2017 was a busy year down at the Estevan Curling Club, as the attention of the province frequently turned to the local sheets, or representatives of that ice competed in major scale events.

February saw the Brent Gedak rink head to Tisdale for the 2017 Tankard with good results. The U18 Team Kraemer came in fourth in provincials, while the mixed Wade St. Onge team made it to their provincials as well. The Club hosted the Travelers Provincials, with locals Gedak, St. Onge, Ryan Hanson and James Gordon representing coming out tops and proceeding to Kingston, where they donned the banner of Team Sask for the nationals.

"I was so pleased, we had so much success in our competitive and recreational leagues. Coming into the fall, we hosted the Newcomer's Clinic again, which we were excited and happy to do. We also have a strong youth program. We had a SaskCurl tour here, and we also had the ladies' Last Chance for the Scotties for CurlSask," said Club President Pauline Ziehl-Grimsrude, adding that the public and community support has been fantastic.

The numbers, when it comes to involvement have been steady, for the group. However, she noted that interest in the sport is growing in Estevan, and several events in the new year will be held to help foster an increase in participation.

Of course, the 2018 Sasktel Tankard is the highlight and the special baby for Ziehl-Grimsrude and the Club, and it approaches quickly, as it takes place from January 31st to February 4th.

"The Club is really excited, and the membership has really stepped up. We are getting close to the number of volunteers that we've asked for, but we're still taking people. Our officials clinic was a huge success, our sponsorship committee is really pleased with the support we've received from the community, and we're really excited," the President shared.

She added that they will be engaging Estevan's youth in the large scale event as well, with the Junior Stars program, participating in the opening ceremonies, and a hit-draw-tap competition in conjunction with CurlSask. 

"It's also exciting to have a team from our Club representing us. It's going to be a really fun week of curling, and want everybody to come out and enjoy it with us."

She noted that Team Gedak, the local reps for the Tankard, have had a long record of showing well for Estevan and will have a great opportunity for some high caliber curling in from of a home crowd.

On the ladies side, Kristy Johnson is a member of Team Chisolm, who will be heading to the provincial Scotties Tournament of Hearts in January.

"The local people represent the sport so well. We're just really pleased, and wish them nothing but luck," Ziehl-Grimsrude expressed.

Following the Tankard will come several other curling activities. Among these will be the Club's traditional Youth Spiel, Corporate Spiel and the OTS Bonspiel.