Thirty teams participated in the mixed curling bonspiel of the Cochrane Curling Club over the weekend, wrapping up the club's second season in the Cochrane Curling Centre at the SLS Family Sports Centre.

Morgan Muise rink won the 'A' Event.

The bonspiel follows on the footstep of two other soldout bonspiels, making it the most successful bonspiel season in years, thanks to the new location and a resurgence in the sport. Previous to this the women's bonspiel was capped at 32 teams and men's bonspiel at 36.

"It's been an amazing season," says club managing director Barb Gibson. "Our club has grown again."

Twenty-one teams have been added to the evening league since moving to the new state-of-the-art location at the SLS Family Sports Centre and the day leagues have also grown steadily. The higher profile offered by being part of the family sports centre has helped create a buzz around the sport. Some are adults reviving their interest in the sport while others have decided to give it a try. Being able to watch the game through the glass has also caught the curiosity of passing youth. 

Stephen Utz rink won the 'B' Event.

"It's been incredible to be part of the Spray Lake facility," she says.

Curling is a sport that's inclusive for people of all calibres, physical abilities, is extremely family friendly and affordable.

"You can start curling at 7 and still be playing at 90. That's the beauty of the sport."

Mike Buxton rink won the 'C' event.The club does actually have people at both ends of the age spectrum--their oldest member is 90 and many seven-year-olds have been introduced to the sport and continue to play in the club's junior program that also continues to blossom.

It also helps to have local schools include curling as a sports program, she points out. Sixteen teams participated in the ASAA zone playoffs hosted here jointly by Cochrane High and Bow Valley High School in February and both schools have regular curling sessions. As well, both St. Timothy High School and Cochrane High teams advanced to the ASAA provincials.

Rick Heller rink won the 'D' event.

At 107 years old, the Cochrane Curling Club is the oldest club in Cochrane and she believes its the second oldest curling club in Alberta.

"We're 107 and still growing strong. That's amazing."

While club play doesn't resume until the fall, registration is now open for the 2019-20 season.

"We already have people signing up and we're looking forward to growing even larger."

Mixed Bonspiel Event Winners:

'A' Event Winner: 

Morgan Muise, Gary Hawkes, Sara Gartner and Marc Gustafson

'B' Event Winner: 

Stephen Utz, Cindy Mintenko-Blackman, Ryck Bourgette and Alicia Brooks

'C' Event Winner:

Mike Buxton, Kelly Buxton, Josh Clark and Susan Bannister

'D' Event Winner:

Rick Heller, Marcie Davis, Isaiah Davis, Bette Heller