tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32644853923150786742024-03-17T21:02:27.532-06:00Twine-TimeSo you like sports? I like sports too. Here you will find random thoughts, musings, predictions and sharing of information on sports-related topics. Follow along, join a conversation, like a post or disagree with a post. I am all for some engagement and interaction. Follow me on twitter as well (@twinetime14) Enjoy peeps...TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.comBlogger508125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-47928341912113379652024-03-14T16:31:00.000-06:002024-03-14T16:31:34.385-06:00#WWCC2024 Preview<p style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: The March Madness Continues</u></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Cape Breton Island welcomes the world</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2yICLnh-dRjBUaL27lQ8S8JcXJ6PlSvaTylntFFYTz7-PB_97AsM6vA7vurIDYwTCQgP8vat4u1slqPAT5puTgdeHeI41B-f-r7WNMovh52_WYFHQwkQvlDEbyZnxAm9iE1T4jBFrZeE3k59re1rACWW6PW85SzXlMXOKcxDm0bIh9WxHHzqviQwmc3w/s500/WWCC2024%20Logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2yICLnh-dRjBUaL27lQ8S8JcXJ6PlSvaTylntFFYTz7-PB_97AsM6vA7vurIDYwTCQgP8vat4u1slqPAT5puTgdeHeI41B-f-r7WNMovh52_WYFHQwkQvlDEbyZnxAm9iE1T4jBFrZeE3k59re1rACWW6PW85SzXlMXOKcxDm0bIh9WxHHzqviQwmc3w/w200-h200/WWCC2024%20Logo.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Welcome to March Madness.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And no, the "madness" is not akin to only NCAA basketball.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Curling has its own variation of the annual sporting event.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The madness began a few weeks ago with the Montana's Brier in Regina, SK.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With that event less than a week in our rearview mirror, we are already looking ahead to the next big event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we shift our focus to a global scale as the madness gets ready to rock the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">13 of the best teams in the world will make their way to Centre 200 in Sydney, Nova Scotia to chase world championship glory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The NCAA #MarchMadness tournament will only announce their men's and women's brackets this upcoming weekend...and by the time the action hits the hardcourts next week, we could already see some #TeamUpset results and bracket busting action on the ice in Sydney. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Will the #Favs run over the competition or will a #TeamUpset emerge to shock the system once again?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We saw Norway make a surprise run to the final last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But we also saw the champs from Switzerland #DefendTheIce...AGAIN!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well if you have March Madness fever, do not forget to cool yourself down on the ice as curling brings its own flavour of March Madness into your house this weekend.</div><div><a name="more"></a><br /></div><div>In fine #TwineTime tradition, welcome to the World Women's Curling Championship Preview post.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>This year's world championship marks the start of the Olympic qualification process.</div><div><br /></div><div>7 nations will earn direct tickets to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy based on their combined results at the 2024 and 2025 world championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>As this is Year #1, nations competing this year want to finish Top 7 (Top 8 if you include Italy) to put themselves on the positive side of the cut line heading into next year's championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Italy, as 2026 host nation, already has earned an auto berth into the competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>The final 2 spots in the 10 team Winter Olympic field will be decided at the Olympic Qualification Event (date and location TBD). For a nation to earn a spot at that event, they need to compete in at least 1 world championship event in 2024 or 2025.</div><div><br /></div><div>And remember, nations still need to qualify for the 2025 world championship field based on their results at the 2024 Pan-Continental Curling Championships and 2024 European Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just because a nation is competing at the 2024 world championship, and may have a Top 7 result, does not mean they will be competing at the 2025 world championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>But each nation needs to tackle one checkmark at a time. Step 1 was qualifying for this championship. Step 2 will be a Top 7 (or 8) finish. Step 3 will start next season.</div><div><br /></div><div>World championship glory AND Olympic qualification points are on the line starting this year, making this event true March Madness!</div><div><br /></div><div>In support of #MarchMadness (my favourite time of the year if you have not guesses already), the preview post will once again do a full Seed Report (similar to the #PowerRankings) of the 13 teams entered into the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>From there, some key elements to watch for and concluding with the #TwineTime predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take note, the Seed Report below is based on the current World Curling Federation Women's <b><a href="https://worldcurling.org/worldrankings/womens-rankings/" target="_blank">World Rankings</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>For reference, behind the nation name is the team representing the nation and their team ranking is included followed by in brackets the team's overall record and their Head 2 Head record against the field this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to March Madness...on ice!!</div><div><br /></div><h2><b>#TwineTimePreview</b></h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>World Women's Curling Championship</b></div><br />Centre 200<br /><br />Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada<br /><br />2023 Champion: Switzerland (Team Tirinzoni)<br /><br />Format: 13 team RR with Top 6 qualifiers to the playoffs. 1st and 2nd place receive bye to SF.<br /><br /><h3><b>#SeedReport</b></h3><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>1. Switzerland - Team Tirinzoni, #2 (67-13 overall, 20-7 H2H)</i></b></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is looking eerily similar to last year folks. Entering the world championships last season, Tirinzoni was sitting #2 in the world (behind another Canadian team) and had almost an identical season record (62-18 last year).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year, they arrive looking for the #5peat...with more wins and less losses than a year ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They have qualified in all 10 tour events played, including reaching 5 finals and winning 3 titles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And remember they went undefeated in Aberdeen, SCO to win the 2023 European Curling Championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The one caveat to look out for is their record this season vs. Team Homan: 0-3, including back to back #gsoc final losses at the Masters and Canadian Open.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tirinzoni will battle Homan Tuesday night in Draw 11 action, perfectly situated in the middle of the RR.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How the world champs perform in that game could determine if they are looking ready for world championship glory once again or if times are indeed a changing?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The opener vs. Korea is going to be a blockbuster...and perhaps a playoff (even final?) preview.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can we just celebrate the fact we are even talking about a team trying to win 5 straight world championships? Absolutely amazing!! #HoppSchwiiz</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>2. Sweden - Team Hasselborg, #5 (50-19, 8-6)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The 2018 Olympic champions and two-time world silver medal winners are back...and they are chasing the one prize that has eluded them on their impressive curling resume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It has been an up and down season for "The Family Circus" team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Celebrating additions to the family and some strong curling season results have been a positive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Losing the Euro qualifier to rival Team Wrana and missing the European Curling Championships was a negative.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But could the negative turn into the ultimate positive?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Perhaps not competing at the always stressful Euro's is a blessing. It added extra fuel to the fire to compete. And maybe gave an extra rest in the schedule to have them feel more energized to compete here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They did win the Swedish Curling Championships, even though it was announced before the championships Team Hasselborg would be going to this event to represent Sweden regardless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hasselborg has qualified in 7 of 8 tour events this season, including reaching 3 tour finals and winning 2 titles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year, they also arrive with a little less pressure. They are not considered a huge #Fav for the title, like they have been some years in the past.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A playoff team? Of course. But perhaps, as a world championship contender, they may be flying a bit under the radar this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And that could make them even more dangerous than ever before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watch how they come out in their opener vs. Canada. Homan is the top team in the field and the home nation, the crowd will be roaring for every shot. It can be a blessing once again to draw Canada early.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If you win, you surprise the field right out the gate. If you lose, you get them off your playing card right away and have a full week ahead to regroup. It really is a no-lose situation for Sweden on opening night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After failing to reach the podium at last year's world championship, losing the SF to Switzerland and bronze medal game to Canada, Sweden is going to be coming here hungrier than ever before.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>3. Canada - Team Homan, #1 (47-5, 7-2)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Enter the #Fav!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What can be said about the Canadian champs that hasn't already been said?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada may enter as the #3 seed on the world rankings but the Canadian champions are the #1 team in the world. And for good reason. Look at that record.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">5 losses all season?! 7 tour events. 6 playoff appearances. 6 finals. 5 titles. Plus the undefeated run at the Scotties to win the Canadian championship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They arrive in Sydney on an impressive 16-match winning streak and are 17-1 in 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Take note though, 2 of their 5 losses have come against teams in this field: Korea's Team Gim and Italy's Team Constantini.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It feels weird to say this but Homan has not been at a world championship since 2017, when she won her only world title.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Vice Tracy Fleury will be making her world championship debut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Could nerves, and the long wait to get back here, factor into the games? Especially early on?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The opener vs. Sweden will be fun. And they wrap up the opening weekend against Denmark and USA. A 3-0 start, even 2-1, will keep them at or near the top of the table by Monday morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Interesting to also note, there is 1 team who owns a perfect 2-0 record vs. Homan this season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Any guesses on who?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The trivia answer is revealed below.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>4. Japan - Team Ueno, #30 (37-24, 0-1)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Two years ago we welcomed Turkey to the world championship scene. Last year, New Zealand made their debut. Who is this season's "New Kids on the Block"? Enter Japan's Team Ueno. While Japan is a regular fixture at these world championships, their 2024 representative will be making their debut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From recent junior ranks to women's world championship ice, it has been a fast rise for the #NextGen team. They already made #TeamUpset headlines when they won the Japanese Curling Championships, dethroning perennial #Fav Team Fujisawa. Can they keep the momentum going though against this strong, and experienced, field?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On top of the Japanese championship win, they played 11 tour events this season. They reached 1 final and qualified in 6 events overall. They played the majority of their season in Canada, mostly in Alberta, so they would have seen fairly strong ice conditions. This could help them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But look at that H2H record. They only faced 1 team in this field and that was a loss to Korea's Team Gim at the end of September. But could their opposition's unfamiliarity with them work to their advantage?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the ultimate #TeamUpset in the field and the team who could do some bracket busting. Anything from a surprising playoff push to finishing at, or near, the bottom of the table is within the realm of possibility.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The opening weekend will see them face New Zealand, Turkey and Denmark. With respect to those three teams, it is not the most daunting schedule to open your debut world championship appearance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If they can get comfortable on the ice and pick up a win or two to open the event, watch out.</div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>5. South Korea - Team Gim, #3 (78-24, 11-7)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the team #TwineTime warned you all about at the start of the season. If there was a team who looked ready to surprise the world and make a deep run towards world championship glory, Korea's Team Gim were going to be that team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here they are. And they arrive as the #3 team in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Look at their season record folks. 78 WINS!! 78!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course note the Korean Curling Championships are held in June but this means they have been playing competitive curling since June. They are in month 10 of their season. Wow!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And note the H2H record. They have played many of these teams throughout the season. They are even one of the teams with a victory over Team Homan, having done so in the final of The National to pick up their 1st #gsoc title.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They also earned their spot in this field with their Pan-Continental Curling Championship gold medal run in Kelowna back in late October/early November.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Momentum could be on their side as well, having just won a tune-up tour event in Bern, SUI in January. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not only expect this team to be in the playoff hunt but don't be surprised to see them fighting for one of the SF byes after the RR AND being right on the podium come championship weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They draw the champs in their opener but close out the weekend against Turkey and Estonia. A 2-1 record, perhaps even 3-0, would be a great start for them and put them right on the path to the playoffs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember, skip Gim Eunji is not a world championship rookie either. This will be her 5th appearance, having 4th place finishes in 2012 and 2014. But this will be her 1st world championship as skip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>6. USA - Team Peterson, #15 (37-25, 4-6)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The US champs are back once again...and this year they will be looking to improve their "slightly" disappointing 7th place finish from a year ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a playoff appearance two years ago, failing to make the playoffs by 1 game last year was a bit surprising for the American team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They will enter the 2024 championship right on the cut line of many playoff predictions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">USA is seeded #6. Team Peterson, against the field, would be seeded #6 as well. Top 6 make the playoffs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This season, Peterson has qualified in 4 of 8 events, winning 1 tour title. They also landed on the podium at the 2023 Pan-Continental Curling Championship, defeating Canada's Team Einarson for bronze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A playoff appearance is expected. But missing the playoffs would not be surprising either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the perfect definition of a #BubbleWatch team. Anything from playing for a medal to squeaking into the playoffs to missing the playoffs completely seem to be viable options right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Opening weekend could reveal a lot. They draw Turkey, Switzerland, Canada, Norway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If they want to be in the playoff hunt by the end of the RR, they need to be sitting, at worst, 2-2 come Monday morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>7. Scotland - Team Morrison, #17 (44-29, 6-13)</i></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rebecca Morrison will be making her 3rd straight world championship appearance but perhaps the first with so much pressure on her slider.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Morrison was selected to compete at this world championship after failing to win the Scottish Curling Championship, finishing 2nd behind Team Henderson.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was a controversial decision considering Henderson also beat them 3 of the 4 times they played one another at the Scottish championship, including the final.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And with Olympic qualification points on the line, Morrison will have all British Curling eyes squarely on here this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The team, which includes Olympian Jenn Dodds at vice, will want to not only show the selection was the right move but also silence any doubters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Failing to make the playoffs, or even a sub-Top 7 or 8 finish, would raise a lot of eyebrows back home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On the positive note, the team has qualified in 7 of 9 events this season, including 2 final appearances.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But the 5-4 record as host team at the 2023 Euro's, failing to make the playoffs, stands out as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The team did win Euro bronze in 2022 though so we know they are capable of making playoff pushes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They also finished 3-9 at last year's world championship, in 12th place.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They enter right on the cut line between playoff challenger and playoff pretender.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Norway, New Zealand and Italy is not the most daunting slate for opening weekend, especially drawing 2 teams you are familiar with from the recent European championships (0-2 though).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They will need to find a way to start at least 2-1 to be in the challenge though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>8. Norway - Team Rรธrvik, #22 (30-19, 8-10)</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div><br /></div><div>Last year's #TeamUpset and the 2023 world silver medal winners are back...and will be looking to prove to the world last year was no "fluke" result.</div><div><br /></div><div>To their credit, they showed up at the 2023 European Curling Championships with a similar mentality of having something to prove. And they did just that in winning the bronze medal.</div><div><br /></div><div>We may want to stop underestimating the Norwegian team now and start putting credit to their name as a legit playoff contender and podium threat once again.</div><div><br /></div><div>The difference this year is they will not be catching anyone off guard as much as they did last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>This season they have qualified in 5 of 7 events, including reaching 1 tour final.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Euro result is really the standout on their season though, navigating a competitive field to reach the playoffs and land on the podium.</div><div><br /></div><div>They can control their fate from opening weekend, drawing Scotland, Sweden and USA. These are 3 nations many think will be in the playoff fight as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, similar to what we saw at the Scotties and Brier, there are no TB games at world championships. Head 2 Head results matter most.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Norway can knock off 2 of those opening 3 to start the event, those H2H wins may come back to help (or hurt) them later in the week.</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>9. Denmark - Team Dupont, #36 (21-21, 4-7)</i></b></div><br />The 2022 Euro champions have not had the follow up season they were hoping for in 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the record indicates, it has been a .500-type of season.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few high's, including reaching the final of the Tour Challenge Tier II event.</div><div><br /></div><div>A few lows, including the disappointing 3-6 record at the 2023 Euro's as defending champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which team shows up in Sydney? Last year they struggled in Sweden, posting a 5-7 record and 11th place finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they want to gain Olympic qualification points, they will need to improve this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the positive side, skip Madeleine Dupont will be back with the team after giving birth to her first child early January. This year will also mark Dupont's 15th world championship appearance, an amazing accomplishment.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have seen motherhood bring positive results on the ice for athletes in the past, could Dupont be the next mom to find success?</div><div><br /></div><div>Opening with Canada, Turkey and Japan could be a positive. Even if they lose to the heavily favoured Canadians, drawing a Turkish team they beat at Euro's this season and a Japanese team making their world championship debut is an opportunity for a 2-1 opening weekend record and being right in the thick of things.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Italy - Team Constantini, #9 (50-36, 9-15)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Seems weird to see the #9 team in the world seeded as the #10 nation in the field, right?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>If we go by team rankings, Team Constantini should be considered one of the playoff contenders.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we go by nation rankings, Italy will struggle to make the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which is a more accurate representation?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, considering Constantini is coming off a monumental European Curling Championships silver medal performance, have qualified in 9 of 13 events and won 1 tour title, being a playoff contender makes sense.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the same time, remember this team is coming off a shocking silver medal performance at the recent Italian Curling Championships, losing the final (while playing with only 3 team members of course) to Team Mariani.</div><div><br /></div><div>This team did make the playoffs last year though, ending up with a 5th place finish. They may have some unfinished business on their minds heading into the 2024 championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>And without the stress of Olympic qualification points for their nation weighing in the back of their minds (you know EVERY other team will be thinking about it), it may leave them a bit more free to focus on the task at hand.</div><div><br /></div><div>It worked in their favour in Aberdeen. It could do the same in Sydney.</div><div><br /></div><div>An opening weekend against Estonia, Sweden and Scotland is a great way to get the slider comfortable. Competitive games but also winnable games. A 3-0 or 2-1 start is a strong possibility.</div><div><br /></div><div>And if this team gets off on a good start and gets on a roll early, they may be tough to slow down.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>11. Turkey - Team Yildiz, #55 (21-24, 2-5)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Back in 2020, the #TwineTime blog awarded Turkey the Golden Granite Award for <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2020/04/2020-goldengranite-awards_16.html" target="_blank"><b>#TeamUpset of the Year - Nation</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Yildiz was competing in the Euro B-Division at the time, reaching the final to earn A-Division promotion and booking a spot in the now defunct World Qualification Event. The nation itself had risen into the Top 20 in the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fast forward 4 years and Yildiz is a Euro A-Division mainstay, creeping in on a Top 50 world ranking, the nation on the cusp of a Top 10 ranking and Yildiz making her 3rd straight world championship appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team went 2-10 in the 2022 world championship debut but remember what happened last year?</div><div><br /></div><div>They went a "surprising" 6-6 to finish 1 game out of the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could this be their year to make their 1st playoff appearance?</div><div><br /></div><div>They have played 3 tour events this season, qualifying each time, reaching 2 finals and winning 1 title.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their lone title also happens to have come in their last event played in Cortina, ITA in January, where they also picked up big wins over Italy and Norway.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a playoff challenger team...and a team who could be building towards #HERstory in booking Turkey a spot in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.</div><div><br /></div><div>TwineTime knew it was bound to happen back in 2020. Now time for Turkey to show the rest of the world they are a nation to watch out for.</div><div><br /></div><div>They open with USA, Denmark and Japan. Last year they started 1-2. Could they go one better and start 2-1 this year? And, if so, could that be the difference maker between being a playoff team this year or a 7th/8th place finish?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>12. Estonia - Team Turmann, #188 (7-0, 0-0)</i></b></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Japan's Team Ueno may be identified as a #TeamUpset but the Queen of #TeamUpset for this event may actually be Estonia's Liisa Turmann.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The lowest ranked team in the field, we have only seen them compete once this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that was at the Estonian Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Where they went undefeated.</div><div><br /></div><div>Winning games also against all the men's teams competing on the men's side of the championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, to be fair, there was only 1 other women's team in the field (Team Peebo).</div><div><br /></div><div>And the women's field was missing the top ranked Team Kaldvee (#63 in the world).</div><div><br /></div><div>But they still did their job to earn their ticket to this world championship, earned via Kaldvee's result at the 2023 European Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>This will be the 2nd appearance for Estonia at the World Women's Curling Championship BUT Turmann was also a member of the team when the Baltic nation made its debut in 2021 as vice with sister Marie Kaldvee (nee Turmann).</div><div><br /></div><div>Her previous experience here could be helpful to the team.</div><div><br /></div><div>How they compete in Sydney is....unknown really. Their opposition is probably unfamiliar with them.</div><div><br /></div><div>They may be a bit unfamiliar with their opposition as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>So who knows what the end result will be.</div><div><br /></div><div>Being a playoff challenger may be outside the realm of possibility but picking up a few wins along the way could happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>They open with Italy, Korea and Switzerland. Talk about a Welcome Wagon basket. Yikes! </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>13. New Zealand - Team Smith, #118 (10-5, 0-2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The Kiwi's made their world championship debut last season, finishing 0-12.</div><div><br /></div><div>This season the team booked their ticket back to the world championship and will try to make #HERstory in recording their first win.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some people believed last year's appearance was a bit of a fluke, qualifying with a Top 5 finish at the 2022 Pan-Continental Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>But this team backed up their performance in 2022 at the 2023 PCCs with another Top 5 finish to once again earn their spot in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>It will not be an easy road to victory though, as was a similar case a year ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, they are here and they are earning New Zealand Olympic qualification points, which is the ultimate long-term goal right now.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they can take the experience of a year ago and build on it, perhaps this is the year we celebrate the 1st Kiwi W at the Women's World Curling Championship.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3><b>#TwineTimePredictions</b></h3></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Projected Standings:</b></div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>1. Canada 2. Switzerland 3. Korea 4. Sweden 5. Italy 6. Norway 7. USA 8. Denmark 9. Japan 10. Turkey 11. Scotland 12. New Zealand 13. Estonia</div><div><b><br />Qualifiers:</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Canada, Switzerland, Korea, Sweden, Italy, Norway</div><div><br /><b style="color: #7f6000;">Bronze Medal</b></div><div><span style="color: #7f6000;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #7f6000;"><b>Sweden (Team Hasselborg) def. Switzerland (Team Tirinzoni)</b></span><br /><b><span style="color: #bf9000;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">#WWCC2024 CHAMPIONSHIP<br /><br />Canada (Team Homan) def. Korea (Team Gim)<br /></span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaIktrPtrP3Y3zmgDk_dx65nOgrU81glJ8K04xW8YFHWOWRDMA4bSCXaEtPG-9aj0Z01RMQn5LUvTAl92wDNBm2HQj8_up6WTeggcq9CcYycpC0TV-YT_K_jVxoULohU9SWeCSg_GAnLBC2AyW_pJg3NHG-leXCgaE7Mf91buyRB2Rw7REZjNahrcK9Q=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhaIktrPtrP3Y3zmgDk_dx65nOgrU81glJ8K04xW8YFHWOWRDMA4bSCXaEtPG-9aj0Z01RMQn5LUvTAl92wDNBm2HQj8_up6WTeggcq9CcYycpC0TV-YT_K_jVxoULohU9SWeCSg_GAnLBC2AyW_pJg3NHG-leXCgaE7Mf91buyRB2Rw7REZjNahrcK9Q=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b>#TwineTime Podium Picks</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Gold - Canada</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Silver - Korea</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Bronze - Sweden</i></b></div><br />What say you rockheads? Agree? Disagree?