Ontario Tankard

The Ontario Tankard is the Southern Ontario provincial championship for men's curling. The winner represents Team Ontario at the Montana's Brier. The tournament is overseen by CurlON (formerly the Ontario Curling Association).

Ontario Tankard
Established1927
2025 host cityCobourg, Ontario
2025 arenaCobourg Community Centre
2024 championScott Howard
Current edition

Northern Ontario has its own provincial championship, known as the Northern Ontario Men's Provincial Curling Championship.

This championship is not to be confused with the Silver Tankard, historically also known as the Ontario Tankard (and until 1937 a Brier qualifier).

Qualification

Since 2017, the qualification has varied from year to year:

  • 2017: 10 teams total (Top two southern Ontario teams in the CTRS standings; Six teams from two regional qualifiers; Two teams from a challenge round).
  • 2018: 12 teams total (Top two CTRS ranked teams; Six teams from two regional qualifiers; Three teams from a challenge round; And the Colts champion team).
  • 2019: 10 teams total (Top three CTRS ranked teams; Five teams from three cash spiels; Two teams from an open qualifier).
  • 2020: 9 teams total (Top three CTRS ranked teams; Four teams from two cash spiels; Two teams from an open qualifier).
  • 2022: Originally 8 teams (Top two CTRS ranked teams; Top Trillium Tour series team; Two teams from a cash spiel; three from an open qualifier.) The open qualifier was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, so the top seven CTRS teams who had signed up for the qualifier were invited, expanding the number of entries in the tankard to 12.
  • 2023: 12 teams total (Top 2 "Grand Slam series" teams; Top 2 "Trillium Tour '1,000' Series" teams; Top 3 "Trillium Tour '500' Series" teams; Top "Trillium Tour '250' Series (Under-25) team; Four teams from an open qualifier).
  • 2024: 12 teams total (Top four CTRS ranked teams; Top four CTRS ranked teams from Ontario-only events; Four teams from an open qualifier).

Between 1972 and 2016, the event usually had 10 teams: Two teams from each of the four OCA regions, and one winner each from an eastern and western challenge round. When Ontario won the previous Brier, that team would be added to the field for the following season. In 1999, when Ontario had not only won the previous Brier, but an Ontario team also won the 1997 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials, the field was expanded to 12 teams, giving them an automatic berth.

Format

The format of the Tankard has differed each year since 2018:

  • 2018: Triple knockout followed by a four team page playoff.
  • 2019: Round robin followed by a four team page playoff.
  • 2020: Round robin followed by a three-team playoff.
  • 2022: Triple knockout followed by a four team page playoff.
  • 2023: Round robin within two pools of six, followed by a four team championship round, followed by a three team playoff.
  • 2024: Triple knockout followed by a four team page playoff.

From 1972 to 1981, the tournament was a strict round robin affair, with the team with the best record being crowned champion (a tiebreaker would be held if necessary). From 1981 to 2000, the tournament consisted of a round robin followed by a three team playoff. In 2001, the playoff was replaced with a four team page playoff.

Former Names

  • Ontario Silver Tankard: 1927[1]-1931
  • 1932: Round robin playoff between the winners of the Ontario Tankard, Canada Life Trophy and the Toronto Bonspiel.[2]
  • 1933: Winner was decided between a playoff between the winners of the Ontario Tankard and the Toronto Bonspiel.[3]
  • Ontario Silver Tankard: 1934-1937[4]
  • British Consols: 1938[5]-1979
  • Labatt Tankard: 1980-1985
  • Blue Light Tankard: 1986-1994
  • Labatt Tankard: 1995
  • Nokia Cup: 1996-2003
  • Ontario Men's Curling Championship: 2004
  • Kia Cup: 2005-2006
  • TSC Stores Tankard: 2007-2009
  • Ontario Men's Curling Championship: 2010
  • The Dominion Tankard: 2011-2013
  • Travelers Tankard: 2014
  • Recharge with Milk Tankard: 2015-2017
  • Dairy Farmers of Ontario Tankard: 2018
  • Ontario Curling Championships: 2019–2020
  • Port Elgin Chrysler Ontario Tankard: 2022–23
  • Milk Every Moment Ontario Men's Curling Championship: 2024

Brier representatives

Listed below are the list of Ontario's representatives at the Brier that year. Brier champions indicated in bold. From 1927 to 1931, Toronto had a separate entry at the Brier.

