The annual men's bonspiel of the Cochrane Curling Club was another sold-out affair.

Kendall Waiting, of the organizing committee, says it went smoothly and its solid reputation continues to draw curlers from across the Calgary region.

"We've had some great competition and lots of fun, lots of good times out there, and we've received lots of compliments from everybody. It makes me feel good as a member of the organizing committee, as well as our volunteers and the ice staff here at Spray lakes."

Along the 32 teams were two junior rinks, including the rink of Tace Morris from Cochrane High.

Their team used it as part of their preparations for the upcoming ASAA Southcentral zone finals being hosted at the Cochrane Curling Centre, Feb. 7-8.

Morris, 16, and his teams won the zones last year to advance to the provincials.

"It's a bit more of a challenge here, just because these guys have experience, but it sets us up for success in our school tournament."

Curling runs in his family. His grandfather, 71, was the oldest curler at the bonspiel on another team and, while not attending, his father also curls regularly.

group shotUFA delegate Aaron Bezeau (centre) with members of the bonspiel organizing committee. From left, Kendall Waiting, Lorne Werle, Aaron, loyd Copithorne and Mike Buxton.

The UFA continued its tradition of being a major sponsor of Cochrane Curling Club's men's, mixed, women's and junior bonspiel. This year they increased their contribution to $1,600, up from $1,200 in the past.

Aaron Bezeau, Calgary area UFA delegate, who attended part of the bonspiel, says they're proud to be the major sponsor the bonspiels.

"I think it's really important. UFA is always trying to reach out to member of the community and our members, and this is a perfect opportunity to bring those things together."

Kendall says the curling club also appreciates the sponsorship received from numerous local businesses to help add the finishing touches.

The viewing lounge was the place to be in between games and attracted a large crowd. The had a few tables of full of silent auction items plus a draw for some colourful adult beverage containers that are always a hit.

curling loungeSome extremely imaginative adult beverage containers continue to be popular raffle items.
Grant RandellExshaw curler Grant Randell was taking in his first men's bonspiel
in Cochrane and hopes to return.

Event winners:

'A' Event: skip Steve McKey, third Dean Kalmer, second Glenn Ectar, lead Jeff Brockhoff

Runners-up: Slip Colin Ralph, third Scott Komut, second Patrick Jenner, lead Sheldon Eeles

'B' Event: skip Jared Jenkins, second Ben Savage, third Dwayne Romanchuk, lead Mike McIntyre

Runners-up: skip Ken Weisner, third Brian Milne, second Rob Zampa, lead Perry Ruzicka

'C' Event: skip Rob Johnson, third Robert Genoway, second Tim Krassmar

Runners-up: skip Joey Farmer, third Trevor Nociar, second Randy Palaniuk, lead Kyle Nociar

Upcoming bonspiels

We're getting deep into Cochrane Curling Club's bonspiel season. Mixed Doubles teams take to the ice this weekend, Jan. 27-28, the ladies bonspiel is Feb. 9 to 11, mixed bonspiel Mar. 25-27, and sterling, Mar. 2.

The curling centre is also hosting the ASAA southcentral zone high school championship, Feb. 7-8, and the Alberta 55+ Provincial Championships, Feb. 22 - 25.