Maryfield hosts ManSask Sliding Stars

January 25, 2023, 1:54 pm

Rachel Erickson conducting a curling clinic in Maryfield on January 15.

Sunday, January 15, was the day that the ManSask Sliding Stars Junior Curling made a stop in Maryfield.

This league is made up of young curlers from Brandon, Hamiota, Minnedosa, Miniota, Virden and Maryfield.

Last year Cory Barkley of Virden approached a number of communities to see if there was interest in forming a traveling league for junior curlers.

After a number of towns expressed a desire to become part of the league, the ManSask Sliding Stars Junior Curling program was launched.

A young Maryfield curler happy to get her picture taken with Rachel Erickson.

On the day that the tour stopped in Maryfield, eight teams participated in four end games.

Partway through the day, Maryfield’s own Rachel Erickson led a clinic for the young curlers.

Rachel, who presently curls with Chelsea Carey, has a distinguished Junior Curling resume and it was a privilege to have her take time out of her busy schedule to provide instruction and guidance to the ManSask Junior Curlers.

Cory Barkley deserves a great deal of credit for organizing this league.

Also to be thanked are the communities who are welcoming the curlers and the many volunteers who are ensuring the kids have quality instruction and a successful experience.

Barb Swallow checking on a proper curling delivery.

“The value of this league is that young curlers get the opportunity to play against other curlers,” says Janet Lemon.

“In Maryfield we spend a great deal of time teaching the mechanics of curling and this is very important. We are proud of our many junior curlers who have attained success.

“However we are finding it hard to find other young curlers to play against. In order to learn strategy, the kids need to play against other teams. Playing against teams from other communities increases their knowledge of the game and competitive spirit and this league, organized by Cory, provides that opportunity.”