Arborg, Man., two hours northwest of Winnipeg (pop. 1,200) is arguably best known for housing the World's Largest Curling Rock.
The massive shot-stone/roadside attraction measures 4.2 metres wide and 2.1 metres high, rising more than 3.5 metres from its base and fashioned not out of the customary granite, but steel, foam, and fibreglass.
Despite such an unavoidable daily reminder only a double-raise takeout away, though, local boy Mike Gudmundson chose to ignore the roaring-game route.
Instead, he audibled into football before completing a seamless line change into hockey.
Since arriving in Calgary 15 years ago to begin a career as a professional dealing in aches, pains, breaks and tears, Gudmundson holds the distinction of wearing both the White Horse and Flaming C, the two big teams in this town.
A unique doubleheader.
"They both have been great experiences,'' says Gudmundson, a member of the Canadian Athletic Therapy Association as well as being a certified first responder.
"I've absolutely loved both.
"I mean, you're here long hours and don't know when your next day off will be. So if you didn't love it, it'd be awful tough to get up every day.
"Hanging out with the people you do makes it fun, too."
FLAMES EXTRA - IN GUD HANDS
Since arriving in Calgary 15 years ago to begin a career dealing in aches, pains, breaks and tears, Mike Gudmundson holds the distinction of wearing both the White Horse and Flaming C, the two big teams in this town.
© Gerry Thomas
