Sports Archives - Saskatchewan Herald

Curling Rules Tightened: Sweden Accuses Canada of Cheating

Hunter W. — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 09:44:05 +0000

Tension flared at the 2026 Winter Olympics when Sweden’s men’s curling team accused Canada of breaking delivery rules during a round-robin game. The row over a key part of the sport led World Curling to step up officiating for the rest of the tournament.

The controversy began on February 13, when Canada beat Sweden 8-6 at the Cortina d’Ampezzo Olympic Stadium. After the match, Sweden claimed Canada’s players were touching the stones illegally while delivering them down the ice. In curling, players must release the stone before it crosses the hog line, a rule meant to keep play fair and predictable.

World Curling had already introduced electronic stone handles at these Olympics. The handles are designed to flash red if a player still touches the stone past the release point. But Sweden said this system was not enough, because the sensors only watch the handle and not every inch of the stone itself.

In response, World Curling said it will add two roaming officials at each session. These officials will move between the sheets (playing areas) and watch deliveries more closely. World Curling also clarified the rule: touching the stone with any part of the body or equipment while it is in forward motion is against the rules, and such a stone should be removed from play.

The game also saw a heated exchange between players. Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson and Canada’s Marc Kennedy argued near the end of the match, with Kennedy using strong language. World Curling issued a verbal warning to the Canadian team about inappropriate language, and said further misconduct could lead to sanctions.

Curling Canada CEO Nolan Thiessen said Kennedy’s words were “a poor choice,” but he noted that competitive sports often involve heated moments. Thiessen pointed out that similar language occurs in events like Olympic ice hockey, though it usually isn’t picked up by microphones.

Video clips shared by Swedish media showed what appeared to be Kennedy’s broom or body near the stone at the hog line. Sweden’s coach, Fredrik Lindberg, said the team had raised concerns about delivery technique before, including at last year’s World Championships, but that nothing had changed until now.

The curling dispute highlights how Olympic pressure can magnify small rule differences and how governing bodies must balance technology and human judgment to keep competition fair.

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Two Former Roughriders Head to 2026 Olympics

Hunter W. — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 21:26:40 +0000

Two former Saskatchewan Roughriders are swapping football pads for bobsleigh helmets as they prepare to represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy. Their jump from the CFL to international sport shows the power of athletic skill and determination.

Jacob Dearborn and Shaq Murray-Lawrence will wear the maple leaf as part of Canada’s national bobsleigh team at the Games. Both players once carried the football for the Roughriders, exciting fans in Regina before finding success in a very different sport.

Dearborn: From CFL Defender to Olympic Pilot

Jacob Dearborn, from Yarker, Ontario, will lead one of Canada’s men’s bobsleigh teams as a pilot. Dearborn played 14 games for the Roughriders in 2019, including a trip to the Western Division Final, and also spent time with the Riders in 2021.

His first Olympic appearance was at Beijing 2022, where he helped guide a four-man sled to a 23rd-place finish. Now, he returns with more experience and even higher hopes for success in Italy.

Murray-Lawrence: New to the Olympic Stage

Shaq Murray-Lawrence, originally from Scarborough, Ontario, will compete in both the two-man and four-man bobsleigh events. Before his transition to winter sport, he spent several seasons in the CFL, including time on the Roughriders’ practice roster in 2018, and played with the BC Lions and Montreal Alouettes during his seven-year football career.

The 2026 Games will be Murray-Lawrence’s first Olympics, and he joins Dearborn and other Canadian athletes in the highly competitive field of bobsleigh.

Canada’s Olympic Bobsleigh Team

Team Canada is strong in bobsleigh this year. For the men’s competitions, Canada is entering two sleds in both the two-man and four-man events. On the women’s side, Canada will have three sleds in two-woman bobsleigh and two entries in the women’s monobob, a single-athlete event.

Canada has a proud history in Olympic bobsleigh, winning 10 medals since 1964, including five golds. That success gives Dearborn and Murray-Lawrence big shoes to fill, but both athletes are ready for the challenge.

