Rivers receives rave reviews as Scotties host

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 31/01/2020 (2221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

RIVERS — Large crowds, smiling faces and the small-town charm have resonated with curlers at this year’s Manitoba Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Rivers.

The town of just over 1,100 people has put on a first-class event, with more than 200 volunteers contributing to put the women’s provincial curling championship together.

“It’s unbelievable, everywhere we go, from the restaurants to the gas stations, the gentleman who rented us his house for the week, have been unbelievable,” said six-time national champion and Olympic gold medalist Jennifer Jones out of St. Vital. “We love it.”

Jennifer Clark-Rouire, skip of a Miami-based rink, said the event was “really well-organized.”

“From when we first walked in and saw what the volunteers did at the banquet and the reception, everyone is so nice and so welcoming,” she said. “The facility is amazing, the people are just so appreciative of having the players here. You can see that.”

The Riverdale Community Centre, which was opened in December 2011, was converted from a hockey rink to house three curling sheets, as well as a row of bleachers which was full all week and is sure to be standing room only for the semifinals and final on Sunday. Those games will be broadcast nationally on Sportsnet.

Hailey Ryan, who has been skipping Abby Ackland’s team has appreciated the large crowds.

“The amount of people here, feels like the whole town of Rivers is here,” she said. “It’s been great to see a lot of people in the stands because you don’t get to play in front of big crowds a lot. Obviously people on the (Grand) Slam get to, but people on the Manitoba Curling Tour don’t get to so it’s really nice to have the fans cheering and clapping, it’s nice to have that support.”

Beth Peterson, from Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club, has also been blown away by the attendance.

“I can’t believe how many people are coming out, we played the first draw and I mean, Tracy (Fleury) is here but she brings a lot of fans obviously, but it’s been packed ever since,” she said on Thursday. “Everybody’s been so nice, they’ve done so much for us, the meal at the banquet was fantastic, all the volunteers, the ice, everything’s been amazing here.”

One comment that has resonated throughout all the curlers has been the friendliness of all the volunteers.

“They’ve been amazing, everyone’s so friendly, it’s been really nice, the venue’s amazing the volunteers are all great, they’re always giving you a smile and saying good morning which is really nice,” Ryan said. “We all curled here in 2016 in the junior provincials too so it’s been great both times we’ve been here.”

Defending champion Tracy Fleury was struck by how inviting Rivers has been.

“The hospitality has been really good,” she said. “Everyone’s warm and welcoming and it’s just a nice community here.”

Of course, the ice quality is always a key factor for an event such as this, and there’s been no complaints.

“Ice is great, Greg (Ewasko) always makes great ice, we’re spoiled we have the best icemaker in the world living in Manitoba, how lucky are we?” Jones said on Wednesday. “Always great ice. His ice is always consistent, the speed, curls and he works hard to make sure it’s great all week so that’s all you can ever ask.”

The Scotties continues today with championship round action with the final set for Sunday at 4 p.m.

» rstelter@brandonsun.com

» Twitter: @steltsy94