unwavering and their efforts Championships during the to create a safe and enjoyable event were pandemic, Sylvan Lake was ready For displaying an outstanding impact on unprecedented. to face every challenge head on their local and broader curling community, Curling Alberta is honored to recognize and pivoted with us in a moment’s To say it takes a village is an and celebrate the Sylvan Lake Curling understatement. In this case, it took notice every step of the way,” said Club as a recipient of 2021’s Club of the a dedicated curling club, a group of Britney Andersen, Competition Year Award. passionate volunteers, steadfast support Coordinator. “We are truly grateful from the town, and countless hours of for the support offered by the Town hard work behind the scenes to bring life of Sylvan Lake, the dedicated to the provincial championships.

Curling Community Hero Recipients

“His motivating inspiration is get into the tough areas of the club. He assuming the lead role in several has been instrumental in rink upgrades events and demands at club. including LED light install, brine line repair When asked to help, I do not and maintenance, speaker and stereo think I have ever heard Dennis install, camera install for end viewing as say no. He takes on enormous well as online. Anything up high, Dennis jobs without hesitation,” said is on it. As the driver for new leagues and players, Dennis always takes the time to Darren. “He is always here for ice encourage and connect personally with install and removal, not just to new players. help but to be involved from start to finish. From the first mist, logo This upcoming November, the Canmore install, or first rock. One phone Golf and Country Club will proudly host call to Dennis and he is down in the 2021 Canadian Mixed Championship. a minute, any time day or night.” It was no surprise that Dennis was first DENNIS GRAHAM to respond and has not only taken on the CURLING COMMUNITY HERO Dennis can be counted on to take chair position but will also serve as Club lead responsibilities during numerous President for the next two years. Curling Community Hero, Dennis bonspiels hosted by the club, including Graham, was nominated by Darren large events like the Qualico Mixed Dennis is that tireless contributor, who Cooke, the General Manager of the Doubles. He works long hours keeps everyone around him focused on Canmore Golf and Curling Club. preparing draws, 50/50 raffles, prize the goal of providing the best quality For over 30 years, Dennis been a organization, food organizing, and curling experience at affordable prices dedicated member of the club, actively even taking his shot helping the for the people of the Canmore Golf involved in both golf and curling. He is ice makers, always determined to and Curling club. Every single day, a valued volunteer and champion in all represent the club with his first-class he demonstrates respect, integrity, areas of the club, and his compelling approach. He has always been there, and commitment to his sport and is commitment shines through his positive, supporting and encouraging recognized as more than just a Curling roles on the Executive and curling players, staff and volunteers. Community Hero. He is a friend to many, committees. It can be said the club is a wonderful person, and an inspiration to better with Dennis and would look a Being a retired Calgary firefighter and all who have the privilege of knowing him. whole a lot different without him. a qualified ice maker, he is eager to

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THANK YOU TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Members of Curling Alberta’s Board On behalf of Alberta’s entire curling Bringing new and diverse skill sets of Directors are the most incredibly community, we express our heartfelt to the Board for the 2021-22 season dedicated group of volunteers. Their gratitude to the 2020-21 Board of will be Gordon Copithorne, Darren leadership, expertise, and overall Directors for the considerable time Naconechny, and Ray Hineman. passion for our sport make them the and energy they have contributed to heart of Curling Alberta, and guided Curling Alberta. Thank you, Steven We wish to sincerely thank our us through a particularly challenging Young, Jodi Meli, Alan Bone, outgoing board members, Curtis season with unprecedented obstacles. Mickey Pendergast, Neil Bratrud, Fairhurst, Jenilee Streatch, and Board service is one of the most Brendan Bottcher, Dawn Gavin, Vern Hafso for their hard work and demanding volunteer roles, and David Heavenor, Jenilee Streatch, dedication to Curling Alberta. They these members have performed Vern Hafso, David Hyatt, and Curtis have dedicated considerable personal with commitment and tenacity. Fairhurst for helping Curling Alberta time and energy and contributed Each member contributed her or his to set the standard of excellence and significantly to our progress and own strengths, and these different evolve as an organization. success. contributions and perspectives considerably strengthened the Board and made a significant impact.

