What Is 2013 Kamloops Crown of Curling

Overview

The 2013 Kamloops Crown of Curling was a prominent men's curling bonspiel that attracted top-tier teams from across Canada. Held annually in Kamloops, British Columbia, the event serves as a key early-season competition in the curling calendar, helping teams fine-tune strategies ahead of provincial and national championships.

This particular edition drew widespread attention due to the high caliber of competitors and tight, dramatic finishes throughout the weekend. As part of the World Curling Tour, the tournament offered ranking points and prize money, adding competitive stakes beyond regional bragging rights.

• Event dates: The tournament ran from November 29 to December 1, 2013, spanning three full days of round-robin and playoff action.
• Location: It was hosted at the Kamloops Curling Club, a well-maintained facility known for hosting national-level curling events.
• Participants: A total of 16 men's teams competed, including several ranked in the top 20 of the World Curling Tour standings.
• Prize purse: The event offered a total of $10,000, with the champion earning $4,000 and additional prize tiers for semifinalists and finalists.
• Winner:John Epping of Toronto claimed victory, defeating Alberta’s Kevin Koe 7–5 in a tightly contested final match.

How It Works

The Kamloops Crown of Curling follows a standard World Curling Tour bonspiel format, combining round-robin play with a playoff bracket to determine a champion. Teams are seeded based on rankings and performance, with consistent results required to advance.

• Format: The tournament uses a round-robin followed by playoffs, where each team plays seven games before the top eight advance.
• Game length: Matches consist of 10 ends, with a 60-minute time limit per game, encouraging strategic time management.
• Scoring system: Standard curling scoring is used, with one point awarded per stone closer to the button than the opponent’s best stone.
• Playoff structure: The top four teams from the round-robin advance to the Page playoff system, including Page 1v2, 3v4, and semifinal rounds.
• Team composition: Each team consists of four players—lead, second, third, and skip—with the skip directing strategy and throwing last stones.
• Time controls: Teams are given 38 minutes of thinking time per game, tracked electronically, with a 40-second shot clock once time is low.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Kamloops Crown of Curling with similar events on the World Curling Tour during the same season:

While the Kamloops event had a smaller purse than some comparable tournaments, it offered strong competition and valuable ranking points. Its mid-season timing allowed teams like Epping’s to test new lineups and strategies before major winter events.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Kamloops Crown of Curling played a meaningful role in the broader curling season, influencing team rankings and seeding for future events. Its competitive field and professional organization made it a benchmark for emerging and established teams alike.

• Ranking impact: Results contributed to World Curling Tour points, influencing invitations to higher-tier events later in the season.
• Team development: Several squads, including Epping’s, used the event to test new third players ahead of provincial playdowns.
• Exposure: The tournament was streamed online, increasing visibility for athletes and sponsors across North America.
• Local economy: Over 300 visitors stayed in Kamloops for the event, boosting local hotels and restaurants.
• Pathway to championships: Success here helped teams qualify for Canada Cup and Tim Hortons Brier events.
• Community engagement: The Kamloops Curling Club hosted youth clinics and fan meetups, promoting grassroots curling in the Interior region.

Overall, the 2013 edition underscored the importance of mid-tier bonspiels in shaping the competitive curling landscape, offering both prestige and practical benefits to participants and the host city.