#NationalGSOC Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Boost National Preview 

Who Connects with a TKO in Chestermere? 

Guess who's back in the house?

The Grand Slam of Curling is back in the house.

Already?

Only 9 days removed from crowning our recent slam champions, we return for the second major of the season with The BOOST National in Chestermere, Alberta.

And within those 9 days we happened to focus our curling rocks on the Canadian Olympic Pre-Trials in Liverpool, N.S., which just wrapped up on Halloween.

Amazing how we go months with no curling and then boom, boom, boom like a Gunner runback triple to quickly have more curling then we may even know what to do with.

The question some may contemplate is, "Is this too soon?" or "Didn't we JUST see these same teams/games a week ago?"

And, if we are being honest, the answer probably is "Yes".

You cannot have more back-to-back slams than this year's schedule. One ends. One begins. One week in between.

We get the rationale behind the schedule of course, given the Olympic trials in Canada and USA coupled with the #PACC and European Curling Championships...and of course the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Heck the #PACC hits the ice next weekend, also known as GSOC playoff weekend, hence the absence of Korea's Team E. Kim.

But this might be packing too much, too close. Especially given the field of play.

The men's field is practically the same as what we saw just over a week ago in Oakville at The Masters.

Replace Team Matsumura and Team Ruohonen with Team Calvert and Team Howard and BOOM...same field.

From a sports fan perspective, this might not be a selling feature for the sport and the event.

We get the qualification and ranking standard. We get the top teams in the world. We get all the rationale reasons behind why this field is what it is.

The problem is, how many weeks in a row do I need to see Koe vs. Bottcher or Jacobs vs. Gushue or Mouat vs. Jacobs or Gushue vs. Koe or whomever vs. whomever we just saw a few days ago.

And this is not a knock on these teams. We love these teams. They are the best and here for a reason.

But after watching the Pre-Trials last week, where we saw new faces and fresh matchups, seeing the same teams battle it out for slam money just doesn't have the same appeal or excitement.

Again, preface that statement with scheduling is more to blame here and is understandable given the reasons named above.

On the flip side, it does start to raise the questions we saw pre-pandemic of fans wondering if the slam events are getting "too stale" even for television.

Pre-pandemic we had 6 slam events. 4 majors. 2 additional (Tour Challenge, Champions Cup).

It was starting to become a bit redundant to watch.

Before it was the majority of the slams featuring the same RR/pool play format. We have advanced to the TKO (triple knock out) for this year's events. But is that enough to generate buzz and silence the "ho-hum" comments?

What is missing is the excitement of each slam. Each slam has a unique marketing style, with a different colour tone for the rings. But is that enough?

If the competitors are not going to change, based on a qualification system those benefiting from seem to love and no discussions/options for change, maybe we need to adapt the formats.

Each slam should be unique in some way.

A TKO for one. A RR/pool system for another. An expanded field for one. A modified playoff format for another.

There are THOUSANDS of sport competition formats out in the world. How can we adopt some of those different formats into the curling house and truly make the slams stand out and be original?

Back to back TKO slams with a similar listing of qualified teams may not generate enough excitement or buzz for the sport, even during a pandemic when we are begging for more.

Evolution is natural progression. The slams need to start thinking to the future. One would have thought a pandemic life is the perfect time to experiment options. If they fail, blame it on the pandemic. 

Besides, during the pandemic demand is high so I have a feeling test options, even if deemed unsuccessful post-event, would still garner eyes on the ice regardless. 

Can the same be said post-pandemic when all sports, and the world, return to a "new normal"?

Which leads to another major issue: coverage!

Why is there no streaming available for Tuesday and Wednesday draws?

We saw Curling Canada and TSN work together for allowing streaming of RR draws during the Pre-Trials.

Could Sportsnet and GSOC not do the same?

Heck most of the teams competing already offer streaming at their tour events anyway. They arrive at the slam and can no longer stream because of coverage rights? Come on....

The streaming numbers are high right now. Again, pandemic-based more than anything.

And again, why not "capitalize" on a pandemic world and "try" team streaming during the opening days of the slam when TV coverage is not available?

If Sportsnet/GSOC don't like it, say it was allowed during a pandemic only. We all move on.

But not allowing it at all is ridiculous. It does not help #growthesport. It minimizes the value of the event. And it makes the sport appear more "amateur" than some may feel it already is.

We need to step it up here.

No streaming during the World Wheelchair Curling Championship was disgusting.

No streaming for the opening days of a slam event is disappointing.

The world is evolving at a rapid rate. Why is curling still lagging behind?

