BOWL CANADA CUP & CLUB 55 CUP CHAMPIONSHIPS
We are sorry to announce that these two Championships have now been cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As we all know, Zones and Provincials were not able to take place, due to the closure of almost every centre across Canada and with no end in sight to social distancing, the event just can’t be rescued at this point.
Bowl Canada thanks everyone who participated in House Cups across the Nation and we all look forward to qualifying for the 2021 edition of the Canada Cups Championships next season.
QUBICA/AMF BOWLING WORLD CUP
The Canadian Qualifier for the Qubica AMF Bowling World Cup is on hold until further notice. Intentions are to hold a National Championship once (and if) reasonable to do so in hopes of fairly determining advancement to the World Finals in November. Stay tuned for updates, though it may be a while before a direction can be set.
The latest from Bowl Canada
1ST ANNUAL YBC SHOOTOUT A BIG SUCCESS!
Youth Bowl Canada was very excited to announce a beta-test launch of the YBC SHOOTOUT earlier this season. The new online event, aims to bring continued excitement to YBC leagues in the latter stretches of the season. And it would have done just that, had the latter stretches of the season been allowed to roll out as normal. Unfortunately, as with all things these days, the Shootout fell victim to the dreaded Coronavirus.
Due to bowling centre closures across Canada the YBC Shootout had to be cut short, but the timing was better than it could have been. Forced closures were being announced as of March 17 (Ontario), which is when results of the Brackets Round of 8 were due, leaving us that day with the final 4 bowlers in each of the Scratch and POA brackets.
With some finalists hailing from provinces where closures had just been announced (and others soon to join the closures list) it was decided that the only fair thing would be to consider the remaining bowlers as CO-CHAMPIONS and call the event for the year.
CONGRATULATIONS to all the 2020 YBC SHOOTOUT co-champions! CLICK HERE FOR A LIST!
With 1,021 entries this year in fivepin, and almost 100 entries in tenpin, the event shows promise and interest from the community. And considering only 50 bowling centres were invited to participate this year YBC expects that the full launch next year could see considerable growth in terms of entries, and in terms of prize money awarded.
There will be adjustments made as we hear suggestions from the community as to how to make the event even better for the years to come. Stay tuned! But for now, a big thanks to the bowlers and
leagues who participated this year and made the YBC SHOOTOUT possible.
YBC NATIONALS UPDATE – COVID-19
For some time now Bowl Canada has been closely monitoring the Coronavirus pandemic with the aim of being able to confidently decide on an appropriate course of action with regards to the running of our scheduled events. Our first event of the season is our primary concern at this time, namely the Youth Bowl Canada (YBC) National Championships scheduled for early May in Calgary, AB.
The province of Alberta (host of the YBC Nationals) posted a position last night stating that all events of 250 people or more are to be cancelled “indefinitely” (click here for info from the Calgary Herald). The announcement does not stipulate a specific timeline, so it is unclear if this restriction will still be in force come May. Presumably the vagueness of the statement is to allow the Government of Alberta to adjust its position as required and as details change moving forward.
The safety and welfare of the bowling community is always our top priority, and the best interests of the athletes, coaches and family members and friends who would be attending the Championship will be our driving concern as we continue to evaluate the prudence of conducting the YBC National Championships as scheduled and under the foreseeable circumstances.
We will provide another update next week and ask that everyone stay tuned for further word on the matter as we take the recommendations and guidelines of Health Canada and other levels of government into our decision making process.
For those who already have arrangements in place for their trip to Calgary, don’t panic just yet;
Rest assured that you can cancel any booked accommodation at our host hotels, without penalty, right up until a few days prior to our scheduled arrival on May 2nd
If you’ve booked flights, both Air Canada and Westjet are already announcing waived rescheduling fees, though currently the conditions are somewhat restrictive (based on when the flight was scheduled for, and when the flight was booked). We expect that the restrictions will loosen up as time, and conditions of the pandemic, move forward.
No doubt you’ve been wondering about the trip to Calgary and the YBC Nationals. We thank you for your patience, and want you to know that while we are dedicated to conducting our cherished YBC Nationals, we will make decisions based on what is in the best interests of the bowling community and of society at large. Stay tuned as we all continue to navigate the unknown.
YOUTH BOWLERS HELPING FLOOD VICTIMS
Youth Bowl Canada is happy to announce that this week it will be donating a total of $4,880 to the Canadian Red Cross in support of relief efforts for those affected by flooding in the Bracebridge & Muskoka areas of Ontario, as well as in Laval, Quebec. The funds were raised thanks to the support of the caring youth bowling community, which was assembled for national championships from May 5th to 7th in two separate provinces/locations.
Last week Youth Bowl Canada was in Laval for its 49th Annual National Youth TENPIN Championship, which took place at Centre de Quilles 440 in Laval, Quebec. With attendees representing 7 provinces across the country, all were quick to step up and support the host community that had been struggling with rising water levels and flooding for weeks. $930 was raised through draws as well as a raffle for a new bowling ball.
