| Lake of the Woods Elite League |
Hosted by
Keewatin & Kenora Curling Clubs
Welcome to the inaugural season of the Lake of the Woods Elite League! Hosted by the Kenora Curling Club and the Keewatin Curling Club, this league provides a competitive environment for local curling teams to hone their skills and prepare for competitions. This document outlines the key rules, format, and schedule for the 2025–26 season.
Locations for first round:
Oct 20 – Kenora
Nov 3 – Keewatin
Nov 24 – Kenora
Dec 1 – Keewatin
Dec 15 – Kenora
Jan 5 – Keewatin
Jan 19 – Kenora
Cost
$400 per team
Every curler must be a member in good standing of either the Kenora Curling Club or the Keewatin Curling Club (or both, if you’re really cool).
Format
The season begins on October 20, 2025, with a team meeting at 6:00 PM on that date. Please ensure at least one team member is present. Games will start at 7:00 PM, with pre-game practices beginning 30 minutes earlier.
Teams listed first will practice first and throw the top of the scoreboard colour. Each team will have a 9-minute practice followed by a draw to the button following NOCA rules—one clockwise, one counter-clockwise. Each player must throw a pre-game draw to the button within the first three games of the season. After that, any player may throw in any game, but only once per game.
The team with the lowest total distance from the two draws receives hammer. If tied, flip a coin. Total draw distances will be tracked and may serve as a tiebreaker.
Games will be 8 ends using 30 minutes of thinking time per team, per NOCA rules. Each team receives one 60-second timeout. The team on a bye will handle timing and measuring duties.
A 5-minute fourth-end break will occur, though teams may agree to skip it.
Rosters must be submitted before the first game. Spares are allowed and must pay any applicable spare fees to the host club.
The no-tick rule is in effect.
Playoffs
The Championship will be single-elimination with a consolation bracket. A detailed playoff schedule and bracket will be released once regular-season dates are confirmed.
Tie-Breakers
Ties in standings will be broken by:
1. Head-to-head record
2. Total draw-to-the-button score
3. Coin flip (if still tied)
Brushes & Equipment
All teams must follow NOCA brush rules. Please review and comply with these regulations before play.
Prizes
Prizes will be determined based on sponsorship. If you know of potential sponsors, please reach out to league organizers.