MOOSE JAW — The sounds of granite rocks smashing into each other and of brooms sweeping the ice now fill the Temple Gardens Centre as the best male curlers compete for an international title.
The 2025 BKT World Men’s Curling Championship kicked off on Saturday and features 13 teams from around the world vying to claim the coveted gold medals.
Canada began its quest to become champion with a game against Japan at 2 p.m. on Saturday.
Meanwhile, after all the games are played, the championship match is set for Sunday, April 6 at 3 p.m.
“The buzz is on and it’s going to be a great 10 days,” said Mayor James Murdock. “And … we’re not only going to be (in) the provincial spotlight (and) national (spotlight) but also international.
“And Moose Jaw is very proud of that. And we’re very fortunate to have been given this opportunity to host men’s worlds,” he continued. “And we’re going to let all the curling enthusiasts and visitors know that we truly are ‘The Friendly City’ and that everyone is welcomed.”
Information from Curling Canada shows that Moose Jaw could see an economic benefit of roughly $12 million to $15 million from this two-week event, the mayor pointed out. That is “unbelievable” and could be a helpful boost for businesses.
“Everyone benefits; all the hotels are full,” Murdock said, noting that even Regina will see some economic benefit since people will book hotels there. “It’s kind of similar to when Regina hosts the Grey Cup (because) Moose Jaw gets some spinoffs with the hotels … .
“So it’s really a win for the entire province to have this,” the mayor added. “And to have that opportunity to have 13 (countries) represented is tremendous and we’re so thankful.”
Heather Eby, one of four organizing vice-chairs, said she has one of the best jobs since she can watch the process unfold from start to finish and celebrate the many hard-working people.
“We have just put together such an amazing team again for this tournament, and everyone’s just worked so well. It’s been just great and the week is going to unfold perfectly,” she remarked.
This is Eby’s fourth time supporting a curling tournament in Moose Jaw. She was a volunteer director during the Canada Cup in 2012 and then took on higher roles for the 2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the 2023 World Para Hockey Championship.
Organizers held many online and in-person meetings in the months leading up to this tournament, while they worked to find the right people for the director positions and enough volunteers to keep the tournament functioning well, Eby said.
“… fortunately, now with Zoom meetings, it’s not as difficult to get everyone together. And Curling Canada, they used to come and have an office in Moose Jaw for several months leading up to the event, and now, because they can do everything by Zoom, that makes it a little easier for them … ,” she continued.
Therefore, it’s “not a lot of hard lifting until you get to this part of the week.”
Eby noted that the four vice-chairs attended a rules meeting that Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation held for the 13 teams. She admitted that while she’s watched curling her entire life, there were many rules she never knew existed, but that players must obey.
“And the arena looks great,” she continued, noting that Temple Gardens staff have done a great job, volunteers are working hard, and areas like The Patch have finally been set up.
“We’re ready not just for the world to be here, but all of our own citizens and our fellow Canadians,” Eby added.
