BY JOE PAVIA
His season couldn’t have been any worse.
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April 11, 2013. Shorty left us.
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BY JOE PAVIA
It has been a banner year for him.
Twenty-one year old Ryan McCrady marked the end of his junior career on the weekend by capturing the provincial mixed junior title. McCrady previously won the Pepsi Junior Men’s Ontario title. “It definitely feels great managing to grab one more banner before I head out of junior curling. It took me a while to get my first one back in January, so to end up winning the mixed provincials as well was just such an amazing way to finish off a great year.” said the Rideau curling club skip.
The team consisted of Lauren Horton, Matt Haughn (McCrady’s junior men’s teammate) and Jessica Armstrong. They achieved a 7-0 record. McCrady tends to be loyal to the people with whom he curls. That is one reason the Carleton U student is one of the most popular junior curlers in the province. “Lauren Horton and I had played Bantam Mixed twice before only to finish second at provincials both times.” Ray Bushfield, his coach, has been with McCrady his entire junior career.
As he leaves juniors his worst memory was his 2013 junior men’s final loss. “It’s just so tough to come so close to the title after all your hard work throughout the year. The 6 hour drive home after didn’t help much either.” Bookend that with his best memory – his men’s provincial win this season.
He is looking forward to playing the men’s circuit. “I’d like to think that I’ll have success with men’s curling, but I know it’s a pretty different place compared to juniors.”
OCA RESULTS: More banners for Ottawa teams – the Dominion Regalia Silver Tankard double rink provincial championship went to two Ottawa curling club rinks comprised of Don Bowser, Jon Beuk, Spencer Cooper and Nick Catizzone and Chris Gardner, Mike McLean, Jeff Guignard and Andrew Hamilton. This win is a second win in two years for both Bowser and Gardner.
WINNER’S CIRCLE: Two Rideau rinks medaled at the ATB Canadian Masters. The Diane Favel rink captured silver while the Layne Noble foursome took bronze. Perth skip Chelsea Ferrier lead her school to a bronze at the Tim Hortons Tim Bits Elementary school championships. Mike Robb, Blake Sinclair, Jeff Tindall and Mark St-John won the OVCA Colts League Tournament of Champions.
OCA TROUBLES: Thanks to Ottawa resident and OCA board member, Joanne Pomalis, some of the mystery that is the OCA was solved Monday evening. Pomalis, in conjunction with the OVCA, called the meeting to explain the OCA/CCA dispute. She said the membership scared the heck out of the OCA by their adverse reaction to the OCA’s non-communication with anyone. OVCA President, Elaine Brimicombe, emphasized that all curlers should contact their zone reps to express their opinions about how the reps should vote at the April 27 special meeting where replacing the OCA board will be voted on.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Ottawa curler Willis Hebb wrote to the Sun.
“I heard the comment to the effect that Team Koe was finished. Does the CCA “appoint” the other Team Canada – the one with the Gold Medals or do they do a total re-think, and restore what they have tried to destroy? (How could they “re-think”, which implies they were capable of “thinking” in the first place.) The NERVE of these airheads to think that they should kick Nova Scotia, home of the First Brier Winner, to the relegation round!! Long live NS, even at 1-23-0!” Well the CCA announced yesterday that Pat Simmons, Carter Rycroft and Nolan Thiessen will compete as Team Canada next season. They are looking for a skip.
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Please join the Ottawa Valley Curling Association at the Rideau Curling Club on Monday, April 7 at 6:30 for an information session on the special meeting held by the Ontario Curling Association on March 30 and the upcoming special meeting on April 27. Since the weather in this part of the province was poor on Sunday morning and a number of people were unable to attend some of the background presented at the March 30th meeting will be shared.
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“After you. “No no after you.”
Apparently no one wants to be Team Canada at next year’s Brier.
Team Koe is broken up – well the skip is but his former three remaining players – Simmons, Rycroft and Thiessen- want to take some time off from curling so they are out.
With Johnny Mo taking the next season off his BC rink decides that heck we can’t perform to the vaulted heights we did this past season, so Cotter and the boys have decided to await the return of their leader before strapping on the grippers once more.
Okay so Team Stoughton should grab the mantle. But no – Jeff turns it down; Mead is playing with Howard, Carruthers is otherwise occupied and Nichols is moving back to the Rock.
So now we have Menard. Well my God he accepts. So Quebec becomes Team Canada. Wait – not so fast. Pauline Marois wins a majority government, she calls a snap referendum on separation and wins! Team Menard cannot be Team Canada because they are now from a foreign country. Maudit.
Well what now?
Next up is Gushue but his team is so pissed off that Gushue got rid of Gallant so Nichols could re-join the squad that they have quit and all have moved to Nunavut so they can play in the relegation round and sneak into the Brier.
Surely James Gratton from New Brunswick will accept faster than water flows into the reversing falls. Well he turns it down too. He wants to give up the Brier and concentrate on seniors play where he might just win a national title he says. And besides he says “I like the puke brown colour we get to wear as New Brunswick.” he said.
Surely Saskatchewan wants it. Can Steve Laycock end the province’s 35 year drought? “We were just a Flasch in the pan.” said Laycock. “The pressure will be too great if we are Team Canada. As long as we stay under the radar as Team Saskatchewan we will be okay.” That’s their tried and true strategy that has worked since 1980.
Greg Balsdon – the Brier rookie – most sportsman like player – he would never turn down an offer like this. “I can’t accept. With the demise of Team Howard why we can be the dominant team in Ontario for the next 10 years or until we get sick of playing with a five man rotation.”
Okay we are down to Eddie MacKenzie from PEI. “Yes. I accept. Eat shit CCA. I knew I could get us out of relegation.”
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John Morris announced on social media Wednesday that he is taking next season off. See his Facebook post below.
After a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided to take a step back from the game of curling next year.
I had the tremendous pleasure of playing with three great, genuine teammates in Jim Cotter, Tyrel Griffith and Rick Sawatsky as we made it farther than I think anyone would have predicted for a team playing its first year together. You were all amazing, as were our coach, Pat Ryan, and our alternates Jody Epp and Jason Gunnlaugson. I am extremely proud of our squad for what we accomplished and would like to thank my guys for helping me recover my passion and heart for the game of curling, and for having one of the most memorable years in my career. I will be taking some time off to pursue a holistic nutrition course that I’ve been wanting to take for a few years now, as well as to secure a career in the fire service. If our team happens to be awarded the default Team Canada berth at the Brier next year, then I will consider coming back to play a light schedule.
Thank you to all our true fans, friends, sponsors and to all of our families for being there every inch of the way and showing us the support we needed to almost make the improbable happen!
At least he waited until April 1 was over to announce his intentions. Lost Its Handle posted plenty of great team changes on April 1!
When John was in Ottawa for the Mixed Doubles Curling Trials I asked him if he was taking next season off. He told the Sun that all his options were open. He hadn’t decided. Well now we will have to wait to see what happens with the Team Canada concept. Morris may be forced to curl somewhat next season if his BC rink gets the new Team Canada nod.
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BY JOE PAVIA
Assistant coach charged with abuse. Police officer stands guard at meeting.
Do the above refer to the NBA? No it refers to curling.
The assistant coach of the Korean women’s team was accused by his players of verbal abuse and other unproven charges. He quit and four women are gone. In Ajax, Ontario the OCA board met with about 150 curlers to explain the whole OCA/CCA fiasco. A uniformed Durham Region police officer was there as security. Reports cite a heated meeting that went on for three hours. The rancor resulted in the board dismissing its incoming president who was accused of leaking information. Nothing seemed to be resolved as the board stood firm despite accusations coming at them from all sides. A second meeting is scheduled for April 27 at the High Park Curling Club in Toronto. One agenda item will deal with dismissing the entire OCA board of directors. Bring lots of cops.
Meanwhile on Sunday at almost the same time as the special meeting at the Annandale curling club was taking place, the Manotick curling club hosted their last youth program of the season. Little rockers, bantams and juniors all shared pizza. Manotick is raising funds for its very successful youth program as well as attempting to retrofit their building.
A special guest made an appearance at the jammed packed meeting. Craig Savill, who was Mister August in the 2014 Men of Curling calendar, recently moved to the small village. Those that posed for the calendar could designate where the proceeds from the sale of the calendars went. Savill chose Manotick’s youth and building program. People were led to believe that the pro lead would donate $700. There were gasps in the room when the large format check revealed a total donation of $11,220.
DEAF NATIONALS: The National Deaf Curling Trials are starting today at the Granite club. Six men’s and three women’s teams play in a round robin format. The first draw is today at 1. The finals run Saturday morning April 5 at 11. There is an admission charge. The male and female winner will represent the country at the 2015 Deaflympics in Russia.
THE SWEDE SPOT: Alison Kreviazuk’s pending move to Sweden is scheduled for October once the paper work for permanent residency status is completed. She won’t be curling for Sweden as there is a five year residency requirement. Even if that came to pass Kreviazuk maintains she couldn’t curl against Canada in any case. Her curling may be limited to curling in a recreational mixed league with boyfriend Fredrik Lindberg. She did get some negative feedback from fans when her move was announced. Some fans even questioned her patriotism for moving. Perhaps those people should get lives.
END NOTES: Barb Kelly is looking for a competitive player for her woman’s senior team. Contact Barb at barbarakelly@ripnet.com. The ATB Financial Masters Curling began Monday in Coaldale, Alberta. Two Rideau teams are representing Ontario – Diana Favel and Layne Noble. Favel is the defending champion. She threw third stones last year for Joyce Potter. The bantam and junior mixed provincials begin today in London. Representing this area are Ryan McCrady and Emma Wallingford in juniors and bantam teams skipped by Eric Shantz and Derek Bowden. At the men’s championships in China, the World Curling Federation inducted three players into their Hall of Fame Tuesday. They are Randy Ferbey, Switzerland’s Patrick Huerlimann and Norway’s Eigil Ramsfjell.