The Olympic bobsleigh schedule in Milano-Cortina 2026 runs throughout mid-to-late February, with events starting on Feb. 15 and concluding on Feb. 22.

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Ice Cross Makes U.S. Indoor Debut in Bloomington

Hunter W. — Tue, 06 May 2025 19:17:19 +0000

Ice Cross took a bold step forward with the first-ever indoor event in the United States, held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington, Illinois last April 30, 2025. The milestone event welcomed 30 athletes from across North America and Europe to compete on a fast, technical course designed for fun, intense, and adrenaline pushing racing.

Kicking off with a two-hour youth development clinic, the day reflected Ice Cross’s mission to grow the sport from the ground up. Under the guidance of top professionals: Tim Cimmer, Dylan Moriarity, Leevi Nakari, and Stefan Vajsabel, local kids learned proper technique, safety fundamentals, and how to confidently navigate ramps and turns. Emphasis was placed on body control, balance, and safe landings, with all participants fully equipped and monitored.

The evening’s races delivered intense action and high-level performances. In the Big Final Open, Dylan Moriarity secured first place and a $2,500 prize, followed by Leevi Nakari and Kale Johnstone. In the U14 Big Final, local athlete Issac Haynes claimed victory and was also named “Future Star,” receiving sponsorship and an invitation to join the Ice Cross team.

A community-wide effort made the event possible, led by title sponsor Future Now Energy. Event organizer Dave Hammond credited both the local support and global talent involved, stating, “We took a dream and turned it into a reality… Ice Cross is here.” Special thanks were extended to contributors such as The Hockey Lab, Sam Leman Auto Group, Grossinger Motors Arena, and Brad Jay.

With its focus on youth development, inclusivity, and thrilling competition, the Bloomington event marked a significant turning point for Ice Cross in the U.S.—a true beginning for what many are calling the sport of the future.

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Indoor Ice Cross Is Taking Over Bloomington — Join Now!

Hunter W. — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:58:44 +0000

If you’ve never seen Ice Cross before, this is your chance! And it’s going to be wild!

On April 30, 2025, Grossinger Motors Arena transforms into a high-speed indoor track where racers drop in, clash in corners, and battle for every inch of ice — all for a $7,500 cash prize.

At the heart of it all is Tim Cimmer, the Audacious Cowboy and founder of the World Ice Cross League. What started as a dream to bring this extreme sport to more people became a full-blown movement. After Red Bull stepped away, Cimmer took action — building the league, moving events indoors, and opening the door for everyone from kids to pros to get on the track.

Bringing the hype is Brad Jay, the seasoned sports announcer known for calling events at the Olympic Games, X Games, US Snowboarding, and more. With his voice behind the mic, expect next-level energy from the first race to the final heat.

And yes — Dylan Moriarity of the Turbo Twins is hitting the ice too. He’s raced in Red Bull Crashed Ice, toured with Cirque du Soleil’s Crystal, and now he’s back, ready to compete.

Three divisions will race:

13 & Under
14–17
18 & Over

Athlete entry: $30 (17 & under), $50 (18 & over)
Tickets: $35 adults, $25 for youth & 55+

Get all the details at: worldicecross.com Get your tickets at: ticketmaster.com

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Ice Cross Is Coming to Grossinger Motors Arena!

Hunter W. — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 11:46:19 +0000

On April 30, 2025, Bloomington is about to witness something it’s never seen before. The World Ice Cross League is turning Grossinger Motors Arena into a full-on indoor ice battlefield, packed with speed, crashes, and edge-of-your-seat adrenaline.

At the center of it all is Ice Cross, a sport that’s growing fast, fueled by heart-pounding races where athletes fly down icy tracks, slam through corners, and battle for every inch. And with a $7,500 cash prize up for grabs, it’s not just for fun, it’s serious.

This entire movement started with Tim Cimmer, a former hockey athlete turned Ice Cross pioneer. His goal? To take this once-niche sport and bring it to the world — indoors, accessible, and open to everyone.

