Weekend curling tournament starts tonight at Ice Dome

Hi-Line Curling Club is hosting its 12th Annual Hammers and Hacks Bonspiel this weekend starting tonight and running through Sunday at Havre Ice Dome, 2585 Fifth Ave.

The teams, 22 in total, are coming from North Dakota, Saskatchewan, Whitefish, Bozeman and Havre this year, member Andy Herdina said.

"Definitely the biggest that we've had," he added, even though the large contingent of Canadian teams that normally attend didn't want to risk the border crossing with COVID concerns.

Tournament action starts with the first eight teams throwing on four lanes at 6 p.m. and subsequent heats will start at 7:45 and 9:30. The first heats Saturday start at 9 a.m. and continue into the evening with the last at 8:45 p.m., and Sunday wraps up the tournament with action at 9 a.m. and the championship round that starts at 11 a.m.

Each team is guaranteed three games, though the winners will continue to work their way to the championship round.

Spectator admission to the tournament is free, and though they won't have a food concession this year, the unlimited beer glasses will be sold, and Saturday evening will include a pizza feed.

Vizsla Brewing Co., which will have a team competing in the tournament, debuted its Hammers and Hacks Helles Lager at a fundraiser for the local curling club Thursday night.

The teams helped develop the craft brew, Herdina said, and everything to come together to have its debut for the bonspiel.

All the funds raised will go toward Hi-Line Curling Club expenses including events, equipment and more. The club had a record 17 teams participating in league this year.

"We've been trying to do more of a presence online and I think that word's finally gotten out there," he said. "People are just looking for something to do in the winter during those cold nights."

The public is welcome to come watch the action and learn more about the sport of curling.