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Beginning next season you can substitute freely during the game.
At their annual meeting in Beijing during the Men’s Worlds the WCF passed a couple of new rules.
1. Throwing substitute: At any time during the game you can bring a player in to throw shots. Once the shot is made the thrower leaves the game but can be re-called to throw other stones.
What this means is that say you are in a situation where a left hand throwing, hard hitting shot is required your team can bring in a person who can do that.
2. Substitute sweeper: Much the same as the sub thrower, teams can also bring in a sweeper to spell off a player. This person can only sweep and is not allowed to be the same person as the thrower.
It remains to be seen if the CCA will accept these 2 rule changes.
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With the Durham Regional Police there as security the Special Meeting that was demanded went ahead with plenty, by a accounts, of rants, accusations and the dismissal of the incoming president, Dale Curtis – the person who wanted to make changes.
Meanwhile in Manotick, Ontario at pretty much the same time as the meeting, Craig Savill was making a check presentation to Manotick Curling Club’s youth program and their building fund from the sale of the men of curling calendar. The check was for over $11,000.
Who has their priority right?
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By Joe Pavia
Alison Kreviazuk is moving to Sweden.The Team Homan second announced Tuesday that she is moving to be with her boyfriend, Fredrik Lindberg from Team Sweden.“I consider myself so incredibly lucky to have played the past 13 years with Emma (Miskew) and Rachel by my side, and four unforgettable years with Lisa (Weagle),” said Kreviazuk.
She will stay with the team for their last event – the Players Championship. Joanne Courtney (the bandana second) from Team Val Sweeting will move to Ottawa from Alberta to replace Kreviazuk next season.
Kreviazuk, the most approachable member of the Homan rink saw the players at the world championships vote her the Frances Brodie Award for sportsmanship. She was the players who “by deed and action in the course of their performance, best exemplified the traditional curling values of skill, honesty, fair play, friendship and sportsmanship.”
In the 24-year history of that trophy – Brodie was a Scottish curler who was instrumental in starting a women’s championship. She died in 2006 – Kreviazuk is the first Canadian to win it.
So what happened to Team Canada in the final of the world championship? Four words. “Well Al Moore. Welcome.”
That is what Swiss skip Binia Feltscher said to her coach during their first time-out in the gold medal game. It wasn’t that she said it on television. It was how she said it – with a lilt to her voice and a lightness that hid the critical situation they were in.
Contrast that with Team Homan, who were all work and no play. Their solid work ethic got them through the round robin, albeit easier some moments than others, but it deserted them in the final. The Canadians seem to put pressure on themselves, which negated the work ethic. The Swiss were loose and enjoying themselves. Heck, the winning skip was quoted as saying she would have been happy to win silver.
According to TSN, Sunday’s final was the most-watched Women’s World Curling Championship ever. Overall, 3.2 million TV viewers watched some part of the final.
Meanwhile, in Regina on the same day as the gold medal loss for Kreviazuk, sister Lynn Kreviazuk won the Carleton Raven’s first CIS/CCA university championship. They defeated the Alberta Pandas 9-4. Kreviazuk threw second stones. The team was skipped by Jamie Sinclair and included Lauren Horton, Jessica Armstrong, alternate Sarah Armstrong and coach Graham Sinclair. The coach was a substitute for Doug Kreviazuk, who couldn’t get the time off work to either coach the rink at the finals or cheer on his daughter in Saint John.
Earlier in the day, Carleton defeated the Wilfred Laurier Golden Hawks in the semi-final. Cheryl Kreviazuk was on the losing team. The Manitoba Bisons won the men’s.
MIXED DOUBLES
The husband and wife team of Wayne and Kim Tuck from Ilderton captured the gold at the Canadian Mixed Doubles Trials at the Hunt Club on Sunday. Ironically, Team Tuck also won their mixed regions on the same day. They advance to Scotland for the Worlds.
OCA RESULTS
The John Shea Insurance Mixed region winners were: 1A – Chris Gardner, B – Mike McLean. The region winner for the Senior Mixed were: 1A – Paul Madden, B – Terry Corbin.
WINNER’S CIRCLE
At OFSAA girl’s curling championships the Brockville team of Sarah Throop, Hailey Robertson, Taylor Pike and Emily Foan were runner-ups in the final. Sudbury took the gold. In the Hogline Curlers Proshop Little Rocks championships on Sunday the RCMP team of Lucas Bourguignon, David Boswell, Brendan Laframboise and Eva MacCarthy took the top spot.
END NOTES
The Men’s Worlds begins March 29 in Beijing, China. If you want to watch the recently destructed Team Koe (Canada) play, the games are on TSN mostly starting at 7 a.m.
joe@hoglinecurling.com
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By Joe Pavia
Is it the ONTARIO CONVOLUTED ASSOCIATION?
After turning down a meeting with their voting members the OCA is now facing a revolt by its vice president and incoming president. Dale Curtis has exorcized her right to call a special meeting that is allowed for in the bylaws. The meeting place is yet to be determined but is slated for April 27. Despite this move don’t be shocked if current president Ian McGillis (who refuses to even respond to any queries from the Ottawa Sun) finds a way to avoid this meeting. He cited the last special meeting request from voting members as not being in compliance with the Corporations Act. In the meantime the Convoluted Association has announced that Stephen Chenier from New Liskeard has been selected as the new Executive Director. He takes over in early April giving the current board time to train him on how not to respond to members.
There are at least two groups exploring the formation of new organizations to represent Ontario curlers.
WINNER’S CIRCLE: The Ottawa rink of Kevin, Graham and Ian Rathwell along with third Terry Scharf captured the Ontario Tim Hortons Colts title on Saturday. They lost just one game for 6-1 record.
CITY RESULTS: The winner of the Alexander Keith’s City of Ottawa Men’s bonspiel was the Rideau rink skipped by Chadd Vandermade who played with Andrew Bugg, Jesse Attfield and Dan Lalonde. They played Greg Richardson in the final in a defensive battle that resulted in a 5-3 win via a steal in the last end. The winners lost their first game before racking up nine wins in a row. They earned $5,600 plus $1200 in executive Golf memberships. Other event winners were: Bytown event – Greg Richardson, Billings event – Chadd Vandermade, Colonel By event – Dennis Elgie, Laurier event – Scott Westwell, Heritage event – Peter Provost, Governor General event – Richard Davis, Pontiac event – Al Solari, Rideau Falls event – Paul Hope, Mackenzie King event – Paul Weedmark and the Hogs Back event – Marco Sedlar. In the senior section Layne Noble took the section. Other winners were Capital event – Mike Johansen, Gatineau event – Jean St. Pierre and St. Lawrence event – David Brown. The senators’ bracket winners were Rick Takahara who took the top prize and event victors were Parliament event – Darrell Barnes, Ottawa Valley event –John Mayes and Algonquin event – Rod Matheson.
The Friday evening reception at Tail Gators was a refreshing change with plenty of activities to do.
MIXED MESSAGE: The Canadian Mixed Doubles Trials begins today at 7 at the Hunt Club. There are plenty of notable curlers in town to compete. Kaitlyn Lawes is playing with her nephew Connor while John Morris is teaming up with Heather Smith. Lawes has a 12:40 practice today followed at 4 by Morris. They format is eight ends with only six rocks aside. One of these rocks is pre-positioned on the centre line prior to each end. One player delivers the first and last stones while the second throws second, third and forth. Both can sweep.
END NOTES: The University Curling Championships begin today in Regina. The Carleton Ravens women’s team is competing. The team is skipped by Jamie Sinclair with Lauren Horton, Lynn Kreviazuk, Jessica Armstrong and alternate Sarah Armstrong. The coach is Graham Sinclair who is taking over from Doug Kreviazuk who can’t get time off work to see either daughter (Alison on Team Homan) curl in Saint John or Regina… Craig Savill, the lead for Glenn Howard has told the Sun that it isn’t necessarily true that he won’t be playing for Howard “but I’m not sure what I’m doing next year.”
joe@hoglinecurling.com
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The date has been moved up to March 21.
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It looks like someone has deposited a caustic liquid in each organization’s CEO or ED’s cereal.
And we the curlers are caught in the middle.
Instead of getting better the rumour is that the CCA will be publicly responding to the OCA statement that appeared on the Ontario website earlier this month. Fasten your seat belts.
The interesting thing is that the OCA says in their messages that they will answer questions at this spring’s zone meeting. I bet they won’t. They will give answers to questions not asked.
So far the OCA is breaking its own bylaws by not allowing the special meeting requested by over the proscribed 10% of voting members. Association president Ian McGillis issued a terse statement saying that the meeting request did not comply with the Corporations Act. Why they would have bylaws that don’t comply with a provincial statute leaves the organization open to criticism.
I have asked McGillis for an explanation. His answer will be NO COMMENT.
It might be time for Ontario curlers to explore starting their own organization to represent the curlers in this province.
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BY JOE PAVIA
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Request for Interest: Ottawa Curling Club Ice Technician
The Ottawa Curling Club (OCC) requires the services of an Ice Technician starting the upcoming 2014-2015 curling season with the possibility for a multi-year contract (details to be discussed).
About the Ottawa Curling Club:
The OCC is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the country, boasting everything from a vibrant getting started league to Canadian and world champion curlers and coaches as members. The membership is engaged and competitive while enjoying one of the friendliest social atmospheres around.
