On Saturday, February 4, Elmira hosted our annual Elmira Junior Bonspiel. This year, for the first time, we transformed the bonspiel into a U15 event to provide an opportunity for younger teams to get in some games, and some instruction, before the inaugural OCA U15 qualifiers take place February 11-12. In addition to two games, these young athletes and their coaches participated in a 2.5 hour clinic, where they were introduced to nutrition, brushing technique, strategy, and delivery setup fundamentals. Assisting with the instruction were Marc Bernard, coach of the varsity women at Wilfrid Laurier; Byron Scott, head coach at the University of Guelph; Amy Ballantyne, a nutrition consultant from Waterloo; Alison Poluck, who throws second stones for Elmira-based Team Emma McKenzie; and Jason Rice, a Learning Facilitator with the OCA and the former women’s coach at both Guelph and Wilfrid Laurier.
Congratulations to winners Team Prenevost from Oakville, with runners-up Team Fraser and third place finishers Team Henry from Elmira.
Many thanks to our ice technician Rob Shaw, along with the many volunteers who put on the lunch for all the athletes and their coaches. My appreciation to Marc who, along with myself, acted as a mentor coach to teams during the entire day.
