Kamloops Curling Club: Meet Our Ice Tech- Mike Merklinger
If you’ve ever visited the Kamloops Curling Club (KCC) and wondered what makes the curling rocks glide and spin with such precision, look no further than Mike Merklinger, our amazing and dedicated Ice Technician.
Coming from a curling family, Mike grew up surrounded by the sport and quickly got interested in being part of the fun.
“On my father’s side, my grandparents were curlers, and my father is an ice maker. As a kid, I spent a lot of time at curling clubs, either working with him or getting involved with curling myself,” he recalled.
Starting with junior curling at his home club in Ottawa, Mike’s enthusiasm for the sport quickly evolved. While still in high school, he worked part-time alongside his father, learning the intricacies of ice-making.
After a few years, he began to take the sport more seriously, and when he was 21 years old, he moved to British Columbia’s coast to follow his passion.
Eventually, Mike and his family moved to Kamloops, presenting an opportunity for him to join the KCC, where he will be entering his 6th season this year. His expertise has allowed him to extend his role to several other clubs, as he works with those in Kelowna, Cloverdale, and Langley.
Mike also works as the Ice Technician for Curl BC, helping to organize provincial events and courses and often being assigned to make the ice at major events for Curling Canada and the World Curling Federation.
As an Ice Technician, Mike’s role is both demanding and rewarding. The curling season typically runs from late August to the end of April. With this busy schedule working with four different clubs, Mike’s priority is clear - maintaining the ice to the standards that curlers expect.
“The best part of my job is seeing the curlers happy and safe on the ice. I also enjoy teaching staff about ice-making,” he shared. “It is important to me to have a good team because, when I’m away, I want the ice to meet the same standards.”
Mike advises other Ice Technicians, or those interested in becoming one, to keep learning every day.
“You never stop learning with this job. Every time I go to an event, I am constantly learning, even if it’s something small,” he said. “I think experience is also key for young ice makers. It’s important for them to have a good attitude, work hard, and be humble.”
Usually, once people have started and learned the basics, Mike will encourage them to take a provincial ice technician course through Curl BC. Additionally, as he mentioned, volunteering at events is one of the best ways to learn and get the experience needed for the job.
Thank you for your tireless efforts, Mike! We’re lucky to have you as part of the Kamloops Curling Club family, and we look forward to many more seasons of exceptional ice and fun times ahead.
If you see Mike around the club, be sure to give him a high-five or a word of thanks. After all, he’s a big part of why we can all enjoy the sport we love.
