“I do not win anything, and it’s not for lack of buying tickets and things of that nature. So, it was just a real surprise and it felt great.”
It was quite the bombshell on Monday, when Barry Ashton realized he had won the largest 50/50 draw of the 2021 Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Championship Sunday’s winning ticket was valued at $36,550 and Barry was truly flabbergasted.
“I couldn’t believe it. I never even thought to check the numbers this morning,” said Barry. “I don’t even know who won the Scotties yet because I recorded it and have yet to watch the final game.”
Barry and his wife, Sharon, live on an acreage in Bearspaw, west of Calgary. Having recently celebrated his 70th birthday, he is enjoying retirement and life on the acreage ensures there is always lots to do and many projects on the go. An avid curler, Barry also golfs at Redwood Meadows with his wife, enjoys traveling, and keeps busy with his children and grandchildren.
In a typical curling season, Barry plays lead in a competitive league out of the Cochrane Curling Club. “No stress, just a lot of sweeping,” he laughs. He has played with the same skip for over 20 years, a true testament to how curling is built on lifetime friendships. Barry has high praise for the Cochrane Curling Club that he calls home. “It’s a beautiful new facility with nice high ceilings, lots of light, and great ice. Can’t say enough about it.” With both the first and final winners of Curling Alberta’s 50/50 draw coming from Cochrane Curling Club, there must be some serious good energy in that rink.
