Badiuk rink not the youngest to win bonspiel

When the Fort Frances Men’s International Bonspiel wrapped up two weekends ago, it was believed that Mike Badiuk’s winning rink was the youngest ever to capture the title.
“This is the first time in my recollection that we’ve had the junior team in the finals,” curling committee member Tom Fry had said during the final between Badiuk and veteran Paul Fraser.
Fry wasn’t wrong; his recollection simply didn’t extend far enough.
Following the bonspiel, Peter Jensen provided a history that showed a much different story. The Fort Frances Times covered the bonspiel in an issue dated March 20, 1967:
“In the 20th-annual International Bonspiel, Peter Jensen went against all laws as he swept the 88-rink bonspiel undefeated. Not one of the rink members, who compiled a 7-0 record and won the event, is over 20 years old.
“In fact, they are all students of the Fort Frances High School.”
Jensen was proud of his win back then—and thought his team should be recognized. “I called them just to make sure the dates were right,” the now 60-year-old noted.
Another article covering the ‘67 bonspiel went as far as to calculate the combined ages of the team.
“Skipped by Peter Jensen, the oldest member at 19 years of age, the other sharpshooters included 18-year-old Al Viehbeck, third; 17-year-olds Bob Booren at second and Don Leishman at lead.”
“Their ages added up to 71 years. It is the youngest rink ever to win the event,” the article continued.
When Badiuk’s rink, comprised of Mitch Sequin, Sean Murray, and Travis Showalter, took to the ice last week, their combined age was more than 73 years.
More than 40 years ago, Jensen’s rink became the “sentimental favourite” heading into the semi-finals of the bonspiel. Jensen faced “Mister Curler” Ray Hastie, who was a former winner of the event.
“Jensen won by a slim two-rock margin before a large audience,” the Times reported.
Heading into the final, Jensen faced the rink of Angus Rutledge for the title. The young crew opened with three points in the first end and went on to a 6-2 victory.
Since both the Jensen and Badiuk rinks had enjoyed prior success heading into their respective ’spiel wins, that early edition of the Times offered insight that still holds true for both teams.
“The rink therefore had some competitive curling experience, but this was, however, the highlight of their youthful curling experience.”