CurlSask is the provincial organization helping to oversee and provide programming for a network of member curling clubs across the province. Among those services are coaching clinics for youth. CurlSask and Viterra brought their youth clinic to Muenster on November 13 as students from Muenster School hit the pebbled ice.

Mat Ring, membership coordinator for CurlSask, is no stranger to the ice or to Muenster for that matter. Ring, who plays second for the Steve Howard team based out of Saskatchewan, has made an annual pilgrimage to the Muenster Curling Club since 2016. He shares his obvious love of the game and his technical knowledge with students who are developing their skill sets and enthusiasm for the sport. 

The day-long experience started with a session for each of the Grades 5 to 8 classes and continued in the afternoon with development sessions for the school’s competitive teams. Ring sees an evolution in youth engagement with the sport in the province, resulting in strong young competitors emerging from high school and university systems.

“I like to brag about the clubs that have such a strong youth program right from the grassroots. Just talking to locals like Gord Kiefer and Kyle Muggli, it seems the numbers are great. I know the enthusiasm and passion for the sport are great in the club.” He also speaks highly of the connection the school brings to promote the sport and support its competitors. 

Every curling club has its heroes and lore, and the Muenster Curling Club is no different. It’s important for clubs to highlight that history says Ring, as it can serve the club way in enticing new members, particularly young ones. Ring knows this from experience.

“That helped me when I was young, just seeing the local talent on TV. That especially works in the town of Muenster seeing Kirk (Muyres) on SportsNet every couple Grand Slams and with the success of Bruce (Korte) over the years. Hopefully, it provides a bit of drive for the kids, and I know they’re going to be in good hands here with the club.”

This round of the CurlSask clinics is sponsored by Viterra. Ring continues his tour of the province with CurlSask programming and with his own competitive curling.