At the same time in Ontario, NEB’s Funworld in Oshawa was hosting all Canadian provinces and 1 territory for the 55th Annual Youth Bowl Canada National FIVEPIN Championships. The local Oshawa committee worked hard to raise $3,950 for the hard hit communities just an hour or so away in Ontario’s “cottage country”…. Bracebridge and the Muskokas. Attendees showed their hearts by jointly donating roughly $1000 per day of the 3-day championship, with almost another $1,000 raised through a draw for a set of fivepin bowling balls. Both nationals saw the bowling ball prizes donated by Buffa Bowling Distribution out of Montreal (thanks Buffa!).
“The local bowling centre is a hub for nearly every community across Canada.” Stated Bowl Canada President Rod Hennessey, who went on to say… “And being “about” community, it’s no surprise to see bowling families supporting those in need across our great country.” Bowl Canada Executive Director Paul Oliveira points out that “The bowling community is a caring one and has proven to be quick to support those in need. In the last few years we’ve raised funds in support of the Humboldt Community…. for Gatineau, Quebec during the floods of 2017 and in support of the Fort McMurray community while the fires were still raging back in 2016.” President Hennessey adds… “We’re in the area for our National Championships, and the drastic situations are on the news and in our minds and hearts… it’s hard not to want to help out in some way. Every bit makes a difference and the bowling community has always done its part.”
Youth Bowl Canada thanks all who participated in these fundraisers in support of Canadians in need.
BOWLING FOR BRONCOS
BOWLING FOR BRONCOS strikes up support
Since Monday, bowling leagues across Canada have been BOWLING FOR THE BRONCOS, raising funds in support of the Humboldt Broncos families, team and the Humboldt community, to assist with medical and other expenses in the wake of the tragic accident last Friday.
Participating bowling centres are asking all their league bowlers to donate a Loonie for every strike they throw during league play this week. League announcements outlining the fundraising initiative are being met with enthusiasm from coast to coast. Anyone involved in sport knows all too well about bus trips to Zone Finals, Regionals, and Provincial Championships, etc. This accident hits close to home to any Canadian, and perhaps to sport enthusiasts more than most.
Bowl Canada congratulates participating centres and all league bowlers contributing to the cause. And many bowling centres are accepting donations from casual play customers as well. So if you’re going bowling this weekend, ask the management at your centre if you can contribute to Bowling for Broncos! Strike up some fun and support!
BOWL CANADA and GENERAL MILLS CANADA kick off 2018 with FREE GAMES OF BOWLING
Participating General Mills products will carry coupons offering free bowling at any Bowl Canada participating bowling centre across the country. Check on line for a participating centre near you at www.bowlcanada.ca.
Look for 2 coupons, each offering a Free Game, on boxes of CHEERIOS, LUCKY CHARMS and CINNAMON TOAST CRUNCH cereals.
Look for 1 Free Game coupon on packages of NATURE VALLEY SNACKS.
And look for a Buy-One-Get-One coupon on packages of BUGLES.
Coupons are valid through December 31st, 2018. Some restrictions apply, see coupon for details.
2018 is Canada’s year to Bowl! Get out to your local bowling centre now and HAVE A BALL thanks to GENERAL MILLS!
Canadian Francois Lavoie wins PBA Rookie of the Year Title
Francois Lavoie, Quebec, Canada, who joined the PBA following a successful collegiate bowling career at Wichita State University, made four television finals during his first year, but none was more impressive than the U.S. Open where he not only won his first title – and a major at that – but also bowled the first nationally-televised 300 game in the prestigious tournament’s colorful history. The sport’s oldest major championship began as the BPAA All Star in 1942.
Lavoie was involved in a Canadian-dominated Rookie of the Year race with Ontario’s Graham Fach, his Team Canada teammate, who drew first blood when he won the Barbasol PBA Players Championship early in the year to become the first Canadian to win a PBA Tour title (also a major).
After winning the U.S. Open, Lavoie broke open the race in the World Series, winning his second title in the PBA Shark Championship and finishing the season fifth among the PBA’s average leaders (222.79 for 330 games) and seventh in earnings ($79,920).
“Usually there aren’t multiple rookies who win titles, but I was fortunate to have a strong finish and that’s kind of what sealed the deal,” Lavoie said. “I’m sure Graham had the same goal, but only one of us can win. To finally have it official is great.
“(Winning Rookie of the Year) was a goal,” Lavoie said. “Every year on Team Canada our coach tries to help us set goals and that’s one of the goals I set for myself. You try to aim high, but also set a goal that’s feasible. It justifies all of the hard work I’ve put in.
“It’s been a great year for Canadian bowling.”
