#WMDCC2021 Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: World Mixed Doubles Curling 

Championship Preview

20 nations enter the final #IceBubble of the season

Are you ready to say goodbye to the 2021 curling season rock heads?

I know you are ready to say goodbye to #COVIDcurling at the very least.

The World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship will bring a close to a season like none we have seen before. And lets hope it stays that way.

The #IceBubble has left Calgary.

It has floated over the entire nation of Canada, drifted over the Atlantic Ocean and has now set up show in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Bring on the final championship event of the season.

#WWCC2021 Parting Rocks

#BetweenTheSheets: Bye Bye #IceBubble

World Women's Curling Championship Parting Rocks

RIP #IceBubble

February 19, 2021 - May 9, 2021

For 79 days you brought air into the curling community and now we must say good bye to you.

Welcome to the #IceBubble Eulogy!

You brought us tears of joy and tears of heartbreak.

You brought us broom taps and broom slams.

You brought us curling in masks.

You brought us positive COVID-19 cases and schedule delays.

You brought us testing....lots and lots of testing.

But, most importantly, you brought us the sport of curling.

Before we say "Good Bye" we must first say "Thank You".

#WWCC2021 Power Rankings - Day 7

 #BetweenTheSheets: Elimination Day

Make your move on #MovingDay but can you survive #EliminationDay?

Welcome to #EliminationDay!

This may be my favourite day of a championship event.

A few teams start clinching playoff spots and eyeing up high seeds for the playoffs.

A few others use momentum from #MovingDay to continue climbing the standings and keep those playoff and Olympic aspirations alive.

And a few others....well thanks for playing.

It sounds harsh but this is sports. We are not handing out participation ribbons here.

We are handing out a world championship and 6 (or 5) spots in the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Those with a weak stomach need not watch.

#WWCC2021 Power Rankings - Day 6

#BetweenTheSheets: Defense Wins Championships?

Is the best offense for Moving Day a strong defense?

The NCAA football coaching legend Paul William "Bear" Bryant said it best: "Offense sells tickets, but defense wins championships."

Bear Bryant obviously knew what he was talking about.

During his tenure as head coach of the University of Alabama (1958 - 1982), Bryant led the Crimson Tide to 6 national championships, 13 Southeastern Conference (SEC) championships and remains the youngest coach to win 300 games and have 30 winning seasons.

Amazing!

Bryant also understood the philosophy of success in sports. He recognized sports are a money-making business. You need to make money. You need to sell tickets. You need to win games.

His quote still holds true today. Sports fans pay to see offense but stay fans to be part of a championship.

But does Bryant's philosophy transfer over from the gridiron to the ice house?

#WWCC2021 Power Rankings - Day 5

#BetweenTheSheets: The Rules of Fandom

An update to the #PowerRankings mountain

TwineTime at the 2010 Winter Olympics

Being a sports fan is hard work.

When you team is winning, the euphoric feeling you get is unparalleled.

When your team is losing, there is no worse feeling in the world.

Fans can win and lose with grace. Fan can win and lose with tact. Fans can win and lose with respect.

And then there are THOSE fans who can do none of the above, win or lose.

Those fans need a lesson in fandom.