</div><div><br /></div><div>Who do YOU think will land on the podium? Will we see any surprise results? Who will be #TeamUpset?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Trivia Answer: Korea's Team E. Kim is 2-0 vs. Team Homan this season (WFG Masters, Co-op Canadian Open)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><h2><b>#StayTuned</b></h2><div><br /></div><div>There is A LOT of curling hitting the ice right now. On top of the women's world championship, we have the Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship and the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #CMDCC2024 event will take place in Fredericton, NB from March 17 - 22. It will be a 32 team event with 4 pools of 8. The Top 12 will qualify for the playoffs with the pool winners earning a bye to the QF. Full details, including scores, can be found <a href="https://www.curling.ca/2024mixeddoubles/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #CWhCC2024 event will take place in Moose Jaw, SK from March 24 - 30. It will be an 11 team event with the Top 4 qualifying for the playoffs. Stay up to date on all the action <a href="https://www.curling.ca/2024wheelchair/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>To those competing at #WWCC2024, the ice is yours. The world is watching.</div><div><br /></div><div>And wishing all the athletes competing at upcoming Canadian championship good luck and good curling.</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-5884750947283053952024-02-28T11:30:00.000-07:002024-02-28T11:30:40.680-07:00#Brier2024 Preview<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Brier 2024 Preview</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Ready to Rock in Regina</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZLIyj__2AZhn44tkw5Gh6Cc0_ncpJY3ejJNqOCNa0zCnOC-tEjKj_SbiGOsBVkrVFKkfRkLgeT9znVjNmaa-vsyFfH-EXvPRd4iQVqGezW0iJ2ErTUACNE3jKQJ9vW5yVVYMjGZap_WrupfWrwYlqGTP_8hzSHGmqDinAzlsnZ5uIMofeqpaEYpTeeWR/s620/Brier2024%20Logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="620" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ZLIyj__2AZhn44tkw5Gh6Cc0_ncpJY3ejJNqOCNa0zCnOC-tEjKj_SbiGOsBVkrVFKkfRkLgeT9znVjNmaa-vsyFfH-EXvPRd4iQVqGezW0iJ2ErTUACNE3jKQJ9vW5yVVYMjGZap_WrupfWrwYlqGTP_8hzSHGmqDinAzlsnZ5uIMofeqpaEYpTeeWR/s320/Brier2024%20Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dawning of a new era is upon us curling fans.<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The red cups will be no more on the Brier ice as Tim Hortons is no longer a sponsor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bring on the baby back ribs? Imagine ribs on ice?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Welcome to the Montana's era.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">No, no not the state of Montana just below Alberta and Saskatchewan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We are talking about the restaurant chain: Montana's BBQ & Bar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Under Tim Hortons sponsorship, we would see red cups and timbits everywhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What will we see under Montana's sponsorship? Ribs, french fries and caesar's?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some people, my brother included, might actually like that offering more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But this is a sign change is coming. Whether we are ready for it or not is another question.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>#STOH2024 Review</b></p><p>Lets first congratulate our new #TeamCanada: Team Homan.</p><p>They were the dominating team throughout the Scotties in Calgary last week. Heck, they won the championship with a perfect record.</p><p>Rachel Homan becomes the first skip to win the Canadian championship with 2 perfect records (2014, 2024). It also happened to be her 4th Scotties title.</p><p>Hmmm, I wonder if 4 is her lucky number? If not, maybe it should be.</p><p>But were we really surprised with the result? Homan has been the dominant team all season.</p><p>They entered the Scotties with only 5 losses on the season. They leave the Scotties still with only 5 losses on the season (and only 1 vs. Canadian opposition).</p><p>Now they turn their attention to Sydney, Nova Scotia for the 2024 World Women's Curling Championships.</p><p>Can they do what nobody else has done in the past Olympic cycle and knock off Switzerland's Team Tirinzoni?</p><p>They will also face stiff competition from Sweden's Team Hasselborg and Italy's Team Constantini, just to name a few.</p><p>And of course, in speaking of change, Homan's win ended the Drive for Five for Team Einarson.</p><p>It was a bumpy start to the championships for the incoming Team Canada, one in which no factual information has been provided so speculation will not be made in this blog space.</p><p>Regardless of the start, Einarson and company showed true poise and professionalism in stepping on the ice all week, blocking out the distraction rumblings and rumors and trying to #DefendTheIce yet again.</p><p>All 4 members of the team represented the Maple Leaf with pride throughout the week and we should applaud Team Einarson for their run of Team Canada over the past 4 years.</p><p>And remind ourselves, they will be back and hungrier than ever before.</p><p>Oh, and there was a little retirement notice going on last week at WinSport. Did you hear about it?</p><p>Jo-Anne Rizzo has stepped away from the competitive women's game, playing in her final Scotties this year. From Ontario to #PolarPower, Rizzo will be missed on the ice by fans across the nation.</p><p>She is quite the cornhole player as well folks. I lost back-to-back games to her in The Patch. Maybe this should be her new sport?</p><p>Of course, the big news out of the week was the retirement of The GOAT, Jennifer Jones.</p><p>Being in attendance all week, the anticipation of Jones' last Scotties stone was building and emotions were starting to amp up.</p><p>It was unfortunate her final stone ended up being a miss to cost her the championship but the ICON will always live on.</p><p>Jones' resume speaks for itself. The emotions from players, peers and athletes spoke louder than any words could...not only inside the Winsport Arena but across the world from the curling community.</p><p>How does one sum up the career and impact Jennifer Jones has had on the sport?</p><p>The best response is the simplest: THANK YOU!!</p><p>So we have change coming from all angles.</p><p>New Brier sponsorship.</p><p>New Canadian champions.</p><p>Saying goodbye to fan favourites.</p><p>And saying hello to new competition formats?</p><p>Before we dive into the field, including Power Rankings, previews and predictions, there are a few hot topics we need to discuss.</p><p><b>Qualification Matters?</b></p><p>Heading into the season, Curling Canada announced a new qualification standard for the Scotties and Brier.</p><p>Gone were multiple backdoor....errr, I mean...wildcard spots. Now there would only be 1 spot up for grabs post-playdowns.</p><p>Welcome the Pre-Qualifiers! 2 teams, not already named Team Canada of course, who topped the CTRS would earn a direct spot into the field. No playdown party needed. They were handed the Golden VIP Ticket to the big show.</p><p>But would the VIP pass translate to success on the national scene?</p><p>We only have the Scotties to judge thus far and the results are in. YES!</p><p>The 2024 Scotties finalists were the 2 pre-qualifier teams: Team Homan and Team Jones.</p><p>Any worries around not competing at a playdown championship and arriving "cold" were quickly eliminated as the week went on.</p><p>Team Homan didn't even lose a game.</p><p>Oh, and that #WC spot in the field? Well that went to Team Cameron at the Scotties.</p><p>How did they do? Bronze medal.</p><p>So our Top 3 were 3 teams who did not win a provincial/territorial championship AND only 1 of them even competed in playdowns.</p><p>Wanna talk about change? These results only heighten the argument of some who claim a Canada Cup-style event should really decide our world championship representative over the traditional provincial/territorial championship system.</p><p>If a similar result takes place at the Brier in Regina, will it become the second nail in the coffin for the current state of affairs?</p><p>Time will tell...but the clock may be getting close to striking midnight.</p><p>And, for some of us "traditionalists", we are going to be turning into pumpkins very soon. </p><p><b>Qualifying Format Reminder</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMORZVtcxkxlOJZpSOBzvFqHd9Q7iPTUTVRwOvuCAuFB_MSowe5Zw9JKx43nBiXcDiVHhL3WRuXyJn4aGbxxP9eqR_te5Q65RDF03rqvZlRL4LGYTKLL0fNk7_S-ylR3sw8lwG8In5lGMdI_cZ6wL2shQ8P049689waHZ1zcaqmijKz6HMPKoT-J53ZVN7/s675/PlayoffFormat2024.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="348" data-original-width="675" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMORZVtcxkxlOJZpSOBzvFqHd9Q7iPTUTVRwOvuCAuFB_MSowe5Zw9JKx43nBiXcDiVHhL3WRuXyJn4aGbxxP9eqR_te5Q65RDF03rqvZlRL4LGYTKLL0fNk7_S-ylR3sw8lwG8In5lGMdI_cZ6wL2shQ8P049689waHZ1zcaqmijKz6HMPKoT-J53ZVN7/s320/PlayoffFormat2024.png" width="320" /></a></div>When people began looking at the playoffs during the Scotties, to say there was confusion is an understatement.<div><br /></div><div>Top 3 teams still qualified for the next round, similar to last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>But now we have (yet again) a NEW modified playoff bracket. ICYMI, check it out ๐ ๐ </div><div><br /></div><div>NOW the Top 2 in each pool advanced to the "second chance" opportunity game with 1st place playing 2nd place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Winners go to the 1 vs 2 PPG. Losers are still alive, advancing to face off against the 3rd place teams from each pool.</div><div><br /></div><div>What may have confused people was the naming convention. What are we even calling these games?</div><div><br /></div><div>Quarter-finals? Qualification round? Championship qualifiers? PPG qualifiers?</div><div><br /></div><div>The format itself is not inherently bad, in fact it can make sense. It does reward teams for finishing Top 2 in their pool.</div><div><br /></div><div>It also gives life to a 3rd place team. Their backs are against the wall but they still have hope.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heck, Team Cameron turned 3rd place in the RR into 3rd place overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>We need to have a distinct naming convention for these games. And something not with the name "qualifier" in it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Does #TwineTime have the answer? No. Does anyone? Apparently not.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe the initial games should be the Page Playoff Games. Winners advance to the playoffs after all.</div><div><br /></div><div>The current page playoff games maybe should be renamed as the QF games. Even the 1vs2 is, essentially, still a QF game. Winner gets a bye to the Final, loser drops to the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 3vs4 game is for sure a QF game. Winner to the SF, loser goes home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe the answer is simple. We just swap the current naming conventions around and stick with popular sport playoff lingo overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Top 3 advance to the Page Playoff Games. The survivors advance to the QF and so on.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it cannot be just that simple, can it?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><b>#ByeByeTB</b></div><div><br /></div><div>As was feared when tiebreaker games were sent to the wayside, we saw a muddle of teams tied for one final playoff spot in Calgary and the Draw Shot Challenge numbers eliminated a mittful of teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>And were fans happy about it? Hardly (unless you were cheering for Team Lawes of course).</div><div><p>Both pools in Calgary had ties for the final playoff spot.</p><p>Pool B saw Team Cameron and Team Brown finish with identical 5-3 records. Cameron advanced due to the H2H RR win.</p><p>Yup, makes sense. We like this. H2H should matter.</p><p>But what about Pool A?</p><p>5 teams finished with 4-4 records. This means 7 of the 9 teams in this pool were playoff eligible by the end of the RR.</p><p>The Top 2 (Alberta, Team Canada) finished with 7-1 records, clear above the field.</p><p>But 5 teams at 4-4 fighting for 1 playoff spot? Yikes!</p><p>What about the H2H? Shouldn't that solve it?</p><p>Well that was what everyone may have assumed would happen when this new rule came into effect.</p><p>The teams in Pool A said "hold my beer".</p><p>The H2H ended with all 5 teams sitting with identical 2-2 H2H records. Nobody had the advantage. Nobody was eliminated.</p><p>Enter Last Stone Draw. The LSD nobody wanted to take.</p><p>Manitoba - Lawes survived. Northern Ontario, Quebec, Saskatchewan and BC - Brown went home.</p><p>We get the argument. LSD matters. There are no tiebreakers at major international competitions anymore. Either find your draw weight or go home.</p><p>BUT, are these the same people saying we want wildcard and pre-qualifier teams in the field because we hate seeing "good" teams not compete at the Scotties/Brier and only the "best of the best" should be here?</p><p>You want the "best of the best" to compete but you also want to see the "best of the best" go home via LSD?</p><p>Here, have some cake and eat it too.</p><p>Yes, TB draws are a pain for logistical reasons, especially on all those people working behind the scenes like TSN, ice crew, volunteers, etc.</p><p>BUT, this is OUR national championship. And there is a Friday morning open slot still in the current draw.</p><p>Can't we compromise at least?</p><p>In the situation we saw in Calgary, how about we at least take the Top 2 from the large tie scenario and send them into a Friday morning draw? At least narrow it down and let them fight for the final spot.</p><p>Last year we saw 4 teams tie for 2 playoff spots, requiring 2 TB games to determine the final 2 playoff spots.</p><p>This year we saw 5 teams tie for 1 playoff spot and no TB game to determine the final spot.</p><p>If we are arguing for the best teams competing, we are going to get parity results. It is what we have seen in back-to-back Scotties now.</p><p>The teams are all equally as good. They are all capable of beating one another.</p><p>We want the best. We are getting the best. So shouldn't we also give them the best system for success?</p><p>This is NOT that system.</p><p>And, back to the international competition argument. Will all due respect to every other nation competing in the sport, depth of field and competition level is unmatched when Canada enters the conversation.</p><p>We don't HAVE to be the same as the international competition format.</p><p>We are not losing world championships because our national champions cannot draw to the button and dominate LSD. This seems more of a red herring argument than factual.</p><p>We already have the best teams in Canada competing at our national championships.</p><p>We are sending the best of the best to the world championships year after year.</p><p>Format changes at our national championships, especially when they happen year after year after year, are not the reason behind this new "lack of gold medal wins" concern Canadians have with the sport.</p><p>We may want to dig deeper than surface level. Celebrate our national championships for what they are and embrace the teams who win the right to be here.</p><p>And lets not send them home early because of cm or mm results!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#Brier2024 Preview</b></h3><p>To kick off the preview, welcome the return of the Power Rankings.</p><p>Note, these are the Power Rankings according to #TwineTime so they may, or may not, align with the world rankings and/or CTRS. For reference, each teams CTRS spot is noted.</p><p>After the Power Rankings, lets break down the pools and offer up some predictions.