Big league curling comes to Leduc region

Grand Slam of Curling

A big announcement for local curling fans this week.

The second stop on the Grand Slam of Curling tour this fall will be the Co-op Canadian Open at the new Silent Ice Centre in Nisku.

Silent Ice Sports and Entertainment worked out a deal to bring the major event here after officials with the organization gave world champion Rachel Homan and her husband a tour.

"They were blown away by the facility," Silent Ice vice-president of business development J.J. Hebert told the One.  "Rachel then connected me with the folks from the Grand Slam of Curling which is a Rogers Sportsnet property.  They flew out and met with us in the facility and, same thing, they were just blown away."

The new arena complex has been open less than a year and company officials have more in mind than just having it used by hockey teams.

"Curling events, MMA, boxing, concerts, things like that we will certainly do our best to bring some interesting events into the community and make the Silent Ice Centre a destination," Hebert confirmed.

Of course, to make sure this first big curling event is a success means organizers will be looking for a number of volunteers.

"The Grand Slam of Curling does an exceptional job of running this event.  They utilize local curling clubs for volunteers and other personnel to make the event run," Hebert said.  "We all know volunteers are the backbone to any successful event."

The Co-op Canadian Open Grand Slam of Curling event will feature the top 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams from around the world.

It runs November 5 - 10 with four draws a day.  Silent Ice Centre will hold approximately 1500 people per draw.