Announcing the Class of 2025

MARY-ANNE ARSENAULT, Nova Scotia

Mary-Anne Arsenault had an extensive and successful curling career in the Maritimes.  She was a 9 times Nova Scotia’s Women’s Champion, 5 times Scotties Champion and twice World Women’s Champion (2001 and 2004). Her peers describe her as a quiet force. Since 2022, she is the coach of the Canadian Deaf Women’s Champions. In a two-year stay in British Columbia, she gave clinics, and curlers have benefitted from her expertise and passion for the sport.

LEWIS P. ANDREWS, Newfoundland and Labrador

Lewis exemplifies the values, dedication, and distinguished service that define curling’s finest. His competitive career extended from 1964 to 2015, with participation in several categories. Lewis was a ten-time Newfoundland and Labrador representative at the Nationals. As a Governor of Curling Canada (2004-2009), Lew helped craft a modern governance policy framework and contributed to financial oversight. He also dedicated multiple years in governance at clubs in St. John’s and Labrador City.

SCOTT ARNOLD, Ontario

Scott Arnold is a curling coach and administrator who played a significant role in the development of the sport. He held multiple functions as course conductor, and as technical committee delegate and presenter. Scott worked for curling in 8 Canadian provinces - and globally travelled to 23 countries on 4 continents. He remains active as the Technical Committee Chair of Curling for FISU (International University Sports Federation – a.k.a. Fédération Internationale du Sport Universitaire).

HUGH AVERY, Nova Scotia

Hugh Avery played an important role in the governance of curling. He sat on Curling Canada’s Board of Governors from 2010 to 2016, serving as Chair between 2013 and 2016 during tumultuous times requiring his professionalism, vision and leadership. Hugh’s steady hand in two terms as Chair was crucial. His contribution will be recognized long into the future. For this achievement he was the recipient of Curling Canada’s Board of Governors Special Recognition Award in 2016.

 LAURA ROSE COPELAND, New Brunswick

Laura showed great dedication as a curling official. She served as an official / umpire in several categories at provincial, national and world events for the past 25 years.  This led her to officiate in 6 countries, plus 6 Canadian provinces. She officiated at 7 Junior Nationals and was Chief timer at the Olympics (Vancouver 2010). In New Brunswick she trained and mentored many curlers wishing to become umpires. Laura served on the NBCA Board for several years.

HEIDI HANLON, New Brunswick

Heidi is one of the most prolific women curlers in the history of New Brunswick curling. She represented NB at the Scotties 11 times (1987 to 2004). She won several New Brunswick Senior Women’s Championships and represented NB at the Nationals 7 times. Heidi’s team won the Canadian Seniors Championship in 2011. It was the first Women’s title for the province – and the team went on to win a gold medal for Canada at the 2012 Worlds in Denmark.

GEORGE KOKE, Prince Edward Island

George joined the Montague Curling Club in 1979. Since 1980, he held most board positions and was president for 10 years.  One of George’s proudest moments was saving the Club from closing. In 2007 the Club was broke. But George had a plan, and within 5 years the Club was able to pay off all debts and upgrade the facility. As a curler, George won the PEI Firefighters championships 10 times.

DEREK WHITE, Quebec

Derek served on the Board of Directors of the legendary Quebec International Bonspiel (QIB) for more than 20 years. In 2013, he became its CEO, a position he still has today.  He has spearheaded the renewal of the QIB and was instrumental in having the friendship event move from a men’s-only format to an open-format (men and women) event. He is also a current director of Club de curling Jacques Cartier. 

 François Vary, Chair, Membership

Kevin Martin inducted into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame

Congratulations to Kevin Martin who will receive The Order of Sport — Canada’s highest sporting order — and his induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame.

For details of Canada’s Order of Sport and the recipients, go here.  

 

Bill Woods Sr. accepts historian role 

Governor General’s Curling Club president, Fran Todd is pleased to announce that Bill Woods, Senior has accepted the role of Governor General’s Curling Club Historian. In this honourary position Bill will continue the work of our past historian, Dennis Charlebois. Bill’s role is to preserve the history of the club ensuring a legacy for current and future generations. Bill may be reached at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.