The OCC is a busy, full-service, professionally managed curling facility in the downtown core. This five-sheet club has a one draw morning program followed by a two hour practice period and three evening draws Monday to Friday. Saturday includes a morning league with two draws followed by a full slate of public rentals into the evening. Sunday is the busiest day with 6 draws from 9 AM to 9 PM.
Member amenities include a full service kitchen as well as an independently operated pro shop.
Position:
The Ice Technician will be contracted to direct the ice making and ice maintenance operations of the club; directly oversee the preventive maintenance program for the physical plant; and consult on related aspects of the ice house/building.
Summary of duties:
- Maintain the ice daily for approximately 30 weekly draws plus additional public rentals.
- Prepare the ice for all curling events such as league play, bonspiels and special events.
- Hire, train, administer and supervise your own ice crew (the OCC can offer names of candidates)
- Meet weekly with the Manager and/ or Ice Director.
- In conjunction with the Manager, communicate with the membership about ice conditions.
- Maintain the Maintenance Log Book for the Machine Room equipment.
- Perform preventive maintenance procedures as required.
- Maintain on-ice member amenities (including drinking water, tissues, and cleaning brushes).
- Ensure catwalks are clean and tidy and ice equipment is stored properly.
- Install ice in early September for opening league play usually the last Monday in September.
- Install ice markings in consultation with the Ice Director.
- Shut down the ice plant and clean rink area after season concludes at the end of April.
Minimum qualifications:
- Possess a Level 3 Ice Technician’s certification.
- Produce verifiable work record that validates your qualifications.
Reporting:
Ice Technician is responsible to the Board of Directors and reports to the Ice Director. Ice Technician works with the Club Manager to determine ice usage requirements and maintenance schedules.
Applications:
Written applications must be received on or before 31 March 2014. Your application must include:
- Cover letter with your concept of member service and communicating about ice conditions.
- Resume detailing your ice making experience including references.
- Your contract expectations (price quote not expected at this stage).
Successful applicants will be sent an information package and asked to submit a complete bid. The shortlisted bidders will be interviewed by the Ice Contract Evaluation Committee.
Applications should be sent by email, post, or fax Attn: Peter Glover, Ice Director.
The Ottawa Curling Club
440 O’Connor Street, Ottawa ON K2P 1W4
Telephone: (613) 234-4119 | Fax: (613) 235-2178
manager@ottawacurlingclub.com | www.ottawacurlingclub.com
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BY JOE PAVIA
Who cares where they live.
John Morris is skipping the B.C. entry at the Tim Hortons Brier, even though he lives in Alberta. Pat Simmons, the Alberta vice, lives and works in Calgary but commutes to his Saskatchewan home in Moose Jaw. At last year’s Brier, Brock Virtue from Alberta skipped his Saskatchewan rink. So what gives?
In June 2013, all 14 member associations of the CCA adopted a national residency policy. That policy makes it clear that one has to reside in the jurisdiction they wish to represent.
However, exemptions are possible in three circumstances. 1. You live within a short distance of a provincial/territorial border. 2. You are based in two locations due to you employment situation. 3. You are a full-time or part-time student and want to represent the area where you attend school.
In the case of Morris, Curl B.C. CEO, Scott Braley, indicated to the Ottawa Sun that the Alberta Curling Association and Curl B.C. granted Morris a one-year exemption to the residency requirements because he is required to be based in two locations due to his current employment situation.
The B.C. skip does the marketing for a hunting and fishing guide company as well as acting as a guide. Braley went on the say “a review of this policy is currently underway at the national level to see how it can be improved.”
Morris’s father, Earle, maintains that if his son hadn’t received permission to curl in B.C., he would have quit curling.
The executive dDirector of Curl Saskatchewan, Amber Holland, also cleared up the Virtue question.
“Brock Virtue provided our association three of the five requirements and those included Saskatchewan driver’s licence, rental lease agreement from his current Saskatchewan residence, and letter from employer confirming employment in Saskatchewan.”
But does any of this really matter at the elite level? If we want Canada to keep winning gold medals and finishing first at the Worlds, it might be time to grant limited exemptions to one player a team for those rinks deemed to be world caliber. They should be able to live wherever they have to for work, family or whatever.
Jennifer Jones lives in Ontario, not Manitoba. Most of her non-curling work is conducted in Montreal. Doe she pack up her 18-month-old and Brent Laing, her partner, and move to Winnipeg? Then where does Laing curl? In Simmons situation he now commutes between two provinces while his family remains in Saskatchewan.
While these individuals are Canada’s elite curlers, it might be best to invent a system where they can concentrate on being the world’s best and not have to jump through hoops to keep curling.
OCA RESULTS: In Tim Hortons Colts and Trophy regional winners were: 1A – Matt Paul and Laura Payne, B – Bryce Rowe and Caroline Deans.
WINNER’S CIRCLE: The team of Sarah Throop, Hailey Robertson, Taylor Pyke and Emily Foan from Brockville defeated Perth high school to capture the eastern Ontario title. They advance to OFSAA girls’ provincial championship beginning March 18 in Brampton. Kayla MacMillan of Huntley with Sarah Daviau, Lindsay Dubue and Marcia Richardson won the silver medal at the Ontario Winter Games in Orillia.
END NOTES: Former Ottawa curler, Kevin Britt, is representing British Columbia in the Canadian Seniors… All are invited to the Team Homan send off to the Worlds tonight at the Ottawa club beginning at 7:30…The much loved Neil Harrison will be buried today in Newmarket, Ontario.
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BY JOE PAVIA
Let the relegation begin.
The Tim Hortons Brier begins this Saturday in Kamloops, BC. The most anticipated battle to watch will be who finishes in the last three spots. The 2015 Brier in Calgary will see the introduction of the Team Canada concept (the 2014 Brier winner will become Team Canada) and it will also see the three jurisdictions with the least number of Brier wins in 2012, 2013 and 2014 play against Nunavut prior to the start of the Calgary show to determine who gets the final (twelfth) round-robin spot.
The two-year win totals coming into the 2015 Brier are as follows: Ontario (20), Manitoba (16), Alberta (15, exempt), Newfoundland & Labrador (13), Northern Ontario (13), Northwest Territories (12), Quebec (10), New Brunswick (10), Saskatchewan (8), Nova Scotia (5), P.E.I. (5), British Columbia (5), and the Yukon (0).
Prediction – Kevin Koe (AB) and John Morris (BC) in the final.
RIFT VALLEY: The OCA CCA dispute is over now that the OCA apologized to the Canadian folks. The people who organized a petition aimed at the OCA are still pressing on in the demands to reform the provincial body. This isn’t over yet.
HARRY PASSES AWAY: The man who invented specializing in a curling position passed away Monday morning in Newmarket, Ontario. Neil Harrison not only made a lead a more valuable tool but was one the game’s greatest strategists. Harrison suffered from a mild stroke last year then last September he was diagnosed with brain cancer. The 65 year old curling icon was widely regarded as one of the game’s greatest raconteurs. At one tankard this writer sat between Harrison and his former team mate, Paul Savage. The two traded stories for an hour. The two time world champ and curling hall of famer will be remembered fondly by many curlers and fans.
OCA RESULTS: Two area rinks made it to the finals of the Travelers Senior provincials. Bryan Cochrane from Russell lost a close one to Kitchener’s Peter Mellor 6-3. Ottawa’s Brian Lewis lost the semi-final to Mellor. Kingston’s Diane Wiley finished first but lost the final to Marilyn Bodogh. In Tim Hortons Colts action zone winners were 1A – Matt Paul, B – Bryce Rowe; 2A – Brett Lyon-Hatcher, B – Evan Sullivan and 4A – Dennis Murray, B –Jonathan Beuk. The Bantam mixed zone winners were: 1A Philippe Lalonde, B – Mackenzie Comeau, 2A – Hayden Richmond, B – Eric Shantz, 3A – Gabriel Arsenault, B – Derek Bowden; 4A –Brad Lumley, B –Grace Wallingford. Only eight junior mixed rinks entered the four zones in this area so all eight advance to regionals without playing zones. They are Austin O’Flaherty, Colton Daly, Kimberly Gannon, Abby Bolton, Ryan McCrady, Emma Wallingford, Pascal Michaud and Mac Calwell. In Travelers Stick regions 1A was won by Doug Titus.
WINNER’S CIRCLE: Catherine Derick’s Thurso rink earned Quebec’s senior title on Sunday. They won the final 11-5. Playing with Derick were Sylvie Daniel, Chantal Gadoua and Cheryl Morgan. The team was undefeated. They head to Yellowknife for the nationals that begin March 22.
END NOTES: The Ottawa Hunt is hosting the national mixed doubles curling trials March 19 to 23. The winner advances to the worlds April 23 to 30 in Scotland. Kaitlyn and Connor Lawes are competing as is John Morris with Heather Smith…The Granite is hosting the Canadian Deaf Curling championships this April…Everyone is invited to the March 5 Ottawa Curling Club send off for Team Homan. The send off to the Worlds begins at 7:30…The World Juniors begins today in Flims, Switzerland. Braden Calvert’s team from Winnipeg and Kelsey Rocque’s team from Edmonton carry Canada’s colours.
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BY JOE PAVIA
Ontario curlers are getting hostile.
The on-going conflict between the Ontario Curling Association and the Canadian Curling Association is an unneeded distraction to Olympic curling. The dispute is enraging club curlers who want this to end.
Two local curlers on different teams who don’t want to be identified are thinking about suing the OCA if this dispute hurts their chances to advance to a national. Elsewhere, there is now an online petition which as of this writing has 500 signatures, urging OCA zone reps to act on their behalf to stop the dispute with the national body. You can see and sign the petition at http://tinyurl.com/stopthesuspension. Many curling club boards have also written both organizations.
