Canada’s oceans provide billions in value beyond fish – Canada’s National Observer

Feb 02, 2026

Every curler knows that having good ice to play on is a special treat.

Making good ice is mostly a science combined with years of experience, listening skills and a willingness to learn. Kamloops currently has one of the best ice makers anywhere in Mike Merklinger and his crew.

When the current Kamloops Curling facility was built in 1949, Douglas (Bus) Ellis came forward and started making the ice.

Bus was born in Vanderhoof, but moved to Kamloops where his dad was the game warden. Like many young men in Kamloops, Bus joined the war effort. He was a gunner on a destroyer that helped protect merchant fleets.