And the energy won’t stop with the races. With three divisions (13 & under, 14–17, and 18+), a packed arena, and a custom-built track, this night is built for pure excitement. Whether you’re racing or just looking for a wild night out, you’ll be part of something unforgettable.

Athlete entry fees: $30 for 17 & under, $50 for 18+
Spectator tickets: $35 for adults, $25 for youth and 55+

So bring your crew, grab your tickets, and get loud. Ice Cross is coming to Bloomington — and it’s going to be fast, fierce, and flat-out fun.

Get all the details at: worldicecross.com Get your tickets at: ticketmaster.com

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April 30: Ice Cross Turns Up the Heat in Bloomington

Hunter W. — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:32:06 +0000

Get ready, Bloomington — something big is coming, and it’s coming fast.

On April 30, 2025, the Grossinger Motors Arena will be taken over by one of the most electrifying events of the year: Indoor Ice Cross! If you haven’t seen it before, imagine full-speed skating mixed with downhill racing, big jumps, tight turns, and shoulder-to-shoulder battles — all happening on ice.

This isn’t just a sporting event. It’s a full-scale experience built for people who love speed, energy, and action.

From the moment the lights go down and the first racers hit the track, you’ll feel it — the music, the crowd, the adrenaline. Ice Cross is loud, fast, and unpredictable. Every heat brings a new surprise. Every finish is a fight. And every fan gets a front-row seat to the chaos.

The arena will be packed with energy, echoing with cheers, music, and moments you’ll want to record. Whether you’re there with your family, your crew, or just rolling solo to see something new, this is an event where the action never stops.

With a $7,500 cash prize on the line, the competition will be fierce. Racers will put it all on the line, battling not only the course — but each other — for speed, survival, and victory.

If you’re tired of the same old routine and want to be part of something different, this is it. Ice Cross isn’t just growing — it’s exploding. And Bloomington is one of the first to feel the rush.

April 30. Grossinger Motors Arena. You don’t want to miss this.

Tickets available now at Ticketmaster.com

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World’s First Ice Cross Race & Social Party Debuts in Saskatchewan This December

Hunter W. — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 21:11:02 +0000

SASKATOON, SK – The extreme sport that redefined action sports is back! Formerly known as Red Bull Crashed Ice, Ice Cross has been resurrected and reimagined into a brand-new experience. The event will take place at Merlis Belsher Place at the University of Saskatchewan Arena, Saskatoon, on December 22, with a first-of-its-kind arena-style event.

Brought to life by the visionary and fearless Audacious Cowboy, Tim Cimmer, Ice Cross is anything but ordinary. Think of the daring challengers racing side by side down a custom-built ice track—packed with sharp turns, thrilling slopes, and intense obstacles. It’s fast, fierce, and nothing short of electrifying.

“This is the future of competitive sports,” says Tim Cimmer, the creator of Ice Cross and the driving force behind its explosive comeback. “We’re taking the energy and excitement of Crashed Ice and pushing it to the next level. It’s pure adrenaline, and we’re bringing it to Saskatchewan with the world’s first Ice Cross Race and Social Party.”

What to Expect

The event will deliver two incredible experiences in one night. Doors open at 6 PM, and the fun starts at 7 PM with a party, live concert, and DJ. The races begin at 7:30 PM and run alongside the party to create an unforgettable experience.

This event is open to everyone, young and old, boys and girls alike. Whether you’re here to cheer on daring challengers, join the party, or race yourself, you’ll find something to enjoy. With tickets priced at just $10, this is an event you can’t afford to miss.

Athlete Sign-Ups

For those ready to test their skills, athlete sign-ups are open now. There’s $10,000 in total prize money up for grabs—a chance to get paid to race and prove you have what it takes to become a pro. This is your moment to shine on the ice and make history.

Spectator tickets

For people who want to watch their loved ones compete or just want to have a general good time. You can buy tickets at the day of the event anytime after 6:00 PM at the Merlis Belsher Arena or through this link for online tickets.

Be Part of History!

Tickets for this epic event are on sale now. Gather your family and friends, secure your seats, and get ready for the most exciting event to hit the arena. Join us on December 22 at the University of Saskatchewan Arena for a night of world-class Ice Cross action and unforgettable memories.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the future of extreme sports right here in Saskatchewan. See you there!

