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The Lloydminster Golf and Curling Club is set to rock with 21 elite world-class teams and some local curlers vying for a piece of the $100,000 event purse at the Astec Safety Challenge.
The event, presented by Wild Rows Pump and Compression, will take place Jan. 10 to 14 with the first draw at 9 a.m. on Thursday Jan. 11 before a sold out crowd.
The first draw features the best in the game with Team McEwen, Team Schneider and Team Sluchinski on the ice.
The 12:30 p.m. opening day draw will feature perennial Grand Slam of Curling teams, Brad Gushue, Kevin Koe, Matt Dunstone, Bruce Mouat and Niklas Edin, just to name a few.
The 4:30 p.m. draw on day one will see the current top three rated teams in the world rankings with the Joel Retornaz, Brendan Bottcher, and Yannick Schwaller rinks eagerly awaiting the winners from the 9 a.m. draw.
Fans can also support some local teams during the event including one skipped by Carl deConinck Smith with Ryan Deis, Kalin Deis and Mike Robson from Lloydminster onboard.
Another local team will be skipped by Tyson Armstrong with his brother, dad and another individual from Lloydminster in the foursome.
Over the course of the four-day triple knockout bonspiel, national, world and Olympic champions will battle to get into the quarterfinal playoff round on Saturday, Jan. 13.
The championship final will go ahead on Sunday Jan. 14 at 2 p.m.
The Lloydminster Exhibition, will be providing the food and beverage services at the curling centre.
Lloyd Ex will also host a free family friendly entertainment venue at the exhibition site, sponsored by Synergy Credit Union on Jan. 12 and 13.
While the curling will be the main attraction, there is something for everyone with the Musgrave Agencies Junior Curling Development session hosted by Alberta’s Brendan Bottcher rink.
There is also a Curling Kids Day in conjunction with the local school division, musical entertainment, a special artist challenge event, and silent auction of curling memorabilia.
Souvenir event clothing is available online and in store at official clothing sponsor, It’s Time Promotions.
