One last bonspiel before the ice goes away

Story and photos by Kason Clark

While the Hi-Line is in that short break between winter and spring sports, that does not mean there are not plenty of other athletics to enjoy. This past weekend at the Havre Ice Dome, the 12th Annual Hammers and Hacks Bonspiel took place as curling teams from all over the state and north of the border competed. 

Some teams such as Holy Sheet came from Havre itself and have been doing so since the bonspiel began back in 2012. Even after so many years at the tournament, members of Holy Sheet such as Darrin Boss continue to have a great time competing in the curling tournament. 

"It was a great weekend," Boss said. "Everybody had a great time with about 22 different teams and many from all over the state. They brought a lot of income to Havre and had a good time."

As an inaugural member of the tournament, Holy Sheet has competed in the bonspiel over the years. They placed second and third before, but this past weekend was the first time they took home the first-place trophy. In the championship match, Holy Sheet had to defeat a strong opponent in Randy's and Andy's Team, so Boss was happy to finally win it all against such a tough foe. 

"It feels really good," Boss said. "The team we played was an amazing team from Bozeman. They were a really good team to play and it was fun."

Teams from all over the state - and from out of Montana - competed at the bonspiel this weekend.

All the way from Bozeman, Randy's and Andy's Team came to Havre and finished second in the tournament. While they did not take home the first-place trophy, Randy's and Andy's Team member Michelle Ponca was happy to return to the tournament after missing out on it last year. 

"I just love it. The people are what bring us back," Ponca said. "The people that run this event and the people we meet on the ice. It's very exciting for us to be here again."

The tournament ran from Friday night through Sunday afternoon. With about 22 teams competing in the tournament, it was one of the largest tournaments the bonspiel has had in its short history. Along with teams from across Montana, squads came all the way from the likes of North Dakota and Saskatchewan. With the chance to meet and play with fellow curling enthusiasts from all over, Boss enjoyed making new connections through the  sport. 

"It's all about the people and the friends," Boss said. "We've got plenty of people we've played with for years come from Bozeman, Missoula and from Canada. So that's what it's about, it's just the people."

There was great competition through the weekend but competitors such as Jim Rowlatt, also from Holy Sheet, believes the real worth of the bonspiel comes from the camaraderie and enjoyment of the game. 

"It's not a serious bonspiel. We're here to have fun and that's what makes the whole thing," Rowlatt said.