News General News

Manitoba storm forces cancellation of Portage curling event

The Canad Inns Men’s Classic in Portage la Prairie was cancelled due to the Manitoba storm that blanketed parts of the province and left thousands without power.

Winter came early this weekend with Environment Canada estimating as much as 50 cm of snow could fall in some regions.

The annual Portage bonspiel features 24 men’s teams and attracts some of the top clubs from the World Curling Tour including No. 1 ranked Team Kevin Koe from Calgary, No. 2 ranked Team John Epping of Toronto, and No. 10 ranked Team Brad Gushue of St. John’s, N.L.

Only three draws were completed in the event Friday when the blizzard knocked out power at the Portage Curling Club forcing the remaining games to be rescheduled and then outright called off.

The City of Portage la Prairie, located about 90 km west of Winnipeg, tweeted our their lift stations are running on backup power and advised citizens to limit water consumption and to not flush toilets.

So, how about an impromptu Sheet Show?

Team Shuster third Chris Plys making the case for a second career as a meteorologist.

Even the beer supply was running low.

In all seriousness, we hope everyone is safe.