Curling Alberta | 2021 DARYL HUFF CURLING COMMUNITY HERO

Daryl Huff was the heart and soul of the clubs, as they faced the questions of Leduc Curling Club and even prior to the what to do during their reopening plan. creation of this award, was considered a highly-regarded curling community “It was an extremely stressful time hero. He played an integral role in the and Daryl forged through despite club’s success and leadership, helping the concern and pressure placed curlers safely return to the sport they love on him,” said Dawn Gavin, the during the uncertainties presented by the President of the Leduc Curling COVID-19 pandemic. Club. “At every draw, his patience Thanks largely to Daryl’s hard work and to assist players with checking in Each year, the Leduc Curling Club’s ice guidance, Leduc successfully ran a goes in very early and as such, they were and completing the required health summer league and moved into fall league in the unique position of being tasked forms was unwavering. He diligently that saw curling on the ice for 4 months to be the first in Canada to navigate a oversaw an impeccable contract before the province-wide shut down. new reality and new rules for return to tracing list, which was never needed In his nomination of Daryl, Michael Malo, play for the 2020/21 season. Daryl spent as we thankfully didn’t have any a director at the club, said, “His hard countless hours in meetings, laying reported cases. He patrolled the work, dedication to the game and passion out a safe plan and implementing that ice, explaining to players where to for curling cannot be matched. The plan successfully. He stepped out of stand, and how to keep each other amount of stress, tears and hard work to his comfort zone, and was interviewed safe. His attitude was contagious keep curling this year during a pandemic several times by news agencies and and the membership embraced the was unbelievable. I don’t think anyone in curling bloggers throughout the world. opportunity to play, while staying the province has the love or passion for He happily became a resource for other within the current restrictions.” the game like he has.”

JAMIE OLVER AND to late at night, to ensure that there was help even more special, the Olver full coverage for the event. When Alberta brothers are not curlers, but know THOMAS OLVER Health Services restrictions had still not CURLING COMMUNITY HEROS members of the club who have eased a few weeks during the highly always helped them and their family anticipated Banff and Canmore junior The Board of Directors at the Banff out. When other IT persons in the bonspiel, once again Jamie and Thomas Curling Club nominated Curling community were asked to help, rose to the occasion. They agreed to Community Heroes, Jamie and Thomas livestream all the draws which showcased they wished to be paid, but Jamie Olver for their outstanding contribution to the event and allowed for family and and Thomas helped simply to give the club and community this past season. friends to enjoy curling from home or back to their community.” even from the parking lot! As host to the men’s ATB Banff Classic After the challenges of this past year, we in October, the Banff Curling Club aimed “In these uncertain times, these two are fortunate to recognize and celebrate to livestream the event so that Alberta’s individuals such as Jamie and Thomas broader curling community could enjoy individuals stepped up and ensured fans had a chance to see some Olver, who remind us that community the live curling action. Unfortunately, the heroes truly do exist and inspire us great curling and that family and individual who usually managed lives- to work towards making our own treaming was stuck out of country, and friends could support their athletes communities a better place. the club looked to their community for as- while not being able to physically sistance. Jamie and Thomas Olver were fill the stands. The sheer number extremely supportive and not only offered of hours dedicated to the software to do camera work on some of the draws, work and actual programming, they even helped take over the program- producing and camera work was ming and software set-up for the event. significant. They never complained Spanning over three days, the Olver and did a fantastic job,” said brothers worked every single draw of the Steven Young, the President of the ATB Banff Classic, from early morning Banff Curling Club. “To make their

6 Curling Alberta | 2021 draw spreadsheets, working with staff to “As a volunteer no job is too small improve and increase the efficiency and for Ron,” said Rob Lane, board accuracy of the standings system. He also member. “From selling 50/50 modernized the club’s online practice ice tickets to keeping score at the booking system, again leading to a more annual Turkey Shoot, or helping efficient and cost-effective solution. In with door prizes, Ron does his term as president, Ron and the club have faced unprecedented challenges everything possible to make events due to the pandemic, yet through it all, his fun and exciting for our members. pragmatic approach led the board and From the onset of our COVID guided staff through the decisions that protocols, Ron was at our front successfully ensured the financial health door helping members stay safe RON PELKEY of the club. Despite a shortened year, and play within the recommended CURLING COMMUNITY HERO Ron’s leadership, as well as the generosity guidelines. If Ron sees a job that of the membership, helped the Calgary needs to be done, he doesn’t Ron Pelkey was nominated as a Curling Curling Club achieve a balanced budget. hesitate to do it.” Community Hero by his peers on the Board of Directors at the Calgary Curling Club, As an administrator, Ron was instrumental In true hero fashion, Ron was surprised for his contributions as a participant, an in helping the club organize and manage and humbled upon learning of his award. organizer, an administrator, and a volunteer. two separate 50/50 fundraising campaigns. “Like so many other businesses in Alberta, These initiatives directly helped members the Calgary Curling Club has struggled As a participant, Ron curls in multiple understand the importance of fundraising through the pandemic, but we have leagues at multiple clubs in Calgary, efforts, and played a significant part in the been fortunate to have, in addition to our from recreational to semi-competitive, Calgary Curling Club being recognized board and staff, a wonderful group of giving him a unique perspective at as one of the top selling clubs during members in our curling community who the grassroots level of the sport. Ron the 2021 Curling’s Capital event series have generously donated a significant encourages and introduces new players #shareyourlovewiththeclub campaign. portion of their refunded fees to us and to the game, always making them feel Perhaps his most significant contribution are also answering the call with their time, welcome and included. He keeps every as an administrator has not yet been in a voluntary capacity,” said Ron. “From game fun and embodies the spirit of fully realized. The business of curling has where I sit, the road ahead is paved with curling every time he steps on the ice. changed dramatically, and Ron organized uncertainty but I’m confident that together, and hosted a series of workshops that As an organizer, Ron has served on the we will move ahead in this new world with includes input from staff, members, and Board of Directors since 2017 and began strength and determination as we get back directors and will shape how all aspects of his term as President during the 2020/21 to the sport we all love so much. business will be conducted at the Calgary season. Since joining the board, Ron Curling Club going forward. has modernized the evening leagues