On Saturday the OCA president, Ian McGillis, was in town to oversee Colts action. The Sun attempted to have a conversation with him but it turned out to be a personal attack on this writer.
At first, McGillis refused to answer any questions, saying we should concentrate on the positive. When I asked what the positives were, he said he meant the positives on the ice.
He then criticized me for not even mentioning Team Homan in my column last Wednesday. When I said her accomplishment at the Scotties was covered by the Sun on Monday, he said “I guess I read a different article.”
He then told me that he wouldn’t say anything because it would only end up in the paper. He then castigated me for publishing the email he sent me a few days ago. Did he not realize I am a newspaper columnist?
I asked him how this dispute showed the positive side of Ontario curling if curlers are denied the possibility to advance to national competition. He replied that I should ask the CCA that question. When asked if he had received feedback from his members, he said yes. When asked what he said to them, he said the response was between him and the members. When asked what is so secret that his members can’t even know what is going on, the president said it was between the OCA and CCA. \
He did answer one question I asked. “Yes the Colts is a double knock out.”
This is all leading up to a March 11 meeting of CCA members to determine if the provincial body will be stripped of its CCA membership.
What happens if the OCA is ousted? There is a development fund curling clubs can access. That would be cut off to Ontario clubs. That fund is dormant at this point, however. The CCA does issue charitable tax receipts to individuals who donate money which in turn the CCA sends to the club designated by the donor. That would disappear. Ontario would forfeit the right to compete in national championships. The CIS university championships beginning March 19 would be affected, for instance.
The bad news is that neither side is saying anything substantive.
WINNERS CIRCLE
The Carleton Ravens women’s curling team earned a silver medal in OUA provincials. They advance to the nationals along with Laurier women who captured first. Cheryl Kreviazuk from Ottawa is on the rink. Algonguin College had a 4-2 record in their community college provincials.
OCA RESULTS
In Tim Hortons Colts zone play the winners were: 3A – Dennis Elgie, B – Geordin Raganold.
END NOTES
The Travelers Senior provincials begin today in Ennismore. Brian Lewis, Bryan Cochrane, Cheryl McBain and Kingston’s Dianne Wylie represent this area”¦Correction – In the Rideau CC Enduro 125 each team is NOT curling 125 ends. It is 125 ends collectively by all teams which will take about seven hours.
joe@hoglinecurling.com
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OCA president Ian McGillis, was in Ottawa Saturday to oversee Colts zone action.
The Ottawa Sun in the person of this scribe, Joe Pavia, met with McGillis. The main thrust of the conversation with the president was a personal attack on myself.
At first McGillis refused to answer any questions saying we should concentrate on the positive. When I asked what the positives were he said he meant the positives on the ice. He then criticized me for not even mentioning Team Homan in my column last Wednesday. When I said her accomplishment at the Scotties was covered by the Sun on Monday that elicited “I guess I read a different article.”
He then told me that he wouldn’t say anything because it would only end up in the paper.He then castigated me for publishing the email he sent me two days ago. I guess he never realized I worked for the Sun.
I asked him how this dispute showed the positive side of Ontario curling if curlers are denied the possibility to advance to national competition. He replied that I should ask the CCA that question.
When asked if he had received feedback from his members he said yes. When asked what he said to them he remarked that the response was between him and the members.
When asked what is so secret that his members can’t even know what is going on, the president said it was between the OCA and CCA.
At this point there was no need to ask any more questions as the only info that I would get was how bad I was.
He did answer one question I asked. “Yes the Colts is a double knock out.”
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After weeks of cajoling, the Ontario Curling Association finally broke its silence on Wednesday February 12. In a response to the Ottawa Sun, OCA president Ian McGillis wrote: ” It has always been the OCA position that we will not put this issue in the
public domain and people should focus on the game of curling and the achievements of the excellent curlers in the Country (sic).”
Well how is that for a response to enlighten the curlers of Ontario as to just what the situation is!
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BY JOE PAVIA
It has now gone too far.
The spat between the Ontario Curling Association and Canadian Curling Association is escalating. The CCA had given the OCA until Feb. 10 to apologize for their actions or suffer further consequences, accoring to Bob Weeks, editor of the Ontario Curling Report.
The Sun contacted the CCA and OCA Tuesday to see if the matter had been settled.
The OCA did not respond. And CCA CEO Greg Stremlaw would only say, “I will simply advise that the Ontario Curling Association is fully aware of the conditions of their not-in-good-standing parameters and guidelines related to such. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on what the OCA has or has not done until the CCA board of governors has a chance to review and make decisions in accordance to our bylaws.”
Just what does the OCA have to apologize for?
According to Weeks, the OCA president, Ian McGillis, sent a letter to board members and stake holders that outlined deficiencies in CCA management. The CCA supposedly feels the OCA is dysfunctional.
Reports say the CCA investigated McGillis’ charges and found no evidence he was correct. That is where the apology ultimatum came from.
Sources told the Sun that stakeholders within the OCA were busy last summer attempting to oust executive director Doug Bakes, who announced in December that he will resign this June.
If no apology is received, a March 10 meeting with member associations will kick the OCA out of the CCA thereby denying their players participation in national competitions such as the Brier and Scotties.
It is now time for the grass roots to flex their muscles. All clubs should send a letter to both bodies asking for the situation to be resolved immediately. The entire board of the OCA should also resign for allowing this situation to even happen. It would also be nice for the OVCA to put some pressure on the two associations.
OCA RESULTS
The strong youth program at Huntley has produced a bantam provincial champion. Kayla MacMillan skipped her team of Sarah Daviau, Lindsay Dubue and Marcia Richardson to a 6-1 record. They also advance to the Ontario Winter games. The boy’s side was won by Jeff Wanless from Mississauga. His third and lead were Joe and David Hart respectively, the sons of Richard Hart. The fact Richard had to take a coaching course no doubt had to help the team clinch their undefeated record of 7-0. Dad Richard coached them to 5-0 then left because he had Sportsnet commitments. The Brian Lewis rink is headed to provincial seniors competition again. They won the Travelers regions on Sunday. Cheryl McBain took the women’s side. Bryan Cochrane and Dianne Wylie won the B side.
BRIER FIELD SET
Sunday saw the crowning of the final seven provincial champions headed to the Tim Hortons Brier. They are John Morris (B.C.), Kevin Koe (Alta.), Jamie Koe (NT/YK), Jeff Currie (N. Ontario), James Grattan (N.B.), Eddie MacKenzie (P.E.I.) and Jamie Murphy (N.S.). Morris now matches his father and Ryan Fry as the only players to represent three provinces at the Brier. The west coast skip has come out of Ontario, Alberta and now BC.
CRYSTAL GENEROUS HEART
The women at the Crystal Heart raised plenty of money for the Heart and Stroke Foundation this year – $62,097. The open event winning rink was Tara Holland, Maelane Hums, Ruth Desjardins and Barb Truscott. Second event winner was Susan Schmidt. Third event winner Brenda Muir and fourth event was won by Sandy Muttart. Betty Bush with Joanne Miller, Joanne Gizzi and Karen Peters repeated as the senior main event winner. Event two went to Bernadette Fleming while Donna Tallon won the last senior event.
WINNER’S CIRCLE
The Ottawa team of Conall MacMillan, Patrick Gratton, Chris White and Kimberly Gorin earned their Special Olympics Ontario title Feb. 1 at the Travelers Tankard.
END NOTES
As one of their activities to celebrate the Rideau’s 125th anniversary, the club is inviting everyone to sign up for the Rideau CC Enduro 125. Your team will be curling for 125 ends! Organizers will form 6 to 8 person teams. The entry fee is $45 per person which includes the curling, breakfast, lunch and prizes. People are asked to get pledges for the Ottawa Humane Society, another institution marking its 125th anniversary. Enduro runs March 8. Call 613 232-9665 for information.
joe@hoglinecurling.com
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Ford supplies nice automobiles to the Brier to transport the athletes around.
EXCEPT FOR TEAM ONTARIO. HERE IS THEIR TRANSPORTATION.
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Women
Feb. 10, 5 a.m. (TSN) — Canada vs. China (Bingyu Wang)
Feb. 11, midnight (CBC) — Canada vs. Sweden (Margaretha Sigfridsson)
Feb. 12, 5 a.m. (TSN) — Canada vs. Great Britain (Eve Muirhead)
Feb. 13, midnight (CBC) — Canada vs. Denmark (Lene Nielsen)
Feb. 13, 10 a.m. (Sportsnet) — Canada vs. Switzerland (Mirjam Ott)
Feb. 15, midnight (CBC) — Canada vs. Japan (Ayumi Ogasawara)
Feb. 15, 10 a.m. (TSN2) — Canada vs. Russia (Anna Sidorova)
Feb. 16, 5 a.m. (CBC) — Canada vs. U.S.A. (Erika Brown)
Feb. 17, 10 a.m. (TSN2) — Canada vs. South Korea (Ji-Sun Kim)
Men
Feb. 10, midnight (CBC) — Canada vs. Germany (Johnny Jahr)
Feb. 10, 10 a.m. (TSN) — Canada vs. Switzerland (Sven Michel)
Feb. 11, 5 a.m. (CBC) — Canada vs. Sweden (Niklas Edin)
Feb. 12, 10 a.m. (TSN2) — Canada vs. Russia (Andrey Drozdov)
Feb. 13, 5 a.m. (TSN2) — Canada vs. Denmark (Johnny Frederiksen)
Feb. 14, midnight (CBC) — Canada vs. Norway (Thomas Ulsrud)
Feb. 15, 5 a.m. (TSN2) — Canada vs. Great Britain (David Murdoch)
Feb 16, midnight (CBC) — Canada vs. U.S.A. (John Shuster)
Feb. 16, 10 a.m. (TSN2) — Canada vs. China (Rui Liu)
Tiebreakers, if required, will be played on Feb. 18. The women’s semifinals are at 2 p.m. (Sochi time) on Feb. 19, while the men’s semifinals are at 7 p.m., also on Feb. 19.