</p></div><div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsSRiPHYJJI/YC2FjgAwCDI/AAAAAAABVMs/Yf86QhzVjekzaygT0K5I7OeUYhG6RUaZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s659/RankingsImage.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="659" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nsSRiPHYJJI/YC2FjgAwCDI/AAAAAAABVMs/Yf86QhzVjekzaygT0K5I7OeUYhG6RUaZQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/RankingsImage.PNG" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p></div><div><div><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">1. #PQ1 - Team Bottcher (#1)</span></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </i><span>46-17 (Qualified in 9 of 9 events, 5 finals, Won 3 titles)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"> </i><span>Highest CTRS points at the end of 2022/23 season</span></div></span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Defense Wins Championships?</span></div><div><br /></div><div>When you don't give up a ton of steals, you are more often walking off the ice as winners.</div><div><br /></div><div>This season, Team Bottcher has a Steal Defense stat of 0.10 (or 10%). Only 10% of the time they are letting a team steal on them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look at the season record. They have played 63 games this season. That is a lot of curling...and a lot of ends played. And, in all those ends played, only 10% of the time they are giving up a steal.</div><div><br /></div><div>At last year's Brier, Bottcher only allowed 2 steals against. 1 in the Championship Round game vs. former teammate/rival Darren Moulding and 1 in the 10th end of the SF vs. Team Dunstone.</div><div><br /></div><div>That last steal vs. Dunstone sent him home with a bronze medal. The memory will linger this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>But if they continue the trend of not giving away stolen points, they are going to be very hard to beat.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #999999;">2. #PQ2 - Team Dunstone (#4)</span></b></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </i><span>34-16 (Qualified in 6 of 8 events, Won 1 title)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </i>Second highest CTRS points at the end of 2022/23 season</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>May The Force Be With You</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Dunstone's success against the field was his ability to force his opposition when they had hammer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Dunstone only conceded 27 points in his 8 RR games, leading the field in Points Against (second closest was Team Bottcher's 37 points against).</div><div><br /></div><div>Dunstone also only lost a total of 18 ends in the RR, leading the field once again (second closest was Team Bottcher with 25).</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh, and Dunstone led the field in Points For in the RR, scoring 80 points (second closest was Team McEwen with 70).</div><div><br /></div><div>Those are impressive stat categories to lead the field in...and will contribute to wins quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>If he can do the same this year, he may be able to replicate his RR success from last year and go one game better this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, last year Dunstone went 10-0 against the majority of the field but 0-2 vs. Gushue.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">3. #TeamCanada - Team Gushue (CTRS #2)</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </i><span>35-14 (Qualified in 6 of 7 events, Won 1 title, Won Pan-Continental Gold)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </i><span>Defending Brier champions (def. Team Dunstone in 2023 final)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Control The End</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Some may say Gushue got a bit "lucky" in last year's 1 vs 2 game vs. Dunstone, when Dunstone blanked ends 7, 8 and 9 to come home with hammer down one. Gushue stole the 10th and punched his ticket to the final. The same "luck" may not strike twice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gushue was one of the leading teams in blank ends at the 2023 Brier (6 total, T3rd overall).</div><div><br /></div><div>Gushue plays a smart strategic game in getting out of an end early if it doesn't look promising.</div><div><br /></div><div>Controlling the ends again this year, blanking when needed, playing the scoreboard, can be a huge key to their ability to #DefendTheIce this year.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">4. #WC - Team Koe (#3)</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </i><span>43-23 (Qualified in 5 of 10 events, Reached 4 finals, Won 2 titles)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"> </i><span>Highest CTRS points of non-qualified teams at end of playdowns (lost AB final)</span></div></span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Blank Page</span></div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin Koe is a curling engineer. He analyzes the game from every angle and possibility.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while some may say he is over-analytical, his ability to read the game often goes in his favour.</div><div><br /></div><div>At last year's Brier, Koe led the field with blank ends in the RR (9 total).</div><div><br /></div><div>To say Koe is patient is an understatement. And that patience can remain his ace in the pocket.</div><div><br /></div><div>If the middle section of the squad, Tyler Tardi and Jacques Gauthier, can also navigate their sophomore Brier feelings into positive results on the ice, this Koe team will be very dangerous.</div><div><br /></div><div>We already saw what a "last in the field" team can do at the Scotties. Could we see the same in Regina?</div><div><br /></div><div>Sidenote: How many of you thought "Clock Management" would be the Key to Success? It can't be, he already knows how to do that. It is everyone watching in the stands that is nervous about it.</div><div> </div></div><div><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">5. #TeamGreen - Team McEwen (#6)</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </i><span>48-24 (Qualified in 7 of 11 events)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"> </i><span>SK Champion (def. Team Kleiter in final)</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Ride The (Green) Wave</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div>Being the home team can be added pressure...or added support.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alberta's Team Sturmay rode the Alberta wave right into a Top 4 finish at the Scotties.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can Saskatchewan's Team McEwen do the same?</div><div><br /></div><div>Look what Mike McEwen did last year as Ontario champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Brier was in London, ON and, as the home team, he guided Ontario to a "surprise" 4th place finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2019, McEwen was the home team as Manitoba champion in front of the Brier crowd in Brandon. They team reached the Championship Round and finished 5th place overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regina also has some positive memories for him. He won the wildcard game at the 2018 Brier and, once again, guided his team to the Championship Round and a 5th place finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>McEwen seems to thrive when the fans are on his side. He will have plenty of fans supporting him in Regina when he dons the green jacket.</div><div><br /></div><div>And you know Colton Flasch and the Marsh brothers will have plenty of family and friends in the stands supporting them too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could this be a "special" year for Saskatchewan curling fans?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><span style="color: #783f04;">6. #BuffaloHunt - Team Carruthers (#5)</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>36-25 (Qualified in 6 of 9 events, 1 final, Won PointsBet Invitational)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </span><span>Manitoba Champion (def. Team Calvert in final)</span></div></span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Tilt The Scales To Your Advantage</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div>Last year, Carruthers missed the Championship Pool with a 4-4 RR record.</div><div><br /></div><div>And all the important stats lingered around the .500 mark as well: 51/47 (Points For/Points Against), 34/31 (Ends Won/Ends Lost), 8/8 (Blank Ends, Stolen Ends).</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, look at the average Points For / Points Against: 7/6.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everything hovers around the .500 mark. And while Carruthers is on the plus side at least, the scales are not tipped as far in his favour compared to some of the competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Carruthers needs to tip those stat scales into a larger advantage. If even one of those stats can lean more towards the Manitoba champions, it could mean the difference between an early exit once again or playing closing weekend.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">7. #ABStrong - Team Sluchinski (#7)</span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>38-23 (Qualified in 7 of 11 events, Won 2 titles)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </span><span>Alberta Champion (def. Team Koe in final)</span></div></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Survive The Rookie Vibes</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Team Sluchinski accomplished what many thought may never happen. Someone not named "Martin" or "Koe" or "Bottcher" won the Boston Pizza Cup.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>They broke through a tough Alberta championship and now will represent the province in Regina.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Last year was heartbreak as they were the "first team out" for one of the WC spots.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>This year, they took fate into their own hands and ensured no heartbreak (of course, after Carruthers won Manitoba, Alberta finalists Sluchinski and Koe were both in the Brier field regardless).</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>But it feels much more deserving to be in the field as a provincial champion.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Now the question is how they handle the pressure. You are Alberta champions after all.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>They can take motivation from fellow rookie champ Team Sturmay and their outstanding results this past week at the Scotties.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Maybe Alberta lightning strikes twice on the prairies at Canadian championships?</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>If we look at H2H records this season against the field, Sluchinski is 7-10 overall. But those wins include victories over frontrunners Bottcher and Dunstone, fan fav McEwen (twice) and provincial rival Koe (including both wins at the Boston Pizza Cup).</span></div></i></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">8. #TeamPacific - Team Schneider (#15)</span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>35-25 (Qualified in 5 of 10 events, Reached 2 finals)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </span><span>B.C. Champion (def. Team Montgomery in final)</span></div></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Welcome Home Skipper</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Catlin Schneider may curl out of B.C. but his heart is in Saskatchewan. He is a Sasky-born athlete after all. And he has 3 previous Brier appearances representing his home province (2017, 2020, 2022).</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">His "coming home" will be a unique one as he will curl in front of family and friends but NOT be the home town team. Will Regina fans still embrace a local Sasky boy even though he curls out of B.C.?</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Schneider will not only have a home town feel to embrace but this is also his 1st Brier as a skip. The expectations and weight of the event will hit different. Pressure will mount and fall on his broad shoulders.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Having friendly fans around him might help offset those pressures though, making this team a dangerous "fly under the radar" team to watch out for.</div></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>9. #CurlON - Team Howard (#12)</b></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>26-15 (Qualified in 4 of 6 events, Won 1 title)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </span><span>Ontario Champion (def. Team King in final)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div></span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Glenn Howard / Mat Camm</span><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>We saw Howard coaching Team Jones at the Scotties last week in Calgary. Is he ready to go for the Brier in Regina?</div><div><br /></div><div>In the media guide, Howard is listed as second on the team roster. The team also picked up Mat Camm as alternate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whether Howard plays, how often he plays and how he is feeling could decide how far this team goes.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, if Howard does need to sit out, can Camm come in and "save the day"?</div><div><br /></div><div>We know 5-team rotations can be successful...but also can be your downfall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, this team did win their provincial championship playing with only 3 players. Will 5 be too many or a disruption? </div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><b style="color: #01ffff;">10. #Labelleprovince - Team Tremblay (#26)</b></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span><div><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </i><span>34-9 (Qualified in 4 of 7 events, Reached 4 finals, Won 3 titles)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"> </i><span>Quebec Champion (def. Team Asselin in final)</span></div></span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Points, Points, Points</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span>The team from Quebec may be a "rookie" team on the ice but do not underestimate them.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Look at the season record stat. When they qualify, they play in finals. They have won titles.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>This is a team very capable of surprising a few of their opponents...and some fans as well.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>One of the keys to success for the team this season is their ability to score points. They love rocks in play. They love high offense.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>This season, their Points For / Points Against ratio is 8.9/5.6.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>If you are scoring 8 or 9 points per game, you are likely to pick up quite a few wins.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>And if you are holding your opposition to 5 or less, similar results.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>What will be interesting to watch is whether that offensive gameplan of going for points works for or against them against a high-caliber, highly experienced field.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>They could end up scoring a few big ends. But they could end up giving up a few as well.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>We have seen similar strategies from Quebec teams in the past, just look at Laurie St-Georges. Rocks in play does not phase her. Sometimes the result is positive, sometimes not so much.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>If this debut team can land on the positive side of the stat, watch out!