The Howe Sound Curling Club is in full swing halfway through its 2005/2006 season, and curling fans can get check out the local talents during this weekend's Men's Beef and Barrel Bonspiel, Friday to Sunday (Jan. 6 to 8).
The men's and women's curling programs at Howe Sound started the New Year this week with Phyllis Marshal's team at the top of the women's standings and Neil Edward's team topping the men's standings.
Edward's team is a favourite going into the bonspiel as is Pietila's team, currently in 2nd spot, "but the field is wide open" for any team to take the bonspiel, according to Hal Hughson, bonspiel organizer and skip for team Hughson, currently in 10th place.
Fourteen teams head into the weekend looking to defeat defending champion and former resident Darryl Simon's rink out of North Vancouver. Men have been throwing rocks at Howe Sound since 1964, and this year marks the club's 32nd annual event.
The Beef and Barrel Bonspiel will be held at the Howe Sound Curling Club sheets of ice above the Squamish Valley Golf and Country Club.
The tournament starts rocking at 6:45 p.m. Friday (Jan. 6) with the finals slated for 1 p.m. Sunday (Jan. 8).
The Howe Sound Curling Club operates four sheets of ice supported by a full clubhouse from the months of October through March with leagues for men, women, mixed and seniors as well as a Charity League on Monday's for first timers. A new schools program also operates on Wednesday's from 3:15 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. for eight weeks starting Jan. 11.
