New Champions to Emerge at Vernon Curling Classic This Weekend

URGENT UPDATE: The annual Prestige Hotels and Resorts Women’s and Men’s Classic kicks off today at the Vernon Curling Club, with draws starting at 8:30 a.m. This year, the competition features 23 rinks, and for the first time in recent history, neither of the 2024 champions – Bobae Kang from Korea and Xiao Ming Xu from China – are in the lineup.

The event is set to spotlight 15 men’s teams and 8 women’s squads, all vying for the coveted prize money and the chance to claim the title. The stakes are high as local favorites and international competitors converge in Vernon for this thrilling weekend.

The schedule is packed, with the first draw taking place at 8:30 a.m. today, followed by additional draws at 12:45 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. Saturday’s competition resumes at 8:30 a.m., continuing with draws at 11:30 a.m., 3:45 p.m., and 8 p.m.. Sunday will see playoff rounds at 9 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3 p.m.

Local team, led by Rob Nobert, will kick off their campaign against Jay Wakefield from Maple Ridge at 8:30 a.m.. Nobert’s team includes third Kelly McQuiggan, second Nolan Blaeser, and lead Greg Poggemoeller. The competition also features international talent, such as Wouter Gosgens from the Netherlands, who will take on Cody Tanaka of Kamloops at 12:45 p.m., and Sean Stevinson from Lafayette, Colorado, facing Matthew Blandford of Vancouver at 8:30 a.m.

Among the women, the local rink skipped by Kelsey Powell will compete against Mahra Harris of Victoria at 12:45 p.m.. Powell’s team, featuring third Falon Chretien, second Alyssa Kyllo, and lead Jaelyn Cotter, aims to make a strong impression in front of their home crowd.

This year’s tournament marks a new chapter as teams aim to dethrone the last champions. The last women’s team from B.C. to win the Prestige Classic was led by Corryn Brown in 2022, while the men’s title was claimed by Brent Pierce in 2023.

With draws underway today, curling enthusiasts and local supporters are eager to witness the exciting matchups and potential upsets as teams battle for supremacy. Stay tuned for live updates and results as this thrilling event unfolds!