</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><div><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">11. #TeamAcadia - Team Grattan (#31)</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>30-10 (Qualified in 5 of 6 events, Won 2 titles)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>New Brunswick Champion (Won A, B & C bracket)</span></div></span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Joel Krats</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div>Remember last year's Brier when everyone was watching #NextGen Tyler Tardi playing his 1st Brier with experienced skip Kevin Koe?</div><div><br /></div><div>The Joel Krats / James Grattan combo is the same storyline this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Grattan has a ton of Brier experience, including bronze medal wins in 2002 and 1997.</div><div><br /></div><div>Krats will be making his Brier debut. Krats has Canadian Junior and World Junior experience but we know the transition from junior to men's can be tough.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Krats can contain the freshman jitters, under the guidance of a seasoned pro in Grattan, this team could surprise a few of their competitors.</div></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><div><b><span style="color: #45818e;">12. #TeamBluenose - Team Manuel (#30)</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>26-17 (Qualified in 3 of 7 events)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </span><span>Nova Scotia Champion (def. Team Purcell in final)</span></div></span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Coach Kelly</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span>Kim Kelly will be on the bench with Team Manuel in Regina. And her experience could be a wildcard factor towards their success.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>Team Manuel will be making their sophomore appearance at the Brier after their debut last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>The nerves should be more in check and the team will know what to expect. Add in Kelly's winning experience and they could surprise a few teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw what Colleen Jones was able to do with Team Smith in Calgary, helping guide them towards a playoff push up until the final day of RR play.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why shouldn't we expect a Jones championship teammate to make a similar result happen in Regina?</div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">13. #TheIslanders - Team Smith (#75)</span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>18-9 (Qualified in 2 of 4 events, Won 1 title)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </i><span>PEI Champion (Won A, B & C bracket)</span></div></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Last Stone Draw</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>It can be hard to win games when you don't often start with the hammer.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>It gets even harder when you concede hammer from the start and give up points right of the gate.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>You are always playing catch up and trying to chase your opposition.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Last year, Smith ranked 16th (of 18) for LSD in the RR.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>They only started with hammer twice. And they went 1-1.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>When they did not have hammer, they went 1-5.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>If the PEI champs are to improve on their 2-6 record from a year ago, it starts during warm-up and those all important draws.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Not to mention, LSD may send teams homes early with no TB. Teams cannot afford to have bad LSD numbers anymore.</span></div></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;">14. #TheRock - Team Symonds (#95)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>15-4 (Reached the final in only tour event played this season)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>NL Champion (def. Team Smith in final)</span></div></span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Bring The Hammer</span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><span>Hammer Efficiency is also a key to success in curling. If you can toss a few extra points on the board when you have last rock, your odds of winning will increase.</span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><span>This season, Team Symonds has a hammer efficiency rating of 0.53. This is a positive stat to keep an eye on.</span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Matching this rating at the Brier could translate into a few more wins for the NL team.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Ok, sure they "quality" of opposition will greatly increase compared to the sole tour event and NL Tankard event they played this season.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">And, true, this season they have only played teams from NL.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">But hey, if you play your game the way you draw it up, anything can happen. You can only control your 8 rocks each end after all.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">The more "extra" points Symonds can score with hammer, especially in the early ends, the better the chance of knocking off those higher ranked teams.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Plus, lets shout out vice Colin Thomas for qualifying for his 1st Brier.</div></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: #274e13;">15. #FearTheMoose - Team Bonot (#58)</span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>34-15 (Qualified in 3 of 4 events)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>N. Ontario Champion (def. Team Horgan in final)</span></div></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Mixed Experience</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Not "mixed" as in unknown but "mixed" as in mixed curling.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Skip Trevor Bonot has tremendous mixed curling experience, winning the Canadian title and world silver medal in 2017.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>He has skipped a Northern Ontario mixed curling entry at 5 Canadian Mixed Curling Championships.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>His experience at Canadian championships could be helpful to his team.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br />Yes, a Brier is quite difference from a Canadian mixed with the lights and TV and fans and media and all the other "fun" distractions. But national championship experience is national championship experience. The team can lean on his leadership experience.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>Plus, being good friends with Team McCarville and learning from them always helps.</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span>After all, Mike McCarville (Krista's husband) and Jordan Potts (Sarah's husband) are on the team.</span></div></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: #cccccc;">16. #PolarPower - Team Koe (#93)</span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><div><br /></div><div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </i><span>9-4 (Qualified in 1 of 2 events, Reached 1 final)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified: </i><span>NWT Champion (def. Team Saturnino in Best of 5 playdown)</span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Win The End</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span>If Jamie Koe is to make some noise in Regina, he is going to need to win more ends than last year.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>In 2023, Koe won only 29 of 69 ends played, ranking 15th overall in the field of 18.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>To win games, you need to win more ends. The 42% ends won mark resulted in a 1-7 RR record.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>This season the team has a 0.38 Hammer Efficiency stat. Again, an area needing to improve if they want to collect some Ws.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div>Koe's experience (2024 will be his 17th Brier appearance) will always be helpful and always keeps him as a dangerous opponent though.</div></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"><br /></span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">17. #PurplePower - Team Scoffin (NR)</span></b></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><span><div><span style="font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </span><span>4-3 (Went 4-0 at Yukon Men's Curling Championship)</span></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span>Yukon Champion (won double round robin)</span></div></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Bail Out</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">At the 2023 Brier, Yukon's Team Scoffin was one of two teams (SK was the other) who did not play a single blank end.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Imagine playing 8 RR games and playing 0 blank ends?</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">There were rocks in play each end. And sometimes there were A LOT of rocks in play.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Fans may love it but the team competing may be adding more stress to the experience than needed.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Take a page out of the Kevin Koe playbook. Blank ends can be your best friend sometimes.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Not every end will go according to plan. When it is looking bad early, hit the reset button, take a blank and move forward.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Scoffin conceded 62 points last year during the RR, 5th most in the field.</div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;">Lowering that number + Adding blank ends when needed could equal better results overall.</div></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><span style="color: #990000; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><b><span style="color: #fcff01;">18. #TeamArctic - Team Latimer (NR)</span></b></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><span><div><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;">Season Record: </i><span>6-1 (Only appearance was at Nunavut Territorial Championship)</span></div><div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: 400;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">How They Qualified:</i><i style="font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"> </i><span>Nunavut Champion (def. Team Kingdon in final)</span></div></span></span></div><div><span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></span></div><div><span><i style="font-weight: bold;">Key To Success: </i><span>Experience Matters</span></span></div><div><span><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></span></div><div><span><span>At first glance, one may see Team Latimer on the entry list and think they are an "unknown".</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>But do not let the eye test fool you.</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>This team was here last year folks. Well, a majority of them anyway.</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span><span>Same team, different skip.</span></span></div><div><span><span><br /></span></span></div><div>At last year's Brier, Jake Higgs was in the house. This season it will be Shane Latimer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Latimer may be the "rookie" on the team but he has 3 teammates with Brier experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>In fact, vice Sheldon Wettig, second Brady St. Louis and lead Christian Smitheram have each been to 3 Brier events already. 2024 will be #4 for each of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Will they be a huge underdog in each game? Of course.</div><div><br /></div><div>But there is experience with this team. And they are coming off a Brier win last year (def. NL).</div><div><br /></div><div>Could they match their 2023 record or go one better?</div><div><br /></div><div><h3><b>#TwineTimePredictions</b></h3><p><b>Pool A</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4QLafQ7V8_Z28tpL_refBSMFyL-jZy4mKydvWFT7gH5Wkxq_nnPA1UyomGXmxoZF8AFx-F7oDBAxe3qus_V_zMOZuJA2UDzBmkV58DD90KrggZARKn5GSvngulw4M3HUSk_14FLu2aQbr_QJ7cNkshU915oeTn5JBoWM0p0cnZbWycPTVNFLGoZ1RsRN/s232/Brier2024%20Pool%20A.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="213" data-original-width="232" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4QLafQ7V8_Z28tpL_refBSMFyL-jZy4mKydvWFT7gH5Wkxq_nnPA1UyomGXmxoZF8AFx-F7oDBAxe3qus_V_zMOZuJA2UDzBmkV58DD90KrggZARKn5GSvngulw4M3HUSk_14FLu2aQbr_QJ7cNkshU915oeTn5JBoWM0p0cnZbWycPTVNFLGoZ1RsRN/s1600/Brier2024%20Pool%20A.png" width="232" /></a></div>With both pre-qualifiers being placed in the same pool, and both having outstanding seasons, it feels like Pool A is handicapped right out of the hack.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bottcher and Dunstone are not going to miss the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both are going to advance out of this pool. Lets just be honest.</div><div><br /></div><div>This leaves only 1 playoff ticket up for grabs.</div><div><br /></div><div>And there are 4 teams with past Brier playoff experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>Carruthers/Jacobs would be a front runner.</div><div><br /></div><div>But never count out the name Howard.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jimmy the Kid is back and, with a #NextGen vice adding youthful support, could surprise.</div><div><br /></div><div>And what about the home town boy returning...but representing a new province?</div><div><br /></div><div>Yukon picked up a few wins last year. Their results could shake up this pool, should they win 2 (or more) games again this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>And what to make of NL Team Symonds and debut Team Bonot from Northern Ontario? Similar to Yukon, if they play above their seeds, their results (win or lose) could be a wildcard factor in deciding who stays dancing and who goes home.</div><div><br /></div><div>If any of these "other" teams can take a game off #Favs Bottcher and Dunstone, that could be the difference maker in this pool.</div><div><br /></div><div>If not, the "other" teams with lower seeds could prove to be #TeamUpset and play spoiler.</div><div><br /></div><div>All eyes will be on those "middle" 4 teams but how they do against the "top" and "bottom" seeds in the pool may actually become the ultimate decider.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: British Columbia</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Catlin Schneider has been here before. 2024 marks his 4h Brier appearance. But his 1st as a skip.</div><div><br /></div><div>Schneider announced his presence to the curling world at the 2017 Brier in St. John's when he was awarded a First Team All Star. He led all third position players that year, curling 89% overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Schneider's next two appearances were at second position in 2020 and back to vice in 2022. In 2020, he finished 4th at the position, curling 85%. In 2022, tied for 5th at 84%.</div><div><br /></div><div>3 Brier appearances. Averaging out to a career curling mark of 86% overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, as skip, the pressure will be greater. The shots will be harder.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, if Schneider comes even remotely close to his career curling mark, his team should be in a good position.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year under the skip position, the top 5 skip percentages ranged from 89% - 81%. If Schneider meets his 80% curling goal, could the team be in the playoff hunt?</div><div><br /></div><div>Those Top 5 skips from last year all made the playoff round.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is an experienced BC team too, having also competed in the Brier last year with former skip Jacques Gauthier. They finished with a 3-5 record.</div><div><br /></div><div>But second Sterling Middleton and lead Alex Horvath did finish in the Top 5 curling percentages for their positions.</div><div><br /></div><div>The results of this BC team could decide the Top 3 in this pool. If they can knock off the team ranked below them and surprise 1 or 2 teams above them, a 5-3 record is within grasp.