What Is 2013 Stu Sells Oakville Tankard

Overview

The 2013 Stu Sells Oakville Tankard was a prominent early-season bonspiel on the World Curling Tour, drawing top-tier men's and women's teams from across Canada and beyond. Hosted at the Oakville Curling Club in Oakville, Ontario, the event served as a key competitive platform ahead of the national curling season.

Running from October 4 to 7, 2013, the tournament featured a round-robin format followed by playoffs, showcasing elite curling talent in both divisions. The event is named after Stu Sells, a Canadian real estate company that has sponsored the competition since its inception.

• Location: The tournament was held at the Oakville Curling Club, a well-known facility with four sheets of ice and a history of hosting national-level events.
• Format: Teams competed in a round-robin preliminary stage, followed by a playoff bracket to determine the final standings for both men's and women's divisions.
• Men's Winner: Team Glenn Howard from Ontario claimed the title, defeating strong competition with a final record of 5–1 in the round-robin and playoff rounds.
• Women's Winner: Team Rachel Homan of Ottawa secured victory, remaining undefeated throughout the event with a dominant 6–0 record.
• Significance: The 2013 edition helped establish the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard as a staple on the World Curling Tour, attracting teams preparing for the Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

How It Works

The Stu Sells Oakville Tankard follows standard World Curling Tour event protocols, combining round-robin play with knockout stages to determine champions in both men's and women's categories. Each team plays multiple games to qualify for playoffs, with points awarded for wins and draws.

• Format Structure:Round-robin play involves each team facing off against others in their pool, with standings based on win-loss records and tiebreakers like draw shot challenges.
• Playoff Qualification: The top four teams from each division advance to the playoffs, which include semifinals and a championship final.
• Scoring System: Games follow standard curling rules, with teams earning one point per end won, and matches typically lasting 10 ends unless a mercy rule applies.
• Team Composition: Each team consists of four players—lead, second, third (or vice-skip), and skip—with one alternate allowed per squad.
• Time Limits: Games are played under a 73-minute time limit with a 30-second shot clock, ensuring fast-paced, strategic gameplay.
• Prize Purse: The 2013 event offered a total purse of $20,000, with $12,000 awarded to the men's champion and $8,000 to the women's winner.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the 2013 Stu Sells Oakville Tankard with similar events on the World Curling Tour during the same season.

The 2013 Stu Sells Oakville Tankard stood out for its balanced focus on both men's and women's competition, unlike many events that feature only one division. Its early October timing made it a key tune-up for teams aiming for national championships later in the season, and its inclusion of high-profile teams like Howard and Homan elevated its prestige.

Why It Matters

The 2013 Stu Sells Oakville Tankard played a significant role in shaping the competitive curling calendar, offering teams a high-level environment to test strategies and team cohesion. Its success contributed to the event becoming an annual fixture, now recognized for its organization and competitive depth.

• Player Development: The tournament provided emerging curlers with experience competing against elite teams like Glenn Howard’s rink, which had won multiple Briers.
• Women's Visibility: With Rachel Homan’s undefeated run, the event highlighted the rising prominence of women’s curling on the national stage.
• Sponsorship Model: Stu Sells’ continued backing demonstrated the viability of corporate-sponsored regional events in sustaining professional curling.
• Season Preparation: Many participants used the event to fine-tune their game ahead of the 2014 Olympic qualification cycle.
• Community Engagement: The Oakville Curling Club saw increased membership and youth participation following the tournament’s success.
• Tour Integration: The event strengthened the World Curling Tour’s presence in Southern Ontario, a key region for Canadian curling talent.

Overall, the 2013 Stu Sells Oakville Tankard was more than just a seasonal opener—it was a catalyst for competitive momentum and a model for how regional events can achieve national significance in the sport of curling.