The women’s bronze-medal game (12:30 p.m.) and gold-medal game (5:30 p.m.) will be played on Feb. 20, with the men’s bronze-medal game (12:30 p.m.) and gold-medal game (5:30 p.m.) on Feb. 21.
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By Joe Pavia
Olympic curling starts Feb. 10. Will Canada win medals?Team Brad Jacobs and Team Jennifer Jones will have their work cut out for them as they face teams composed of professional curlers. Except for the U.S. and Denmark, virtually all the countries competing list their members as professional curlers.
The men’s teams are: Canada, China, Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.S. The women’s lineup is: Canada, China, Denmark, Great Britain, Japan, Korea, the Russian Federation, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.S.
The curlers will be playing a nine-game round-robin in the Ice Cube Curling Centre. Four semi-finalists will emerge with the top-ranked round robin team playing the fourth while the second and third place teams play each other. The semi-final winners then go on play the gold medal final (women – Thursday, Feb 20., men — Friday, Feb. 21) while the losers face each other for bronze medals.
Most of the countries were direct qualifiers to the Games except for four teams that qualified at a December World Curling Federation event. They were Germany and the U.S. on the men’s side and China and Japan on the women’s side. The Russian teams are there because they are hosting.
Of the 100 curlers, 41 have Olympic experience. Norway’s Torger Nergaard, Russia’s Nkeiruka Ezekh, Mirjam Ott from Switzerland and the U.S.’s Debbie McCormick are four-time Olympians. Nergaard boasts a gold and silver medal while Ott has two silvers.
While the Canadian broadcast rights holder is CBC most of the curling will be on Sportsnet and Sportsnet ONE. Mike Harris, Joan McCusker and Colleen Jones will cover the curling with Bruce Rainnie handling the play by play. Kevin Martin will be the curling analyst for NBC Sports.
Of all the sports represented at the winter games, the curlers skew the oldest with the average age of 31.9 years.
Olympic rules don’t allow medals to be awarded to coaches only to athletes including alternates. However, both Canadian athletes and coaches get money for medal finishes. Athletes receive $20,000 for gold, $15,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze. Coaches earn $10,000 for gold, $7,500 for silver and $5,000 for bronze.
SCOTTIES and BRIER
The Montreal Scotties is attracting plenty of Ottawa spectators but attendance is much lower than the Kingston Scotties last year. By draw seven the attendance was about half of Kingston. More Tim Hortons Brier bound teams have been determined – Greg Balsdon (ON), Jeff Stoughton (MB), Brad Gushue (NL), Steve Laycock (SK) and Jean-Michel Menard (QE).
OCA RESULTS
In the Gore Mutual Schoolboy and Schoolgirl regions, the winners were: 1A Sarah Daviau and Trevor Ferrier, B – Sierra Sutherland and Pascal Michaud. OCA Senior mixed zone winners were: 1A – Dave Stanley, B – Ken Sullivan, 3A – Dwayne Lowe, B – Tom Watters; 4A – Andy Palmer, B – Terry Corbin. John Shea Insurance Mixed zone victors were: 1A – Don Bowser, B – Chris Gardner; 2A – Celeste Butler-Rohland, B- Jesse Ruppell; 3A – David Cormier, B – Mike McLean; 4A – Wayne Williams, B – Daryl Latimer.
END NOTES
The AMI Canadian Vision Impaired championships continue until this Friday afternoon at the Ottawa. This is the 10th anniversary of the event where seven provinces plus Team Canada participate “¦ The 16th annual Crystal Heart Curling Classic begins tomorrow until Sunday. This is largest women’s ‘spiel in eastern Canada with 96 rinks in two categories. Last year the curlers raised $65,066.85 for the Heart and Stroke Foundation — a total of $521,000 over the years “¦ Sportsnet carries the Alberta and B.C. men’s provincial championship rounds this Saturday and Sunday.
joe@hoglinecurling.com
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A number of our university aged members play for university varsity teams.
The students are left to fundraise for themselfs. Please read below for your chance to help through a silent action.
SILENT AUCTION
In support of the Carleton Ravens Curling Program
Treat your family or friends to a night out with the Ottawa 67′s
Ottawa 67′s vs. Peterborough Pete’s
Canadian Tire Center
Tuesday February 4, 7:00 pm
Suite 112B – 16 tickets
3 parking passes
$200 Pizza & Pop
To bid please email:
Christine McCrady
christine.mccrady@rbc.com
Deadline: Noon, Friday January 31
Bidders will be advised when bid is submitted if bid is accepted (beats existing bid). All bidders will be advised of highest bid Friday Jan. 31, 9:00 am.
After this time only accepted bids will be advised so keep trying.
Thank you for your support,
Carleton Ravens Curling Program
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By Joe Pavia
ill this be Glenn Howard’s ninth?Howard lead Craig Savill of Manotick says the team is pumped for the Tankard next week in Smiths Falls.”Our showing at the (Olympic) Trials was a real disappointment so we can’t wait to right the ship, starting at the Ontario provincials,” said.Howard’s three losses and second place finish at last year’s Tankard means he can be beaten, but by who?
Of the two Ottawa entries, Bryan Cochrane from City View has beaten Howard before. This is Cochrane’s 16th Tankard. He is also playing with two young sharp shooters in the Camm brothers (Mat and Jason) while his second, Brad Kidd, has a raft of provincial appearances.
The Mark Homan team from the Ottawa is nothing but determined. Homan, the older brother of Team Canada’s Rachel Homan, has been putting his rink through daily practices. He has a provincial junior banner — with John Morris — and second Paul Winford has competed in a previous Tankard.
Many of the other teams are populated by young players who have multiple men’s provincial appearances. Mark Bice, John Epping, Rob Rumfeldt and Jake Higgs know what to do to win. Rob Lobel has finished as high as fourth in this event having played in it twice. Rookie Tankard skips Jake Walker, Craig Van Ymeren and Shannon Beddows will have a lot to get used to quickly. The first two are used to arena ice. Walker skipped his junior rink to win the national championship in 2010. Van Ymeren was his vice. Cannington’s Beddows actually went into the playdowns for the Travelers Tankard because there weren’t enough teams in zone 5.
Who’ll still be standing the last weekend? My prediction is Howard, Rumfeldt, Cochrane and Higgs.
The Travelers Tankard is taking place at the Smiths Falls Memorial Community Centre from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. Daily draws are at 2 p.m. and 7 with three draws on Wednesday.
Team Jennifer Jones will be in attendance one of the days to practice. On Feb. 1, the Special Olympics provincial finals will take place with the Ottawa team, skipped by Conall MacMillan, taking part. Ticket packages are available as are single draw tickets. If you purchase single draw tickets at the arena it is cash only.
Rogers is showing all the games on its digital channels 368 and 369. Sportsnet is expected to carry the semi-final and finals.
In Val-d’Or, Que., Gatineau’s Jean-Michel Menard is going to his seventh Brier after winning the provincial final on his 38th birthday Sunday. In the same location, Ottawa’s Melissa Gannon played third for Allison Ross’s Montreal squad to advance to the Scotties in Montreal. Ross represented Quebec last year as well.
The Ottawa area has another provincial champion. Brian Lewis, Chris Lewis, David Staples and Kyle Thompson captured the OCA’s Fairfield Marriott Challenge.
OVCA MIXED SPIEL
The Main Event was won by the junior team from Quinte of Mac Calwell, Erin Butler, Morgan Calwell and Jordan Mark. They defeated last year’s champion team skipped by Spencer Cooper. The senior event was captured by Dave Stanley while Michel Barsalou took the Colts division. Other Main event winners were A. Bugg, Chris Gardner and V. Sheppard. Senior event winners were Norm Clement and Richard Faguy.
WINNER’S CIRCLE
The Carleton Place Leather Works spiel was won by Lee Mantha, John Phillips, Ted Phillips, Stephanie Phillips and Melanie Conti.
END NOTES
The finals of the M&M Meat Shops Canadian Juniors will be seen on TSN at 3 pm. The women’s final is Saturday while the men play Sunday. Curling will be featured on the Weather Network’s national morning show Thursday.
joe@hoglinecurling.com
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We have a New Website!
We are now searchable and redesigned!
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BY JOE PAVIA
Time is not on their side.
When you’re Janice and Doug Kreviazuk and you parent three high performance curlers, time runs out on you. They now have two reasons for going to Montreal’s Scotties. Middle daughter Lynn just won Ontario while oldest daughter Alison plays on Team Canada.
“Janice and I live vicariously through our children,” said the proud dad. “We look at this as our vacation. We can’t get anymore pleasure than watching our children at these events.”
But both parents have used all their vacation time, sick days, flexible days — everything. Doug works for the Canadian Payments Association while Janice is a school administrator.
“We aren’t out of money but out of time,” said Janice. “We aren’t going to the Continental Cup for instance because we just don’t have the time.” Team Homan is competing in that event.
The couple attended the Olympic trials in December, came home for four days then flew to Italy where youngest daughter Cheryl competed in the university games from Dec. 12 to 20. After a Christmas rest, it was off to the Sault for the eight days of the Ontario Scotties, then its Montreal’s Scotties. Mrs. Kreviazuk is taking an unpaid leave of absence to be in Montreal while Mr. Kreviazuk can only attend on weekends.
But who do they cheer for? Both parents don’t mind when the girls play each other. Doug feels “One is going to win and one is going to lose. There is not a … thing I can do about it.”
