After a challenging 2025, organizers of the 57th annual Rocky Oilmen’s Bonspiel are celebrating a successful return of the tournament, held March 19 to 22.

A total of 76 games were played over the weekend. The Prepare First Emergency Management team, skipped by Wayne Heikkinen, won the tournament on Sunday. The Challand Pipeline team, skipped by Clint Challand, finished as runner-up.

Organizers say the Rocky Curling Club is back to full capacity and able to host large events after around $500,000 in roof and truss repairs was completed in 2025.

“The rafters have a nice, bright yellow look to them — it brightens up the ice level,” said Oilmen’s president Len Doroshuk Jr. “It’s a good reminder of the effort that went into the repair.”

Action at the 2026 Rocky Oilmen’s Curling Bonspiel. (Rocky Oilmen’s/Len Doroshuk Jr.)

Prepare First Emergency Management team, skipped by Wayne Heikkinen, won the 2026 Rocky Oilmen’s Bonspiel. (Rocky Oilmen’s/Len Doroshuk Jr.)

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RELATED:

• Truss work complete at Rocky Curling Club
• Repairs nearly complete at Rocky Curling Club, season to begin January 5
• “Imminent failure” Work underway at Rocky Curling Club as significant structural issues identified

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For their work on the roof project, the inaugural Evergreen Co-op Community Builder awards were presented to Gord McCrindle, Don Gordon, Walter Glover, Steve Jones and Richard Bonneau.

Doroshuk Jr. credited the group with saving the curling club hundreds of thousands of dollars and helping ensure a portion of the 2025-2026 curling season could be played.

In addition to receiving plaques, the recipients were invited to form a team and participate in the weekend’s bonspiel.

Organizers plan to make the awards an annual recognition of industry members who use their skills to give back to the community.

The Jamie Tubbs Memorial Award was also presented in memory of Tom McGuigan. Members of McGuigan family attended to accept the award. He was remembered for his contributions to the community and his volunteer work.

Members of Tom McGuigan’s family accept the Jamie Tubbs Memorial Award on his behalf at the 2026 Rocky Oilmen’s Curling Bonspiel. (Rocky Oilmen’s/Len Doroshuk Jr.)

The event also raised funds for four local high school scholarships for students pursuing careers in the energy sector or skilled trades.

The organization’s next event will be its annual golf tournament, scheduled for June 5 at Pine Hills Golf Club.