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Banner Season: Provincial bonspiel bringing conference curlers to championship stage

Burlington, Ont. –  After the women’s finale hit the ice last week, the OUA’s men’s contingent are on deck for their banner season bonspiel. Wilfrid Laurier has claimed the last two titles, but the remaining 15 competitors heading to Peterborough, Ont. are hungry to see a new conference champion crowned at the 2023 OUA Men’s Curling Championship. Draws will run from Friday, February 10th to Sunday, February 12th, with round robin play set to kick off the event this weekend at the Peterborough Curling Club. Championship Details

When:  Friday, February 10 to Sunday, February 12 Where:  Peterborough Curling Club Participating Schools (16):  Algoma Thunderbirds, Brock Badgers, Carleton Ravens, Guelph Gryphons, Laurentian Voyageurs, McMaster Marauders, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks, Queen’s Gaels, Toronto Varsity Blues, TMU Bold, Trent Excalibur (host), Waterloo Warriors, Western Mustangs, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks, Windsor Lancers, York Lions Defending Champions:  Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks Student-Athletes to Watch:

Treyton Cowell, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks |  A third-year member of the Ontario Tech rink, Cowell was instrumental in the Ridgebacks’ strong run a season ago. Back for another year with the team as second, the Craighurst, Ont. native is hoping to bring leadership at the front end and build on his previous banner season outing that saw him become the first Ridgeback in program history to be named an OUA curling all-star. Matteo Desando, Windsor Lancers |  Desando took the reins last year after the team’s skip stepped down unexpectedly and performed well for the Lancers at the 2022 provincial finale. The LaSalle, Ont. curler impressed with his ability to lead and perform under pressure, assets that will come in handy once again when taking on the upcoming conference competition.    Chris Inglis, Trent Excalibur |  Originating from Prince Edward County, Ont., Inglis has curled for over 18 years. The sociology student brings a multitude of experience to the Trent squad, even in his first year with the team, as he has previously appeared in 11 provincial finals, won 11 OJCT championships, and became a U18 men’s national champion in 2019. Josh Landry, McMaster Marauders |  Landy will compete in his first ever OUA Championship this weekend and is one of multiple such members of the McMaster rink. In his inaugural year with the maroon machine, the New Liskard, Ont. local is bringing many years of competitive curling to the table, not the least of which includes appearances in provincial championships in Northern Ontario. Derek Leung, Laurentian Voyageurs |  Leung is a long-time member of the Laurentian rink, now in his fifth year with the team, and the sport is something that has meant a lot to him both on the ice and in the classroom. Not only is the Toronto, Ont. curler proficient with the rock, having represented Team Hong Kong at the 2018 Asia-Pacific Curling Championships, but he also studied the evolution stones for his Masters. Sam Mooibroek, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks |  The second-year arts student is looking forward to building off the golden showing at the 2022 OUA championship. Finishing runner-up at the FISU qualifier in September and winning the Canadian U25 Next Gen event have motivated the Kitchener, Ont. local to reach higher levels and strive for excellence this year. The 2020 Ontario Winter Games champion is looking to find the same groove the team found last year in route to winning the 2022 OUA title. Dylan Niepage, Guelph Gryphons |  Niepage, a third-year accounting major, has skipped both for the university and for his competitive U21/men’s teams. The Oro Medonte, Ont. native will be competing at the U21 Provincials in Ottawa next month, but before he does so, the former junior champion that represented Ontario at last year’s U21 national competition will look to put his best foot forward against the rest of the varsity contingent this weekend. Alexander Rumble, Western Mustangs |  Rumble started curling when he was 12, but only began competing during his high school years. Throughout that stretch, he competed in several events, but came short of competing at OFSAA due to COVID-19 cancellations. The second-year biology student from Toronto, Ont. has also participated in provincial events such as the Ontario School Curling Provincial Championships. Victor Pietrangelo, Brock Badgers |  The Niagara Falls, Ont. product has had an exciting season, with victories in the Next Generation U25 mixed doubles event in Edmonton, Alta. in September and also a win at the Ontario Mixed Doubles Tour Championship in January. Pietrangelo and his partner are now ranked in the top five mixed doubles teams in Ontario and is continuing to become one of the top double players in the province with next generation funding. The accounting major continues to bring his wealth of experience and skill to the Badgers varsity team for his second season of varsity competition. Owen Purdy, Queen’s Gaels |  A fifth-year senior, Purdy has had a strong run of success with the Gaels during his tenure. The 2018-19 Queen’s rookie of the year was an OUA first team all-star lead that year and he’ll look to bookend his varsity tenure with a similar outing this weekend, as he helps the team continue their recent string of success and bounce back from what was a slow start to the year. Landan Rooney, Toronto Varsity Blues |  2021-22 all-star Rooney will serve as skip for the young Blues squad vying for their first banner since 2014. Rooney is coming off a tremendous season, winning both the Ontario and Canadian U21 Championships, and is preparing for the upcoming 2023 World Junior Championships at the end of the month in Germany. Hunter Schumacher, Algoma Thunderbirds |  Schumacher is the veteran of the young Thunderbirds squad and his experience will be invaluable to the team’s performance. The Wawa, Ont. curler was a member of the Algoma men’s curling team that competed in the 2021 Everest Canadian Curling Club Championships in Ottawa, Ont., while also bringing a bevy of banner season appearances to this weekend’s latest bonspiel. Storylines to Keep an Eye On:

