By David Gravelle
BARRIE, Ont. – The home rink of the Ontario Hockey League’s Barrie Colts has been transformed into the house of rock and roll for seven days of The Dominion Ontario Tankard.
While the focus will be on who attempts to dethrone defending world champion – and seven-time consecutive provincial champ – Glenn Howard and Co., it may be the Barrie Molson Centre (or BMC) itself that steals the show.
The BMC is a 4,195-seat multi-purpose sport and entertainment complex which opened in 1995. It’s located at the south end of Barrie, only 45 minutes north of the Greater Toronto Area.
With its bowl-type seating, in-house restaurant (the Horsepower Grill), private boxes and cold beer in the stands, this could be considered a mini-Brier.
That’s the dream of organizing committee Executive Chair Ken Leach, a local competitive curler from the host Barrie Curling Club.
“We knew it was going to be a big facility for an Ontario Tankard,” said Leach, as the first stones of the opening draw were being thrown. “We felt with where we were (only 30 minutes from World Champion Glenn Howard’s hometown of Midland) and the timing that we had, that we had the opportunity to fill this place.”
While the opening draw saw a smattering of fans and volunteers barely make a dent in the large facility, Leach hopes bums will fill those seats as the week progresses.
“Ticket sales are (going) amazing,” explained Leach. “We’ve sold 3500 so far, we’ve got 1500 comps, we have another 2,000-3,000 from the volunteers, and 70 percent of the people will be walk-ups.”
The most anticipated matchup will be on Wednesday evening, when Glenn Howard battles Toronto’s John Epping, or as the locals are calling it, Howard vs Howard. Scott Howard, who plays second for Team Epping, will be playing for bragging rights and perhaps a playoff spot against his dad. Hopes are high for a mid-week sellout, which would be unheard-of in provincial Tankard history.
“We’re really hoping for it,” said Leach. “Tickets sales are going very well for that night. We’re optimistic that we’re going to have a full capacity crowd.”
This is Howard country. And if hundreds of local curlers and fans make the half hour drive to Barrie, the BMC could be rocking and the dream of filling those seats may become a reality.
EVENT LINKS:
2013 The Dominion Tankard website
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