It all started with local curler and board member Dustin Mikush hearing that Team Dunstone was looking for ice, so he reached out to Matt Dunstone. Wadena still had ice for their kids curling program so our club met the criteria we had ice.

The next steps were approval from Government, CURLSASK, the local board, and finding the boys a place to stay. With all that in place and RE/MAX Blue Chip Realty – Yorkton stepping up with a financial contribution it was a done deal.

When asked about the experience the team offered the following statement: “We are so grateful for everyone who made this possible and safe for our team and the community. From the club, to the powers that be, we are grateful for the opportunity to train safely in quarantine. It was a Dream camp. Thanks to everyone involved and Thank you Wadena!”

With the ice having been “natural ice” since November the board stepped up and approved turning the plant back on. Next the clubs title sponsor RE/MAX Blue Chip Realty helped out with a financial contribution towards utility costs. Broker/Owner Robert Kozak says “Our family has been involved with the sport of curling all our lives and being able to help team Saskatchewan was an opportunity we couldn’t pass up”.

Team Dunstone also contributed towards the utility costs, and with Scott Comfort and Dustin Mikush volunteering their time to make the ice, all that was left was a place to stay. Board member Dwight Pomedli arranged a private house for the team, and the with that, the final piece of the puzzle was in place.

With isolation a large concern for the team, only the board was made aware of the project, but Wadena still stepped up with excellent hospitality. The team was offered meals and the boys were also very happy with cuisine from the local restaurants in addition to the “Excellent Facility”. The two weeks consisted of two a day practices with the team letting themselves into the facility after the ice makers left. They practiced and headed straight back to the house.

Club President Dane Ward said “It is a honour and privilege for our club to give Team Saskatchewan a practice facility to help their chances of bringing the Tankard home.”

Icemaker Scott Comfort said “It was an experience I will never forget and I only wish we could have told more people. Knowing the support of curling in Wadena I am sure the place would have been packed just to watch them practice. It was fun to work with the team to try make our small town clubs ice as close to Brier ice as possible.”Dustin Mikush, who started this whole process said when it was all done “When I first texted Matt I thought maybe they would come for a day or two. I didn’t expect this. I can’t wait to watch Team Dunstone represent the Wadena RE/MAX Curling Club at this year’s Tim Hortons Brier. Bring home the gold boys!”

The club would like to thank all those that offered their support, from the local members, ice makers, RE/MAX Blue Chip Realty, and to the team for being such gracious guests.

Good luck to Team Dunstone! GO GREEN! #gosask #smalltownproud