Brock is set with a new skip joining four returning players. Owen Henry, a first-year statistics student at Brock, was named skip and brings some Canadian curling experience to the team from his time with Team Ontario at last year’s U18 Championships. Henry, alongside returning vice Pietrangelo, have been steadily building their chemistry on the ice and have made vast improvements during the season. They are looking forward to continuing those positive strides to better the team’s performance from a year ago and make the playoff rounds at the 2023 OUA Championship. After falling in the quarterfinals at last year’s finale, Laurentian is looking to avenge that loss this time around and advance past their previous finish. As host of this year’s U SPORTS Curling Championships, the Voyageurs already know they will be competing next month against the nation’s best, but like the Voyageurs women’s team did to open up the OUA’s winter banner season slate, the men’s rink isn’t looking to simply rely on the ‘host’ entry to punch their ticket to the national showcase. In addition to the season’s varsity invitationals, the Marauders have been busy practicing and playing weekly in the Dundas Valley’s Competitive Open League. The team has continually put on strong performances in the league’s ‘A’ Division and McMaster is currently a top-five team in the league. With half of the Marauders’ roster comprised of rookies, the maroon and grey are looking to build experience at the OUA Championship and make a run for the playoffs in the process. After advancing to the OUA quarterfinals in 2022, the Ridgebacks are hoping to go a step further into the medal round this season. Last year was only the second time the Ontario Tech program had advanced past the round robin, but with some returning players and some young additions with experience, the team is hopeful that they have enough to push them over the top this time around and into a medal game. After getting so close last year and having a good run at U SPORTS, the TMU Bold know that they are capable of bringing home a title. With the experience that the group has, they are aware that they’ll need strong games in the round robin play to advance to the playoffs, but being able to rely on their previous responses to these pressure situations will be extremely valuable and could be the difference between moving on in the playoffs or going home. The Excalibur squad offers up a mixture of veteran and rookie talent that will look to capture their second OUA men’s curling title in program history. As the host team, Trent is excited to welcome their fellow conference competitors to Peterborough and have the hometown support behind them to buoy their championship aspirations this weekend. After Western’s previous skip graduated last year, the Mustangs were left without a leader for the upcoming season. Rookies Wyatt Savage and Aiden Gallagher joined the team with great potential to become the next skip and vice for the future. Alongside the additions, the purple and white’s returning players, including Henry Cheng, have made significant strides to improve their skills in anticipation for the bonspiel in Peterborough. And based on his many years of curling experience and recent success on Team Chinese Taipei, Cheng has been named skip for this year’s OUAs with hopes of improving on the team’s ninth-place finish in 2022. With a mixture of success and close calls over the last year, the Golden Hawks are looking to put it all together at the 2023 OUA Championship and find some similar success to 2022. Much of the team is made up of returning the players and the mindset remains similar, but with every team bringing their A-game at OUAs, each game will be a tough matchup and nothing is a given. The purple and gold are hoping past experience can lead the team back atop the podium. What They’re Saying:

