Premier Ice Conditions
Great curling starts with great ice, and creating it takes much more than simply freezing water.
At St. Marys Curling, we’re committed to providing consistent, high-quality playing conditions throughout the season. That commitment combines experienced ice preparation, careful day-to-day maintenance, and significant investment in the systems that make great curling ice possible.
Experience Behind the Ice
Our ice program is led by Head Ice Technician Jason Clarke, a Competition Ice Technician certified through Curling Canada. From installation at the beginning of the season through regular scraping, pebbling, monitoring, and adjustments, considerable work goes into creating a surface that provides the speed, curl, and consistency players expect.
Ice conditions are continually monitored throughout the season, with adjustments made based on changing conditions, usage, and the needs of league and competitive play.
Investing in Better Ice
Providing a great playing surface requires ongoing investment in both the ice-making systems and the equipment curlers play with.
In 2015, St. Marys Curling made a major investment in a complete set of new curling stones, providing consistent performance across all four sheets and establishing an important foundation for the quality of play we enjoy today.
More recently, significant upgrades have modernized the infrastructure behind the ice, including a new chiller, improvements to the refrigeration system, upgraded controls, a new dehumidifier, and additional work within the compressor room. Together, these investments provide greater control over the playing environment and help our ice team maintain consistent conditions throughout the season.
From the rocks on the sheet to the equipment working behind the scenes, we continue to invest in the pieces that contribute to a better curling experience.
Ready for Every Level of Play
Our ice needs to serve many different types of curlers. On any given week, the same sheets may welcome someone playing their first season, a social league, experienced competitive teams, or athletes participating in a championship event.
St. Marys has also become a trusted host for regional and provincial competition, requiring playing conditions that can meet the expectations of experienced athletes while still providing an enjoyable experience for our weekly curlers.
It’s a standard we continue to work toward every day: consistent, competitive curling ice that allows players at every level to enjoy the game at its best.