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bottcher and Dunstone will be clear #Favs. But that final spot really is a toss up between a few strong teams, BC being one of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, we get the renewed rivalry of Dunstone vs. Schneider. Remember, Schneider once played with Dunstone out of Saskatchewan. They won a Brier bronze medal in 2020 and a #gsoc event together before Schneider was replaced on the team.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, could we possibly see a Schneider vs. Colton Flasch reunion in the playoff round?</div><div><br /></div><div>After Schneider left Team Dunstone, he joined forces with Flasch and the Marsh brothers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who doesn't remember the electricity they brought to the ice in Lethbridge, making a surprise push to the playoffs (including knocking off Dunstone) and finishing 4th place overall in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>Schneider's Brier resume is a successful one. And, regardless of the provincial initials on his jacket, he will be curling in front of home province family and friends.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that could be the wildcard in his favour towards a playoff push.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Projected Standings (Seed):</i></b></div><div><p>1. #PQ1 - Bottcher (1)</p><p>2. #PQ2 - Dunstone (4)</p><p>3. #BuffaloHunt - Carruthers (5)</p><p>4. #TeamPacific (9)</p><p>5. #CurlON (8)</p><p>6. #TeamAcadia (12)</p><p>7. #TheRock (16)</p><p>8. #FearTheMoose (13)</p><p>9. #PurplePower (17)</p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Pool B</b></p><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcjlXGPPbrj7wCt3_J9VHN0os3RrBAd6FDz093ddcxWAKHpVbrSOgMlqZlSxehgzCEJdGrskKzOhBemHr_CX4x4fhYnr7rCrR4JB3FT8JiT5f13ZFKQmB1YsTYav5ONMXAkaZm1ckMGrz9AqAU98gRoP2WQiB0ErJGeHDKl39fPfRCX77396l_Y5GlgdI/s232/Brier2024%20Pool%20B.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="232" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpcjlXGPPbrj7wCt3_J9VHN0os3RrBAd6FDz093ddcxWAKHpVbrSOgMlqZlSxehgzCEJdGrskKzOhBemHr_CX4x4fhYnr7rCrR4JB3FT8JiT5f13ZFKQmB1YsTYav5ONMXAkaZm1ckMGrz9AqAU98gRoP2WQiB0ErJGeHDKl39fPfRCX77396l_Y5GlgdI/s1600/Brier2024%20Pool%20B.png" width="232" /></a></div>Here is our #PoolOfDeath.</div><div><br /></div><div>If the Brier is going to produce a similar outcome to what we saw with Pool A at the Scotties, welcome to Pool B.</div><div><br /></div><div>Canada's Team Gushue should safely navigate the pool and book a spot in the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>But those other 2 tickets? They are up for grabs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Koe has looked vulnerable at times this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sluchinski shocked the system with the Alberta championship win.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saskatchewan has experience on their side but are still a new team themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nova Scotia was here last year. Could the extra year of experience translate into sophomore success?</div><div><br /></div><div>Quebec may be new but we have learned to new count out a team from #Labelleprovince based on name recognition alone. Look at Laurie St-Georges in her first Scotties...and she continues to push for playoffs each year she is there.</div><div><br /></div><div>PEI's Team Smith has experience. As does NWT's Team Koe.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even the majority of Nunavut players have Brier experience.</div><div><br />This is a pool where the inmates of the asylum may devour themselves. Who can make it out alive?</div><div><br /></div><div>And, whomever does survive, what will be left in them to continue the fight for the playoffs?</div><div><br />Do not be surprised to find a handful of teams with 5-3 or 4-4 records fighting for 1 (or 2) playoff tickets by the end of the RR.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope the teams in this pool have been practicing their LSD. They are going to need it! </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Nova Scotia</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>If any team can shake up this pool, it might just be Nova Scotia's Team Manuel.</div><div><br /></div><div>The squad will make their sophomore appearance in Regina, coming off a 3-5 debut showing last year. They dominated the NS Tankard, going a perfect 5-0 including 3 straight wins over #Fav and higher ranked Team Purcell.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year they defeated Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Saskatchewan.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year they are once again paired up with NWT and Nunavut. They also draw fellow maritime province PEI. And two rookie teams in Alberta and Quebec.</div><div><br /></div><div>This season they have played PEI and Quebec, going 1-1 vs. Team Smith and 0-1 vs. Team Arsenault/Tremblay.</div><div><br /></div><div>The possibility to finish with a better record than last year is there.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, with experience under the slider, they could catch one of those higher seeds by surprise as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a team smack dab in the middle of this pool. Their results will decide who advances, whether for the good or bad of the team itself.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they surprise one (or more) of the teams ranked above them, it could be a decider on who finishes Top 3.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take note, there is always Atlantic Canada bragging rights on the line among NS, NB, NL and PEI. Last year, NS was the top team of the provincial champions (not counting Gushue as Team Canada of course). They finished with the best record of the 4 provinces.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can they claim the Atlantic Canada titles, and bragging rights, once again this year?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Projected Standings:</i></b></div><p>1. #TeamCanada (2)</p><p>2. #TeamGreen (6)</p><p>3. #WC - Koe (3)</p><p>4. #ABStrong (7)</p><p>5. #TeamBluenose (11)</p><p>6. #Labelleprovince (10)</p><p>7. #TheIslanders (14)</p><p>8. #PolarPower (15)</p><p>9. #TeamArctic (18)</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Playoff Qualifiers: #PQ1 (Bottcher), #TeamCanada, #PQ2 (Dunstone), #TeamGreen, #BuffaloHunt (Carruthers), #WC (Koe)</b></p><p><b>Page Playoff Qualifiers: #PQ1 (Bottcher), #TeamCanada, #PQ2 (Dunstone), #WC (Koe)<br /></b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;">#Brier2024 CHAMPIONSHIP: #PQ1 Team Bottcher def. #PQ2 Team Dunstone</b></p><p><b style="color: #bf9000;"><br /></b></p><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><p>The blog will be in Regina starting the early part of the week, missing opening weekend unfortunately.</p><p>But, if you follow #TwineTime on social media, you would have noticed the daily Reels providing updates on standings, reviews of the previous draw and preview the upcoming draw.</p><p>The TwineTime reels will be back in Regina...and maybe a SPECIAL GUEST will be joining them?!?!</p><p>Follow along on <a href="https://twitter.com/twinetime14" target="_blank"><b>X (formerly known as Twitter)</b></a> or join the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/twinetime" target="_blank"><b>TwineTime Facebook Group</b></a>.</p><p>To those competing in Regina, the world is watching. The fans have returned. And everyone is ready for you to take center ice.</p><p>Good luck and good curling.</p><p>The ice is yours...</p></div></div></div></div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-17789255753547705202024-02-06T18:49:00.000-07:002024-02-06T18:49:38.640-07:00Playdown After After Party 2024<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: The Playdown After After Party</u></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>The final provincial championships of the season</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGXfrihh01NMx8EWC2ljiDlEjs9nnSmocoN_eryM8QyXHsj3QBbP98P6CH5vxgh2KhmvaWscLUEw1ipRGuXXFSO_rZ6uqBwmmBhctz40B_qwsUy2gesT6dA4B_NHes-0lhm-qQ8V-1jbQ_ZPFES19nKEq_xUAg4Joyk_1tX3p_nENHTg5G4rfPEX9k2Hg/s360/AfterAfterParty.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="203" data-original-width="360" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoGXfrihh01NMx8EWC2ljiDlEjs9nnSmocoN_eryM8QyXHsj3QBbP98P6CH5vxgh2KhmvaWscLUEw1ipRGuXXFSO_rZ6uqBwmmBhctz40B_qwsUy2gesT6dA4B_NHes-0lhm-qQ8V-1jbQ_ZPFES19nKEq_xUAg4Joyk_1tX3p_nENHTg5G4rfPEX9k2Hg/s320/AfterAfterParty.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">We have reached the end of our Playdown Party journey rock heads.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you survived all the parties thus far?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tired? Wired? Awake? Bueller....</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you have made it this far, Welcome to the Playdown After After Party.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our attention heads to the prairies for the final 2 playdown parties of the season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Alberta. Manitoba.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We are ready for you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do not disappoint. You are closing out the Playdown Party season this year.</div></div><div><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div>With the Scotties field finalized and the action ready to hit the ice in Calgary next weekend, the blog will have a SPECIAL #STOH2024 PREVIEW sliding out of the hack before first rocks are thrown.</div><div><br /></div><div>You can get caught up on the field and the pool placements as summarized in last week's <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2024/01/playdown-after-party-2024.html#more" target="_blank"><b>blog post</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>We should also note Team Peterson and Team Shuster won the USA Curling Championships over the weekend and earned their tickets to the upcoming 2024 world championships as well as the first spot in the upcoming USA Olympic Curling Trials (assuming of course USA earns a spot in the field based on world championship results).</div><div><br /></div><div>Note, the #TwineTime blog did predict championship wins for both Peterson and Shuster in last week's blog post. ๐</div><div><br /></div><div>We had surprise / #TeamUpset results at the Japanese Curling Championships. Team Abe was the dominant men's team all competition and ended up taking home the title, defeating Team Yanagisawa in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Ueno/Kanai won the women's championship after defeating fellow surprise finalist Team Tabata in the championship game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Abe and Team Ueno will now represent Japan at the upcoming 2024 world championships in Switzerland and Canada respectively.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Hasselborg and Team Nyman won the Swedish Curling Championships as well. Of course Hasselborg and Team Edin were already announced pre-championship as the teams to qualify for the world championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Kapp and Team Abbes won the German Curling Championships too. With Kapp's win, it forced a Best of 3 series vs. Team Totzek for the world championship spot. Kapp continued the winning ways, winning the series 2-0 and earning their ticket to Switzerland.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shout out to Abbes as well for winning the championship while only playing with 3 players.</div><div><br /></div><div>From the international scene back to Canadian ice, we still have a few more tickets to claim for Regina at the 2024 Brier.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets get caught up on the current Brier field.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>#Brier2024</b><br /><br />We know 15 of the 18 teams have already punched their tickets to the Montana's Brier in Regina, SK. </div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to the following teams:<br /><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">#TeamCanada - Team Gushue</span></b><br /></div><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>#PQ1 - Team Bottcher</b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">#PQ2 - Team Dunstone</span></b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="color: yellow;">#TeamArctic - Team Latimer</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: purple;">#PurplePower - Team Scoffin</span></b></span></div><div><span><div><b><span>#CurlON - Team Howard</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">#TeamPacific - Team Schneider</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">#PolarPower - Team Koe</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">#TeamBluenose - Team Manuel</span></b></div><div><div><b><span style="color: #274e13;">#FearTheMoose - Team Bonot</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">#Labelleprovince - Team Arsenault</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">#TheIslanders - Team Smith</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">#TheRock - Team Symonds</span></b></div></div><div><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">#TeamGreen - Team McEwen</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">#TeamAcadia - Team Grattan</span></b></div></span><br />This past weekend we added a few familiar names to the Brier party dance card.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mike McEwen made #HIStory in becoming the 1st skip to win 3 different provincial championships (Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan).</div><div><br /></div><div>And he is joined of course by the remaining members of the former Team Flasch, who made lightning strike on Brier ice back in 2022 in Lethbridge, shocking the system with their run to the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>We also welcome the return of James Grattan to the Brier. Grattan will be making his 16th Brier appearance this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we welcome a new face to the Brier family with Team Grattan vice Joel Krats. The #NextGen athlete will make his Brier debut in Regina.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week we focus on those final 3 spots. We have 2 provincial championships, Alberta and Manitoba, and the 1 #WC spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the results in Alberta and Manitoba WILL decide who receives the lone #WC invite this year too.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you still have room for more cold drinks and hot eats, the door is open and you are invited to the #PlaydownAfterAfterParty.<br /><br /><h3><b>Playdown Previews</b></h3><b><div><b><br /></b></div>#Brier2024</b></div><div><b><br /></b><div><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>#ABStrong</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDrmlIIffGMPwP_0lcjVNtTsqBe8JwXETr8IXWauYeVCCh8Bf47GaFz5MOBqmebte6B4u7rbax6G4qljCV1aJE63awrCExGtkWZihJ6MrpjvnF9UJJ1iZ3E2LVo4NbVzN0qWPfUnU3gjKxXW7Ak_MpUBvUAiuuA-YMjG6OMGNwUucVKE3IsylUy_KyvuB/s700/ABflag.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="524" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDrmlIIffGMPwP_0lcjVNtTsqBe8JwXETr8IXWauYeVCCh8Bf47GaFz5MOBqmebte6B4u7rbax6G4qljCV1aJE63awrCExGtkWZihJ6MrpjvnF9UJJ1iZ3E2LVo4NbVzN0qWPfUnU3gjKxXW7Ak_MpUBvUAiuuA-YMjG6OMGNwUucVKE3IsylUy_KyvuB/w150-h200/ABflag.png" width="150" /></a></div></div>Hinton, AB</div><div><br />2023 Champion: Team Koe<br /><br />Format: 12 team triple knockout with 4 qualifiers.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Koe</i></b><br /><br />The #3peat is never easy in sports.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin Koe will attempt to accomplish the feat with another Boston Pizza Cup win this week in Hinton.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ranked #8 in the world (#3 CTRS), Koe will be the overwhelming favourite to defend his championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>This season has been a tale of 2 stories for Team Koe. We have the #gsoc resume and the tour resume. And one is overwhelmingly more positive than the other.</div><div><br /></div><div>Outside of the slams, Koe has qualified in 5 of 6 events. The team has reached 4 finals and won 2 titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>The positive.