“We have a new curling team who is looking to gain experience at these championships. We really do not have any expectations, but want to compete at every end.” –  Tom Coulterman, Head Coach, Algoma Thunderbirds “With the addition of national level experience to the skip role that Owen Henry brings to the team, the Brock men are excited to improve upon last year’s showing and have the belief that they will medal at provincials this year.” –  Jordan Thin, Coach, Brock Badgers “We are all very excited to be representing our Marauder community, and McMaster as a whole, this upcoming weekend at the 2023 OUA Championship. We’ve put in the time and work and are ready to play as a team. We’re looking forward to having a successful weekend.” –  Daniel Van Veghel, Student-Athlete, McMaster Marauders “The guys are ready to compete. After early season competitions, they are ready to get at it and take on the best in the OUA.” –  Mike Stauffer, Head Coach, Ontario Tech Ridgebacks “I was not confident in the team until a couple weeks ago. We had a few good practices to iron out some issues and have been performing well in local tournaments. Looking forward to winning the OUA championship this week.” –  Colin Schnurr, Student-Athlete, Queen’s Gaels “I’m going to go out on a limb and say this is the most talent we’ve ever had in the program. Landon, Daniel, and Matthew are all accomplished skips at the U21 level. We’re very hopeful about our chances. The competition is very high and half the field have very strong teams. It’s going to be a very difficult championship, but we like our chances.” –  Guy Yerama, Head Coach, Toronto Varsity Blues “OUAs are what we’ve been working towards all season and this team has all the tools to win. We’ve had some setbacks this season, but the way that this team has worked to learn and improve from some setbacks has been impressive. I know that if they go out and play to the level that they’re capable of, then they’ll be in the running at the end of the weekend.” –  Stuart Leslie, Head Coach, TMU Bold “Playing host to Ontario’s top young curlers is a great honour and we are very excited that we get to compete against them in our home town. Any time that you have 16 university level teams playing in one location is pretty special and I think it is a unique opportunity for Trent and the Peterborough community to play host. The curling community in Peterborough and the surrounding area has always been strong and we look forward to having their hometown support throughout the event.” –  Brad Robinson, Head Coach, Trent Excalibur “I’m proud of the work the boys have put in this year and the strides they’ve made as both curlers and human beings. This is a talented, fun, and exciting group to watch, and I look forward to following and mentoring their development in the coming years. Go Stangs!” –  Shane Latimer, Head Coach, Western Mustangs “I have encouraged the team to be relaxed heading into the weekend. I think a number of teams will look beyond us, and that can often backfire, and it is inspiring our players. We are ready to compete.” –  Mike McKay, Head Coach, Windsor Lancers

September 6, 2023

Jamal, Gregorcic, Olay named OUA football players of the week

July 6, 2023

Teams return to the ice on September 23rd for start of 2023-24 men’s hockey season

July 5, 2023

Past playoff participants prepare to open 2023-24 season on October 12th

June 21, 2023

Early September starts mark rugby’s return for 2023 women’s and men’s seasons

June 14, 2023

Field hockey teams set to start 2023 campaign on September 16th

June 12, 2023

Register now for the inaugural Diversity in Sports Conference

May 30, 2023

Badgers Truong reflects on strength and resilience from cultural upbringing

May 26, 2023

Lancers Anes earns nod as top 2023 Milk2Go Sport ambassador

May 24, 2023

OUA honourees add to historic seasons with U SPORTS athlete of the year recognition

May 18, 2023

Gates, Mastromatteo headline 2022-23 OUA honourees at year-end banquet

May 17, 2023

C.H.A.M.P. Awards shine light on masterful marketing efforts from 2022-23 season

May 10, 2023

OUA announces inaugural Diversity in Sports Conference

May 4, 2023

OUA’s annual economic impact determined to be $300M to $600M across Ontario

May 3, 2023

2023-24 OUA basketball campaigns tip off with Lancers, Mustangs on October 31st

May 2, 2023

OUA student-athletes receive nearly $9.2M in athletic financial awards in 2021-22

