(File photo/meadowlakeNOW Staff)

By Elliott Knopp

Curling Returning

Ice plant arrival inspiring athletes for return of curling

Jan 21, 2022 | 4:10 PM

Nearly eight months after an unexpected fire devastated the Meadow Lake arena, a local sports organization is close to reopening its doors to the public.

On Friday, the Meadow Lake Curling Club announced on Facebook that the facility became one major step closer to getting things up and running. The ice plant, which creates and maintains the playing surface needed for the sport, is now being installed at the arena.

In an interview with meadowlakeNOW, arena manager Shannon Heddon said the development is exciting for people in the community who have had to travel to other communities or put their interest in hold while the facility was shut down.

“Makwa was fortunate enough to gain some of our curlers so they could continue to curl, but I anticipate them to be able to come back and curl in Meadow Lake, and maybe do both and benefit both clubs,” she said.

“We’ll be happy to be back on the ice and have our curling family back together.”

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Before athletes start polishing their rocks and dusting off their brooms, the facility still has a few items to address before the sport is officially welcomed back into the community’s sports scene.

According to Heddon, the installation of the new plant needs more time to be completed. After a few weeks, the machine and facility will then need to undergo testing and preparations to develop the playing surfaces. Those steps are estimated to take nearly a month or more to ensure everything is up to standard.

The timeframe is only an estimation, and Heddon explained those who are waiting for the return can stay updated through social media.

“With the plant being here when it is, we are still optimistic of getting a full second season in,” she shared.

“We may be running into April a little bit, but we’re going to try to make as long a season as we can for our curlers.”

Heddon wants to move forward with an early season so the organization can try out the new system and work through any kinks they may encounter ahead of fall. This is so operations will be more smooth-sailing in the future.

She is expecting to contact skips from previous seasons to determine their availability for the upcoming run.

The organization is looking for volunteers to assist with the development of the playing surface. Anyone interested is asked to contact the organization by phone at (306) 236-6636.

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elliott.knopp@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @ElliottKnopp