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what about at the slam events?</div><div><br /></div><div>Koe has failed to qualify at all 4 slams this season, with a best result being losing a TB game at the recent Canadian Open in January.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall the team has a season record of 39-21. They are 32-10 outside of the slams but 7-10 at the slams.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the one unaccounted for loss? The #Sweep16 opening round loss to SK Tankard finalist Team Kleiter.</div><div><br /></div><div>So the question is, which teams shows up in Hinton?</div><div><br /></div><div>The one who dominated the tour season? Or the one who struggled during the slam season?</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 3-0 vs. the field this season; however, all 3 of those games have been against the same team.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that team just happens to be the #TeamUpset....</div><div><br /></div><div>TRIVIA: Who was the last Alberta skip to win 3 Alberta titles in a row?</div><div><br /></div><div>Kevin Koe (2014-2016).</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Parent</i></b><br /><br /></div><div>Team Parent may be 0-3 against #Fav Team Koe but, for the most part, the games have been competitive.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look at the final scores: 7-4, 9-2, 6-5. Outside the second game, the first and third were competitive good games in Okotoks and Lloydminster.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the season, Parent is sitting with a .500 record (24-24). They have qualified in 4 of 10 events and have 1 tour title under the slider (Beaumont, def. Team Jamie Koe in the final).</div><div><br /></div><div>They are also 7-11 vs. the field this year, which includes being 0-6 vs. the top 3 seeds (Koe, Sluchinski, Sturmay). But 7-4 vs. the rest of the field is a positive.</div><div><br /></div><div>While ranked #65 in the world, Parent is the #4 seed in Hinton.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that seed could be their advantage as it earns them an opening draw bye, setting up possibly a better draw throughout the event.</div><div><br /></div><div>And perhaps an A-SF clash with Koe?</div><div><br /></div><div>The seed also propels them into this #TeamUpset opportunity. The opening draw bye almost guarantees them avoiding the Big 3 until SF games within the A, B and/or C path to the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>It may seem like a small advantage but it is still an advantage. Most teams would rather get a few wins under the slider, and some positive momentum/confidence, before having to take on the "big boys".</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, to win you have to beat them all anyway.</div><div><br /></div><div>It may be an uphill battle for Parent (and a majority of the field) but #TeamUpset results happen all the time folks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets also remember this is a #NextGen U25 team. The future is looking bright, regardless of the results this week.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br />Team Koe, Team Sluchinski and Team Sturmay are going to be overwhelming favourites to qualify for the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>If all holds true, one qualifier spot remains. Who wants it?</div><div><br /></div><div>There is a great opportunity here for a "surprise" team to emerge and make a playoff push.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Parent is the #4 seed and, if seeding holds true, should be in the fast lane for the potential final qualifier spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>But do not undersell some very experiences skips/teams in this field either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Daylan Vavrek and Ryan Jacques both lost 2 qualifier games last year at this event. Vavrek lost the A-final (vs. Bottcher) and C-qualifier (vs. Sluchinski). Jacques lost the B-qualifier (vs. Koe) and C-qualifier (vs. Sturmay).</div><div><br /></div><div>Scott Webb has Boston Pizza Cup experience. Johnson Tao, the #NextGen star from the University of Alberta and 2023 Canadian junior champion, is also in this field. Both Webb and Tao were here last year competing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cole Adams and Ryan Parent make a return, having previously competed in 2022 but with different teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jacob Libbus returns to the BP Cup for the first time since 2020.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jared Jenkins and Andrew Dunbar will be making their debut.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Big 3 may seem like locks for the playoffs but the other 9 teams in this field could surprise along the way too.</div><div><br /></div><div>This may not be as cut and dry for playoff qualifier spots as people assume.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, the Boston Pizza Cup has produced some upsets over the years as well. While the champions have been consistent, the teams who qualify for the playoffs have seen some surprises.</div><div><br /></div><div>But we also remind ourselves, since 2000, only 4 skips have won this championship: Randy Ferbey (5 times), Kevin Martin (7), Kevin Koe (8) and Brendan Bottcher (3 + 2021 awarded due to COVID-19).</div><div><br /></div><div>Ferbey and Martin are retired. Bottcher has already qualified for Regina.</div><div><br /></div><div>Should we just assume Koe adds to his legacy?</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Koe, Team Sluchinski, Team Sturmay, Team Parent</b></i><br /><br /><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span>Alberta </span><span>Championship: Team Koe def. Team Sturmay</span></b></span><br /></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><b style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #783f04;">#BuffaloHunt</span></b></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBJerpVwGTyEYrq8S48PqYgUmoKuQa49Dqci1PBA2Q19p6xmQylKQl9NcU-aLgFUAkF73xuZps6GbxleWZflfgii0h2RbV-1_NzsFH6CMEuK6LxRKlk0TjMi6Kd8autTBTcsBlBKuD7MmhcaFmMaemQCoTYjfEzmAkWnxqtzT1kcTKr51gAUbs3eh9cUW/s1024/MBflag.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="719" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKBJerpVwGTyEYrq8S48PqYgUmoKuQa49Dqci1PBA2Q19p6xmQylKQl9NcU-aLgFUAkF73xuZps6GbxleWZflfgii0h2RbV-1_NzsFH6CMEuK6LxRKlk0TjMi6Kd8autTBTcsBlBKuD7MmhcaFmMaemQCoTYjfEzmAkWnxqtzT1kcTKr51gAUbs3eh9cUW/w141-h200/MBflag.png" width="141" /></a></div>Stonewall, MB</div><div><br />2023 Champion: Team Dunstone<br /><br />Format: 32 team double knockout with 8 qualifiers. Qualifiers advance to an 8 team double knockout with 4 qualifiers. Qualifiers advance to Page Playoff Championship Round.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Carruthers</i></b><br /><br />Can Reid Carruthers regain the Viterra Championship?</div><div><br /></div><div>Can Carruthers win his first provincial championship as skip since 2018?</div><div><br /></div><div>Carruthers' name is tied to this championship over the years. He has been to 11 Brier's after all, including the past 6 straight.</div><div><br /></div><div>But he lost the final last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enter Brad Jacobs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jacobs has 14 Brier appearances, with his last coming in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can Jacobs win his first provincial championship from somewhere other than Northern Ontario?</div><div><br /></div><div>We have already seen Mike McEwen wearing Ontario and now Saskatchewan.</div><div><br />Imagine Jacobs with a buffalo?</div><div><br /></div><div>The Carruthers/Jacobs backend combo will be the overwhelming #Fav at the 2024 Viterra Championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team is currently ranked #11 in the world and #5 on CTRS, keeping them in one of the front runner positions for the #WC ticket too.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 29-23 on the season, qualifying in 6 of 9 events. They reached 1 tour final, doing so in Lloydminster in January.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus Carruthers did #DefendTheIce at the PointsBet Invitational in September.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #gsoc results have been hit or miss. They have gone from QF (Tour Challenge) to DNQ (National) to QF (Masters) to DNQ (Canadian Open).</div><div><br /></div><div>They are prone to back-to-back losses when struggling, a feat you cannot afford in a double knockout.</div><div><br /></div><div>But they have also shown they can get on a hot streak and ride the momentum all the way to a championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>What may be interesting to note is they have not played a single team in this field this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Advantage? Disadvantage? Time will only tell...</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team McDonald</i></b><br /><br />Lets stick with the #NextGen theme this week for #TeamUpset allocation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome Jordan McDonald and his Winnipeg foursome.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are not familiar with the Team McDonald name yet, you probably will be by the end of this event.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are VERY capable of making some noise this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team sits #48 on the world rankings (#24 CTRS) and has compiled a season record of 38-13.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in 8 of 9 events, only missing out at the season opening #NextGen U25 event in Edmonton.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have also reached 4 finals and won 3 titles. They finished #1 on the Manitoba Curling Tour season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Impressed yet?</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year McDonald qualified for the Viterra Championship but had to decline the spot due to being the Manitoba junior champion and representing the province at the 2023 Canadian Junior Curling Championships, where he ended up winning the bronze medal.</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2022, McDonald made it to 2 qualifier games and lost both.</div><div><br /></div><div>This could finally be his breakout Viterra season.</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Welcome to the most convoluted playdown bracket ever season.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a playdown party season where we saw so many provinces switch formats, Manitoba remains steadfast on their double double-knockout format involving 32 teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is quite the bracket and quite the process. But, in speaking to players who compete in it, Manitoba teams love it.</div><div><br /></div><div>So why mess with success if the teams like it?</div><div><br /></div><div>The opening double knockout keeps teams within their pods of 8. Of those 8, 2 will qualify for the playoff round. And then we see some inter-mingling between the teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>In one way it is a bit disappointing when you see a team arrive, play 2 games on opening day and be sent home. A team can open play on Wednesday and by end of day Wednesday be driving home and eliminated.</div><div><br /></div><div>It seems foolish in some ways and you feel for those teams. But it will happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>And keeping teams in their pods for the opening double knockout kind of sucks because you end up with teams playing one another on repeat within, possibly, a 24hr period.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it has to be that way to squeeze in all the games and keep a somewhat fair schedule of play for teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the flip side, what an event. 32 team double double-knockout seems very Canadiana of us, no? It almost feels like Tim Hortons should be the sponsor of a double double event (no offense to Viterra of course who have been very proud supporters of this event and the sport of curling for MANY years!!!).</div><div><br /></div><div>And upsets WILL happen. We have seen names like Carruthers, McEwen and Gunnlaugson falter a bit along the way and have their backs against the wall early. When 2 wins sends you home, the pressure mounts quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>Will we see any of the "big names" fall early this year? Will we see a few #TeamUpset results move into the playoff and/or championship round bracket(s)?</div><div><br /></div><div>While the champions of this event have been, for the most part, pretty predictable, the pathways taken and the teams they have faced along the way have been a few "surprises".</div><div><br /></div><div>This is always a fun event to watch unfold. We can expect the unexpected throughout the draw...but the end game may just be the most predictable of it all.</div><div><br /><i><b>Playoff Qualifiers: Team R. Wiebe, Team Calvert, Team McDonald, Team Carruthers, Team Grassie, Team Irwin, Team Walter, Team Smith</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Championship Qualifiers: Team Carruthers, Team Calvert, Team R. Wiebe, Team McDonald </b></i><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: medium;">Manitoba Championship: Team Carruthers def. Team R. Wiebe</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b style="color: orange; font-size: large;">#WC</b></div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/joker.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/joker.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>2023 Representatives: Team Bottcher (#WC1), Team Carruthers (#WC2), Team Sturmay (#WC3)</div><div><br />Format: Top team who did not win their provincial/territorial championship based on CTRS.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.curling.ca/team-canada/canadian-team-ranking-system/2023-2024-ctrs-standings-men/" target="_blank"><b>Teams In Contention</b></a>: Team Koe (AB), Team Carruthers (MB), Team Sluchinski (AB)<br /><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Team Sluchinski got their wish this past weekend when Team McEwen won the Saskatchewan Tankard title.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pretty sure they were watching the final vs. Team Kleiter with nervous anticipation on the final result.</div><div><br /></div><div>McEwen's win is Sluchinski's win as it keeps them in the running for the #WC spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, Sluchinski can earn their way to Regina with an Alberta title this upcoming week as well but, should they falter, the second chance option is available.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course they may want to keep one eye on the results in Manitoba as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Carruthers is the #Fav in Manitoba but, should he falter, he could snag the #WC spot as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course we already know Team Koe will be in Regina. They have a 20 point CTRS lead on Carruthers so they are safe atop the rankings. It is just a question of whether they will be Team Alberta or Team #WC (also to be known as Alberta - Koe if it happens).</div><div><br /><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wildcard Prediction: Team Sluchinski</span></span></b></div></div><div><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><div>One small gripe overall, ticket prices. </div><div><br /></div><div>For the Viterra Championship (Manitoba), the Event Pass is $150 while the Day Pass is $50 and ONE DRAW is $20. I get these prices kind of entice you to really go up one level for each but geez that is getting pricey to watch a provincial championship, no? And that is per person.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the Boston Pizza Cup (Alberta), Event Pass is $180 with a Weekend Playoff Pass of $70, One Draw at $20 and Single Playoff Draw at $25.</div><div><br /></div><div>One expensive date night and seems almost impossible for a family. Are we price point eliminating fans now? EVERYTHING is so expensive.