Merlis Belsher Place’s main rink has been transformed from a hockey facility to a curling facility (pictured) for the second time in its history.

Once again, the Grand Slam of Curling has made its way to Saskatoon with the World Financial Group Masters, being held Tuesday through Sunday. The first draw is Tuesday morning at 8 a.m. as 16 of the top women’s teams and 16 of the top men’s teams from around the world taking part. Teams were invited based on the World Curling Federaton’s world team rankings. Both gender divisions will be split into four pools of four teams each with teams crossing over to play four games against teams in an opposing pool. The top eight teams overall, following preliminary round play, will advance to the playoffs on Saturday and Sunday. The only real local flavour among the 32 teams is the Mike McEwen foursome out of Saskatoon with Colton Flasch at third and the Marsh twins, Kevin and Dan, on the front end. Following is Les Lazaruk’s conversation with Grand Slam of Curling Events Manager Jennifer Cram, plus another picture of Merlis Belsher Place…..