In March 1995, the curling community was abuzz with excitement and controversy. Calgary, a city renowned for its curling heritage, was gearing up to host the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Despite Calgary’s rich history in women’s curling, this event was only the second time it hosted the national championship with a live audience. The first was in 1970, held at the Stampede Corral, where Dorenda Schoenhals led her team to victory in a memorable three-team playoff. However, it wasn’t until the 1995 championship that the city once again saw such an event, this time at the Max Bell Centre.
The curling world was also facing a significant legal battle during this period. The March 1995 issue of *The Curling News* prominently featured a legal dispute between curlers, led by Russ Howard, and the Canadian Curling Association (CCA). This lawsuit revolved around sponsor restrictions, which had stirred considerable tension within the sport. Notably, Warren Hansen was featured in a photo representing the CCA, though he was not quoted in the article. The dispute, which would later contribute to the infamous “Slammer boycott,” highlighted the friction between curling’s governing bodies and its athletes.
The Scotties Tournament of Hearts itself was a highlight of the curling season. Connie Laliberte, alongside her sister Janet Arnott and teammates Cathy Gauthier and Karen Purdy, clinched her third and final STOH title. However, Purdy, who had injured her leg, was replaced by the rising star Cathy Overton. This championship was covered in *The Curling News* with a brief two-page feature, reflecting the magazine’s colorful and compact format of the time. The issue also included insights into the Brier, which was anticipated to be one of the most competitive ever, featuring legendary skips like Rick Folk and Kevin Martin.
In addition to the Scotties and the legal issues, the March 1995 issue of *The Curling News* offered a preview of the upcoming Brier, showcasing a field of competitors with a combined 21 Brier titles and 17 world championships. The issue also highlighted memorable quotes from curling legends such as Ed Werenich and Kerry Burtnyk, adding a personal touch to the sports coverage. Meanwhile, regional inserts provided additional local content, featuring the Ontario Tankard and profiles of emerging talents in junior curling.
The publication’s coverage extended beyond just event previews and controversies. It also included a look at evolving tactics in curling, such as the strategic use of the Free Guard Zone, and reflections on curling innovations. As the issue concluded, it included excerpts from Bob Weeks’ seminal book, *The Brier*, solidifying its place in curling literature. The cover featured Ontario’s John Kawaja, who would soon transition to a successful career in the golf industry, marking the end of his curling journey.