J U N I O R S

Here is what is planned for Pointe Claire’s Junior Curling program in 2011 – 2012.

After being named Curling Club of the Year by Curling Québec for the 2008 – 2010 period, Pointe Claire continued its success this past season at both the Club and the Junior level.

We are now working to tweak last year’s program to better respond to the needs of our Junior curlers. We want to maximize the time that you spend on the ice in improving your skills and we know that you want to scrimmage more often.

For 2011-2012, we are looking to cater to the needs of all of our Juniors and one area that is being addressed is the large number of Littlerockers, some of which are still struggling to get the stones all of the way down the ice. Two of the sheets will now have rings painted at the halfway point, insuring that even our youngest curlers will be able to “make the house” on every shot.

So, when do we start? The Pointe Claire Curling Club’s Open House for all curlers will be on Saturday and Sunday, September 24 and 25, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This is the chance for all of you parents to get out on the ice and hopefully follow your kids into enjoying the sport of curling.

On Saturday, October 1st, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., we’ll be holding a Junior Open House and Registration afternoon.
Here’s our challenge to all Junior-age curlers. Have you got a friend who would like to try it out? This is their chance. As a matter of fact, bring out as many friends as you can. After all, you guys are our best recruiters.

On Thanksgiving weekend, Pointe Claire is hosting the ARCM (Association régionale de curling de Montréal) Junior Challenge, featuring the top 40 Under-20 Junior curlers in the region competing in singles, doubles, skins and regular games. Four of our older curlers are participating and you are all encouraged to come out and see some great curling and cheer on our players.

The following week, we start our program in earnest on Saturday, October 15th and go every Saturday until December 3rd. We then jump to Sunday, December 11th for our first of two Kids vs Parents Games and Potluck Supper. We are once again hosting a portion of the Tim Caverly Junior Bonspiel from December 27th to 29th and pick up with lessons on January 7th. The complete calendar is included and is also posted on the website.

Despite it not materializing last year, we are working with some of our neighbouring clubs to get a House League Program going with games taking place on Sunday afternoons, once or twice a month. This will supplement opportunities to play in Interclub games at both Junior and Littlerocks levels. There will be Jeux du Québec Regional Finals this year and lastly, there will be opportunities to enter teams in the Juvenile and Junior Provincial Competitive Circuits.

Have a look at the attached documents and be sure to stop by and register at our Open House on October 1st, and don’t forget to bring out a friend. If you need more information or have a question, send us an email and we’ll get back to you.
Last year, a few parents expressed interest in becoming more involved with the program, either on the ice or behind the glass. We’d love to have you with us, so just drop me a line so that we can make it happen. The club even covers the cost of coaching courses for those who are interested.

Keith Mallette
Junior Program Director