On Saturday, January 27, 2024, four people were officially inducted into the Curling Québec Hall of Fame. The ceremony took place during the Hardline Tankard and Scotties provincial championships at the Marcel-Dionne Arena in Drummondville. We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the inductees for their lifelong involvement in the world of curling.
Camil Larouche, inducted in 2024
Mr. Camil Larouche was born in 1953 in Dolbeau, Quebec. Mr. Larouche began his curling career as a player in 1977, however he has been better known for his remarkable contribution as a curling coach for the past thirty years. Mr. Larouche graduated from Université de Montréal and went on to become a physical education teacher, where he worked for 34 years. Starting in 1991, he began applying his teaching skills to curlers, both young and old, to develop a pool of talented competitors. As a coach, he has four appearances at the Canadian Junior Championship, with many medals collected over the years, including a gold and silver medal, as well as an impressive bronze medal at the 1999 World Junior Championship in Sweden. And of course, we can’t forget the bronze medal won at the Quebec Games in 1993. He also coached at the Scotties 6 times between 2001 and 2012, bringing home both a silver and a bronze medal. Other notable appearances include the Canada Cup, the Continental Cup, and two appearances at the Olympic Trials. Mr. Larouche’s natural leadership quality lends itself to him being a very well-respected person and coach in the curling community. It is with great honour and joy that Curling Quebec welcomes Mr. Camil Larouche into the Hall of Fame as a builder.
Jacqueline « Jackie » Caron, inducted in 2024
Mrs. Jacqueline Caron was born in Saint-Narcisse-de-Beaurivage, in the Lotbinière county, in 1935. Since the age of 19, curling has been her favourite sport, which she loves for its social side and for the lasting friendships that she has formed over the years. Her passion for curling turned her into an important figure in the sport, especially in the Quebec region. In fact, she became the very first female president of the Jacques-Cartier Curling Club, also making her the first elected female president of any club in Quebec. Mrs. Caron found success in many different championships, including the mixed provincial championship which she won in both 1962 and 1965. With her expert organizational talent, her dedication, and her desire to promote her sport, she created an annual women’s tournament which bears her name, “The Jackie Caron tournament”. The event celebrated its 50th milestone edition this past year. A distinguished woman and figurehead for curling, Mrs. Caron has received numerous recognitions for the development of women’s curling and young girls owe her a debt of gratitude for paving the way. Curling Quebec is therefore very proud to welcome Mrs. Jacqueline Caron into its Hall of Fame as a builder.
Michael D. « Mike» Carson, inducted in 2024
It was in Deep River, Ontario that Mr. Michael D. Carson was born in 1946. Throughout his life, he lived in the Saguenay/Lac St-Jean region for more than forty years. His involvement in the sport of curling began in 1970 and his personal philosophy is that “Life without dreams is no life at all.” An important figure in the world of curling, we cannot ignore his exploits over the 53 years he spent as a player. Whether it be his 25 participations in the Men’s, Mixed, Senior and Masters provincial championships winning him more than 8 medals over the years or his 8 participations in the Senior and Masters national championships during which he received the Sportsmanship Award in 2001, it is hard to think of Mike’s name without thinking of curling. His involvement at the organizational level is equally remarkable. During his career he was involved in the Quebec Games, the Gala Sports Québec, the Canada Games, the Brier, the Canadian Masters championships and Curling Quebec, Mike played various roles in each of these organizations, either as director, administrator, technical director, coordinator, or vice-president. To highlight his incomparable contribution, it is with pleasure that Curling Québec welcomes with great recognition, Mr. Mike Carson into its Hall of Fame as a player and builder.
Robert Maclean, inducted in 2024
Born in Winnipeg in 1958, it was at the age of 12 that Mr. Robert Maclean began curling. However, it wasn’t until he was 18 years old, that a conversation at the Brier with Jim Ursel – who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017 – entirely changed his perspective on competitive curling. That day left an important mark on him, and he still draws inspiration from that conversation today. Mr. Maclean has also had his own turn to inspire young curlers, as he has had the opportunity to work with several generations of junior curlers throughout his long career as the organizer of the junior program in his club. His achievements as a player are quite remarkable. Mr. Maclean participated in 10 straight men’s provincial championships from 1984 to 1993, of which he won 3 titles. He participated in 4 Briers, including one participation as the 5th player, 3 senior national championships, and 2 legion national championships. When you think of Rob Maclean, you think of great performances and good sportsmanship. One fun fact about Mr. Maclean, he managed to score an 8-ender during a senior provincial championship! Thanks to his incredible curling achievements, his generosity, and his willingness to share his knowledge with future generations of curlers, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that Curling Quebec welcomes Mr. Robert Maclean into the Hall of Fame in the player category.
