Skip Leo ‘Lucky’ Buholzer’s squad came out on top to claim the top prize in the 2015 Osoyoos Mid-Summer Bonspiel this past weekend. Buholzer was joined by his children (from left) Brittany, Justin and Steffany. Buholzer’s wife Carol also filled in during two games as they went undefeated in six games to win the popular bonspiel. (Keith Lacey photo)
Leo “Lucky” Buholzer loves curling so much, he would have a great time playing with three strangers.
But being able to play with his wife and children in a big bonspiel in his hometown and come out on top is something he will cherish for many weeks and months to come.
The Buholzer clan from Osoyoos played superbly throughout the weekend going undefeated to claim the A draw in the 36th annual Osoyoos Mid-Summer Bonspiel, which wrapped up with the finals in the A, B, C and D draw Sunday afternoon at the Osoyoos International Curling club.
Buholzer was a very proud father after claiming the top prize as his daughter’s Brittany, 28, and Steffany, 25, along with his son Justin, 31, rounded out the team. One of his daughter’s couldn’t play all weekend, so Buholzer’s wife Carol stepped in to play two games.
The Buholzer clan captured the top prize in the popular summer bonspiel by edging the defending champion Tony Blaskho rink from the Summerland Curling Club 8-6 in the final.
The turning point in the well-played and exciting final game was a rare five-pointer scored by the Buholzer rink in the fifth end to break open a close game.
“The fifth end was definitely the turning point,” said Lucky Buholzer, who claimed his second Osoyoos Mid-Summer Bonspiel title after winning the tournament about 10 years ago. “We made some really good shots throughout the end and they made a crucial mistake, which allowed me a pretty easy shot on my final rock to score five.
“The Blashko team was the defending champions and they have an outstanding team and it’s very rare anyone gets a chance to score five against them. We managed to play a really good end and score five and that gave us a really big lead that we managed to hold onto.”
Being able to curl with his wife and children is always a thrill, but winning a big tournament like the Osoyoos Mid-Summer Bonspiel is very special, he said.
“It’s a joy to be able to play with my kids,” he said. “They’re all excellent curlers and they know how to have fun as well, so it’s a real pleasure to be able to compete in a big bonspiel like this with them.
“Having my wife step in for a couple of games to help us get to the final was also really nice. This is one of my favourite bonspiels because there is a real family atmosphere and a lot of kids play with their parents and I always have a blast when I get to play with my kids.”
Even after taking a 7-3 lead after scoring five in the fifth end, the Blashko crew didn’t give up and actually made things interesting by closing the score to 7-6 after seven ends.
In the eighth and final end, Buholzer’s team kept the rings free of many stones and left Dad with a relatively easy shot to score one and claim the 8-6 victory and bonspiel championship.
Lucky Buholzer grew up in Osoyoos, but left to pursue his career in Prince George for more than 20 years, before returning for retirement back in 2009.
“We brought our kids camping here for almost 20 years and they just love Osoyoos … so much so one of my daughter’s still lives here,” he said.
This bonspiel has been going for 36 years because it’s well run, fun and a ton of fun, he said.
“It’s such a blast,” he said. “Everyone has a great time. It’s nice to see family and friends playing together … and you can’t beat the weather outside when you’re not curling.”
Matt Tolley’s Osoyoos rink captured the B draw with a record of 4-1. They were up by more than double digits in the B final, when the opposition shook hands to end the game.
Members of Tolley’s team included his wife Kirsten (lead), second Michelle Pratt and her husband Allen Pratt (third).
“It’s nice to win the B draw because this is a big tournament with a lot of good teams,” said Tolley. “It might not be the most competitive bonspiel for the top curlers, but it’s probably the most fun.
“There are very few bonspiels where you curl and can then get out and play a round of golf in the beautiful sunshine.”
The Mike Howey rink from North Vancouver captured the C draw. Members of the winning team included lead Maureen Hoodless, second Ty Karoway and third Sandy Howey.
Mike Howey said he has competed in the Osoyoos summer bonspiel every year since 1995.
“It’s a great fun tournament and we base our entire summer holidays around coming to Osoyoos for this bonspiel,” he said. “It’s the best summer bonspiel in the province as far as we’re concerned and we hope to come back for many more years.”
KEITH LACEY
Osoyoos Times
Matt Tolley’s Osoyoos rink captured the B draw in the 2015 Osoyoos Mid-Summer Bonspiel this past weekend. Team members include (from left) Michelle Pratt, her husband Allen Pratt, Tolley’s wife Kirsten and Tolley. (Keith Lacey photo)