Drumheller Curling Club has evolved over base in the rink. Countless hours were a number of years, where he has served spent prepping the surface to get ready on the Board of Directors as President, for flooding. He also assists throughout Past-President and currently as Member the ice-making process, as it is a volunteer at Large. effort at the rink.

Volunteers are at the heart of Drumheller’s “The amount of work he has done curling club and essential to the day-to-day has saved our club so much in operations. Leonard has played several key labor and pain in finding volunteers,” LEONARD PRICE roles, including growing and developing said Lance. “We thank him, but it is the junior program where he generously CURLING COMMUNITY HERO so hard to thank him enough. The gives his time on the ice to inspire and board of the Drumheller Curling Leonard Price of the Drumheller Curling teach the young curlers of tomorrow. Over Club nominated him for this Club was nominated by Lance Farwell as the last few years, he has coordinated and a 2021 Curling Community Hero, but his taken on a lot of the club work himself. award as he exemplifies efforts and contributions go far beyond A key example of his dedication is when what the award is this past season. His involvement with the he led a team to redo the pipes and sand about.”

Curling Alberta | 2021 “Shawna goes above and beyond “Shawna does everything,” said Linda. ensuring that individual members’ “With her strong organizational skills, needs are met so that all wheelchair Shawna is an expert at managing the fine curlers have an opportunity to details of our regular curling practices, participate in the sport.” events and tournaments. She looks after booking all the hotels, makes sure we Nominated by Linda Robinson, Shawna have transportation, and goes above Walsh is the quintessential Curling and beyond to ensure everybody has Community Hero, who works tirelessly to everything they need. Shawna just cares make her club and community a better for everybody.” place. She serves on the board of the Always willing to lend a hand and pitch in Edmonton Rocks Wheelchair Curling for the common good, Shawna continues Association and ensures that individual to spread the positive power of sport members’ needs are met so all wheelchair SHAWNA WALSH and inclusion through her commitment, curlers have the opportunity to participate CURLING COMMUNITY HERO dedication and passion for curling. in the sport. president’s award MIKE LIBBUS As President of Curling Alberta, I had the The President’s Award is an annual privilege of facilitating our Board in making recognition given by the President of many difficult decisions this year. Yet as I Curling Alberta to a member of the contemplated selection of the curling community for outstanding President’s Award, I quickly contribution to the sport. The award is realized this would be the most not about identifying ‘THE’ person best difficult decision I would face, suited, but rather ‘A’ person suited for and one I would have to make this award. There are a number of worthy on my own. individuals, and my hope is that we will recognize all of them eventually. To date, two individuals have received this award; Rene Sonnenberg and Barb Dickson, both true pillars of the curling community and leaders who have inspired us to be better ourselves.

As to what constitutes selection for the President’s Award, I learned some time ago, those people in your organization that you recognize and put on a pedestal, essentially become your organization’s heroes. In other words, they become the face of your organization’s identity and reflect what we as an organization believe our best behavior looks like. Guided by this definition, the task was not just a big deal for myself, but a significant responsibility on the award recipient.