Of course I digress into #HotTopics of discussion rather than focusing on the action on the ice. But feel free to share your thoughts and opinions curling fans. Change happens through discussion!!

Bring on The BOOST National!

Time to bring back #Bracketology as we divide up the competition into two quadrants: Red Rock and Yellow Rock.

Who are the #Favs? Who could be a #BracketBuster, also known as #TeamUpset? 

And who can deliver the TKO to the competition in Chestermere?

#TourLifePredictions

Boost National

Chestermere, AB

2020 Champions: Not Held (2019 Champs - Team Hasselborg & Team Jacobs)

Format: 16 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers

WOMEN

"Red Rock" 

Teams: Team Fleury, Team Brown, Team Kovaleva, Team Gim, Team Jones, Team M. Kim, Team Fujisawa, Team Rocque

#Fav

Only a few weeks removed from winning their second #GSOC event, The Masters, it is tough not to ride the hot hand of Team Fleury in Chestermere.

They entered The Masters as defending champions and were successfully able to #DefendTheIce so why not think they can add to the trophy case?

I am not sure why but Fleury still seems to fly under the radar at bigger events, even slams where she has now won twice. The regular names are always brought up as pre-event favourites with Fleury falling under a contender tier.

Perhaps the curling community needs to put more respect on the Fleury name. This is not "just" a contender. They are a championship fav...here and at the Olympic Trials next month in Saskatoon.

This team has already won three titles this season and reached the QF at their other event. If you are not thinking this team is a #Fav this week, I question more your logic rather than the Fleury resume.

Even the rankings have them sitting atop the mountain folks.

#BracketBuster

Over half of this bracket could be considered #BracketBusters. Fleury, Jones and Fujisawa are probably tabbed the main "contenders" in the Red Rock grouping but the other 5 teams can show up and disrupt the bracket very quick.

All eyes may be on Team Brown though. How will they rebound from the disappointing finish in Liverpool only a few days ago?

To come so close to the Olympic Trials, twice if we remember the Direct-Entry Event in Ottawa, and come up just short by one game, twice, it must do something to the mental side of the game.

They may be a sentimental favourite here based on the close calls over the past few months. What a rebound it would be to make the playoffs at your first slam event. We saw it happen in Oakville with Team Whyte.

#W2W4

The #PACC starts next weekend but the region might be the theme of this week in Chestermere.

Japan's Team Fujisawa remains a main contender. 

Both Korean teams, Team Gim and Team M. Kim, are threats here as well.

What makes things even more interesting is Gim just defeated Kim in the final of a tour event in Lloydminster on Sunday. Both will be arriving in Chestermere with momentum. Both will be looking for better results than we saw at The Masters.

And lets see how Team Kovaleva responds after their SF finish in Oakville. The Masters result was only their second SF finish; however, they now have 2 SF and 1 QF appearance in their past 4 GSOC events dating back to the 2020 Canadian Open.

Fun fact about Alina Kovaleva. She has competed in 10 slam events in her career and has reached the playoff round 6 out of those 10. A 60% playoff appearance stat is pretty impressive.

Predictions: Team Fleury def. Team Brown, Team Kovaleva def. Team Gim, Team Jones def. Team M. Kim, Team Fujisawa def. Team Rocque, Team Fleury def. Team Kovaleva, Team Fujisawa def. Team Jones, Team Fujisawa def. Team Fleury (A-Qualifier)

"Yellow Rock" 

Teams: Team Hasselborg, Team Schori, Team Homan, Team Duncan, Team Einarson, Team Wrana, Team Tirinzoni, Team Walker

#Fav

How many "defending champion" monikers can we use in one section?

We have the defending #BOOSTNational champion in Team Hasselborg.

We have the defending world champion in Team Tirinzoni.

We have the defending Scotties champion in Team Einarson.

Oh, add in an 11-time #GSOC champion in Team Homan and the Yellow Rock section is loaded with champion pedigree.

Can any of those four teams be considered a "fav" over the other? If so, we are looking only at minute details and slim pickings.

Tirinzoni, Homan and Einarson are coming off QF results at The Masters.

So watch Team Hasselborg go out and #DefendTheIce in Chestermere.

#BracketBuster

Similar to Red Rock competitor Team Brown, the question will be how Team Duncan responds to a disappointing result as the Pre-Trials.

Duncan has put together a solid season to qualify for this slam. They have qualified in 4 tour events. Reached 2 finals. Won a championship. They earned their spot in this field.