1927–1931

From 1927 to 1931, teams representing Ontario at the Brier were selected from the winning club at the Ontario Silver Tankard, a double rink event which has taken place since 1875.

BrierBrier representative teamWinning ClubCityHost siteBrier
Rec.
Brier Finish
1927Bob McKenzie, Bill Watson, Mel Hunt, Harry WatsonSarnia Curling ClubSarniaToronto[6]3-4T4th
1928Vic McWilliams, Ed Brower, John Brandon, Bob HamiltonGranite Curling ClubTorontoToronto[7]6-34th
1929Frank Carew, Walter Reesor, Frank Williams, Dick ButlerLindsay Curling ClubLindsayToronto[8]4-56th
1930H.A. Bruce, Wesley Binkley, M.A. Humber, J.W. LloydStratford Curling ClubStratfordToronto[9]3-6T9th
1931Ed Brower, John Rennie, John Brower, Bob HamiltonGranite Curling ClubTorontoToronto[10]7-32nd

1932–1980

There was no Brier from 1943 to 1945 due to World War II. Listed here for those years are the winners of the British Consols, the usual Brier qualifying event.

BrierChampion teamWinning ClubCityHost siteBrier
Rec.
Brier Finish
1932Charles Bulley, John Brandon, Thomas Black, C.W. DefoeGranite Curling ClubTorontoToronto[11]4-3T3rd
1933Gord Campbell, Donnie Campbell, Gord Coates, Duncan CampbellThistle Curling ClubHamiltonToronto[12]6-22nd
1934Gord Campbell, Donnie Campbell, Gord Coates, Duncan CampbellThistle Curling ClubHamiltonToronto[13]5-22nd
1935Gord Campbell, Donnie Campbell, Gord Coates, Duncan CampbellThistle Curling ClubHamiltonToronto[14]6-11st
1936Hector Cowan, William McCart, Alex Hayes, Murray ChiltonSarnia Curling ClubSarniaToronto[15]5-4T5th
1937Albert Dunker, Irwin Huntington, Arthur Lehnen, Fred HasenflugGranite Curling ClubKitchenerToronto[16]2-7T7th
1938Bert Hall, Percy Hall, Ernie Parkes, Campbell SeagramGranite Curling ClubKitchenerToronto[17]4-5T5th
1939Bert Hall, Percy Hall, Ernie Parkes, Campbell SeagramGranite Curling ClubKitchenerToronto[18]9-11st
1940Bert Hall, Percy Hall, Ernie Parkes, Campbell SeagramGranite Curling ClubKitchenerToronto[19]4-5T5th
1941Percy Hall, Jack Lucas, Arthur Lehnen, William Henderson, Jr.Granite Curling ClubKitchenerToronto[20]7-22nd
1942Gord Campbell, Duncan Campbell, Bill Kennedy, Rufus StoneThistle Curling ClubHamiltonToronto[21]7-2T2nd
1943K. F. Wadsworth, E. H. Pooler, C. H. Brereton, H. M. S. ParsonsToronto Granite ClubTorontoToronto[22]cancelled
1944Percy Hall, Bert Hall, Arthur Lehnen, William Henderson, Jr.Granite Curling ClubKitchenerToronto[23]cancelled
1945Percy Hall, Bert Hall, Arthur Lehnen, William Henderson, Jr.Granite Curling ClubKitchenerToronto[24]cancelled
1946Percy Hall, Bert Hall, Arthur Lehnen, William Henderson, Jr.Granite Curling ClubKitchenerToronto[25]5-4T5th
1947Nicol MacNicol, Edmond O'Donnell, Gordon Denison, Adam F. SpencerToronto Curling ClubTorontoToronto[26]3-68th
1948Jack Patrick, Bill Meyer, Walter McGregor, Angus OliverGalt Curling ClubGaltHamilton[27]5-4T4th
1949Peter Gilbert, Gord Gilbert, Don Painter, John DeKoningChatham Granite Curling ClubChathamToronto[28]5-44th
1950Carl Asmussen, Larry Shantz, Cully Schmidt, Ed ShultzGranite Curling ClubKitchenerKitchener[29]5-4T4th
1951Gord Campbell, Stan Jones, Reg Mooney, Colin CampbellGranite Curling ClubTorontoKingston[30]6-4T5th
