The Cypress River Curling Club, which would have marked over 125 years of history, has officially disbanded. However, according to club president Chad Cnudde, the decision wasn’t a difficult one. “This year would have officially been the club’s 130th anniversary, but the last four years have been inactive, and the Multi-Purpose Centre committee has successfully taken over organizing and hosting local bonspiels,” he explained.
During a recent interview, Cnudde reflected on the struggles and declining participants began before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. “I was just getting ready to paint the lines on the ice when I realized only six people had signed up. So I stopped what I was doing. I believe that was in 2020/21,” he said.
Throughout the years, the club rented ice from the Cypress River Multi-Purpose Centre, managing the upkeep and maintenance required to put in and maintain the ice. However, dwindling membership made continuing the club’s activities increasingly difficult.
Cnudde also commented that the demise should not be looked at negatively. “I feel it is good to have one less committee in a small town such as ours.” He also paid tribute and thanks to all the past and present board members, curlers, volunteers, donators and spectators who enabled the local club’s success for as long as it was.
Chad Cnudde held the position of Club President since 2006/07 with Denis Hutlet as Vice President; Val Truelove, Treasurer and Andrea Mowat, Secretary.
A Mixed Bonspiel is presently being planned for the weekend of January 31 – February 2. The bonspiel will have 6 end games and the organizers are hoping for a minimum of 12 teams but aiming for 16 rinks.
Although the curling club has been inactive for the past four years, the Cypress River Multi-Purpose Centre has successfully stepped in to fill the gap by organizing popular bonspiels. This tradition will continue.