Then the wheels came off a bit in Liverpool, finishing the RR with a 3-3 record and failing to reach the playoffs. A bit of shock considering how strong they have been playing leading into the event.

The Olympic dream may be over but why not replace it with slam champion aspirations? This will be only the second slam event for Hollie Duncan, with her first coming at the now defunct Sobeys Slam in 2010.

Also keep an eye on Switzerland's Team Schori. They also played their way into the field, qualifying for the playoffs in their past 3 events and reaching one final.

Irene Schori is a two-time world champion (with Binia Feltscher 2014 and 2016), a European champion (2014) and a two-time world mixed doubles champion (with Toni Muller in 2008 and 2009). Not to mention her Olympic appearance in 2010.

Never count out experience!

#W2W4

The Red Rock section of the draw has opportunity for #BracketBusters and surprise qualifiers.

The Yellow Rock section is stacked with experience and champions.

Team Hasselborg. Team Homan. Team Einarson. Team Tirinzoni.

Lions, Tigers and Bears...oh my!!

The question for this section is whether the other four teams can displace the champions, upset the bracket and make a push for the playoffs.

Pressure will be on Team Schori, Team Duncan, Team Wrana and Team Walker to knock off those championship caliber teams.

Or maybe no pressure and all the pressure is on the champs to remain the champs?

Predictions: Team Hasselborg def. Team Schori, Team Homan def. Team Duncan, Team Einarson def. Team Wrana, Team Tirinzoni def. Team Walker, Team Hasselborg def. Team Homan, Team Tirinzoni def. Team Einarson, Team Tirinzoni def. Team Hasselborg (A-Qualifier)

Qualifiers: Team Fujisawa, Team Tirinzoni, Team Fleury, Team Hasselborg, Team Einarson, Team Homan, Team Kovaleva, Team Gim

BOOST NATIONAL CHAMPION: Team Hasselborg def. Team Fleury

MEN

"Red Rock" 

Teams: Team Jacobs, Team Calvert, Team McEwen, Team De Cruz, Team Edin, Team Whyte, Team Epping, Team Howard

#Fav

Looking to #DefendTheIce.

Fresh off a finals appearance at the last slam.

Still sitting #1 in the world.

Why not place your bets on Team Jacobs when filling out your bracket?

Jacobs will have some revenge on his mind here too. The Masters remains the one slam he has yet to win. Since he will have to wait at least another year for the opportunity to complete the career slam, might as well pile a few more majors to the resume in the meantime.

The curling draw gods certainly granted the team a favourable path to the playoffs. They have been the most consistent team this season out of the 8 teams in this section. Add in the experience factor and they should be on their way to playoff weekend.

#BracketBuster

Well we already saw what Team Whyte can do. The Scottish lads surprised many, not this blog of course who tabbed them as a playoff qualifier, at The Masters. 

1 slam event. 1 playoff appearance. They are curling 1.000 right now on the qualification stat.

But as others have learned before them, you are only as good as you curl in the present. How do they follow up their rookie appearance? Bit of pressure now as no more flying under the radar.

Speaking of flying under the radar, how about Team Calvert as your #BracketBuster this week?

Sure they are coming off a disappointing finish in Liverpool, missing the playoffs and having their Olympic Trials dream end, but maybe coming to Chestermere as the underdog will suit them better.

Before the Pre-Trials, this team qualified in all 3 tour events played this season. They reached 2 championship finals and won 1 event. They had a 16-2 record before Liverpool.

Don't forget, the 2015 world junior champ has been to slam events before. Calvert competed in the Tour Challenge, National and Canadian Open during the 2018/19 season. Plus he played at the Tour Challenge Tier II event in 2019.

Can he reach his first #GSOC playoff round now?

Sure he draws defending champ Jacobs in the opener but why not start it off with a big hit and bust some brackets in the opening game?

#W2W4

Team Howard. There are a few sub-storylines to watch at every slam event but I will be slightly focused on Glenn Howard.

Howard is coming off a disappointing result in Liverpool, losing out on the final ticket to Saskatoon Sunday evening in a loss to upstart Team Horgan/Beuk.

Howard is a vet. He has great wins under his slider. He also has taken some tough losses. It is not a question of how or whether he can rebound.

The question starts lingering of "what's next?" The Olympics are the one big missing piece to the outstanding resume for Howard.

Knowing the dream ended a bit earlier than perhaps expected this season, does he start pondering the future before the season is over? 

Nobody wants to see Glenn Howard start using the most dreaded word in sport, the "R" word. But what keeps the motivation moving? The competitive juices flowing?

