Bismarck Curling Champs Inspire Next Generation

Team Gervais returns to open 2026 Junior Curling Nationals in their hometown

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:03am

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic motion and energy of a curling match, with overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of blue, white, and red.The triumphant return of Bismarck's pioneering junior curling champions inspires the next generation to sweep the ice with passion and precision.Bismarck Today

The 2005 Junior Curling National Championship team, Team Gervais, made history as the first and only team from Bismarck, North Dakota to win the national title. Two decades later, the team members were invited back to throw the ceremonial first stone at the opening of the 2026 Junior Curling Nationals, which are being held in Bismarck for the first time in 20 years.

Why it matters

The return of Team Gervais represents an important passing of the torch, as the former champions inspire the next generation of young curlers in their hometown. Their victory two decades ago helped raise the profile of the sport in Bismarck and paved the way for the city to host the prestigious junior national tournament.

The details

In 2005, the 10th-ranked Team Gervais pulled off a stunning upset to win the Junior Curling National Championship, becoming the first and only team from Bismarck to achieve that feat. Now, two decades later, the team members were invited back to throw the ceremonial first stone at the opening of the 2026 Junior Curling Nationals, which are being held in Bismarck for the first time since their championship win.

  • Team Gervais won the Junior Curling National Championship in 2005.
  • The 2026 Junior Curling Nationals are being held in Bismarck.

The players

Team Gervais

The 2005 Junior Curling National Championship team, which was the first and only team from Bismarck, North Dakota to win the national title.

Sarah Felchle

A member of the 2005 Junior Curling National Championship team, Team Gervais.

Stephanie Bohan

A member of the 2005 Junior Curling National Championship team, Team Gervais.

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What they’re saying

“I remember being on that sheet over there in the house, and the other skip didn't have a shot, so I remember going over to my sister and whispering, 'We're going to Italy.'”

— Sarah Felchle, Member of 2005 Junior Curling National Championship team

“When you actually win a big game like that, I don't know if there is a better feeling in the world.”

— Stephanie Bohan, Member of 2005 Junior Curling National Championship team

“Curling is a very small community. Now a lot of the people that I had played with and against in curling have kids that are of curling age, and so, just really excited to see the next generation get out there, all of us cheer on our kids, and hopefully the next, you know, junior nationals, junior worlds.”

— Stephanie Bohan, Member of 2005 Junior Curling National Championship team

What’s next

The 2026 Junior Curling Nationals will continue in Bismarck over the next week, with the championship game scheduled for April 12.

The takeaway

The return of Team Gervais to the 2026 Junior Curling Nationals in Bismarck represents an inspiring passing of the torch, as the former champions inspire the next generation of young curlers in their hometown. Their historic victory two decades ago helped raise the profile of the sport in Bismarck and paved the way for the city to host this prestigious tournament once again.