72 teams from across Canada drawn to Nanaimo for Canadian Stick Curling Championship

Men’s and women’s teams compete on the ice and enjoy dinners and dances at Nanaimo Curling Centre

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Jack Smart, of Martin Purvis/Jack Smart from Alberta, launches a rock down the sheet as Pat Merkel, of Nanaimo Curling Club, keeps and eye on the shot’s progress during morning play against Nanaimo players Ferdie Hobson and Jim Beecroft Thursday, March 30. Play assistants help players with mobility issues by holding wheelchairs stable during shots, retrieving rocks and sweeping. (Chris Bush/News Bulletin)

The 2023 Canadian Stick Curling Championships are happening in Nanaimo this week.

Men’s and women’s teams, 72 in all from across Canada, including a few from Nanaimo, are competing at Nanaimo Curling Centre at 105 Wall Street from Thursday, March 29 to Sunday, April 2.

Stick curling got its start in Nanaimo in 2015. It had a slow start in its inaugural 2015-16 season, according to an article about the game’s beginnings by Nanaimo Curling Club, but the sport gained traction on the ice the following season and started gaining popularity, especially with seniors, across the Island.

This is the first year the national championships have been hosted in Nanaimo.

Action on the ice happens all weekend, with playoffs and closing ceremonies Sunday, but not all activities happen on the ice. Participants, coaches and supporters also get to take part in a meet-and-greet social, a banquet dinner and dances, with live entertainment.