Curling fans had the opportunity to enjoy 45 entertaining and competitive games at Kipling March 1-3.

Sixteen teams from all across the province were in town to compete in the Provincial High School Boys Curling Playdowns. Many braved stormy weather and treacherous roads to be here.

In the end it was the Trevor Woiden team from Winston High School in Watrous, taking home the gold medals.

Watrous, representing Horizon Central District, reeled off four wins to take the A Qualifier spot in Saturday’s medal rounds.

Woiden, along with third Aaron Lindgren, second Jaret Dezotell and lead Jeremy Engele, then won their semi-final match over Kamsack’s Nathan Kindiak, by a count of 4-3 to advance to the final.

In the championship game, Watrous defeated Saskatoon’s Walter Murray Collegiate 4-2, to secure the gold.

Regina’s Sheldon Williams Collegiate took the bronze medals, with a 7-5 win over Kamsack in the other final.

Walter Murray, who had qualified from the C Event, won six of their nine games in the triple knockout format tournament. Sheldon had dropped their opening game and then won five straight to qualify from the B draw. They finished the competition with a 6-2 record.

Kamsack won five of seven to become the other C Qualifier, before losing both medal round games.

The host Kipling team acquitted itself well, opening with two closely - contested losses and then winning their first two C Event gams before eventually being eliminated by Walter Murray.

Thursday’s opening ceremonies got things off to an impressive and colorful start, with the teams led onto the ice by a piper and an RCMP honour guard.

Welcoming remarks by local dignitaries and Sask-atchewan High School Athletics Association (SHSAA) officials were followed by a skating presentation by elementary school students, which was well received.

It was an exciting three days of curling, fun and good sportsmanship.