Talk:Bonspiel

"Bonspiel"

Most authorities I have read say that the word "Bonspiel" is from Dutch or Low German, not Scottish Gaelic. The OED says 'Prob of LG origin; cf. WFlem. "bonespel" a children's game'. Is there an authority to cite that the word or a form thereof exists in Scottish Gaelic that isn't imported from another language? Tim in Canada — Preceding unsigned comment added by 198.73.125.247 (talk) 21:42, 8 April 2012 (UTC)

An interesting observation, Tim, considering that the early origins of the game might very likely have been mainland Europe, rather than Scotland as often claimed. Garth of the Forest (talk) 17:56, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

The claimed etymology "bonn"(coin, corner) + "spéil" (skate) seems entirely speculative given that there is no connection with coins. And the earliest use of the word in English referred to archery, not curling, making the skate connection less likely. Furthermore, the cited reference does not claim to give the etymology; it's merely a Gaelic–English dictionary in which someone looked up likely-sounding words. I'm deleting this etymology and replacing it with one derived from the current OED. --ABehrens (talk) 05:12, 19 January 2017 (UTC)

Outdoors?

Very few bonspiels (if any) are held outdoors anymore; this has not been the tradition anywhere for over 100 years as far as I know. Perhaps we could reword to indicate that in the very early years of the sport they were often held outdoors, but in my lifetime I have played in many, many bonspiels and not one of them has been outdoors. I think the opening paragraph in its current form is misleading to the novice or initiate. I will be bold and change it now. Garth of the Forest (talk) 20:40, 26 October 2012 (UTC)

Well-known "intimidation" tactics?? Really?

I question the last sentence of the first paragraph in regard to team uniforms, or costumes for bonspiels, i.e.: This is meant to contribute to the well known "intimidation tactics" often employed by curlers. Really? Could we have a reliable source please? I've won a lot of games, lost quite a few too, but I have never been intimidated by another curler's costume. I've been distracted by the odd lass in a kilt, but well-known "intimidation tactics"? C'mon, get real. Source it, re-word, or delete it please! Garth of the Forest (talk) 17:56, 18 September 2012 (UTC)

I think that merits deletion. If the editor who added the segment has a source or adjustment that is constructive, then that can be added afterward. Prayerfortheworld (talk) 07:06, 19 September 2012 (UTC)

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Outdoor bonspiel claims: add sources + neutralize superlatives

Hi! I’m requesting a cleanup of the “List of notable bonspiels” section to improve verifiability and neutral wording for outdoor bonspiels (especially Ironman and Bonspiel on the Lake), and to add reliable sources for team/sheet counts.

1) “Largest outdoor bonspiel in the world” (Ironman) — please reword to attributed/neutral

The Bonspiel article currently states as fact that Ironman is “the largest outdoor bonspiel in the world,” with detailed year-by-year sheet counts. This appears to be an absolute superlative and may not be supported by strong independent sources.

Requested change (suggested wording):

Replace “The largest outdoor bonspiel in the world…” with something attributed and limited in scope, e.g.:

The Ironman Outdoor Curling Bonspiel (Winnipeg) has been described as Canada’s largest outdoor curling bonspiel.

Source for the attributed claim: The Forks event listing calls it “Canada’s largest outdoor curling bonspiel.”

https://www.theforks.com/events/calendar-of-events/event/174 theforks.com

(Additional media reference: Global News also refers to it as “Canada’s largest outdoor curling bonspiel.”)

https://globalnews.ca/video/6477725/winnipegs-ironman-outdoor-curling-bonspiel Global News

Historical factual anchor (optional to include): Rock the River “Our history” page documents the inaugural 2002 event with 14 teams on 2 sheets.

https://www.rocktheriver.ca/our-history rocktheriver.ca

2) “Bonspiel on the Lake … held every January since 1983; 64 teams” — please add stronger sourcing + correct/expand details

The Bonspiel article currently says: “held on Lake Windermere every January since 1983. Each year 64 teams compete.” Please add sources and improve specificity using reliable local newspaper reporting and the club’s official event page.

Requested addition/adjustment (suggested wording):

Bonspiel on the Lake (Invermere, British Columbia) is an annual outdoor bonspiel on Lake Windermere. Local newspaper coverage reports 64 teams competing on eight sheets of ice (e.g., 2017).

Source: Columbia Valley Pioneer (2017) reports 64 teams on eight sheets.

https://www.columbiavalleypioneer.com/bonspiel-on-the-lake-ready-to-rock/ columbiavalleypioneer.com

In 2025, local newspaper coverage reports 80 teams total: 64 in the main bonspiel plus 16 in a separate “Hunger Games” feeder bonspiel.

Source: Columbia Valley Pioneer (2025).

https://www.columbiavalleypioneer.com/bonspiel-on-the-lake-returns-to-rock-the-bay/ columbiavalleypioneer.com

Additional long-span consistency sources (optional for editors):

• e-KNOW (2026) reports “64 curling teams” at the 41st annual event (Jan 16–18, 2026). https://www.e-know.ca/regions/columbia-valley/invermere/41st-annual-bonspiel-on-the-lake-hurried-hard/ East Kootenay News Online Weekly
• e-KNOW (2018) describes “64 teams” at the 26th annual. https://www.e-know.ca/regions/columbia-valley/invermere/look-26th-bonspiel-lake/ East Kootenay News Online Weekly
• Invermere District Curling Club (official) lists: main bonspiel limited to 64 teams; Hunger Games mini-spiel limited to 16 teams; 41st anniversary (2026). https://www.curlinginvermere.ca/events/bonspiel-on-the-lake/ Invermere Curling Club

3) Optional: note about terminology / common alternate names

Local media uses naming variants (“Bonspiel on the Lake,” “Bonspiel-on-the-Lake,” “Lake ’spiel”). This is relevant for readers but shouldn’t become a huge list; a brief note or redirects might help.

Thanks for considering these improvements! Unclesmellyshape (talk) 20:31, 21 January 2026 (UTC)