It was a good news-bad news scenario for two local rinks after the first two draws at the senior men’s and women’s association playdowns in Kakabeka Falls.
Norm Hyatt, representing the Fort Frances Curling Club, got off on the right foot yesterday afternoon with an 8-5 win over Denis Magne (Port Arthur Curling Club).
But the picture was so rosy this morning as Ken Kozmenski, from the Eagle’s Landing Curling Club in Dryden, cruised to a 9-3 win over Hyatt and his team of third Jim Jackson, second Glen Jackson, and lead Nevin Bonot.
Meanwhile, Bryan Bonot and his Stratton rink of third Terry Lee, second Rod Martinuk, and lead Ted Stewart lost their opener yesterday 9-8 to Glen Saari (Fort William Curling Club).
The foursome rebounded this morning, though, snaring an 8-4 win over Rob Alderdice, the second Eagle’s Landing rep there.
Elo Willman (Red Rock Curling Club) and Larry Pineau (Thunder Bay Country Club) lead the eight-team pack at 2-0.
Hyatt and Bonot are tied with Saari and Kozmenski at 1-1, while Alderdice and Magne bring up the rear at 0-2.
Hyatt and Bonot will square off in this afternoon’s draw. Then tomorrow morning’s draw features Bonot against Magne while Hyatt battles Saari.
The teams will play two draws each tomorrow and Saturday, with the playoffs set for Sunday.
No local teams are vying for the ladies’ crown.
The men’s and women’s champs will represent Northwestern Ontario at the provincial showdown Dec. 19-21 in Iroquois Falls, with the national senior playdowns set for Jan. 18-26 in Lethbridge, Alta.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
