McEwen opens Classic with victory

Mike McEwen out of the Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club throws a rock during his game against Jared Kolomaya Friday. (TREVOR HAGAN / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE — The two-time defending champion Mike McEwen team of Winnipeg opened the men's 2012 Canad Inns Prairie Classic bonspiel at the Portage Curling Club with a victory on Friday afternoon.

McEwen and his team of third BJ Neufeld, second Matt Wozniak and lead Denni Neufeld defeated the Jared Kolomaya team from Stonewall 5-3 in the second draw of the day.

"I don't think I've ever seen so many teams in the top 15 (in the world) here so it kind of resonates like a Slam (Grand Slam event) field," said McEwen. "The ice is really good so it's going to be a good test out here this weekend."

Also opening Friday was the women's 2012 Manitoba Lotteries Curling Classic at Winnipeg's Fort Rouge Curling Club, one of three women's Grand Slam events.

Other teams winning their second-draw games were Mark Kean, Jeff Stoughton, Kevin Martin, Sean Grassie, Kevin Koe, Rob Fowler and Randy Dutiaume.

"We're very happy with the field we got this year. This is the best we've had in 10 years," said Trevor Found, the president of the Portage Curling Club. "There's a $58,000 purse with $18,000 for first place so it's one of the top events."

Found said Portage ice technician Garnet Cairns is being assisted by Greg Ewasko, who is the ice technician for the provincial championships, a combination that has created a world-class surface for the competitors.

The women's Manitoba Lotteries Curling Classic has a $60,000 prize purse with $15,000 as the first prize.

Winning women's teams in the second draw included Marie-France Larouche, Stefanie Lawton, Heather Nedohin, Rachel Homan, Margaretha Sigridsson and Valerie Sweeting.

Draws continue this evening for the men at 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. for the women.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPAshleyPrest

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.