1952Ralph Clark, Vic Brown, Ken Bissett, Burritt HarrisonPeterborough Curling ClubPeterboroughToronto[31]6-4T3rd
1953Gord Gilbert, Bob Gilbert, Jim Harrington, Peter Gilbert (skip)[32]Chatham Granite Curling ClubChathamToronto[33]4-68th
1954Ross Tarleton, Bob Cross, Gord Wilson, Ernie LockThistle Curling ClubHamiltonOrillia[34]6-4T3rd
1955Andy Grant, Walter Derratt, Earl Hushagen, Ray GrantRoyal Canadian Curling ClubTorontoGalt7-33rd
1956Alf Phillips, Sr., Reg Mooney, Stanley Jones, Bill LeakGranite Curling ClubTorontoPeterborough[35]8-32nd
1957Stan Sarjeant, Roy Hewitt, Earl Lamb, Harry TissingtonChamplain Curling ClubOrilliaKitchener[36]6-45th
1958Murray Roberts, Andy Grant, Ray Grant, George RumneyUnionville Curling ClubUnionvilleOshawa7-33rd
1959Ted Sellers, John Grant, Harold Lawrie, Carl SellersUnionville Curling ClubUnionvilleSarnia6-4T4th
1960Jake Edwards, Bob Elliott, Joe Corkey, George BinningtonKingston Curling ClubKingstonWelland7-34th
1961Tom Caldwell, Ross Coward, Doc Behan, Frank MilliganChamplain Curling ClubOrilliaOttawa[37]5-5T6th
1962Bayne Secord, Vern Larsen, Russ Lindberg, Dave McDunoughTam Heather Country ClubAgincourtOwen Sound6-45th
1963Bob Mann, Ken Buchan, Keith Munro, Rich PalmerHanover Curling ClubHanoverHamilton[38]6-4T4th
1964Bob Mann, Ken Buchan, Keith Munro, Rich PalmerHanover Curling ClubHanoverNiagara Falls5-5T5th
1965Ray Grant, Keith Jewett, Ray McGee, Al ClaneyUnionville Curling ClubUnionvilleCobourg5-5T5th
1966Joe Gurowka, Tom Howat, Ken Ingo, Don MackeyDixie Curling ClubCooksvilleBrampton[39]8-32nd
1967Alf Phillips, Jr., John Ross, Ron Manning, Keith ReillyParkway Curling ClubTorontoOrillia[40]9-11st
1968Don Gilbert, Al Zikman, Jimmy Waite, Dick DonaldSt. Thomas Curling ClubSt. ThomasKingston[41]6-4T4th
1969Ken Buchan, Garry Weisz, Mitch Czaja, Ross GuestLondon Curling ClubLondonLondon[42]2-8T9th
1970Paul Savage, Tom Cushing, Jerry Downer, Dave PhillipsTerrace Curling ClubTorontoOshawa[43]4-6T6th
1971Bob Charlebois, Rich Palmer, Ray Lilly, Jim McGrathAvonlea Curling ClubDon MillsGuelph5-5T4th
1972Eldon Coombe, Keith Forgues, Jim Patrick, Barry ProvostOttawa Curling ClubOttawaGloucester[44]6-4T3rd
1973Paul Savage, Bob Thomson, Ed Werenich, Ron GreenScarboro Golf & Country ClubScarboroughOrillia6-4T2nd
1974Paul Savage, Bob Thomson, Ed Werenich, Ron GreenScarboro Golf & Country ClubScarboroughEast York[45]6-4T3rd
1975Alex Scott, Ted Brown, Mike Boyd, Tom MillerCataraqui Golf and Country ClubKingstonCambridge[46]6-5T5th
1976Joe Gurowka, Bob Charlebois, Ray Lilly, Jim McGrathDixie Curling ClubMississaugaPeterborough[47]3-8T10th
1977Paul Savage, Ed Werenich, Ron Green, Reid FergusonAvonlea Curling ClubDon MillsBrantford8-3T2nd
1978Gerry Hodson, Barry Paterson, Glen Webster, Ross GuestLondon Curling ClubLondonSt. Catharines4-710th
1979Bob Fedosa, Bob Turcotte, Craig Garratt, Doug MorrisonAnnandale Country ClubAjaxSt. Thomas6-5T4th
1980Russ Howard, Larry Merkley, Robert Ruston, Kent CarstairsPenetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneBrampton5-6T6th

1981–present

A playoff was added to the event in 1981.[48] The 2021 Tankard was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario.