Behavior is how a person acts and exemplifies the values that guide their decision-making. To me, the right selection for the President’s Award would

8 Curling Alberta | 2021 need to reflect the values of Curling Manager at the Okotoks Curling Club. taken every opportunity to dive head-first Alberta. Our values, the core standard Meeting the challenges and obstacles of into major curling events, from assisting of behavior we follow in carrying out our last season’s upheaval with clear focus with the ice at the 2016 Pinty’s Grand business on route to achieving our goals, and a determination is only one such Slam in Okotoks, making ice for the 2018 include Fearless Leadership, Trusted example of how he exhibits this value. Mixed Nationals in China, to co-chairing Professionals, Part of a Community, and During the time when it would have 2020 Alberta Scotties Tournament of Excellence by Design. been easy to take his foot off the gas, Hearts. This past year was no exception, Mike continually brought his energy and as he was at the helm when the Okotoks I am confident you will agree with me that expertise to the table- not only to see his Curling Club hosted the ATB Okotoks this year’s recipient clearly demonstrates own clubs and community through, but Classic and an Alberta Ladies Tour event each of these values. He is unequivocally to also ensure that others, and curling in the fall. Mike and his ice-making crew a leader, is multi-talented, sought after on the whole would weather the storm. were also set to be part of the team at the for his opinions and knowledge, has Navigating the constantly changing combined provincial championships in an unparalleled passion for the sport, landscape, he provided opportunities for Sylvan Lake prior to their cancellation. is honest in every conversation, brings curlers to return to the game in a safe unique perspective, is dedicated to his environment and on some of the best Even in accomplishing all of this, he club, and has a genuine love for his ice in the province. He opened the doors remains ready to tackle new challenges, community. to the Okotoks Curling Club for practice to trying new things, hear others, ice that attracted competitive junior and and even be wrong. He is always looking This year’s recipient is none other than adult teams from across Southern Alberta, for ways to spearhead a new initiative to better curlers, the sport, and his facility, all Mr. Mike Libbus. operated a full line-up of competitive and recreational leagues, and instructed at the the while being connected and engaging Mike’s Fearless Leadership has Okotoks Junior Curling Academy. with the sport’s governing bodies whether always been evident, from his time as a that be SACA in the past or Curling competitor to his current role as General Over the last several years, Mike has continued on next page . . .

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Curling Alberta | 2021 continued from previous page . . . competitive junior teams, and still finds overly emotional. Although I have been Alberta today. And when I say engaging, time to commentate for hours at live- privy to some drawn out ‘Geeeeeeshes’ it might be challenging a rule or policy or streamed events. As an active member of or ‘comeeeee onnnnnnnn’ or my favorite agreeing with a new event or direction. He the Calgary and Area Managers Group, ‘Buuudddyyyyyyy, buuudddyyy, walk with is not afraid to professionally ask the hard he is a compelling curling community me’ amongst his other drawn-out sayings. question or stand behind an unpopular advocate and has a well-rounded decision. Either way he is there to offer understanding of the entire business. Before Curling Alberta, I was on the his support or share his concerns. His Mike is knowledgeable on all topics of SACA competition committee and had knowledge and willingness to always help curling and considerately opinionated to contact Mike regarding a situation he others in the curling community makes when asked. had inquired about. While the details are the name Mike Libbus synonymous with confidential, the best way I can describe outstanding service to the sport of curling. Two qualities Mike possesses particularly the conversation was that when it was stand out. While possessing strong done, he left a positive impression and A Trusted Professional, Mike is highly opinions, he actively listens to other’s had me cheering for him in any future respected in the curling community. His ideas, in fact he invites it, and is receptive situations. Even though he wasn’t reputation has been built over many to changing his mind or parts of his necessarily happy with my answer, he years playing at a high level, managing conclusions if convinced. Second, he was able to rise above to allow for a the Okotoks Curling Club, making ice for maintains a level-headed, calm nature, conversation to take place about what both the High River Curling Club and the and is respectful in his approach and we could do differently in the future. He Oilfields Curling Club in Black Diamond. responses. Even when arguing, I have clearly articulated his thoughts, and after Mike has mentored and coached several never seen Mike raise his voice or get a healthy exchange left it there. We have never spoken about it since, even though we have spoken often. I am sure that to this day, he still doesn’t agree with the decision. But like the trusted professional he is, rather than dwelling on a conflict, THE SOFTEST AND STRONGEST he has moved forward, knowing that both sides have been heard and have actually SUPPORTERS FOR grown in their respect for each other.

Mike is a key part of Alberta’s curling community and involved at many different levels. As someone who is always one of the smartest people in any room he goes into, he doesn’t assume that or position himself that way. While well-connected with the elite curlers, coaches, juniors, and other managers and ice makers around the province, Mike is also fully in-tune with the grassroots club curlers. He knows the name of every single player that walks through the doors of the Okotoks Curling Club and is dedicated to helping curlers of all ages and abilities have the best curling experience possible every time they step on his ice.