Janice hates when they play against each other to eliminate a team. “Lynn played Cheryl three years ago in the final of the junior provincials. One of them was not going to nationals. That was the hardest game I ever watched.”
SCOTTIES FIELD
Except for Quebec, the Scotties field is determined. They are Homan – Team Canada, Kim Dolan PE, Stefanie Lawton SK, Heather Smith NS, Kesa Van Osch BC, Val Sweeting AB, Andrea Crawford NB, Heather Strong NL, Allison Flaxey ON and Sara Koltun NWT. Ottawa’s Andrea Sinclair is that rink’s lead.
OCA RESULTS
The Rideau owns the provincial Tim Hortons masters. Layne Noble with Rick Bachand, Bob Hanna and Bob Boland finished the round robin at 7-0. Diana Favel with Janelle Sadler, Jennifer Langley and Judy Tulloch had to win two tiebreakers. Favel won the second game by scoring three in the last end then stole a point in the extra. The Travelers Tankard field is complete now. The Challenge Round saw Jake Higgs and John Epping joining the field. In Best Western Intermediates the men’s zone winners were: 1A – Willie Jeffries, B – Bill Adair; 2A – Ian Bridger, B – David Brown; 3A – Dwayne Lowe, B – Al Scott; 4A ,B – Kerry Powell. Bantam zone winners were: 1A – Cassie Allen and Kieran Bisson, B – Sydney Kennedy and Philippe Lalonde; 2A – Lindsay Bell and Hayden Richmond; B- Sierra Sutherland and Eric Shantz; 3A – Emma Wallingford and Jordie Lyon-Hatcher, B -and Kayla MacMillan and Mitchell Jeffs; 4A – Kate Davey and Joshua Henderson, B – Grace Wallingford and Ryan Hahn.
WINNER’S CIRCLE
The third event in the OVCA Colts league (for novice curlers) was won by Phillip Viau, Luc Ouellete, Robert Pollender and Eric Labonte from Buckingham.
END NOTES
The entry forms for the Hogline Curlers Proshop Little Rocks Championship is now on the OVCA website”¦The Hunt Club’s Sweet Heart Bonspiel is accepting entries for the February 13 to 16 ‘spiel. Contact bduck@ottawahunt.org…The WFG Continental Cup from Las Vegas begins Thursday morning. TSN carries all the action starting tomorrow morning at 11:30.
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BY JOE PAVIA
They are all very secretive.
So secretive, in fact, that the governing bodies didn’t even tell anyone the Canadian Curling Association passed a motion Nov. 14 declaring that the Ontario Curling Association is a member not in good standing with the national governing body.
Not only did we not know, but no one is saying why or how the provincial body can be re-instated. The CEO of the CCA, Greg Stremlaw, wrote to the Sun, “This comes as a result of ongoing investigation into recent conduct of the OCA, and is compliant with CCA bylaws that were approved by the member associations. The investigation continues and no further comment will be made until the completion of the investigation.”
OCA president Ian McGillis and other member associations would not comment on the situation.
The CCA has the Curling Club Development program where financial donations given to the CCA by club members will be given back to clubs, with the donor eligible for a CCA generated tax receipt. A Manotick member did this but found out from a CCA letter that OCA member clubs are no longer eligible for this program.
The situation could also make OCA curlers ineligible for national championships. The Sun asked Stremlaw about that. His reply “No, it will not. That is a privilege that was not currently removed by the national governing body.”
Are you scared by the word “currently”?
Just what did the OCA do? No one will say. One anonymous source postulates “I think this was set up, or someone was out to get someone else. The OCA president was interviewed by the CCA.”
Anyone who attends zone meetings knows the OCA openly criticizes the CCA. On Dec. 3, OCA executive director Doug Bakes announced his retirement effective this June.
Is this is a coincidence? Bakes and McGillis wouldn’t say.
OTTAWA RINK CHAMPIONS
The Ryan McCrady skipped rink from the Rideau won Ontario’s Pepsi Junior men’s title on Monday. Doug Kee, Matt Haughn and Cole Lyon-Hatcher played with Ryan. They head to Nova Scotia Jan. 18-26 for the M&M Meat Shops Canadian Juniors.
OCA RESULTS
After the Travelers Tankard regions, men’s rinks advancing to the provincials are: 1A Mark Homan and B – Bryan Cochrane; 2A – Ron Lobel, B – Shannon Beddows; 3A – Jake Walker, B- Rob Rumfeldt; 4A -Mark Bice, B- Craig Van Ymeren. The last two squads will be determined at the Brampton Challenge Round Jan 10 to 13. The Tim Hortons Masters provincials began in Gravenhurst yesterday. Representing this area are Betty Bush, Lynn Macdonell, Layne Noble and Dwayne Lowe. Zone 3 and 4 Travelers Seniors winners were 3A – Dwayne Lowe, B- Leo Buckley; 4A – Randy Hutchinson, B – Rick Barnard. The Best Western Women’s Challenge zone winners were: 1A – Lynsey Longfield, B – Ruth Buckland; 2A – Karen Mahon, B – Sandy Mazzota; 3A – Yvonne Sklepowicz, B- Barb Westgarth; 4A – Laura Reavie, B – Katherine Nicholas. At the Fairfield Marriott Challenge the winners were: 1A – Al Solari, B – Marc Bourguignon, 2A – Ron Edgeley, B – Scott Moore; 3A – Doug Cochrane, B- Dennis Elgie; 4A – Brian Lewis, B – Jeremy Gale.
END NOTES
The Travelers All-Star Curling Skins Draft show is on TSN2 this Friday at 8 p.m. live from Banff. The four skips will choose their teams for the weekend’s skins games.
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BY JOE PAVIA
It isn’t a long way to go this year.
The men’s provincial championship is just down the road this season in Smiths Falls Jan. 27 to Feb. 7. But psychologically, it may be too far for Glenn Howard. After his huge, dispiriting disappointment at the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings, can his heart be in yet another trip to the Tim Hortons Brier? He has been the Ontario Brier rep for the last eight tournaments.
The regional playdown weekend of Jan. 4 and the challenge round weekend starting Jan. 10 will determine the 10 teams hoping to dethrone Howard. And this may be the year to do it.
Smiths Falls new Memorial Community Centre will be hosting the Travelers Tankard Jan. 27 to Feb. 2. The 1,500-seat arena will offer both general admission and premier seating passdes at $226 to $282 respectively for the entire event. General admission draw tickets are $15 while premium are $20 per draw. Visit http://smithsfalls.ca/tickets.cfm for ticket information. You can also call 613 812-3372.
During the event, the upper hall will be transformed into the “Lockmaster’s House” which will be the pub hub for entertainment 8 p.m. to midnight. There has been some concern about accommodations in Smiths Falls. However, there are now three chain hotels in the municipality as well as three other bed and breakfasts and motels.
If you want to experience a large curling event with the country’s top talent, put Smiths Falls on your new year’s resolution schedule. You just may witness a changing of the guard.
OCA RESULTS
In Scotties regional play, those moving onto provincials are Hollie Nicol and Cathy Auld. No local teams made the provincials. However, local curlers Lee Merklinger and Lynn Kreviazuk, playing for Sherry Middaugh and Allison Flaxey, respectively, in southern Ontario, made the provincials. Two more teams will be determined in the last chance challenge round taking place this weekend in Bradford. The provincials are in Sault Ste. Marie Jan. 5-12.
THE SKINNY
The votes are in and Glenn Howard is out. The fans voted for their top 16 players for the Travelers All-Star Curling Skins Game presented by Pinty’s. The skips who made the cut were Brad Jacobs, Brad Gushue, Jeff Stoughton and Kevin Martin. The voting deadline was during the trials. Even while rinks fought for their lives at the trials most teams used social media to remind people to vote for them. It turns out that five of the 16 voted in were not Olympians.
END NOTES
Team Homan second Alison Kreviazuk will be well travelled. She flew to Sweden to be with boyfriend Fredrik Lindberg for Christmas. She leaves there for home then to a Bern, Switzerland, women’s event followed by the Continental Cup in Las Vegas … The U.S. has been kicked out of future WFG Continental Cups as part of Team North America. Beginning in 2015, Team Canada only will play either Team World or Team Europe in alternating years. It’s about time! … The Cumberland Curling Club is another club that sees the advantage of offering a learn to curl program. This new program begins Jan. 6 for eight weeks for $125 with all equipment supplied. The important point is that the program is a structured program aimed at teaching proper delivery and curling techniques. For more information, call 613 833-2774 or cumberlandcurlingclub@gmail.ca.
My curling column returns on Jan. 8. Be safe and enjoy the company of others for the season!
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BY JOE PAVIA
The devastation showed on her face.
Ottawa’s Lee Merklinger, the second for Sherry Middaugh at the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings, was visibly disappointed after their loss in the finals to Jennifer Jones. But she wants to keep going. “Team Middaugh had an amazing time together. It was a great experience — one that I will never forget. Definitely I would go through all of this work again, that’s an easy decision. Once you get a sniff at the Olympics you want it more.”
Their preparation lasted four years. And maybe the most important preparation was mental. “Our team has been working with Kyle Paquette, a sports psych,” Merklinger said. “I credit him with our success. He prepared us mentally for any possibility, including what it would be like to lose the first three games and/or to win the first three games.”
Now, in most people’s thinking, Team Middaugh did not rank in the field’s upper crust. But the team ranked up there in the stats — Merklinger tied for first with Alison Kreviazuk at second.
“We were ready for any situation at the trials, that’s why when we went 1-3 there was no panic. We were never worried, as we knew that we had to just remain calm and trust in our process and preparation.”
If one judges by the rink’s social media feeds during the tournament they were indeed very relaxed. For instance Middaugh posted a funny tweet during their morning practice before the finals about ice makers.