BrierChampion teamWinning ClubCityHost siteRunner-up skip (club)Brier
Rec.
Brier Finish
1981Ed Werenich, Bob Widdis, Neil Harrison, Jim McGrathAvonlea Curling ClubDon MillsMarkhamRon Manning (Keene)[48]7-54th
1982Bruce Munro, Bob Laidlaw, Clive Bowden, Bruce PatersonForest City Curling ClubLondonBrantfordDave Walker (Avonlea)[49]5-6T6th
1983Ed Werenich, Paul Savage, John Kawaja, Neil HarrisonAvonlea Curling ClubDon MillsBurlingtonBill Walsh (Navy)[50]11-11st
1984Ed Werenich, Paul Savage, John Kawaja, Neil HarrisonAvonlea Curling ClubDon MillsPeterboroughBob Turcotte (Oshawa)[51]10-52nd
1985Earle Morris, Lovel Lord, Dave Merklinger, Bill FletcherRCN (Navy) Curling ClubOttawaKingstonJim Sharples (Dixie)[52]5-6T7th
1986Russ Howard, Glenn Howard, Tim Belcourt, Kent CarstairsPenetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneRichmond HillWayne Tallon (Navy)[53]10-32nd
1987Russ Howard, Glenn Howard, Tim Belcourt, Kent CarstairsPenetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneChathamEd Werenich (Avonlea)[54]10-21st
1988Paul Savage, Ed Werenich, Graeme McCarrel, Neil HarrisonAvonlea Curling ClubDon MillsNepeanRuss Howard (Penetanguishene)[55]8-43rd
1989Russ Howard, Glenn Howard, Tim Belcourt, Kent CarstairsPenetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneTrentonEd Werenich (Avonlea)[56]8-43rd
1990Ed Werenich, John Kawaja, Ian Tetley, Pat PerroudAvonlea Curling ClubDon MillsChathamBob Fedosa (Brampton)[57]11-11st
1991Russ Howard, Glenn Howard, Wayne Middaugh, Peter CornerPenetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneOwen SoundKirk Ziola (Highland)6-5T5th
1992Russ Howard, Glenn Howard, Wayne Middaugh, Peter CornerPenetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneNepeanMike Harris (Tam Heather)[58]9-42nd
1993Russ Howard, Glenn Howard, Wayne Middaugh, Peter CornerPenetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneTrentonMike Harris (Tam O'Shanter)[59]11-31st
1994
Details
Russ Howard, Glenn Howard, Wayne Middaugh, Peter CornerPenetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneSt. ThomasAxel Larsen (Guelph)[60]9-42nd
1995
Details
Ed Werenich, John Kawaja, Pat Perroud, Neil HarrisonAvonlea Curling ClubDon MillsKingstonRuss Howard (Penetanguishene)8-54th
1996
Details
Bob Ingram, Larry Smyth, Robert Rumfeldt, Jim BrackettRidgetown Curling ClubRidgetownPickeringRuss Howard (MacTier)4-7T9th
1997
Details
Ed Werenich, John Kawaja, Pat Perroud, Neil HarrisonChurchill Curling ClubChurchillGuelphWayne Middaugh (St. George's)7-54th
1998
Details
Wayne Middaugh, Graeme McCarrel, Ian Tetley, Scott BaileySt. George's Golf & Country ClubEtobicokePeterboroughPhil Daniel (Tilbury)12-11st
1999
Details
Rich Moffatt, Howard Rajala, Chris Fulton, Paul MaddenRideau Curling ClubOttawaBrantfordPhil Daniel (Tilbury)6-56th
2000
Details
Peter Corner, Todd Brandwood, Drew Macklin, Dwayne PyperGlendale Golf & Country ClubHamiltonNepeanWayne Middaugh (St. George's)8-45th
2001
Details
Wayne Middaugh, Graeme McCarrel, Ian Tetley, Scott BaileySt. George's Golf & Country ClubIslingtonWoodstockJohn Morris (Stayner)9-43rd
2002
Details
John Morris, Joe Frans, Craig Savill, Brent LaingStayner Curling ClubStaynerBellevillePhil Daniel (Kingsville)9-52nd