Perhaps more deep runs in slams and return trips to the Brier?

Regardless what the future holds, lets enjoy continuing to watch Howard chase slam title #14 this season.

Predictions: Team Jacobs def. Team Calvert, Team De Cruz def. Team McEwen, Team Edin def. Team Whyte, Team Howard def. Team Epping, Team Jacobs def. Team De Cruz, Team Edin def. Team Howard, Team Jacobs def. Team Edin (A-Qualifier)

"Yellow Rock" 

Teams: Team Mouat, Team Paterson, Team Bottcher, Team Schwaller, Team Gushue, Team Gunnlaugson, Team Koe, Team Dunstone

#Fav

All they do is win, win, win, no matter what....

Scotland's Team Mouat is coming off another slam title, this time at The Masters.

They have now won 3 straight slams and are chasing #HIStory in Chestermere.

The lads will attempt to win 4 straight, a feat only accomplished once before when Kevin Martin won 5 straight slams in 2007.

They step onto The National ice with a 19-1 record in their past 3 slam events. 

The lone loss you ask? A RR loss to Brad Gushue at the 2021 Champions Cup.

Since that loss, the team has won 16 straight GSOC games.

The National is also a special place for Mouat. He won his first slam at this event in 2017.

In fact, statistically speaking, Mouat's best results are at The National.

3 appearances. 3 qualifications. 1 SF. 2 finals. 1 title.

Just some simple stats to add a bit more fear into the minds of his opposition.

Can Team Mouat complete the #ConnectFour on the ice of their most successful slam event?

The draw will not be easy. They face Scottish rivals Team Paterson in the opener and could draw a developing main rival Team Bottcher in round two. Not to mention Gushue/Koe/Dunstone/Gunnlaugson waiting in the A-Qualifier.

But, as we said, all they do is "win, win, win, no matter what."

#BracketBuster

Tough to pick a #BracketBuster from the Yellow Rock section when all the teams are strong and loaded with experience.

Perhaps keep the eyes on Jason Gunnlaugson though. Gunner is always a challenger at the slams but is still looking for that true breakout performance.

Yes, Gunner does have a slam final under his slider but that was back at the 2012 Masters as vice with Jim Cotter.

Since the 2018/19 season, Gunner has qualified for 10 slam events but has only reached the playoff bracket once. Of course that one off just happens to be on the BOOST National ice in 2018 with a QF result.

Gunner also arrives in Chestermere with momentum and a ton of confidence after the team claimed one of the final tickets to the Olympic Trials in Saskatoon over the weekend at the Pre-Trials.

If there was ever a time to see Gunner make a deep run at a slam event, the stars seem to be aligning and shining down on Chestermere.

#W2W4

What to watch for? What isn't there to watch for with this section?

Look at the champion names alone: Mouat, Gushue, Koe, Bottcher, Dunstone.

Look at the strong challengers: Gunnlaugson, Paterson, Schwaller.

Heck look at Gushue's record this season. They are 10-1. Sure only 2 events played but they won their opening event and reached the SF at The Masters, before taking their first loss vs. Jacobs.

This will become the #BracketOfDeath this week.

There is a strong chance a top name, potentially a past slam champion, finds themselves in the #CSideGrind after only 2 games.

The Koe vs. Dunstone game will be the final first round game on the men's draw, hitting the ice Tuesday afternoon at 3 p.m. (MST). It may also be the biggest opening round game in the draw.

The team who qualifies for the playoffs out of the "Yellow Rock" section may just have a leg up on the competition and should be considered the early fav to take home the title.

Predictions: Team Mouat def. Team Paterson, Team Bottcher def. Team Schwaller, Team Gushue def. Team Gunnlaugson, Team Koe def. Team Dunstone, Team Mouat def. Team Bottcher, Team Gushue def. Team Koe, Team Mouat def. Team Gushue (A-Qualifier)

Qualifiers: Team Jacobs, Team Mouat, Team Edin, Team Gushue, Team Bottcher, Team Koe, Team Gunnlaugson, Team Whyte

BOOST NATIONAL CHAMPION: Team Jacobs def. Team Mouat

What say you rock heads? Agree? Disagree?

Do not forget the Boost National website has each bracket available for download so you can create own personal bracket and play along with your predictions at home: WOMEN and MEN.

#StayTuned

The #TwineTime blog will be in Chestermere this week. Check out twitter for live coverage, some pics from the event and who knows what else.

Also, the Pacific-Asia Curling Championships hit the ice this upcoming weekend. The blog will return later in the week with a full preview.

Good luck and good curling 🥌