The Drill House in Calumet is turning into an open house on Sunday afternoon. From noon to 3:00, the Copper Country Curling Club is showing off its unique facility to anyone who might have an interest in the sport. President Gary Lassila says history buffs will find something to enjoy in the old Calumet and Hecla structure as well.
The open house is free with a big turnout expected.
Lassila says interest always spikes during an Olympic year. The next winter games begin in early February in China. The United States Men’s National Team will enter as defending gold medalists.
Lassila likens curling to chess on ice. He says the strategy is what sets the sport apart from others. The goal for each squad of four to have at least one stone closest to the center of the ring in each frame. One member slides the weights across the surface from the opposite end. Another provides strategy from the back of the rink. Two sweepers can change the speed at which the rock travels, depending on how they sweep the ice in front of it as it is gliding along its path.