April 26, 2023

Volleyball ventures back to the courts on October 28th to start 2023-24 season

April 19, 2023

Sharma goes 2nd overall to lead nine OUA picks in CEBL-U SPORTS Draft

Beautiful game set to begin 2023 season on August 31st

March 21, 2023

Potter, Mooibroek named OUA athletes of the week

March 14, 2023

Four conference standouts named OUA athletes of the week

March 12, 2023

Banner Season: Patriotes collect back-to-back Queen’s Cup titles following lengthy battle with Windsor

March 11, 2023

Banner Season: Great goaltending highlights latest Queen's Cup championship game

Banner Season: Marauders earn second straight Forsyth Cup with victory over Windsor

Banner Season: Toronto rides late push to McCaw Cup Championship

Banner Season: Brock captures back-to-back Quigley Cups with thrilling comeback win

March 10, 2023

Banner Season: Well-rounded squads march into marquee McCaw Cup matchup

March 9, 2023

Patriotes Lafrance, Badgers Roach bring home top divisional honours on the ice

Banner Season: Marauders eyeing back-to-back Forsyth Cup wins in tough test with Windsor

Banner Season: Badgers, Gaels set to quarrel for each program’s second Quigley Cup triumph

March 8, 2023

International Women's Day | Embrace Equity

OUA announces partnership with SheIS Sports Network

Banner Season: Dominant day two by host Western leads to 16th banner in program history

Herrfort’s award haul highlights women’s hockey accolades

March 7, 2023

Falardeau finishes fourth year with player of the year nod for Toronto

Mustangs Albert caps off amazing varsity career with MVP accolade

March 6, 2023

Pocrnic, Otoo named OUA athletes of the week

OUA announces Nambogga Sewali as new Finance & Business Manager

Banner Season: Blues looking to add to banner streak as OUA’s championship season winds down

Gryphons lead the way with eight awards winners from track and field championships

March 4, 2023

Banner Season: Gee-Gees gallop to Wilson Cup win over cross-town rival Carleton

Banner Season: Ravens soar to Critelli Cup victory behind dominant second half

March 3, 2023

Banner Season: Five teams undefeated after first three championship draws

Banner Season: Wilson Cup to be decided between nation's capital combatants

Banner Season: Nation's top-ranked teams come together for Critelli Cup clash

March 2, 2023

Well-rounded senior season sees Kennedy collect top conference honour

March 1, 2023

Quest for the Cup | Breaking down the men's hockey semifinals

Powerhouse point-producer Gates gets MVP nod for maroon and grey

Quest for the Cup | Breaking down the women's hockey semifinals

February 28, 2023

Quest for the Cup | 3 things we've learned from the Queen's Cup playoffs so far

Guelph's Carey-Payne appreciates transformation she sees among young swimmers

Quest for the Cup | 3 things we've learned from the McCaw Cup playoffs so far

February 27, 2023

Five conference standouts named OUA athletes of the week

February 25, 2023

Banner Season: Gryphons sweep championship titles for sixth straight year

February 24, 2023

Banner Season: Ravens, Thunderwolves produce plenty of podium results en route to titles

Banner Season: Gryphons get off the blocks quickly to open championship weekend

February 23, 2023

Lions alumna Levy reflects on 'pivotal moment' on one of the world's biggest stages

Banner Season: Top-ranked Gryphons looking to stay on track in effort to extend championship streaks

February 22, 2023

Quest for the Cup | Top seeds enter the battle in men's hockey quarterfinals

February 21, 2023

Zheng, Grametbauer, Kennedy named OUA athletes of the week

Myers drawing on past experiences to help those of current Carleton student-athletes

Quest for the Cup | Breaking down the opening round of the women's hockey playoffs

February 20, 2023

Banner Season: Thunderwolves taking to the trails as reigning OUA title winners

February 19, 2023

Banner Season Lions capture first OUA title since 1999 with undefeated weekend

Banner Season: Continued team relay success helps lead Toronto to banner sweep

February 18, 2023

Banner Season York, Western sail to semifinals with undefeated pool play

Banner Season: Toronto tops all four podiums as part of Day 2 dominance

February 17, 2023

Banner Season: Lions roar ahead with trio of opening day victories

Banner Season: Varsity Blues, Warriors lead after opening individual matches

Quest for the Cup | Great goaltending helps teams gain the edge heading into the weekend

