Burgeoning Stu Sells series an important part of curling calendar

A visit to the High Park Club during the Stu Sells Toronto Tankard is like the curling equivalent of seeing your favourite band in a small club and then chatting up the musicians afterwards over a few pints.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, spectators entered the five-sheet club on a residential street in the leafy west-end neighbourhood to watch up-and-coming regional teams take on big names like Kevin Koe, Brad Gushue and Brad Jacobs.

The curling Canadiana throwback — to a time before the sport got serious with fitness, training and focus on the Olympics — is part of the charm of the “Stu Sells” series of mid-level tour events that has become a key part of the domestic season.

Not every elite player hits the bar area afterward. Some sip protein shakes and head for the exits right after they play. Others get in on the fun and let loose a bit.

For top teams, the competitions serve as important building blocks for the campaign. For other rinks, it’s an excellent opportunity to make progress and test their skills against some of the world’s best.

Throw in some of that old-school curling spirit and it’s a formula that seems to work. Real estate agent and curler Stu Sankey — the Stu behind “Stu Sells” — got on board as a sponsor over a decade ago and hasn’t looked back.