2016/2017 LEAGUE EXECUTIVE
President: Robert Wolthuizen
VP/Treasurer: Pierre Peron
Statistician: Steven Ethier
Social Coordinator: Erica Dath
50/50 Coordinator: Martin Harvey
HOT Thursday Night Curling Trophy History
If you ever noticed and then wondered why some of the titles on the trophies don't match their current use: for example the Playoff Division "B" Champions (Nowlan trophy) start
ed in 1978 yet the trophy is titled "League Champions" and has name plates on it going as far back as 1957, then read on...
Harmer Trophy - League Champions
In 1957 the League Champions started with the Nowlan trophy, but in 1974 it was retired and replaced by the Harmer trophy (also known as the "A" trophy). Mac Trophy - Playoff Champions Division "A"
In 1972 the Mac trophy was introduced as the Division "B" Champions trophy. It later became the Playoff Champions trophy, more specifically the Division "A" Playoff Champions. The transition date to being used as a playoff trophy is not known. Nowlan Trophy - Playoff Champions Division "B"
In 1978 the Nowlan trophy was brought out of retirement and was re-purposed as to what is now the Division "B" Playoff Champions trophy. Assuming it's been the Division "B" Playoff Champions trophy since 1978 then it is likely when the Mac trophy changed over as well. The Nowlan main plate still states "League Champions" and the name plates for the (1957-1973) league champions remain. Simon Turner Memorial Award - Good Sport Award
In 2001 the the Good Sport Award was introduced and was later (2006) titled The Simon Turner Memorial Award. Although the H.O.T. curling league started out as a competitive league in the mid 50's, by the mid 90's it had changed to focus more on the social aspect, with curlers of varying skill levels getting together to play and have fun. Everyone played to win of course, but it was not the only reason to be there. By the year 2000, as a means of our league refocusing on the social side of the game, and as a gentle reminder of the league's purpose, it was decided to recognize an individual (or two) on an annual basis who contributed significantly to the spirit of goodwill and sportsmanship in the league, often in the face of trying circumstances. The "Good Sport Award" was born, and presented for the first time in 2001. In 2006, we were saddened by the untimely passing of a long-time league member who embodied the spirit that the trophy recognized. Whether playing with or against Simon Turner, you could not tell which team was leading or by how much. He always had a smile and a sharp and ready wit. He was a former tax department employee who had retired and moved to Winnipeg with his wife, who was still an active employee. The sudden and very painful discovery of his illness led to the realization that naming the Good Sport Award after him would keep that spirit alive long after his passing. Silver Broom Award
Back in the 70's & 80's, the last place team was presented with the Silver Broom Award (not to be confused with the famous trophy that for many years was awarded to the World Champions). Ours was the bottom portion of an old pushbroom, spray-painted silver and attached to a base bearing the names of the previous recipients. Rumour has it that it found its final resting place in the fireplace of a skip who had "won" it one too many times.
