After three days of battling on the ice, the Alexander Keith’s Men’s International Bonspiel at the Fort Frances Curling Club featured an ‘A’ final yesterday that was something of a surprise to nearly everyone.
In more than 30 years of competition, tournament organizers could not recall a junior team ever walking away with the title.
But yesterday afternoon, a team of youngsters led by Mike Badiuk clinched the top spot with a win over Paul Fraser’s rink.
Badiuk, along with Sean Murray, Travis Showalter, and Rainy River native Mitch Seguin, bested four teams en route to the ‘A’ final against the crew of Fraser, Dave Evans, Ron Martinuk, and Jim Ballard.
“This is the first time in my recollection that we’ve had the junior team in the finals,” said a thrilled Tom Fry.
A curling committee member, Fry had reason to beam over the success of the young team; he’s served as curling coach for three of the players at Fort Frances High School.
Badiuk came out firing early in the match, opening with three points in the first end. But Fraser came charging back with a deuce in the second end and a steal of one in the third to even the score.
Badiuk then all-but-sealed the victory with a five-ender in the fourth, cruising to the 10-5 win.
Upon receiving the championship plaque during the awards ceremony afterwards, the high school skip was happy with the win, but short on words.
“We just want to thank everyone for the good ’spiel,” said Badiuk.
His rink then enjoyed the celebratory drinks favoured by all junior champions: bottled water and orange juice.
Ron MacKinnon beat Rob Gushulak in the ‘B’ final yesterday while Bryan Bonot topped Bill Gushulak for the ‘C’ crown.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
