Team Matt Dunstone considers relocation due to restrictions in Saskatchewan

Oct 23, 2020 | 12:04 PM

Team Matt Dunstone is considering relocating from Saskatchewan due to mounting frustrations stemming from provincial COVID-19 restrictions.

The latest development in the simmering issue came Thursday night when teams were advised that a pair of provincial tour events scheduled for this weekend were postponed. 

Dunstone vice-skip Braeden Moskowy tells The Canadian Press that the team has explored all possible options for playing in Saskatchewan, but their next move is packing up and moving out of province, potentially to Calgary or somewhere in Alberta.

Moskowy says that would allow the team to play tour events in other provinces this season.

The provincial curling association says a men’s event in Regina and women’s event in Martensville were postponed “out of an abundance of caution.” CurlSask says the decision was based on government advice and recent increases in COVID-19 cases.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority says that provincial teams are not allowed to practise, train or compete out of the province at this time. Elite teams from around the country are primarily playing in regional competitions this season due to a number of cancellations and postponements.

Dunstone’s team won a bronze medal for Saskatchewan at the Tim Hortons Brier last season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 23, 2020.

Gregory Strong, The Canadian Press