Bobby Ray

Curler • ACP Curling Professional • Club Development & Member Services @CurlingCanada • Passionate about the #BusinessOfCurling

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

It was a great weekend partnering with @Curling_Alberta to deliver a strategic planning workshop for the Fort McMurray Oilsands Curling Club (@FMOCC) #BusinessOfCurling 🚀

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

Curling is well positioned to capitalize on a major societal trend where people are increasingly seeking to bundle sport and social.

People are looking for:
• Community
• Connection
• Low-pressure recreation
• Experiences over pure competition

And we have it!

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

✨ The small but mighty St. Claude & Haywood Curling Club west of Winnipeg has about 60 curlers and operates 2 nights/week on 3 sheets of ice. On the day of the men's gold medal curling game, the club hosted a Learn to Curl event for 10 people, followed by a watch party for 30.

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

The Winter Games brought an unprecedented amount of exposure to curling around the world, and clubs across Canada capitalized by providing opportunities for new people to try it. #BusinessOfCurling #GrowTheGame2026

Full Story (Part 2) ➡️ https://t.co/NIpxeaGKdk

Highlights ⤵️

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

✨ The Crestwood Curling Club in Edmonton introduced more than 100 people to curling during an Olympic Open House event followed by a three-week spring fun league that sold out with 12 teams registered.

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

I'm not sure about all this running... but I’m very sure about growing the game — so I just supported Nolan's pledge to get more kids on the ice by raising funds on the road to his first marathon. #ForTheLoveOfCurling #GrowTheGame2026

Donate➡️ https://t.co/FcoaAwn9Jf

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

The future of curling need not be very futuristic at all. Curling has a unique opportunity to position itself as analog in an overwhelmingly digital society.

I predict that clubs increase in popularity as places where people check devices at the door & connect in the real world.

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

(2) artificial intelligence is going to free people and organizations to do the work that matters most — creating meaningful human experiences for and with other people.

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

Jeph Maystruck appreciation post 🙏

I forgot to take a photo of Jeph at our Brand of Curling symposium this weekend in Winnipeg. Luckily, he inspired us to solve problems with A.I. (photo credit: ChatGPT).

#BusinessOfCurling #BrandOfCurling #CurlingTogether #CareMore

🧵1/5

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

(1) people and organizations who know how to use artificial intelligence are going to take over the business of curling; and

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

Who are you for? Where do you show up? What do people see? #BrandOfCurling

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

If your curling club was on a dating app, what would their profile say and look like?

What does a first date look like with your club? #BrandOfCurling

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

If someone from another club described you (your club) honestly… what would they say? What would you be proud of? What would sting a bit? #BrandOfCurling

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

Hanging out with @curlmanitoba clubs and exploring the #BrandOfCurling.

📸 Krista Kerth of Dan Brands leading participants through a series of brand uncovery workshops. #BusinessOfCurling

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

@Canardiana The future likely looks like fewer clubs, in fewer concentrated locations where Canadians now live — but larger facilities, with more usage (more days/week, more hours/day). Headcount still growing.

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

Curling is growing across Canada thanks to clubs and associations that strategically aligned recruitment efforts with exposure from 2026 Winter Games. #BusinessOfCurling #GrowTheGame2026

Read the full story here ➡️ https://t.co/H7Vhzjzqv9

Highlights in the comments ⤵️

[Bobby Ray @bobbyraydotca]

@Canardiana There can be nuance to closures. (1) multiple clubs in close proximity to each other merging into one happens & can be positive, (2) just because some clubs are closing doesn’t mean as many or more aren’t growing, (3) rural to urban shift closes clubs without shedding curlers.