Ready to be the next gold medalist? Or at least PSU’s next gold medalist? In light of the recent Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games, Plymouth State University is offering curling. The under appreciated sport has become more and more popular since it became an Olympic event in the 1998 Winter Olympics. Locals can experience the game for themselves as either a spectator or competitor at the PSU Welcome Center and Ice Arena’s Hanaway Rink.
But what is curling? Curling is one of the world’s oldest sports, originating from medieval Scotland. Of course the game has changed since then- competitors no longer slide common stones across frozen lochs, but rather slide forty-two pound granite stones tactically across the ice towards “the button” or the circular target area at the end of the ice. Once the stone is delivered, teammates enthusiastically sweep the ice in such a way to create a path for the stone.
The aim of the game is to get the stones closest to the button, which could mean having to take-out, block, or tap another stone. Similar to innings in baseball, curling has 10-ends in which teams have eight stones to deliver. If the game is tied after each team has thrown their respective stones, play continues until a winner can be determined.
Despite Hanaway Rink being home to Panther’s ice hockey teams and other events; curling requires special preparations to be done to the ice. The process known as pebbling requires water droplets to be sprayed and frozen to the ice’s surface in order for the stone to properly glide down the ice towards the target. As the stone glides, it makes a distinct sound and as such the sport of curling has also been called “The Roaring Game,” a fitting name for the Plymouth Panthers.
Scared to play? Don’t be. Anyone who can sweep a house can sweep the ice, and you don’t have to be able to skate. League Play begins Tues., Mar. 25 from 6-8 pm. However, curling instruction is mandatory for all curlers. The introduction will be held Mar. 18 to Mar. 20 and again on Mar. 24 from 6-8 pm.
The Adult League is $300 per team, but luckily there is also Intramural Curling just for students, which costs $50 per team. Those interested can register online at www.IMLeagues.com/Plymouth. Teams can consist of all women, all men, or a combination of both.
Don’t want to commit to a team? No problem. Drop-in curling sessions will be held on Saturdays for only $10. All necessary equipment will be provided at the rink. For more information, or to reserve a spot, e-mail psu-icearena@plymouth.edu or call (603) 535-2SK8 (2758).