Curling’s top athletes to stay in Sask., out-of-province travel not permitted for ‘purpose of sport:’ CurlSask

Saskatchewan’s professional curlers won’t be able to compete outside of the province’s borders this upcoming season.

That’s according to CurlSask executive director Ashley Howard. She told 650 CKOM on Wednesday morning that it has been a challenging time navigating the new normal.

“Our initial interpretation of interprovincial travel meant that no out-of-province teams could come into Saskatchewan,” she explained.

“Recently, we were informed that it actually applies to our Saskatchewan athletes leaving the province as well and that they’re not permitted to travel for the purpose of sport.”

Howard described the news as difficult for the professional curlers, as they now have to adapt their schedules.

She said all sports were given the guidance that sport is not an approved reason for travel.

“We’re all in the same boat together,” she said.

The news does have a positive spinoff for CurlSask. The top rinks will now be able to perform inside the province, even at the grassroots level.

“That will be their pathway to the provincial championship … (They) get a big boost because of this. You have those well-known names, the teams that you see on TV, coming to your clubs and supporting those events,” Howard said. “We’re just very fortunate that we have the opportunity to play our game this year.”

Some of the big names that Howard is referring to include two-time defending provincial women’s champion Robyn Silvernagle and defending men’s provincial champion Matt Dunstone.

Dunstone recently announced the ‘Super Series’ on the men’s circuit for Oct. 15-17. CurlSask is also looking into possibilities of a women’s and mixed doubles extended tours as well.

Silvernagle also shared her thoughts with 650 CKOM Wednesday, saying curlers learned of the news Tuesday night.

“We’ve been preparing ourselves for kind of the worst of not being able to play at all. So knowing that we still get to play in Saskatchewan, we’re OK with that,” she said.

After winning bronze at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts in 2018, and qualifying in 2019, Silvernagle commented on how it feels to not have that date possible in 2020.

“It’s crappy that (the Scotties Tournament of Hearts) may not happen this year, knowing that it hopefully, will be next year and we can have another crack at it,” she said.

When it comes to the grassroots, local level, Silvernagle said it’s a cool feeling.

“(It’s great) to get to just play in Saskatchewan, and support those clubs that have really been supporting us for so long … To actually not have to travel as much is a little bit of a nice break and refreshing, I think, for everybody,” she explained.

Silvernagle’s rink includes three members from Edmonton. Jessie Hunkin, Kristen Streifel and coach Lesley McEwan will get to practise together and will be able to play in Saskatchewan events.

“We’ve given them a really rigid set of guidelines in what they have to do. They have to have the COVID app (and) you have to have a negative COVID test. We’re going bonkers on the protocols just to make sure they’re safe,” Howard said in reference to out-of-province athletes competing in Saskatchewan.

Silvernagle said her rink is planning on playing at the beginning of November, to kick off the season, in Moose Jaw.

The government has also told CurlSask not to use the term “bonspiel” or “events,” but rather to use “mini-league” or “competitions,” according to Howard.