On the ice of history: One of the oldest National Defence sports tournaments celebrates its 58th edition
June 29, 2026 – Defence Stories
Estimated read time: 1:45
Caption
Image from the book titled, The Fire Service Curling Bonspiel, The Beginning, created by the founder John Cowell. This book is the beginning of the story, now titled the annual firefighters' Curling Bonspiel, that tells the story of the creator from the very beginning in 1965. This book is volume 1.
Photo credit: From the Fire Service Curling Bonspiel book called the first volume, from 1965 to 1977
From November 19 to 21, 2026, Trenton, Ontario will come alive with a unique military tradition: the 58th edition of the John Cowell Memorial Firefighter Curling Bonspiel. This iconic event also marks its 37th year at the city of Trenton Curling Club. Beyond the clashing stones and frantic sweeping, this competition embodies over sixty years of camaraderie, resilience, and military brotherhood.
Origins in the heart of the Cold War
To understand the essence of this tournament, one must travel back to 1965, at the height of the Cold War. Founded by Flight Lieutenant and firefighter John Cowell, the inaugural event took place at Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Station Grostenquin, France, which served as part of Canada's NATO commitment.
In a twist of historical irony, air operations had already ceased following political tensions with French President Charles de Gaulle. It was a small Canadian contingent, left behind to oversee the decommissioning of the base, that launched this very first tournament, just months before the final departure of Canadian troops in May 1965.
Caption
Image from the book titled, The Fire Service Curling Bonspiel, The Beginning, created by the founder John Cowell. This book is the beginning of the story, now titled the annual firefighters' Curling Bonspiel, that tells the story of the creator from the very beginning in 1965. This book is volume 1.
Photo credit: From the Fire Service Curling Bonspiel book called the first volume, from 1965 to 1977
Trenton’s Autumn shift
Initially a traveling winter event, the tournament reached a historic turning point in 1986 during its 21st edition at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Trenton. Logistical constraints regarding service flights forced organizers to move the event from February to November.
This impromptu change proved to be a blessing: won over by the milder autumn weather, participants chose to make the shift permanent. Trenton and Ottawa became the anchor bases for the tournament, streamlining travel for competing teams. The unwavering passion of these firefighter-curlers successfully safeguarded this precious heritage.
A lasting legacy carried by the next generation
Caption
The 6th Annual Fire Service Curling Bonspiel taken at CFB Uplands, Ottawa. The Founder John Cowell present the Founder’s trophy to the Toronto team selected by the host curling bonspiel and the founder.
Photo identification Left to right: Stan Kowal Bob Mc Connel Dick Sadler Terry Theriault John Cowell Photo credit: From the Fire Service Curling Bonspiel called the beginning Volume 1, from 1965-1977
Renamed in 2015 to honor its founder, the Bonspiel stands today as the oldest continuous sports competition within the Department of National Defence.
Yet, the tournament recently neared extinction, facing forced cancellations due to the pandemic between 2020 and 2021, followed by a brief hiatus in 2024. But that was without counting on the determination of the community. In 2025, a committee of seven volunteers successfully rekindled the flame. This year, ten passionate individuals are at the helm to ensure the success of this 58th edition.
Since its first stop at the city of Trenton Curling Club in 1976, the bond between the municipality and NDFS firefighters has never wavered. Decades later, the tradition endures, proving that the spark driving these firefighters is nowhere near burning out.