Local News
MJ Curling Centre: Rocks are ready, Ice is in
The Moose Jaw Curling Centre is buzzing with excitement as the rink officially opens its doors for the season today (Oct 3rd). At the heart of the action is Pat Simmons, a name well-known in Canadian curling circles. Now stepping into a new role, Pat is the Centre’s ice technician—his first year preparing the ice rather than playing on it. “It’s quite a process,” Pat explains. “We started a couple of weeks ago, cleaning the floor, turning on the plant, doing initial floods, then painting. After that, we added more floods, logos, sponsor decals, the houses, and the lines. Now we’re just getting the rocks ready and fine-tuning the ice.” The rink is set to be ready by tomorrow, just in time for a welcome event and training sessions with incoming teams. “Ready or not, it’s got to be ready,” Pat laughs, clearly embracing the challenge. Pat’s transition from elite curler to ice technician has been eye-opening. “You think you know a lot as a player, but there are so many little things you learn when you’re on the other side of it,” he says. Fortunately, he’s had plenty of support from the curling community, with people offering hands-on help and advice. One of the biggest changes this year? Brand new curling rocks. “The granite comes in one piece, shipped in crates on pallets,” Pat explains. “We assign them to sheets, attach the handles, and then there’s a whole process—spinning, sanding, cooling—to get them ready. There’s a break-in period, but we’re doing what we can to speed that up.” Perfect ice conditions are subjective, Pat admits, but he’s aiming for a good amount of curl and consistent speed. “We’ll fine-tune as we go,” he says, noting that the new rocks will influence how the ice is adjusted throughout the season. Pat’s curling career spans decades, filled with international travel, competition, and success. “I’ve curled my whole life,” he says. “It’s been a lot of fun, and I’m happy to still be part of it—working with CurlSask, training teams, and now helping create the best conditions possible here in Moose Jaw.” As the season kicks off, Pat is looking forward to welcoming curlers back to the rink. “It looks great,” he says. “We’re excited to see everyone out and make sure their experience here is top-notch.” This year, Moose Jaw Curling Centre is hosting 16 bonspiels, ranging from youth-focused events to competitive provincial championships. Alongside the tournaments, curlers can choose from eight different leagues, including fun draws, competitive cash nights, stick leagues, and youth programs—ensuring there’s something for everyone, no matter your age or experience level. Details can be found at the Temple Gardens Centre Website.