Carleton women's hockey to move to OUA in 2024-25

Gee-Gees announce intention to move women's hockey and volleyball to OUA

February 16, 2023

'Complete circle' opportunity allowing McMaster's Jeppesen to support student-athletes

Banner Season: Blues bring string of six straight badminton banners to season finale

Banner Season: Toronto looks to extend championship streak on the piste at latest fencing finale

February 15, 2023

Quest for the Cup | Breaking down the opening round of the men's hockey playoffs

Weekend Watch | It's win-or-go-home for Western in final regular season game

February 14, 2023

Adams' passion for equity, diversity, and inclusion shines as Warriors coach and mentor

February 13, 2023

Six conference standouts named OUA athletes of the week

February 12, 2023

Banner Season: Golden Hawks soar to third straight title with extra ends finale

Banner Season: Dynasties continue as Western, Queen’s squash the competition again

February 11, 2023

Banner Season: Final matchups set as top pool finishers prepare to go for gold

Banner Season: Blues dazzle for third straight day en route to double banner wins

Banner Season: Badgers earn seventh straight banner sweep at 2023 OUA finale

February 10, 2023

Loney bringing people together as part of successful Ravens soccer program

Banner Season: Queen’s, Western get off to strong starts in title defences

Banner Season: Another dominant day in the pool for the Varsity Blues

Weekend Watch | Margin for error becoming minimal for playoff-hopeful teams

Banner Season: Badgers bringing bountiful wrestling history to Hamilton for championship finale

February 9, 2023

Weekend Watch | Pivotal playoff races highlight final weekend of men's hockey

Banner Season: Western, Queen’s looking to squash competition to extend lengthy streaks

Banner Season: Blues jump out to big lead after opening day in the pool

February 8, 2023

Banner Season: Toronto trying to extend their title-winning efforts in the pool

February 7, 2023

Queen's coach Agunbiade relating to players through own experiences

RMC men’s volleyball self-discloses ineligible student-athlete

February 6, 2023

Gates, Lacroix, Robert named OUA athletes of the week

February 5, 2023

Banner Season: McMaster breaks tie in final end to claim 2023 title

February 4, 2023

Banner Season: Semifinals set with four teams left in the running for a title

McMaster men's basketball issued forfeiture

February 3, 2023

Weekend Watch | Eliminations on the table as regular season winds down

February 2, 2023

Banner Season: Hawks hoping to soar to victory to open up winter championship slate

February 1, 2023

Waterloo alumna Blackwood achieves dreams both on and beyond the track

Takeaways | Lakehead and Toronto thrive as January comes to a close

January 30, 2023

Olivier, Warnholtz named OUA athletes of the week

January 27, 2023

FISU | Rousseau, Dominico, Paquette help power Team Canada at FISU Games

Weekend Watch | Pivotal points on the line with playoffs looming

January 24, 2023

Embrace Your Culture | Harnoor Dhaliwal, Ottawa Gee-Gees

Embrace Your Culture | Maya Ryan, Toronto Varsity Blues

Embrace Your Culture | Lireesa Gokhool-Jefferson, Queen's Gaels

Embrace Your Culture | Renee Armstrong, Guelph Gryphons

Embrace Your Culture | Chloe Herron, Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks

Embrace Your Culture | Jenna Parris, Brock Badgers

Embrace Your Culture | Yasmeen Al-Kas, Toronto Varsity Blues

January 23, 2023

Berg, Chadwick, Brown-Henderson named OUA athletes of the week

January 19, 2023

New OUA football season kicks off August 26th

January 16, 2023

Raymond, Hilton named OUA athletes of the week

FISU | Gryphons connection takes centre stage in Canada, Japan matchup

January 13, 2023

Weekend Watch | Guelph women, Lakehead men look to continue winning ways

January 11, 2023

By the Numbers: Germain leads Algoma to first win of the season

January 10, 2023

OUA athletes look to impact Canada's FISU hockey teams

January 9, 2023

Fedel, Roberts named OUA athletes of the week

December 7, 2022

By the Numbers: TMU hands Gaels first loss on last-second three ball

December 5, 2022

Weinert, Nicholson named OUA athletes of the week

December 1, 2022

OUA announces increase in AFA allocation

November 30, 2022

By the Numbers: Seniors serve up starring performances on the hardwood

Takeaways | November fades away as Laurier men hit top form

November 28, 2022

Hirtle, Frattaroli, Conn named OUA athletes of the week

November 23, 2022

Takeaways | York, McGill topple top teams in men's hockey

By the Numbers: Collection of career bests and career firsts

November 21, 2022

Mental Health Monday | Share Your Story (November)