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Excitement Builds for the Ice Cross Event as Mayor Gives Green Light

Hunter W. — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 10:30:00 +0000

The excitement is palpable as the highly anticipated ice cross event draws nearer, set to take place this September at the SaskTel Centre. The Ice Cross Loop, a groundbreaking track that has taken years of planning and innovative construction, is ready to host what promises to be a landmark competition. With the full backing of the Mayor of Battleford, this event is set to elevate the town’s reputation on the global stage.

The Mayor’s approval is a testament to the significance of this event, which has already drawn attention from across the world. Teams from overseas are gearing up to compete, bringing international flavor and heightened competition to the race. This marks a major milestone for ice cross, a sport that has been a beloved local and national pastime in Canada. With this event, ice cross is now taking its first significant step toward becoming a recognized international sport.

The atmosphere in Battleford is electric as preparations ramp up. The Mayor’s support, combined with the arrival of world-class athletes, has created a buzz that’s impossible to ignore. This event is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of innovation, community, and the thrilling potential of ice cross as a sport.

As the countdown to September continues, teams and fans alike are eagerly anticipating what promises to be a historic competition. For those looking to join the action, registration is still open at worldicecross.com. Don’t miss your chance to witness or participate in what could be the start of a new chapter in the sport’s history!

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From Dream to Reality: The Ice Cross Loop Set to Make History

Hunter W. — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 10:00:00 +0000

After years of meticulous planning and intense brainstorming, the Ice Cross Loop is finally becoming a reality. What started as an ambitious idea, largely credited to Tim Cimmer, is now taking shape as a breathtaking track that promises to redefine the sport of ice cross. Cimmer’s relentless drive and innovative thinking were key in pushing this project forward, leading to months of design, engineering, and testing to ensure the track meets the highest standards for safety and excitement.

Set to host the highly anticipated ice cross event this September, the Ice Cross Loop will be the crown jewel of the competition. The event, fully supported by the Mayor of Battleford, marks a significant milestone for the town, putting it on the map as a premier destination for extreme winter sports. The Mayor’s approval underscores the importance of this event, which could very well become the world’s first cup championship held at the SaskTel Centre.

With the countdown to September underway, excitement is building among athletes and fans alike. This event promises to be a historic occasion, attracting top talent from around the globe. For those eager to test their skills on this revolutionary track, registration is now open at worldicecross.com. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking competition!

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Ice Cross: A Sport Born from the Extreme and Fueled by Adrenaline

Hunter W. — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 10:30:00 +0000

IceCross, an electrifying sport that merges the speed of downhill racing with the physicality of ice hockey, has rapidly become one of the world’s most thrilling competitions. Originating in 2001 as a Red Bull stunt called Crashed Ice, the sport quickly captivated audiences with its blend of speed, skill, and adrenaline. The inaugural event in Stockholm, Sweden, marked the beginning of IceCross’s rise as a global phenomenon.

Athletes race down icy tracks filled with obstacles, navigating sharp turns and steep drops at speeds exceeding 40 miles per hour. What began as a marketing event soon grew into a recognized sport, leading to the formation of the All Terrain Skate Cross (ATSX) federation in 2010. The ATSX formalized the sport, ensuring challenging yet safe competitions, allowing IceCross to gain legitimacy on the world stage.

Among the many athletes who have shaped the sport, Timothy Cimmer stands out as a key figure. Cimmer’s journey began in Canada, where his speed and skill on the ice earned him over 300 points and a chance to play alongside notable NHL players. After transitioning to IceCross, Cimmer faced early challenges but eventually became the first Canadian to compete in the Red Bull Ice Cross tournament in Switzerland, climbing to 35th place worldwide.

When Red Bull discontinued its IceCross events, Cimmer founded a league in Finland, dedicated to promoting the sport. His latest project, introducing a 360 ramp, promises to elevate IceCross to new levels of excitement, further solidifying his legacy as a pioneer in this thrilling sport.

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