Bowlers Strike Up Support for Fort McMurray, AB
Youth Bowl Canada’s (YBC’s) National Championships are underway in Calgary (May 7-9) and YBC proudly announced at the Opening Ceremonies that the bowling community is stepping up to support the relief efforts for the victims of the wildfires that have ravaged the communities in and around Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Bowling industry suppliers QUBICA AMF WORLDWIDE, BUFFA BOWLING DISTRIBUTION and ASSOCIATED BOWLING COMPANIES have pledged to contribute 25 cents for every strike thrown at the YBC Nationals, to a maximum of $1500.
Upon announcing the contribution, Youth Bowl Canada pledged to MATCH the contribution to further support the Red Cross and the northern Alberta communities in need.
Additionally, host bowling centres of the event (Chinook Bowladrome, Century Bowl, Bowling Depot and Paradise Lanes) are accepting contributions from the spectators on hand to take in the premiere youth championship in Calgary.
“Spare” change or big bucks… every little bit helps a Canadian community in need!
Graham Fach first Canadian to win PBA title
Graham Fach, a 24-year-old left-hander from Guelph, Ontario, became the first Canadian ever to win a Professional Bowlers Association Tour title February 21st, 2016 when he defeated top qualifier Ryan Ciminelli of Cheektowaga, N.Y., 279-244, to win the Barbasol Players Championship at Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl.
Fach, bowling in only his second PBA Tour event, was nearly perfect in winning the $40,000 first prize, a PBA major championship and a Barbasol shaving cream pie.
His only flaw was leaving a 10 pin, which he converted, in the seventh frame while Ciminelli was almost as good, leaving and converting four single-pin spares.
“It’s a great feeling to win against players of this caliber,” Fach (pronounced “faw”) said. “They want to win, but obviously I want to win, too. I wasn’t sure I would be able to compete out here, but the only way to find out is come out and try. Now at least the PBA staff knows who I am.”
Fach, who earned his shot at the title when he escaped with a 247-244 win over Australia’s Sam Cooley in the semifinal round, said the support he’s gotten from Canadian fans as well as friends and teammates from nearby Urbana (Ohio) University, where he completed his collegiate bowling career in 2015, has been “incredible.”
As happy as Fach was, Ciminelli was equally distraught.
“One of these days someone is going to shoot 210 against me on TV and give me a chance,” he said. “It’s frustrating but there’s not much more I could do about it.”
In the first game of the finals, 21-year-old Swedish two-hander Jesper Svensson struck on 10 of his first 11 shots, and converted a pivotal 4-7-10 split in the fifth frame to end PBA Hall of Famer Norm Duke’s bid to win a fifth different major championship, 274-258.
Duke, who had previously won the PBA World Championship, PBA Tournament of Champions, USBC Masters and U.S. Open, had hopes of joining Mike Aulby as the second player to win the PBA “Super Slam.”
“I fought hard,” the 51-year-old Duke said. “I never created an advantage in this tournament that stuck out. I was the one hanging around all week, but I put together a game I was really proud of and sometimes it just isn’t enough. The hardest part is I have to wait another year for the opportunity.”
Cooley, in his PBA television debut, eliminated Svensson in the second match, 246-206.
The PBA Tour will take a break during March Madness, returning to competition with the PBA League Elias Cup competition and the Xtra Frame Maine Shootout in early April at Bayside Bowl in Portland, Maine.
BARBASOL PBA PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Wayne Webb’s Columbus Bowl, Columbus, Ohio, Sunday
Final Standings
1, Graham Fach, Ontario, Canada, $40,000
2, Ryan Ciminelli, Cheektowaga, N.Y., $20,000
3, Sam Cooley, Australia, $12,000
4, Jesper Svensson, Sweden, $11,000
5, Norm Duke, Clermont, Fla., $10,000
Stepladder Results
Match One: Svensson def. Duke, 274-258
Match Two: Cooley def. Svensson, 246-206
Semifinal Match: Fach def. Cooley, 247-244
Championship: Fach def. Ciminelli, 279-244
2015 Bowling World Cup – World Final Results – Las Vegas, USA
Hong Kong’s, Siu Hong Wu and Columbia’s Clara Guerrero are the newest World Champions at the Qubica/AMF Tenpin Bowling World Cup.
Our women’s champion, Kerrie Ryan-Ciach (Mississauga, ON) represented Canada in fine fashion. After a bit of a rough start, Kerrie (in a field of 71 bowlers) fought her way into the top 24 where she fell just shy of the cut to the top 8. We’re proud of our 2003 WORLD CHAMPION and we’re sure she will be tough to beat at the upcoming Canadian National Championships in July, 2016.
Jean-Francois Gorley (Drummondville, QC), in his rookie attempt at the World’s fell short of the cut to the top 24 with a 38th place finish. Not bad in a field of over 85 of the world’s most talented competitors!
Congratulations to both our Canadian Champs!