New Zealand national curling team bids farewell to Calgary retirement residence roommates
A group of New Zealand curlers living in a Calgary retirement residence are heading home.
In September, the national team struck a deal to live at the Chartwell Colonel Belcher Retirement Residence during their Calgary stay.
The curlers, more than 50 years younger than many of their roommates, say their time inside the home has been incredible.
"To be honest, we're just really integrated into this family here," skip Anton Hood said.
"It's been amazing and really heartwarming for us."
Hood says it's like staying with his own grandparents – 175 of them.
"We're just walking down the hallway and saying hello to everyone," he said.
The curlers and residents gathered for a farewell party on Thursday.
Flags were hung, cake was made and a lot of goodbye hugs were exchanged.
"There were a lot of residents down there, which was awesome to see," second Brett Sargon said.
"We loved it."
So did the residents.
Bertha Esplen, 97, can't talk about the team without smiling.
"Oh my goodness," she said.
"Words cannot do justice to how they acted towards us and how we acted towards them. They just feel like my own children."
In the fall, the New Zealanders came to Calgary to practise and learn more about the game.
They say their off-ice fun rivals their time on the ice.
"We didn't win as much as we wanted," Hood told CTV News.
"But we're going to the Worlds (in Switzerland) in a few weeks and feel good about how we're playing."
After that, it'll be some downtime back home before another stint in Calgary come autumn.
"We'd stay here again in a heartbeat," Hood said.
"It’s warm, lovely and the people are great. You can't complain at all."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behaviour on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump's company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.