​LOCAL FLAVOUR at the SCOTTIES!

Not many of us get a chance to take part in a Canadian National championship, but a couple of members from the Geraldton Curling club had that dream come true at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts held in Thunder Bay in February 2025.

As part of the Hit/Draw/Tap competition that was run at  curling clubs across the country the top five junior curlers in Northwestern Ontario from three different age groups ages

6-12 had the chance to compete on Scotties ice!  Dylan Sutherland, son of Dorothy and Dwayne Sutherland had the honour of showcasing his skills and had an incredible time participating in this exciting event, coming away with a gold medal in the 8-9 age group, along with memories that will last a lifetime!

Dylan, as well as Joel Poulin also from Geraldton Curling Club's junior program, had the opportunity to meet and represent the Kaitlyn Lawes team from Manitoba at the Scotties as part of the Future Stars program.  Juniors from across Northern Ontario applied and were chosen to meet one of the Scotties' teams, receive an autographed jersey as well as other gifts, be part of the pre-game competition, and get introduced along with their assigned team before one of the draws.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and staff at the Scotties and the Northern Ontario Curling Association who made these events a reality!

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

 

 

If you were watching any of the Scotties games on tv, you may

have seen a familiar local face.  Karen Saarimaki was

appointed by Curling Canada to be  the Chief Umpire of this

major Season of Champions event.  As the Chief Umpire she

was responsible for  overseeing all aspects of the competition

as it took  place.  Karen has worked as an observer, timer,

game umpire and chief umpire at many Northern Ontario

and Canadian championship events over the past two decades,

including as Deputy Chief Umpire as the Scotties in 2022 when

there were no fans in the stands.  Other officials from

Northern Ontario who were part of the Scotties Officiating

crew were Kim Beaudry (Fort Frances), Marion Clark (Port Arthur)

and Claude Peloquin (North Bay).  

In addition Ed Hoffman from Longlac, his son Walt who now

resides in Thunder Bay, and Scott Adams  from Terrace Bay all

worked as part of the ice crew  under the leadership of Tom

Leonard from Sudbury  and Brent Adamson from Thunder Bay,

gaining a lot  of knowledge to take back to their clubs.

If you or your child would like to try curling consider signing up

for Geraldton Curling Club's family or open bonspiels, or signing

up a team for the 2025/26 season  in the fall!  Check out information

on this website, or on our Facebook page.

​