Exciting times in the world of Eisstock

Jan 24, 2018

The KingSton and Area Ice Stock Club (KAISC) is sending 5 members of the club to be part of the Canadian Ice Stock Federation team that is competing at the World Championships in Austria (the gang leaves in late February).

Here are the members of the club who are going and what they are competing in.

Paul Blais: Canada's rep for "Individual Target Shooting". This is an event that challenges the Ice Stock player on their accuracy to hit targets and perform specific set shots etc. The player makes 24 shots and points are awarded based on how accurate the person is etc.

Tyler MacComish: Team Target Shooting: Tyler is one of four players for this team. It is exactly the same as above, except that each player performs a specific type of shot as part of the overall competition. Each person has 6 shots (4 x's 6 = 24) at the different elements of target shooting.

Mike Osborne / Kevin Bryan / Walter Schuster: Team Play. This is the typical 4 vs 4 team play tournament. Canada plays in the B Division for this.

Of the players going to the world championships, Tyler MacComish’s achievement is historic. Tyler was one of the first players to join the Club when it was founded. He has Down’s Syndrome, making this the first time an individual with special needs has qualified for this international event.

The team will also be participating in Skate the Lake in Portland for the third time next month. This year the idea is that Team Canada Men and Women will be playing against teams to help them prep for Austria. This will be occurring on Family Day weekend in Feb, and is also a good opportunity for the public to try the sport.

The Austrian Ambassador to Canada in Ottawa has been in contact with KAISC and plans are being worked out for an imminent trip to Rideau Hall to showcase the sport.

(information submitted by Karl Hammer)