PRINCE GEORGE, BC: It was among the darkest days in curling history, as 48 hours before the start of the event, the 2020 World Women’s Curling Championship in Prince George, B.C., was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

But the enthusiasm, spirit and passion of the central British Columbia city couldn’t be dampened, and as a result, there will be world-class curling in Prince George after all.

The 2022 World Women’s Curling Championship will be contested March 19-27 at the CN Centre in Prince George, it was announced jointly today by Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation.

“I’m delighted to see the host committee of Prince George able to finally welcome the World Women’s Curling Championship 2022 to their community following the disappointment of the 2020 cancellation,” said World Curling Federation President Kate Caithness. “The local organizing committee worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the 2020 edition and I have every confidence that they will be equally prepared for the 2022 championship where hopefully, if restrictions allow, we can welcome back fans to the stadium.”

Prince George will be hosting its first World Curling Federation event, and for the province of British Columbia, it will be a fourth opportunity to welcome the world’s best women’s curling teams.

In 2008 at Vernon, Canada’s Jennifer Jones came out on top; 10 years earlier, in Kamloops, Sweden’s Elisabet Gustafson won gold, and in 1986 in Kelowna, Canada’s Marilyn Bodogh captured a gold medal.

“We all have vivid memories of that week leading up to the cancellation in Prince George, and we know how much excitement there was in the city leading up to the event, so today’s announcement is particularly gratifying,” said Katherine Henderson, Chief Executive Officer of Curling Canada. “I know that Curling Canada and our partners at the World Curling Federation really wanted to make sure Prince George got its opportunity to show off to the world, and I’m positive that it will put on a championship that will be remembered by all who participate.”

Seating 5,582 in its hockey configuration, the CN Centre is home to the Western Hockey League’s Prince George Cougars. The arena was opened in 1995.

Released by Curling Canada