The Jasper Junior Curling League wrapped up its season last week and handed out awards to the top-finishing teams.

The youth league used to be limited to high-school students but is now open to a wider range of ages and most of the participants are younger.

“We invite students from Grade 6 and up to take part,” said Herb Robinson, junior representative with the Jasper Curling Club.

The youth curlers took to the ice on Wednesday nights after school throughout the winter, competing in a round-robin format and collecting points towards their final standings. The top three teams were presented with medals during the league’s wind-up at the Jasper Activity Centre curling lounge on March 21.

First place went to Robert Shin, Jake Melanson, Nicole Hayashi and Ben Lameris.

Second place went to Jake Huculak, Donal Beauchamp, Liam Fengler-Wood and Kysa Wadsworth.

Third place went to Jack Hilworth, Patrick Mahler, Justin Saat and Ryan Pickle.

Robinson said participation in the youth league ebbs and flows each season as it can be difficult for active young people to find the time to curl. In previous years the league met twice a week but this season that was limited to one evening a week.

“It’s really tough because there’s so much going on in town, so we try to co-ordinate it (with other youth activities),” he said.

A total of five teams took part in the league this year, which Robinson said was down from previous seasons.

“Hopefully more interest will be generated for next season,” he said.

“As soon as the ice goes in, we hope to start. That’s typically in October.”