Close to 160 men are competing in the 84th annual Shirtsleeve Curling Tournament at the Lethbridge Curling Club, February 2-5, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Lethbridge Curling Club hosts 84th annual Shirtsleeve Curling Tournament

Feb 3, 2023 | 5:37 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Shirtsleeve Curling Tournament is a Southern Alberta staple among male curlers.

Now heading into its 84th year, the annual bonspiel has brought in 160 men ranging in age from early 20s to late 70s.

According to General Manager for the Lethbridge Curling Club, Kirk Mearns, the event is the biggest men’s bonspiel in Southern Alberta and one of the largest in the province.

The Lethbridge Curling Club is located inside the Cavendish Farms Centre. (Photo: LNN on February 3, 2023)

The tournament kicked off on February 2, 2023, at the Lethbridge Curling Club, located inside the newly named Cavendish Farms Centre, formerly the ATB Centre.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: November 4-10, 2024

Nov 04, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 28-November 3, 2024

Oct 28, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: October 21-27, 2024

Oct 21, 2024

Read more: Cavendish Farms takes over as title sponsor of former ATB Centre in Lethbridge

In total, 40 teams from across Southern Alberta are competing in the event for a chance to take home a first-place prize of $1,200.

Mearns told Lethbridge News Now that the men playing in the 2023 Shirtsleeve Curling Tournament are loving it so far.

“It’s a chance for them to get back together again. A lot of these teams, they know each other, but they play in different leagues, so they don’t see each other,” said Mearns. “So, it’s that one opportunity for them all to get together. There’s teams from Calgary, there’s teams from Coaldale, Picture Butte, Taber, from all over the place.”

The Shirtsleeve Curling Tournament is the biggest men’s bonspiel in Southern Alberta. (Photo: LNN on February 3, 2023.)

During each scheduled match, 20 teams face off with at least 80 players on the ice at one time.

Mearns explained that four draws will take place on Saturday, February 4, with the tournament wrapping up after an additional two draws on Sunday, February 5.

Funds collected from the tournament go towards the Lethbridge Curling Club, with excess funds being put towards junior and high school curling programs.

Staff from the WILD95 Pattison Media team volunteering at the Shirtsleeve Curling Tournament on February 3, 2023. (Photo: LNN)

“It’s a long term-traditional tournament that will keep going forever. We’re looking forward to our 100th anniversary,” added Mearns.

To learn more about curling programs and tournaments check out the Lethbridge Curling Club website.

Read more: Lethbridge News Now.