Skip to content

Carlyle's 10th Annual Open Oilmen's Bonspiel ends with a touching tribute

Carlyle's 10 th Annual Open Oilman's Bonspiel ended fittingly, as the winners of the weekend event were 'Bunzie's Champions', a team determined to pay tribute to their friend, co-worker, and fellow curler, Michael Bunz of Wawota, who died tragically
Oilmens
Bunzie's Champions not only captured the top spot at the 2015 10th Annual Open Oilmen's Bonspiel; they captured hearts as well. (l-r) Second Garth Newell, third Doug Bourgon, skip Kevin Wilson, and lead Colton Wilson, along with team sponsor, Dean Drew (not pictured) of NALCO Champion made it their mission to pay tribute to the late Michael Bunz's passion for curling in the Oilmen's Bonspiel, cheering on the Riders, and most of all, his love for his family, friends, and colleagues. The team requested that they pose for their first-place team picture holding a photo collage made up mostly of pictures of Michael Bunz and his family.

     Carlyle's 10th Annual Open Oilman's Bonspiel ended fittingly, as the winners of the weekend event were 'Bunzie's Champions', a team determined to pay tribute to their friend, co-worker, and fellow curler, Michael Bunz of Wawota, who died tragically on the job in an oilfield-related accident.

     The team, skip Kevin Wilson, third Doug Bourgon, second Garth Newell, and lead Colton Wilson, also wore Saskatchewan Roughrider jerseys in their friend's memory in an effort to honour Michael Bunz's passions and love of life.

     Skip Kevin Wilson, speaking on behalf of his team, said, “Michael was killed while working in the oilfield. He was an active curler in the Oilmen's Bonspiel and we've either curled with him or gone up against him several times. He was a great friend, both on and off the ice, and a friendly foe on it.”

     “He was also a huge Roughriders fan, so we wore our jerseys in memory of him. We wanted to compete in the bonspiel honouring two of his passions, and of course, his passion for life.”

     “Dean Drew of NALCO Champion-which is the company Michael worked for- sponsored us. We all wanted to pay tribute to Michael, and of course, his family.”

     Throughout the tournament, a photo collage-made up mostly of pictures Michael Bunz and his family-hung in the Carlyle Curling Club, and his tribute team only removed it to pose with it when they won the tournament.

     “We want to reiterate how much a part of the Oilman's Bonspiel Michael was,” says Wilson. “When he was around, there was always great competition and great cameraderie.”    

     This year, the annual event hosted sixteen teams from Carlyle, Arcola, Carnduff, Estevan, Kisbey, Lampman, Oxbow and Wawota. The curling action took place at the Carlyle Curling Club, Feb. 19-22.

     The tournament format was a Creelman draw, which guaranteed each team four games throughout the tournament, as well as allowing every team a chance to make the playoffs.

     Teams are asked to have at least three curlers on each rink that are in oilfield or oilfield-related occuapations. This can include spouses of those working in the petroleum industry.

     Organizer Anita Delalleau says, “It's a very social bonspiel. Not only does everyone enjoy the curling and the prizes, we also do a lot of socializing. We had a dance on Friday night, and this year, Canadian Energy Services supplied pizza and wings for all of the curlers on Saturday night.”

     “Because it's our 10th anniversary this year, Crescent Point Energy sponsored an entire prime rib dinner for our banquet, catered by Weirs of Manor. Carlyle Food World made us an anniversary cake that represented a sheet of curling ice,” said Delalleau. “We couldn't do any of this-and that includes our prizes-without our sponsors.”

     “I'd also like to acknowledge the Carlyle Curling Club's assistance in organizing the bonspiel with me.”

     However, after organizing the Oilmen's Bonspiel for the past six years, Delalleau is handing over her organizing duties to Stephanie Gress and Leighann Brown.

     Kirk Himmelspach of the Carlyle Curling Club said, “After six years of organizing the Oilmen's, she's leaving us. Thank you, Anita. You'll be missed.”

     Of her final Oilmen's Bonspiel as an organizer, Delalleau said, “It went extremely well this year. I'd really like to thank all of our sponsors and all of our volunteers.”

     “It's in good hands,” she added. “And hopefully, next year I'll be able to curl in it!”

     The 2015 10th Annual Open Oilmen's Bonspiel winners are:

     “A” side winners: Bunzie's Champions: Skip Kevin Wilson, third Doug Bourgon, second Garth Newell, lead Colton Wilson.

     “B” side winners: Enbridge: Skip Darrell Dunnigan, third Dave Easton, second Brandy East, lead Ethan Newell.

     “C” side winners: 'MRC Global': Skip Adam Himmelspach, third Ryan Hansen, second Jamie Clark, lead Jennifer Murray.

     “D” side winners: Nankivell Trucking: Skip Kirk Himmelspach, third Kaylee Mullis, second Allan Jackson, lead Claudia Mullis.