2003
Details
Bryan Cochrane, Bill Gamble, Ian MacAulay, John SteskiRCMP Curling ClubOttawaMississaugaPeter Corner (Glendale)5-6T7th
2004
Details
Mike Harris, John Base, Phil Loevenmark, Trevor WallOakville Curling ClubOakvilleOwen SoundGlenn Howard (Coldwater)6-56th
2005
Details
Wayne Middaugh, Graeme McCarrel, Joe Frans, Scott BaileySt. George's Golf & Country ClubIslingtonWhitbyGlenn Howard (Coldwater)6-5T5th
2006
Details
Glenn Howard, Richard Hart, Brent Laing, Craig SavillColdwater & District Curling ClubColdwaterGuelphWayne Middaugh (St. George's)11-22nd
2007
Details
Glenn Howard, Richard Hart, Brent Laing, Craig SavillColdwater & District Curling ClubColdwaterSarniaWayne Middaugh (St. George's)11-21st
2008
Details
Glenn Howard, Richard Hart, Brent Laing, Craig SavillColdwater & District Curling ClubColdwaterWaterlooPeter Corner (Brampton)11-32nd
2009
Details
Glenn Howard, Richard Hart, Brent Laing, Craig SavillColdwater & District Curling ClubColdwaterWoodstockPeter Corner (Brampton)9-43rd
2010
Details
Glenn Howard, Richard Hart, Brent Laing, Craig SavillColdwater & District Curling ClubColdwaterNapaneeBryan Cochrane (Rideau)12-12nd
2011
Details
Glenn Howard, Richard Hart, Brent Laing, Craig SavillColdwater & District Curling ClubColdwaterGrimsbyGreg Balsdon (Loonie)10-42nd
2012
Details
Glenn Howard, Wayne Middaugh, Brent Laing, Craig SavillColdwater & District Curling ClubColdwaterStratfordPeter Corner (Brampton)12-11st
2013
Details
Glenn Howard, Wayne Middaugh, Brent Laing, Craig SavillColdwater & District Curling ClubColdwaterBarrieJoe Frans (Bradford)11-33rd
2014
Details
Greg Balsdon, Mark Bice, Tyler Morgan, Jamie Farnell, Steve BiceGlendale Golf & Country ClubHamiltonSmiths FallsGlenn Howard (Penetanguishene)5-68th
2015
Details
Mark Kean, Mathew Camm, David Mathers, Scott HowardFenelon Falls Curling ClubFenelon FallsDorchesterJohn Epping (Annandale)5-68th
2016
Details
Glenn Howard, Richard Hart, Adam Spencer, Scott HowardSt. George's Golf & Country ClubEtobicokeBrantfordJohn Epping (Donalda)4-78th
2017
Details
Glenn Howard, Richard Hart, David Mathers, Scott HowardSt. George's Golf & Country ClubEtobicokeCobourgWayne Tuck Jr. (Brantford)4-79th
2018
Details
John Epping, Mathew Camm, Patrick Janssen, Tim MarchLeaside Curling ClubEast YorkHuntsvilleGlenn Howard (St. George's)9-43rd
2019
Details
Scott McDonald, Jonathan Beuk, Wesley Forget, Scott ChadwickCataraqui Golf & Country ClubKingstonElmiraJohn Epping (Leaside)6-56th
2020
Details
John Epping, Ryan Fry, Mathew Camm, Brent LaingLeaside Curling ClubEast YorkCornwallGlenn Howard (Penetanguishene)8-55th
2021
Cancelled[61]
John Epping, Ryan Fry, Mathew Camm, Brent LaingLeaside Curling ClubEast YorkN/AN/A7–57th
2022
Details
Scott Howard, Adam Spencer, David Mathers, Tim March, Glenn Howard (DNP)Penetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguishenePort ElginJohn Epping (Leaside)4–49th
2023
Details
Mike McEwen, Ryan Fry, Brent Laing, Joey HartRoyal Canadian Curling ClubTorontoPort ElginGlenn Howard (Penetanguishene)7–44th
2024
Details
Scott Howard, David Mathers, Tim March, Mathew Camm (added for Brier)Penetanguishene Curling ClubPenetanguisheneDorchesterJayden King (London)3–512th

References