Curlers voice support for Makowsky decision

RED DEER — The impact of Gene Makowsky’s retirement was felt to some degree Friday in Red Deer.

Saskatchewan has two teams at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts — Kronau’s Amber Holland and Regina’s Michelle Englot — who are followers of the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Holland and Englot have crossed paths with Makowsky at different sporting events. Makowsky announced Friday during a media conference in Regina that he was retiring after 17 seasons with the Riders.

“It’s a personal decision that he made and he has to what is best for him and his career,’’ said Englot, who skipping Saskatchewan at the Canadian women’s curling championship. “There does come a time when we do need to move on. He’s going out on a high. He has played solid up to this point in his career and it was nice to see someone take that route. He did it for career and family.’’

Makowsky, 39, ended a great deal of speculation about his future with the emotional announcement. He was elected to the Saskatchewan Legislature on Nov. 5 and had pondered combining politics and football. He eventually decided it would have been too much and decided to step aside.

“It’s sad to see a guy do that because you know that he probably has a few good years left under his belt,’’ Englot said. “It would have been nice to see him play a little bit longer.’’

Holland, Team Canada’s skip, appreciated what Makowsky did on the field and in the community while playing with the Riders.

“Any person who does what he does in the community makes people love him more on the field,’’ said Holland. “That’s the nicest thing you can take from an athlete’s perspective. It’s how you can take what you do on the field, and for us on the ice, and make that transition into the community. More professional athletes should take an opportunity to be involved in the community. The fact he’s an MLA speaks volumes for his character and how he feels about the community.’’