Brier Bear

Year Inducted / Année Intronisé:

2017

Province / Province:

Newfoundland/Labrador

Category / Catégorie:

Builder

Biography / Biographie:

Reg Caughie — known across the country as the legendary Brier Bear — was formally inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame  at the 2017 Tim Hortons Brier in St. John’s.

“The success of Canadian curling events is well-known, of course, but that success goes beyond what takes place on the ice,” said Curling Canada Board of Governors member Scott Comfort, who chairs the Awards & Hall of Fame Committee. “Brier Bear character is beloved by fans and players alike.”

One of the most beloved figures in Tim Hortons Brier history, Reg Caughie never threw a rock during a Brier but entertained thousands of fans since his Brier Bear character made its debut in 1981 at Halifax.

Caughie was a member of the host committee for that Brier, and a meeting at his then-home Dartmouth Curling Club produced the idea of a mascot.

It was an instant hit, and he would attend every Brier that followed, culminating with his 37th and final appearance in the costume this week in his adopted hometown of St. John’s. He has announced his retirement as Brier Bear, and with him goes the famous costume.

“To say the least, I was completely floored when Curling Canada chair, Peter Inch phoned to inform me of my impending induction into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame,” said Caughie. “I am deeply honoured and humbled to be thought of in this manner. I am further grateful to Curling Canada for their continued support and kindness in allowing Brier Bear on an annual basis a most unique and amazing opportunity to rub shoulders with the best curlers in the world and hobnob with officials, media, icemakers, fans, visit hospitals and schools, attend special functions and generally create an atmosphere of fun and camaraderie that enshrouds our great sport of curling.”