Professional Bowling - Stettler’s best-kept secret?

StettlerLocal.com December 2, 2021 @ 11:10am

Updated: December 3, 2021 @ 7:15am

Did you know that Stettler has a Professional Bowling team? The Heartland Kingpins belong to the Canadian Professional Bowling league, which has teams across Canada. There are 12 teams in the league, and games are played virtually from your hometown.

The virtual format came about as a new thing this year, with the pandemic having wreaked havoc in the Bowling industry. The continual shutdowns caused delays in getting the league up and running, but participating virtually helps to keep safety protocols high and league play going. TV cameras are set up in each bowling alley, one facing the scoreboard and one on the team. There’s a split-screen so that each side can see their opponents.

Alberta has the most teams in the league, with BC, Ontario and Saskatchewan each contributing. Manitoba teams faced more struggles with COVID lockdowns, but they are expected to join the league next year.

Stettler also boasts the #1 female player in the league.

Heartland Bowl owner Robert Gallaugher says that Stettler is by far the smallest town represented in the league. “We’re the little guy, but we don’t play like the little guy!”

At the team’s games on November 28th, local bowling legend Fred Milner, now in his 80’s, was made an honorary member of the Kingpins. Fred is well known in bowling circles, having attended National championships and being one of only two players ever to have bowled a perfect game (450 in 5 pin bowling) at the Heartland Bowl in Stettler. The team wanted to honour Fred and his dedication to the game.

If you’re interested in more information on bowling in Stettler, check out Heartland Bowl on Facebook, or contact them at (403) 742-3149

Jimilee Ayotte, Editor

StettlerLocal.com