Article written by Colin Powers

Some of the biggest names in men’s curling will be on display at the Swift Current Curling Club for the IG Wealth Management Western Showdown over the Thanksgiving weekend. 

Swift Current is no stranger to hosting world-class curling events, welcoming the World Women’s Curling Championship twice as well as a number of provincial championships, but this event will be the first time in recent memory that some of the top men’s curling teams in the world will be playing here, with the lineup boasting former and current Tankard and Brier champions and a former Olympic gold medalist. 

“Swift Current has put on unreal curling events and this community really rallies together to put on curling events on a world-class level,” said Chris Haichert, General Manager of the Swift Current Curling Club. “This Western Showdown we’re hosting will be no different with Brendan Bottcher, Kevin Koe, Brad Jacobs, Matt Dunstone... the list goes on and on, and we’re going to be in for a treat to have this top talent playing here in Swift Current right here in our own curling club.” 

The 24-team triple-knockout event will also feature some local competitors, including teams skipped by Cody Mitchell, Ryan Deis and Shaun Meachem. 

“I would love to see our city rally behind these boys and come cheer them on,” Haichert said. “They're willing to go up against the best to test their talents and we definitely want to root for them.” 

The event will be held in the curling arena at the Innovation Credit Union iplex with seating available in the lounge, the lobby and on the ice surface, and Haichert reminds fans that COVID-19 protocols will be in effect. 

“You have to show proof of vaccination and wear masks while you’re indoors,” he said. “We’re going to do your best to keep this facility sanitized, clean and keep everyone safe and healthy while they’re in the building.” 

The opening draw will be at 8:00am on Friday morning, and curling will continue right through to holiday Monday, where an eight-team single knockout tournament will determine the champion. Tickets are $10 per draw and will be available only at the door, and the games will also be live-streamed on the CurlingZone YouTube Channel.