Q&A with a Longtime Member of the Edmonton Doctors’ Curling League

Much fun to be had with the Edmonton Doctors’ Curling League.

Dr. Diana Andriashek obtained her medical degree from the University of Alberta in 1975, followed by a residency in family medicine. Now retired, she serves as one of the presidents of the Edmonton Doctors’ Curling League (EDCL). She first joined the league 25 years ago with great trepidation—knowing nothing about curling—but stayed for the camaraderie, fun, hallway consultations, stress relief, and a touch of competition. Along the way, she learned to curl and became a passionate advocate for the league’s community spirit. When she’s not on the ice, Diana enjoys traveling the world and spending time with her grandchildren.

The EDCL invites all Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry alumni and their friends to join for the upcoming season. For more information, please email dmandriashek@gmail.com. 

Can you tell us about the Edmonton Doctors’ Curling League? What is its purpose, and who can join?

The league is open to physicians, medical students, residents, healthcare providers and even community members. Whether you're a novice or highly skilled, you're welcome. We curl weekly from October to March at the historic Granite Curling Club, the oldest club in Edmonton still standing on its original site. Each year, players are assigned to new teams, so you don’t need to know anyone or bring a full team to join. New players are always welcome, and we’re happy to guide and teach those who have never curled. 

What is the history of the league, and how has it evolved over the years?

The league was founded in 1947 and has evolved while preserving its traditions. Many of the trophies honour past physician curlers—the names are like a history lesson in Edmonton’s medical community. Originally male-dominated, the league eventually expanded to include women, students, spouses and other healthcare professionals to stay vibrant and inclusive. It’s one of the few sports where you can participate from your 20s into your 80s. Many long-term members started as medical students.

There’s also a sister league that began as a space for wives with childcare available, but now includes medical women and family members. It also started in 1947 and curls during the day.

The lounge at the Granite Curling Club is named after two long-time players who were invaluable in coaching and supporting the league.

Are there any notable milestones or traditions that make the league unique?

Absolutely. We host themed events like the Candy Cane Classic in December—with silly scoring and stick curling—and a skills competition in March, followed by playoffs, a banquet and trophy presentations. These traditions bring a lot of joy and laughter to the season.

Why do you think the league is important for building relationships among alumni and the medical community?

The league fosters genuine connections in a relaxed setting, which is invaluable in the health care professions.

I spoke to some of my fellow curlers, and here’s what they had to say:

“Medical work can be overwhelming, but having this club means that at least once a week, you know you’ve got an evening to decompress and disconnect from all the responsibilities we carry day to day. As a medical student, I felt incredibly thankful to have been included. In the league, titles and grades didn’t matter—just teamwork, laughter, and sharing stories with one another.”

“I didn’t expect to find the sport as much fun as I did. The Edmonton Doctors’ Curling League provided a relaxed and friendly atmosphere to learn a new skill. I was happy to have the opportunity to interact with career mentors outside of a professional environment—it really showed me that you can have a work/life balance as an MD!”

“I’ve been part of the league since I was a student. It’s the main contact I still have with people from my medical school class.”

“I have observed that not only was there on-ice coaching of skills and strategy but also coaching of life skills as a medical practitioner."

What do you personally enjoy most about being part of the league? Any memorable moments?

The sense of community is unmatched. Each March, there’s an interprovincial bonspiel hosted in rotation by Saskatoon, Calgary, Edmonton and sometimes Winnipeg. Players come from Ontario, Calgary, Regina, Winnipeg, Edmonton and British Columbia. It’s three days of curling, professional development, laughter, praising good shots and commiserating over missed ones.

In 2025, Edmonton hosted the bonspiel, and I was one of three presidents. I expected to take on the lion’s share of the work, but members stepped up without hesitation. No arm-twisting required—it was amazing and a true reflection of how supportive our league is.

What would you say to encourage others to join the Edmonton Doctors’ Curling League?

If you’re looking for a positive physical and social environment, this is it. We don’t take ourselves too seriously—just look at the bonspiel photos! And curling definitely helps the long, cold winter days pass more quickly.