Central’s Anton Hood, skip of the New Zealand Men’s curling team, has been awarded a sportsmanship award at the World Men’s Curling Championships (WMCC) in Ottawa, Canada.

Anton said he was grateful for the award.

"I think it's a credit to our team, to our values and the way we play the game."

"It means that we focus on the traditional values of the game and that's something that we hold strong in our hearts in New Zealand.”

Anton with his award. PHOTO: WCF/Steve Seixeiro

Anton said the team learnt a lot from their experience at the championships.

“We'll be taking that and putting them into action in the next season. Watch out, I guess."

Anton’s teammates (Brett Sargon, Ben Smith, Hunter Walker and coach Peter de Boer) posted on their Facebook page: “An absolute legend with a heart of gold, we are so happy to have you as our skip. We love you bro.”

Anton in action on the ice at WMCC. PHOTO: WCF

The award is selected by fellow competitors participating in the WMCC to honour the curler who best exemplifies the traditional curling values of gentlemanly skill, fair play and sportsmanship that Collie Campbell strove to perpetuate as a curler and as president of the International Curling Federation (1969-1978).

Anton is the second Central man to have received this award; Sean Becker has previously won it three times. 

A month ago, Patearoa’s Bridget Becker won the equivalent award at the World Women's Curling Championship in Sweden.

In a third World Championship this year (the Juniors), New Zealander Darcy Nevill also won the Spirit of Curling award.

In 2020, Anton also won the same award at the World Junior Championships.

At the 2023 WMCC Scotland won gold, Canada silver, and Switzerland bronze. 

New Zealand (Team Hood) finished at the bottom of the table, but won 11-8 in a round robin game against Germany.

The Kiwis were not concerned about the win-loss record during the WMCC. Second player Brett Sargon said the plan was to soak it all in and gain experience.

“We’re out there to win but results are null and void for us. The results aren’t taken to heart. We understand this is a process.”

Read an earlier Central App story on Team Hood here.

Fans can send congratulations to Anton via the Team Hood Facebook page.