[EAGAN, MN, June 30th, 2023] — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jeff Hannon, who contributed greatly to the curling community as a builder, ice technician, coach, and competitor.

After stepping on the ice for the first time at the Plainfield Curling Club in New Jersey, Jeff immersed himself in the game. A longtime member of the Nutmeg Curling Club in Connecticut, he was a key driver of the effort to build a new facility when the club lost its lease in Darien in 1998. It was a long journey, but the club maintained its core membership during the years it operated without a home and eventually opened its current Bridgeport location in 2006. Jeff had a critical leadership role in the funding and the construction of the new facility.

Along with Jeff’s passion for competing and bonspieling—he liked nothing more than taking a group of new curlers to their first event and drawing on his years of experience to help them succeed—Jeff was fully engaged in his work as an ice technician. For many years, he led the crew at his home club and like so many who love the craft, always enjoyed any conversation that revolved around topics such as pebble heads, striking bands, or scraping patterns.

In addition to his efforts to grow the sport in the Northeast, Jeff was a member of the Board of Directors of USA Curling from 2014 through 2019, and was a trusted voice throughout his tenure. For many years, he served as the Parliamentarian for the organization. He skipped teams to victory at the 2015 and 2017 GNCC Senior Mixed Championships and coached at all levels. He was also an accomplished poker player and an avid fisherman.

About USA Curling

Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Eagan, Minnesota, USA Curling is the National Governing body for the Olympic sport of curling and the Paralympic sport of wheelchair curling in the United States. The mission of USA Curling is to grow, strengthen, and advocate for the Olympic and Paralympic sport of curling in the United States by prioritizing accessibility and programmatic development from grassroots to podium. USA Curling is sponsored by Columbia Sportswear, Twin Cities Orthopedics, Training HAUS, Toyota, Thorne, ISS (Ice, Sports & Solar), Rock Solid Productions, Jet Ice, and Laurie Artiss. USA Curling is a proud member of the World Curling Federation and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee. To learn more, visit usacurling.org.