“We are obviously extremely upset about losing, perhaps more upset that we came out flat against Jones because we knew we were capable of more, especially after playing her in the round robin. However, as upset as we are that we didn’t win, we’re pretty proud of ourselves for rallying back and winning the tiebreaker against Carey and the semi against Homan.”
Now they have a new goal: “Representing Ontario at the Scotties.”
OCA RESULTS
In Scotties and Dominion Tankard zones the winners were: 1A – Katie Morrissey and Ian MacAulay, B – Laura Payne and Mark Homan; 2A – Rhonda Varnes and Howard Rajala, B – Samantha Peters and Greg Richardson; 3A – Lauren Mann and Stephen Watson, B – Brit O’Neill and Bryan Cochrane; 4A – Lindsay McKeown and Don Bowser, B – Lisa Farnell and Dave Collyer. In Tim Hortons Masters regional play the winners were 1A – Betty Bush and Layne Noble, B – Lynn Macdonell and Dwayne Lowe. The Gore Mutual School Boy and School Girl zone winners were 1A – Lindsay Bell and Peter Stranberg, B – Ali MacLeod and Trevor Ferrier.
WINNER’S CIRCLE
The winner of the second event in the OVCA Colt series was the team skipped by Stephanie McClennan. Curling with her were Mary Chamberlain, Gayle Dillabaugh and Julie Boivin. They won at Carleton Place. The next event is at North Grenville Jan. 3.
END NOTES
Former world junior champion Brendan Bottcher will be carrying the Canuck flag at the opening of the 2013 Winter Universiade games in Trentino, Italy, Dec. 11 to 21. Ottawa’s Cheryl Kreviazuk is on the women’s squad, which is from Wilfrid Laurier University. Kreviazuk’s parents, Doug and Janice, who were in Winnipeg cheering on their daughter Alison, flew back to the capital for a day then grabbed a flight to Italy. Mr. Kreviazuk got involved in a bell clanging dispute at the Trials. Some Jones fans complained he was too loud so arena ushers made him pack his cow bell away. Karrick Martin is on the men’s team from the University of Alberta. Kevin is his father.
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The cream of curling showed up at the Patch. The place was packed.
Food would be good first before the party.
The Patch was ready.
Rachel Homan and her father Craig.
Allison’s father Doug.
Erin Flowers from Goldline.
Brent Laing’s father George.
BJ Neufeld from Team McEwen.
Curling sponsor John Shea and Team Stoughton vice, Jon Mead.
Keeping abreast of things in the Patch.
Dave Mathers (Team Epping), Breanne Meakin (Team Carey) Scott Howard (Team Howard)
The CCA’S director of high performance, Gerry Peckham.
CCA national coach Rick Laing.
Jan made friends with the Amurla lady who was dispensing free samples.
It was handy buying beer from the mobile carts!
Lawton third Sherry Anderson.
Stoughton lead Mark Nichols speaking to former teammate Russ Howard.
Stoughton second Reid Carruthers.
Curling Zone’s Gerry Geurts.
Robin on the right is an aid to the Minister of Sport.
Lisa Weagle and national coach Paul Webster.
Team Homan fifth Heather Smith.
Team Koe third Pat Simmons and Team Sonnenberg lead Rona Pasika.
From Team Sonnenberg, second Cary-Anne McTaggart and skip Renee Sonnenberg.
The Laings.
On the right, Cathy Overton-Clapham.
Randy Ferbey deciding what to do next season?
Team Sweeting second (who throws third) Joanne Courtney and lead Rachelle Pedherny.
TSN’s Bryan Mudryk.
Team Howard third Wayne Middaugh.
Team Homan coach Earle Morris.
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We visited the pop up Goldline store in our hotel to say hi to the Goldline folks and who should happen to be there, Team John Morris on an autograph session.
The smart thing Winnipeg does is connect downtown buildings with pedways so one doesn’t have to brave the cold weather. Halifax does this as well. Ottawa would never have the imagination to do this. That is the pedway in the distance with the photo being taken with myself standing in another pedway I had taken from the MTS Centre to the Delta.
The arena floor has changed now that there are only single games happening.
Now if you don’t have a job you can always do what this guy in the photos below does.
What is the going rate for cleaning a head light?
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Here are the areas the fans don’t see.
This is the media room. The photographers use this room a lot.
Of course every room has lots of Tim’s stuff.
This is the hallway that the players, officials and the media take to the arena.
After you clean your shoes, you walk on lots of sticky mats.
So when the game is over the skips have to come to the media scrum room. The media can also complete a media interview request form and the players is brought to you to interview.
This is the TSN editing room.
So when you see the players interviewed in pre-recorded segments during the game or when the skips introduce their teams, this is where that is done.
The dressing rooms are far from the ice. When the players have to go, they have to run a long way.
This is the main prep kitchen for the entire arena and the many concession stands.
They run out of this at their peril.
The smoking balcony of our room which I haven’t used….almost 11 weeks now.
Janet is great! She has the coffee prepped for the next morning.
Ice machine is directly across hallway from our door. DELTA RULES!
Evening snack.
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The level 500 cat wal;k area has a number of offices and rooms related to game day. The 500 level is divided into 2 areas – the upper and lower gondola. The timers and some of the press are on the lower gondola.
The timers
There is also a school kids program that uses the seating opposite the press box.
Along the hallway are offices and rooms used by the hockey club. The number of offices indicate why pro hockey costs so much.
These are the signs still unchanged from the last hockey game in the MTS Centre on November 23.
The largest room is the game day production office. It holds seven staff for hockey. A director, 2 video technicians, a music guy, lighting, sound guys and an announcer. The entire game is scripted. It just takes one for curling.
Don’t go in this room or this one.
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You go to Boston Pizza with Janet Ellis and Ken Thompson from the Ontario Curling Report. The plan is to have a pleasant lunch then return to the MTS Centre for the afternoon draw.
Some red wine for Ken and I, some white for Janet.
Well then one bottle of the tasty New Zealand wine leads to another.
And fine friends such as CCA sponsor John Shea from JSI appear.
John says “I’ll buy the next bottle.” Our server delivers…our first of 2 servers.
Oh Dear…look at the TV.
It’s the afternoon draw…still working on the wine and more curling fans surround us.
My heavens… they have run out of the 4 bottles of the New Zealnd wine so we have to swtich to Italian. Jan doesn’t care because her white wine is the same.
More friends we don’t know and more wine as the afternoon draw carries on.
People are beginning to look strange.
Well afternoon draw is over. New server…time to examine supper menu.
Maybe do a little gambling in the mall while we wait for evening draw to begin.
Be careful when you go to lunch at the Trials.
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BY JOE PAVIA
Will Ferrell as Ron Burgundy jokes with skip Glenn Howard prior to the start of the Roar of the Rings Canadian Olympic Curling Trials in Winnipeg. WINNIPEG: The Canadian Curling Association wants an event in Ottawa. There hasn’t been a major CCA event in the capital since the 2001 Brier. Ottawa was awarded the Ford Men’s World Championships but the future of Lansdowne Park was up in the air at the time so Ottawa had to decline. “We want an event in Ottawa, whether it’s the Brier or whatever,” said Warren Hansen, CCA’s director of event operations. An Ottawa group, led by the Senators, bid for the current Roar of the Rings. It is taking place in Winnipeg because that city bid substantially more than the Ottawa group. Ottawa is well positioned to make a bid. 2017 is the 150th anniversary of Canada and will also be an Olympic Trials year for the 2018 Winter Games in Korea. “Personally,” said Hansen, “I like the Civic Centre for a major curling event. The other venue (Canadian Tire Centre) is too far away from things and too big.” Hansen does, however, feel that the CCA would work with the Senators to host an event at their venue. At this point, Hansen said, no fee to host the 2017 trials has been discussed or established by his association. In the last two cycles, the cities that won the bids (Edmonton and Winnipeg) both bid substantially more than what was asked. Hansen believes there is a problem with the economics of curling event hosting. “Any live entertainment business is having a difficult time selling tickets,” he said. “Unless there is a strong reason to commit people just aren’t doing that anymore.” He said it applies to all live event businesses, just not curling. He feels there are a number of reasons for this. People aren’t travelling to attend the entire Brier or Scotties anymore.” People have other things to do with their money”. Ticket sales now are focused on the closing or opening weekends, single draw tickets or importantly, if the “home” town teams make the championship round. Hansen has been running these events for close to 40 years, so he “may start the process of having an event in Ottawa,” but doubts he’ll be there unless as a spectator. No one in Ottawa has approached the CCA about staging an event here. The door is now open. OCA RESULTS In Pepsi junior regional play, those advancing to the provincials are: 1A – Pascal Michaud and Emma Wallingford; B – Ryan McCrady and Cassandra Lewin. Lewin suffered injuries in a car accident driving home alone from regions. She is recovering. In region 4 Ottawa’s Colton Daly and Geordin Raganold played together as skip and third respectively on a London based team. They captured the A-side of their region. They had to play out of zone 16 because that was the only place they could find a coach. The provincials begin January 2 in Gananoque. BURGUNDY WHINE The appearance of Ron Burgundy (actor Will Ferrell) split the curling crowd. Some viewers said his antics made the TSN broadcast unwatchable. Others felt it was great for the game. This was a contra deal with Paramount Pictures for his appearance in return for commercials. WINNER’S CIRCLE Team Canada took home the championship at the 9th annual Cathy Kerr International Wheelchair Curling Cashspiel by defeating Great Britain 5-3 in the final. Slovakia defeated Quebec for third place”¦ Keil Gallinger from Kemptville defeated Ottawa’s Spencer Cooper to win the Labatt Men’s Invitational Bonspiel in Cornwall on Sunday. END NOTES Doug Bakes, the executive director of the Ontario Curling Association, announced his retirement yesterday. He leaves the post in June 2014.
