Astec curling tour takes shape

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Heads up, curling fans.

The clock is ticking closer to the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre hosting the top eight ranked curlers on the planet from Jan. 10-14 in 2024.

Ticket package information will be available in October for the Astec Safety Challenge presented by Wild Rows Pump and Compression.

“We still have space available for teams, as well as sponsorship opportunities,” said Astec’s manager of administration and training coordinator, Caitlin Mulligan.

The event is in partnership with Alberta’s

Team Bottcher rink that is coming in hot with two Grand Slam victories in the 2022-23 curling season.

Hopefully this inaugural event will be the first of many.

“I am excited to be partnered with Astec Safety and to bring a world-class tour event back to Lloydminster. It will be great to battle the world’s best,” said skip Brendan Bottcher on behalf of teammates Marc Kennedy, Brett Gallant, and Ben Hebert.

“Hopefully this inaugural event will be the first of many.”

The competition will include the 2023 world champions from Scotland and current world bronze medalists from Switzerland along with the 2022 Olympic gold medalists and world champions from Sweden and other awardwinning teams from Italy along with some provincial champs from Canada.

While the curling will be the main attraction, there will be something for everyone with a junior curling development session hosted by Team Bottcher.

Organizers also promise a memorable kick-off event on Jan. 10, and fun-filled entertainment venues in and around Lloydminster, throughout the tour challenge.