Glynn, Pouliot named OUA athletes of the week

November 16, 2022

Takeaways | Ridgebacks are starting to get rolling

November 14, 2022

Gates, Falardeau, Faust named OUA athletes of the week

November 11, 2022

Weekend Watch | Gryphons look to keep rolling

November 7, 2022

Herrfort, Cagalj named OUA athletes of the week

November 4, 2022

Weekend Watch | Can the Lions rebound in rematch with Nipissing

November 1, 2022

Takeaways | McGill finds form as October fades into rearview

October 31, 2022

Hickson, Turek, Harris named OUA athletes of the week

October 28, 2022

Weekend Watch | Canada's only undefeated teams look to continue hot start

October 27, 2022

OUA announces partnership with Peel Regional Police for 2022-23 season

October 26, 2022

Making Progress Together | October 2022

October 24, 2022

Takeaways | Momentum builds for men's teams as women's season gets underway

Desouza, Mazzotta, Smail named OUA athletes of the week

Mental Health Monday | Share Your Story (October)

October 21, 2022

Weekend Watch | Women's hockey openers take centre stage

October 19, 2022

OUA partners with Griffin Porter to deliver basketball-focused content

October 17, 2022

Aucoin, Grogan, Dessureault named OUA athletes of the week

October 12, 2022

By the Numbers: Soccer standouts steal the show

October 11, 2022

Provost, Brown, Choi named OUA athletes of the week

October 5, 2022

By the Numbers: Offensive prowess on the pitch put on full display

October 3, 2022

McCrory, Fafinski named OUA athletes of the week

September 28, 2022

By the Numbers: Leaders on the links impress at invitationals

September 26, 2022

Gibson, Miskolczi named OUA athletes of the week

September 22, 2022

OUA partners with 49 Sports for 2022-23 season

September 21, 2022

OUA Soccer Kickabout: Week 3 Takeaways

September 19, 2022

Perez, Campoli named OUA athletes of the week

September 15, 2022

By the Numbers: Varsity Blues Grondin stands tall in net

September 12, 2022

Gellner, Campoli named OUA athletes of the week

September 8, 2022

OUA partners with Payton Shank to deliver enhanced mental health content

By the Numbers: Lancers snap lengthy road skid with victory over Gryphons

September 6, 2022

Marikano, Guerrieri named OUA athletes of the week

September 5, 2022

OUA Soccer Kickabout: Week 1 Takeaways

August 30, 2022

Abrams, Pickett teaming up again at World University Beach Volleyball Championship

August 24, 2022

OUA announces Kauri LaFontaine as new Manager of Sport

August 19, 2022

OUA announces Shauna Bookal as new Manager of EDI & Student Experience

August 10, 2022

OUA announces multi-year partnership with Nothers The Award Store

August 9, 2022

OUA "pausing" vaccination requirement

August 3, 2022

OUA announces championship schedule for 2022-23 season

July 27, 2022

OUA announces partnership with SeeWhatSheCanDo for 2022-23 season

July 18, 2022

U SPORTS Announces Partnership with BlackNorth Initiative, Launch of Athletes on Track Program

July 13, 2022

OUA announces women's and men's basketball schedules for the 2022-23 season

July 12, 2022

OUA announces women's and men's volleyball schedules for the 2022-23 season

June 23, 2022

Gryphons Uddenberg tabbed as top 2022 Milk2Go Sport brand ambassador

June 1, 2022

OUA announces women's and men's rugby schedules for the 2022 season

Welcome to the Junior Curling Tour of Ontario

The JCTO is a collection of Ontario’s U15, U18 and U20 junior curling events, working with our host partners to create the best possible experience for junior teams. We attract teams from across Ontario and out of province / country teams are always welcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check this post out to see frequently asked questions. Can we join the tour? Of course! We welcome all junior teams experienced or looking for experience

2022-23 Tour Calendar

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• Winter Sports

Grand Slam of Curling series acquired by new sports business venture group

Jennifer jones, john morris, ex nfl star jared allen among names attached to project.

