A team from the Arnprior Curling Club attended the 109th annual edition of the prestigious Quebec City International Bonspiel, held January 20-24th in the provincial capital.
64 teams from across North America and Western Europe participated in two divisions, with the Arnprior contingent winning the event’s “B” side with an unblemished record.
Lead, Omer Gagne; Second, Jeff Crawford; Vice, Keith Bucholtz; and Skip, Jamie Dewar represented the local community following their six hour drive.
Curlers stay at the Chateau Frontenac while in the Quebec capital, and participants were bussed to the various venues (perhaps from one of several hotel hospitality suites) an hour before the start of each game.
The silver medal showing was the second best performance for an Arnprior Curling Club foursome; local competitors won the grand aggregate at the event’s 100th bonspiel almost a decade ago (2013).
Formats have changed since 2013. In the last two years, competitions have included women’s, men’s and mixed squads, as the Quebec City International continues to broaden its appeal.
The Antrim Truck Stop supported local members with uniforms and expenses to attend the event.
By Rick Stow