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The interseting thing about the Trials is the banquet is before the event begins.
Other CCA events the dinner is after the event ends -even the Brier and the Scotties. But with the Trials its before. If it is at any other time no teams would care….or even show up!
Ok …at the Trials we should all wear slippers.
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The weather in Winnipeg is warm if over cast.
The seeming lack of ticket sales may be a matter for concern for some but not to Greg Stremlaw who I met at the Winnipeg airport. We were on the same flight. Stremlaw is the CEO of the Canadian Curling Association.
He feels that having sold 140,000 tickets is something to which most sports would be envious.
On the Ron Burgundy appearance, this was a CCA initiative. It was something the CCA thought of, contacted Paramount studios then got TSN behind it. There was no fee involved but a contra deal with Paramount so look for a lot of commercials for Anchorman 2 The Legend Continues.
Like Halifax, Winnipeg has these elevated pedestrian ways that link all important buildings downtown. The MTS Center, the Winnipeg Convention Center (where the Patch is) and the Delta where we are staying are all linked.
The bad thing is our hotel is right next door to the Patch.
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by Joe Pavia
MTS may stand for Much Too Stressful.
The Ottawa area athletes competing in Winnipeg at the MTS Center in the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings Olympic trials next week believe that how teams handle pressure will go a long way in determining the winners.
“I firmly believe that the team that wins will be the one who embraces the pressure of the trials and uses it to fuel their performance,” said Lee Merklinger, Sherry Middaugh’s second,
Team Middaugh is eliminating as many outside distractions as possible. “It’s important that we control what texts/messages/emails we receive. Husbands and boyfriends are great but they can sometimes be critical too,” said the Merlinger. As of Sunday, the phones get shut off.
Craig Savill of Glenn Howard’s rink said, “I think the team that stays the most level headed is going to come out on top. If we do that we have a great chance.”
Rachel Homan, however, feels “It‘s just like any other tournament we prepare for.”
The Scotties champ is taking the trials in stride. Her coach, Earle Morris, feels they have to embrace the pressure and make it work for them.
All the Ottawa players have been practising daily, if not twice a day. Team Homan even brought in rocks that are heavier than the rocks they usually practise with and curl like arena rocks.
The last word belongs to Savill, who with tongue in cheek pin pointed why his team will win. “I was hoping that we would win this thing at lead but I don’t think that’s going to happen. I think we need our back end. I am going to be the best cheerleader I can be and I’m going to sweep my ass off too.”
These Ottawa athletes will be toasted at the Ottawa Curling Club Wednesday beginning at 7. All are invited.
TSN is broadcasting all the games either on their main network or TSN 2. The first televised game is this Sunday afternoon at 2. It will most likely be Homan against Edmonton’s Val Sweeting.
The prediction: Men – Glenn Howard, dark horse – John Morris; Women – Rachel Homan, dark horse – Val Sweeting.
OCA RESULTS
In Tim Hortons Masters the men’s winners were: Zone 1A – George Ferrall, B – Wally Morris; 2A – Layne Noble, B – John Wellington; 3A – Dwayne Lowe, B – Emile Robert; 4A – Mike Schneider, B – John Smith. Pepsi Junior zone results: 1A –Cassandra Lewin and Jason Camm ,B – Camille Daly and Brandon McPhee, 2A –Kim Gannon and Ryan McCrady, B – Abby Bolton and Greg Bridges ,3A – Lauren Horton and Pascal Michaud, B – Emma Wallingford and Jordie Lyon-Hatcher, 4A –Katherine Nichols and David Brown, B –Kate Davey and Joshua Henderson.
ABILITY
Wheelchair curlers from five nations plus wheelchair athletes from 11 Canadian locations will be competing at the RA Center beginning Thursday. The 9th annual Cathy Kerr International Bonspiel boasts over 100 athletes, including Canada’s national team skip Jim Armstrong. The finals are Dec. 1 at 1 p.m.
END NOTES
The Ottawa area deaf curling team who won gold at the 2013 Deaf Curling Champions was named Canadian Team of the Year by the Canadian Deaf Sports Association. The team consists of Michael Raby, David Joseph, Andre Guillmette, Michel Cyr and Guy Morin while Denise Hoekstra was named Coach of the Year for any sport…Team Allison Ross defeated Matt Paul to win the Tankard Tune-up cash spiel…Hats off to the Rideau Curling Club for their stellar execution of the Canadian Mixed.
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Alberta Mixed champions, left to Right, Darren Moulding, Heather Jensen, Brent Hamilton, Anna-Marie Moulding. (Claudette Bockstael, Studio C Photography)
Ten years later and redemption couldn’t taste any sweeter.
Alberta skip Darren Moulding exorcised some demons Saturday afternoon by defeating Team Ontario 8-5 at the Canadian Mixed championships at the Rideau Curling Club.
Moulding said he had some demons to clean out of his closet after leading his Alberta rink to a 2003 defeat in the final of the Canadian Juniors at the same curling club.
“That loss I missed a double in seven. I remember it like it was yesterday. For five or six years I couldn’t forgive myself for that. This is redemption for me.”
Although on the same sheet of ice as his loss, this sheet yielded better results. The game went back and forth but the ninth end proved Ontario’s demise. “The biggest turning point was stealing two in nine. There were a couple of bad breaks for Corey and his team,” Moulding said.
Ontario skip Cory Heggestad had to try a difficult in-off on his last shot to salvage the end after his second and third both had rocks pick on key shots.
The rink executed well all week, finishing the round-robin at 9-2 thereby getting a bye to the final. “All week we would be aggressive building up a lead then we hit. We do have a lot of hitting ability. We like to score. All week we had the best offence all week in terms of points for.”
How does the moniker national champ sit with him? “That’s what I’ve thrown practice rocks and dreamt about since I was 12 years old. I’ve probably thrown 10,000 stones pretending I was winning a national championship.”
Team Alberta now has two spots in the March Mixed Doubles Trials if they want them. The competition will be played here in Ottawa.
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Saskatchewan skip Shaun Meachem.(Claudette Bockstael, Studio C Photography)
It looks like there’s another Saskatchewan team that might win a national title this weekend.
Shaun Meachem’s Swift Current team knew they had a chance to win the Canadian Mixed but, “after the first few games we weren’t so sure. There’s some pretty stiff competition here.”
Be that as it may, they did finish the round-robin at 9-2 and earned a berth into the semifinals against Ontario. Oh, and the team played all of eight games together before making the trip to Ottawa.
“Other than Kelly (Kelly Wood who played for Scotland in the worlds and Olympics), for the rest of us this is the biggest event we have ever played in so it keeps us excited and gets our juices going,” said Meachem.
SPLIT ENDS
The Ontario/New Brunswick tie breaker elicited applause for a number of impressive shots. The most astounding string of shots came in the sixth end with Ontario down by one. Three hits and stays through a thin port were made and a fourth that failed allowing Ontario skip Cory Heggestad to throw a soft back liner that hit and flopped.
New Brunswick skip Sylvie Robichaud attempted a run back that left two of her stones in the back twelve.
That’s when a split beckoned, explains Heggestad.
“I wanted to play it from the get-go. That was my gut thought. If I hit this thing a quarter stone we’re getting three.” The team agreed.
“The smart call is taking your deuce, that’s the wisest call but it’s risk and reward. I was feeling that one. So we kind of had that feeling so we give her. That was the turning point in the game. The momentum switched to us.”
Ontario scored three for a 6-4 lead. They traded deuces until Heggestad drew for his single with hammer in ten to earn the 9-8 win and advance to the semifinal.
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Greg Balsdon
He’s seen a lot of rinks this season.
Ontario’s Greg Balsdon is the second on the defending champion mixed team but playing hurt. The injury hasn’t stopped his enthusiasm for the sport, however.
This spring the associate pro and curling manager at the Glenview club in Hamilton goes under the knife for a torn labrum. Being a curling professional as well as a golf professional leaves him with not much out-of-season down time. He is forsaking the golf however. “I’m not really playing for much in golf and playing for lots in curling,” he said. “That’s the decision because in curling I am actually playing for something.”
He is up for the Canadian Mixed and wants to defend badly. Although his injury sidelined himself from a couple of games he took part in every shot behind the glass. His wealth of experience has taken him to lots of curling events. He skipped one of seven Ontario teams at the recent Capital One Road to the Roar in Kitchener. “Every game you could just feel the atmosphere,” he said. “Every game across every sheet you could feel it. You were playing for an Olympic spot essentially.”
Ontario plays the Territories in Friday’s last draw. Ontario still has a chance to make the playoffs, which is something he relishes above all else.
Injury or not, Balsdon wants to retain the title.
AROUND THE MIXED: The volunteer tweeting was having a hay day with the Ontario-P.E.I. extra end game yesterday afternoon. He was on the edge of his tweet.
PUT ME IN COACH: The stretch run is taking its course. Ottawa curler Don Bowser has subbed for the ailing Ontario second Greg Balsdon and skipped the Newfoundland team last evening against Alberta. Diana Favel played two games for team PEI while Kim Brown played for Quebec.
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The Hogline Curlers Proshop is owned and operated by an experienced curler - Joe Pavia.
joe@hoglinecurling.com
While Joe knows many renowned curlers, he’s most at home serving club curlers, rookies, children, youth and senior curlers who might not want to shop but just want to chat about the game we all love.
Joe has been involved with the curling world for decades as a player, organizer and curling commentator. He’s the weekly curling columnist for the Ottawa Sun where his Wednesday column is eagerly anticipated and is indeed available across the country.