Mike’s willingness to share his creativity and well-conceived ideas are a valued asset to our curling community. Skilled at working collaboratively, the people and decisions he is involved in are all the better because of his input and

* presence. Even when making day-to-day ® Tournament of Hearts, Hearts design, Cashmere, and SpongeTowels are registered trademarks of Kruger Products L.P. CANADIAN MADE . TM ® Registered trademarks and TM trademarks of Kruger Products L.P. © 2021 Kruger Products L.P. ®’ SCOTTIES is a trade-mark of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc., used under licence. CANADIAN LOVED. decisions to improve his club, Mike looks towards the larger picture of keeping

10 Curling Alberta | 2021 curling in Alberta healthy and vital. His In all of his efforts, Mike looks to the it between golfer registrations on the golf actions recognize if the sport is healthy, future, not just today. He is always course. General Manager, Ice Technician, developing, and growing in Alberta, he working on the infinite plan while being Advocate, and Coach, Mike is a jack of and his club will share in that success. mindful of the finite plan currently being all trades when it comes to curling. He is executed. When the game changes, the that tireless contributor who continues to ‘The tide rises all ships’. rules alter, or a need is identified, Mike is make extraordinary efforts to advance the right out in front of it, ready to take on the sport of curling and make his community As someone who epitomizes measure new challenges. In this way Mike, you are a better place. twice, cut once, Mike exemplifies a shining example for others. Excellence by Design. He has achieved Outside of curling and golf, Mike’s most many successes, both on the ice and in As a person is not an island, many impactful roles are that of husband and business through building meaningful accomplishments can only occur because father, and being the world’s biggest fan relationships and truly caring for the of a strong supporting cast. I have had of his three children, Sydney, Jacob and well-being of others, by surrounding the privilege of being introduced to many Cooper. On behalf of many people who himself with great people like you, and talented and like-minded people that Mike have benefited from Mike’s passion and by developing his business acumen. The has as part of his support group. It is no energy for curling, I want to thank you, driving force behind many quality events, wonder why Mike has been successful! Carly, Sydney, Jacob and Cooper, for leagues and functions, Mike consistently sharing him with us and letting us enjoy puts forth a significant amount of hard Before the curling season even wraps some of the special qualities that have work and time to ensure he delivers on up, Mike is traveling the province as the moved our sport further ahead. what he promises. Mike simply does it Onsite Tournament Coordinator for the right the first time, and always seeks to PGA of Alberta and helping them better Mike, on behalf of Curling Alberta, I could ensure people leave happy when visiting their sport as well. When late summer not be prouder to present you with the his facilities. arrives and he is preparing to put the ice 2021 President’s Award. Congratulations, back in for curling, he is usually managing BUUUUUUUUDY!

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12 Curling Alberta | 2021 APPROVALAPPROVAL REQUIRED REQUIRED the enclosed proof is sent for your approval. We will not proceed with the job until the proof is returned. the enclosed proof is sent for your approval. We will not proceed with the job until the proof is returned. DO NOT GIVE VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS. CHECK CAREFULLY! BeyondDO NOT this point GIVE we cannot VERBAL accept responsibility INSTRUCTIONS. for any errors. CHECK alterations CAREFULLY! (other than typo- graphicalBeyond this errors) point will we be cannotcharged accept extra. Mark responsibility proof “OK” for or “OKany with errors. corrections” alterations as the (other case than may typo- be,graphical signing errors) your name will sobe wecharged may know extra. that Mark the proof proof “OK” reached or “OK the with proper corrections” authority. as the case may be, signing your name so we may know that the proof reached the proper authority.

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bostonBOSTON pizza is PIZZA a proud IS A partnerPROUD of the PARTNER alberta OF curlingbostonCURLING federationpizza is ALBERTA a proud partner of the alberta curling federation BostonORDER Pizza and the Boston Pizza roundelONLINE are registered trademarks of BostonAT Pizza Royalties BOSTONPIZZA.COM Limited Partnership, used under license. © Boston Pizza International Inc. 2017.

Boston Pizza and the Boston Pizza roundel are registered trademarks of Boston Pizza Royalties Limited Partnership, used under license. © Boston Pizza International Inc. 2020.2017.

NAME: albertaCurlingChampionships_Juvenile_program_ad_deC2014-Bp SizE: 5.5" × 8.5" DATE: deC - 2014 Job No: 14-771 NAME: albertaCurlingChampionships_Juvenile_program_ad_deC2014-Bp iNK: CYA N MAGENTA YELLoW bLACK SizE: 5.5" × 8.5" DATE: deC - 2014 Job No: 14-771 iNK: CYA N MAGENTA YELLoW bLACK