The 28th Annual Canadian Advanced Squad Leader Open (CASLO) took place from 10-12 May 2024, at the Holiday Inn – Elk Lake in Victoria, BC. This year, the event saw 18 players from Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Washington State come together to compete in a five-round Swiss-style tournament, vying for the championship title in this prestigious event.

The night before the tournament, eight players gathered in the onsite Lakes Restaurant + Bar for the quasi-traditional Meet & Greet. This event allowed old friends to rekindle their friendships, new players to be welcomed, and war stories from past CASLOs to be shared. The bar was entertained by local ASL player and professional balloon artist Kyle Mitchell. Kyle wowed the patrons and staff with his many balloon creations, with the standout being a unicorn hat that stood nearly 3 feet tall.

This year’s CASLO began with a nod to our origins and traditions. We were honoured to have Mr. Scott Ringrose of the Canadian Air Force Pipe & Drum Band start the tournament. His performance with the bagpipes filled the room with the nostalgic and powerful sound of the skirl of the pipes, setting the tone for a weekend of camaraderie and competition. Continuing our tradition, we raised a toast with 12-year-old Scotch whiskey, paying homage to all players present, those who have moved on from the hobby, and our piper.

The Advanced Squad Leader (ASL) hobby is one with deep roots and a rich history. Many of our players have been dedicated to the game since the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. Over the years, we have lost many cherished friends and fellow players. To honour their memory, memorial placards for Canadian ASL Association (CASLA) Founder, Jim McLeod, and longtime West Coast ASL enthusiast, Rick White, were placed on the wall.

Jim McLeod (1962-2009) was instrumental in founding both the CASLA and the CASLO, while Rick White (1964-2016) played a crucial role in promoting ASL on the West Coast and fostering a sense of community among players. Their contributions to the ASL community are deeply missed, and their legacy continues to inspire us.

The 18 players participated in 45 hard-fought matches over the course of the weekend, with only three requiring adjudication. The Swiss-style format ensured that players faced opponents with similar records, creating a highly competitive environment. The tournament’s atmosphere was one of intense concentration and strategic thinking, as each player brought their best game to the table.

This year’s championship was claimed by Mr. Darren Kovacs from Victoria, BC. Darren’s victory marks his sixth CASLO title, having previously won in 2003, 2009, 2012, 2017, and 2018. This achievement makes Darren the individual with the most CASLO titles, a testament to his skill and dedication to the game. His consistent performance over the years has set a high standard for the community and serves as an inspiration for both new and veteran players alike.

Tournament Placements

  1. Darren Kovacs: 61 points
  2. Blake Ball: 51* points
  3. Brent Pollock: 51* points
  4. Doug Rimmer: 38 points
  5. David Wolfe: 37 points
  6. George Kelln: 36 points
  7. Jim Rudek: 35 points
  8. Michael Rodgers: 34 points
  9. Andrew Simpson: 25 points
  10. Steve Slunt: 24(49) points
  11. Jonathan Kay: 24(47)(169) points
  12. Lee Misselbrook: 24(47)(136) points
  13. Bill Slunt: 23 points
  14. Steffen Knippel: 22* points
  15. Dave Howarth: 22* points
  16. Bob Cusler: 21 points
  17. Chris Fenn: 10 points
  18. Dan Braund: 0 points

* Head-to-Head Tie-Breaker 
( ) Points of Opponents Tie-Breaker

Placement Awards:

  • Champion: Darren Kovacs: Plaque
  • Second Place: Blake Ball: Plaque and Dice Tower donated by A Torre dei Dadi
  • Third Place: Brent Pollock: Plaque and Axis Battleschool Dice donated by Battleschool

Sponsors

To the sponsors: Lone Canuck Publishing, Le Franc Tireur, Noble Knight Games, Battleschool, Ritterkrieg, Bounding Fire Productions, Hazardous Movement, Dispatches from the Bunker, A Torre dei Dadi, and Gamer’s Armory, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your generous support and donations of prizes played a crucial role in making the 28th Annual CASLO a resounding success. Your contributions ensured that every participant was rewarded, adding to the excitement and enjoyment of the event. We deeply appreciate your commitment to the ASL community and your ongoing support of our tournament. Thank you for helping us make this year’s CASLO truly memorable.

Venue and Hospitality

The tournament was held at the Holiday Inn – Elk Lake, a location that proved to be excellent for our needs. The hotel, situated just 20 minutes from downtown Victoria, offered a comfortable and convenient setting for the event. The staff at the Holiday Inn were exceptional, with special thanks to Front Office Manager Ms. Aarti Sharma and Mr. Jo Down, General Manager of the Lakes Restaurant + Bar, for their outstanding service. Their professionalism and attention to detail ensured that the tournament ran smoothly and that all participants were well taken care of.

Special Note: A hit was the wings night on Saturday, where participants enjoyed various flavoured chicken wings, carefully ensuring their fingers were clean before returning to their games.

While many players had to leave to catch flights or the ferry, those who remained gathered for another quasi-tradition: the post-tournament dinner. This tradition harkens back to the late 1990s in Winnipeg, where we gathered at the iconic Ray & Jerry’s Steakhouse. This year, 10 players, along with a wife and a son, met at the renowned Romeo’s Italian Restaurant in Victoria to continue this tradition. They swapped stories of their actions on the cardboard battlefield. The food was amazing, and the beer, wine, and spirits warmed the soul, making for a memorable evening.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the players who participated in the 28th Annual CASLO. Your dedication and passion for ASL are what keep this hobby and event alive. While some participants were local, many travelled from across the country and even from the United States to be part of this gathering. Your support and enthusiasm are greatly appreciated and make the CASLO a truly special event each year.

As we wrap up this year’s tournament, we reflect on the bonds formed and the memories made. The ASL community is more than just a group of players; it is a family that comes together to celebrate a shared passion. Now, we take a moment to unwind and regain our strength, knowing that soon we will be back on the cardboard battlefield, whether face-to-face or in virtual games.

George Kelln 
Tournament Director