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The Grand Slam of Curling, the tour elite series featuring the best men's and women's teams from across Canada and around the world, has been purchased by a new sports business venture group.

The Curling Group, led by chief executive officer Nic Sulsky, has purchased ownership and operations of the Grand Slam of Curling from Rogers Sportsnet. The network will continue to be the exclusive Canadian broadcast rights holder.

"Being able to continue this legacy alongside Sportsnet is paramount to what we're going to start trying to build together. It's vital for the curling community, both the athlete and the fan," Sulsky told CBC Sports.

"The Curling Group's intentions are true. We will give the fan and curler a level of trust that we are going to do this with the right spirit and motivation in mind. We have a love of the game and [both] the curlers and fans that have made the sport what it is today."

WATCH | Acquisition of Grand Slam of Curling about to 'blow up the roaring game':

Acquisition of Grand Slam of Curling is about to 'blow up the roaring game'

The new venture has some big names attached to it, including two-time Olympic champion John Morris and Olympic champion Jennifer Jones, who is retiring at the end of this season from the four-person game.

Former NFL star Jared Allen is also part of the group. They will all be part of helping shape what the Slams look like moving forward.

"We want the growth of the game to be so successful. We want to be successful. I think the curlers are going to embrace this and be very excited about the opportunities," Jones said. "Our sport has so much potential and it's just so exciting to be a part of this and hopefully we can have a great impact."

• Homan dethrones Switzerland's Tirinzoni to win Canada's 1st curling world title since 2018

Rob Corte, VP of production at Sportsnet, said staying on as the official broadcaster of the Grand Slam of Curling was a non-negotiable, adding it's been a key property to their programming plans for years.

"It's been a fantastic property for us and what we're really excited about is how the future is going to play out," Corte said. "Just to be clear, the Grand Slam of Curling wasn't for sale but over the last while through conversations with Nic, and his listening to his vision, we started to see what the future of the Grand Slam of Curling could be and it was something Sportsnet wanted to be part of.

"This partnership will help grow the sport while allowing Sportsnet to do what we do best – provide fans a world-class broadcast and the most in-depth curling coverage."

WATCH | Canada's Homan collects 2nd women's world curling title:

Canada's Homan defeats Switzerland's Tirinzoni for 2nd title at women's curling worlds

Providing a platform for curlers.

Sulsky said the athlete's voice is going to be a critical piece in how they shape the Slams moving forward, that's why curling legends like Morris and Jones have been brought in from the beginning. 

"We need to provide a platform for curlers to take their position alongside the rest of the international sporting elite because they belong there. They are an incredible, engaging, fun, funny group of folks. It's about time the spotlight shines on them," Sulsky said. 

"We are going to blow up the roaring game all around the world, and I could not be more excited to start on this journey alongside literally the two biggest legends that the sport has ever had."

WATCH | Gushue's Canadian side settles for silver at world championship:

Gushue's Canadian rink settles for 3rd straight world silver medal as Sweden's Edin claims 7th world title

Morris said for as much change will be coming in the future, it'll be important to also stay true to many of the traditional aspects of the sport that draws fans to the game.

• Gushue, Canadian curling teammates collect 3rd straight world silver medal

Corte said the audience numbers remain strong on Sportsnet as this season's final event, the Players Championship in Toronto, begins Tuesday.

He said Grand Slam of Curling numbers on Sportsnet are up 16 per cent compared to last season, with the 18-34 age demographic showing a 44 per cent increase. Corte said female audience numbers are up 14 per cent this season as well.

"Part of the reason we've been so successful over the years is because it has been done with the curlers. They are the backbone of the sport. We made sure we talked to them to understand things that might make the game better," Corte said.

"It all starts with respect – respect for the sport, curlers and fans. When you keep them in mind as you move forward, and the right intentions, in the end it always works out."

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

CBC reporter

Devin Heroux reports for CBC News and Sports. He is now based in Toronto, after working first for the CBC in Calgary and Saskatoon.

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