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Note, the Scottish Curling Championships are already underway in Dumfries, Scotland. World and European champion Team Mouat headlines the men's field with main challengers Team Whyte, Team J. Craik and Team Waddell trying to usurp the champs. Team Morrison headlines the women's field with Team Henderson, Team Munro and Team Blair being the main challengers.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay up to date with all the results and standings on the Scottish Curling page <a href="https://competitions.scottishcurling.org/competitions/scottish-curling-championship-3/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>. And remember, the Scottish champions do not automatically earn a spot at the world championships. Scotland's world championship representatives are selected. All teams competing are eligible for consideration though.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Switzerland Curling Championships hit the ice this upcoming week as well. Team Schwaller and Team Tirinzoni will try to #DefendTheIce with main challengers Team Brunner, Team Stocker, Team Hoesli, Team X. Schwaller, Team Huerlimann and Team Jaeggi trying to dethrone the champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Swiss Curling Championship is being streamed on the Swiss Curling Association YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@SWISSCURLINGASSOCIATION" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, on Canadian ice, we have the Canadian U18 Curling Championships already underway in Ottawa. 21 men's and women's teams will compete for the Canadian title. Stay up to date on all the scores and standings from Curling Canada <a href="https://www.curling.ca/scoreboard/#!/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#StayTuned</b></h3></div><div><br /></div><div>The blog will return next week with the SPECIAL #STOH2024 PREVIEW.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could it be a podcast? Could there be a SPECIAL GUEST joining?</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, good luck and good curling to everyone competing this upcoming week. </div><div><br /></div><div>Stay warm and keep the party going rock heads...</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-9319658736381838802024-01-30T16:00:00.000-07:002024-01-30T16:00:14.522-07:00Playdown After Party 2024<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: The Playdown After Party</u></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Scotties field finalized, Brier field taking shape</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHL0zeL650TcTr75-jgl_1aMG_TX1QNhp42oKHIHrUBLuxd_yBakILWx9X8-L0BICQf5BXHt2VYw1rdeC73Bzc0Vaoxzm2rbYhDKWSBSTt5rUWU09bH9XNfwKB334DEq-a5cIFUyx4hD06ELuE7UUUx0PnLs6BdXTeLQuMNc6sZSRB35XJbj9UYc0w2nvc/s1600/AfterParty.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHL0zeL650TcTr75-jgl_1aMG_TX1QNhp42oKHIHrUBLuxd_yBakILWx9X8-L0BICQf5BXHt2VYw1rdeC73Bzc0Vaoxzm2rbYhDKWSBSTt5rUWU09bH9XNfwKB334DEq-a5cIFUyx4hD06ELuE7UUUx0PnLs6BdXTeLQuMNc6sZSRB35XJbj9UYc0w2nvc/s320/AfterParty.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Are you getting tired curling fans? Maybe a bit sleepy?</div><div><br /></div><div>This past weekend was THE BIGGEST playdown party scene we have attended.</div><div><br /></div><div>It produced THE BIGGEST playdown preview blog post EVER <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2024/01/playdown-party-part-ii.html" target="_blank"><b>last week</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, when the last rock settled, we crowned 15 provincial/territorial champions!!</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't let the sun set on the fun yet rock heads.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have 2 more provincial playdowns headlining the #PlaydownAfterParty this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>PLUS national championships taking place in Japan, USA and Sweden.</div><div><br />Note of course Sweden's national championship will NOT determine their world championship representatives as those have already been announced as Team Hasselborg and Team Edin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course remember, we still will have 2 more playdowns to watch out for the following week.</div><div><br /></div><div>As S Club 7 famously sang "Don't Stop Moving"!<br /><a name='more'></a><br /></div><div>15 champions in one weekend is INSANE...in all the best ways possible.</div><div><br /></div><div>What a week of curling we were treated to last week. And what a weekend of championship action.</div><div><br /></div><div>From measurements to #StealPants to #TeamUpset to #Favs, there was something for everyone.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets get caught up on the STOH and Brier fields.</div><div><br /><b>#STOH2024</b><br /><br />The Scotties field is final. All the champions have been crowned. The wildcard spots have been solidified. And Curling Canada released the <a href="https://www.curling.ca/2024scotties/draw/" target="_blank"><b>pools and draw</b></a> on Monday.</div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to the following teams who are now getting ready for the main event in Calgary AB (overall seed based on CTRS):</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Pool A</i></b><br /><b><span style="color: red;">#TeamCanada - Team Einarson (3)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #783f04;">#BuffaloHunt (Manitoba-Lawes) - Team Lawes (4)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">#ABStrong - Team Sturmay (5)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #ff00fe;">#WC2 (BC-Brown) - Team Brown (8)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">#TeamGreen - Team Ackerman (9)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #274e13;">#FearTheMoose - Team McCarville (12)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">#Labelleprovince - Team St-Georges (13)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">#TheIslanders - Team DiCarlo (16)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">#TheRock - Team Curtis (17)</span></b><br /></div><div><br /><b><i>Pool B</i></b></div><div><div><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">#PQ1 (Ontario-Homan) - Team Homan (1)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">#PQ2 (Manitoba-Jones) - Team Jones (2)</span></b></div></div><div><b><span>#CurlON (Ontario-Inglis) - Team Inglis (6)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">#WC1 (Manitoba-Cameron) - Team Cameron (7)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">#TeamPacific (BC-Grandy) - Team Grandy (10)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">#PolarPower - Team Koe (11)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">#TeamBluenose - Team Smith (14)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">#TeamAcadia - Team Adams (15)</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: purple;">#PurplePower - Team Scoffin (18)</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Right away curling fans will notice the CTRS rankings in parenthesis with #1 and #2 in the same pool while #3, #4 and #5 being together in another pool.</div><div><br /></div><div>It does feel a bit lopsided.</div><div><br /></div><div>According to Curling Canada, "Because some matchups featuring the pre-qualified teams were pre-set as part of ticket marketing campaigns, the pools were adjusted accordingly but kept as even as possible. The Curling Canada Athletes Council was informed of this possibility and the methodology that would be used to keep the pool equitable, in the fall. The average overall CTRS ranking for Pool A is 27.33 and 29.1 for Pool B."</div><div><br /></div><div>So there is that explanation for those interested.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we ignore the CTRS for a second, and incorporate last year's final standings, the pools aren't that far off really.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have the 1st and 3rd place provinces in Pool A (Canada, Northern Ontario) and we have 2nd and 4th in Pool B (Manitoba-Jones, Nova Scotia).</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately the other 2 provinces who reached the Championship Pool (Ontario, BC) also find themselves together in Pool B.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know there are slightly different teams in 2024 representing those provinces in comparison to final results of 2023, but then the names still end up being the same with Homan, Jones and Grandy together.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is too bad we cannot develop some type of combined system where CTRS + Previous Scotties final results help create the pools.</div><div><br /></div><div>This blog has often advocated for an IIHF type of system where the pools for the next year's event are based on final standings from the previous year. The pools are then pre-determined before the playdowns.</div><div><br /></div><div>I still do not think this would be as horrible of an idea as many think but maybe a compromise is more realistic and combining both ideas into one format could work?</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, can we just say the naming conventions are HORRIBLE.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why no wildcard name? I get the logo and jersey's would be a minor issue with designs owned by the previous company but the "Wildcard" name should not be owned by a clothing company. It should be "owned" by the governing body. So #WC should still be usable here.</div><div><br /></div><div>I would even settle for #PQ1 and #PQ2 over Ontario-Homan and Manitoba-Jones as the official name.</div><div><br /></div><div>Are these naming conventions just getting everyone prepared for the inevitable where provincial/territorial champions no longer qualify for the national championships and we use just regular team names with a CTRS qualification system?</div><div><br /></div><div>It is sneakily starting to feel that way, no?</div><div><br /></div><div>On the positive, the #TwineTime blog did a solid job with Scotties predictions this year. The blog accurately predicted 9 provincial champions out of 12 predictions (Yukon completed their championship before the Playdown Party previews began).</div><div><br /></div><div>And while I missed the Alberta championship, I did predict Sturmay still in the field, just as a WC rather than champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>I did have Cameron as a #WC though so, technically, both are correct in being in the field too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not bad, right? The little blog that could...still can!!</div><div><br /><b>#Brier2024</b><br /><br />We know 13 of the 18 teams have already punched their tickets to the Montana's Brier in Regina, SK. </div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to the following teams:<br /><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">#TeamCanada - Team Gushue</span></b><br /></div><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>#PQ1 - Team Bottcher</b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">#PQ2 - Team Dunstone</span></b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="color: yellow;">#TeamArctic - Team Latimer</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: purple;">#PurplePower - Team Scoffin</span></b></span></div><div><span><div><b><span>#CurlON - Team Howard</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">#TeamPacific - Team Schneider</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">#PolarPower - Team Koe</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">#TeamBluenose - Team Manuel</span></b></div><div><div><b><span style="color: #274e13;">#FearTheMoose - Team Bonot</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #01ffff;">#Labelleprovince - Team Arsenault</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">#TheIslanders - Team Smith</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">#TheRock - Team Symonds</span></b></div></div></span><br />We have returning faces like Manuel, Smith and Koe.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have new faces like Bonot and Arsenault.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have new teams with familiar faces like Schneider and Symonds.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we have the Team Howard 3some, winning a title playing with 3 and surviving a tough battle against #TeamUpset / #NextGen rising star Team King (the blog warned you to watch out for this team).</div><div><br /></div><div>Now we get ready to add 2 more provincial champions to the qualification list, this week coming out of Saskatchewan and New Brunswick.</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again rock heads, grab a cold beverage, enjoy some hot eats and welcome to the #PlaydownAfterParty.<br /><br /><h3><b>Playdown Previews</b></h3><b><div><b><br /></b></div>#Brier2024</b></div><div><b><br /></b><div><span style="color: #04ff00;"><b>#TeamGreen</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqhtN-McqSg6I5fQs18Qbgj6Yrn5eOsA7HPcNubiJVT_IiLBYEWHWUDDvn88_eMQmswTCRLF5Z1pjEW7yxeCt0yN65LB9UX_51o9YZMt0VkbtZiow6jzyCHwtCcRycXnfGp0Wgb4B1qNhurxsVeSWSVd_eSWO_lHJVYZGWwK1Sglqpwh-ByobYlThIQ/s162/SK.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="104" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqhtN-McqSg6I5fQs18Qbgj6Yrn5eOsA7HPcNubiJVT_IiLBYEWHWUDDvn88_eMQmswTCRLF5Z1pjEW7yxeCt0yN65LB9UX_51o9YZMt0VkbtZiow6jzyCHwtCcRycXnfGp0Wgb4B1qNhurxsVeSWSVd_eSWO_lHJVYZGWwK1Sglqpwh-ByobYlThIQ/w128-h200/SK.JPG" width="128" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Saskatoon, SK</div></div><br />2023 Champion: Team Knapp<br /><br />Format: 12 team RR with 2 pools of 6. Top 2 in each pool advance to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team McEwen / Team Knapp</i></b><br /><br />The highest ranked team in the field (#14), Team McEwen is arriving in Saskatoon as the favourites.</div><div><br /></div><div>This team has curled A LOT this season. They own a season record of 41-24.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have played 11 tour events. They have qualified 7 times. They have reached the SF 6 times.</div><div><br /></div><div>But they have yet to play a final. Interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have also played in 3 slams. They reached the SF at the Tour Challenge Tier II but went a combined 3-5 at The Masters and Canadian Open, failing to qualify both times.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the other positive though, remember they broke a few brackets early in the season at the #Sweep16 when they reached the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>McEwen was at the Brier last year as the Ontario champion. Can he return this year with his 3rd different crest (also having represented Manitoba)?</div><div><br /></div><div>Colton Flasch and the Marsh brothers would love to erase last year's championship, where they were eliminated in the #CSideGrind and failed to reach the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus they just watched former teammate Catlin Schneider skip his new team to a B.C. title over the weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>This team is also in the hunt for the lone #WC spot, should they slip up this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>It feels like a "Make it or Break It" season for them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Either they win the SK Tankard or we see change in the offseason, no?</div><div><br /></div><div>And both feel very possible and equally probable, which makes predicting how they do even a bigger wildcard than anything. </div><div><br /></div><div>But Team Knapp is equally deserving of the #Fav tag as they try to #DefendTheIce.</div><div><br /></div><div>This team has been on fire all season, even if you may not have noticed.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 34-6 on the season and have qualified in all 7 events played. 6 losses in 7 events folks.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have also reached 6 finals and have won 3 titles. Those 3 titles also happen to be their last 3 events played heading into the SK Tankard.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they are on a 16-match winning streak and are 18-1 in their last 3 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>How does that not scream #Fav?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Jacobson</i></b><br /><br />I think the blog places this title on Team Jacobson every year, no?</div><div><br /></div><div>Every year they quietly enter the field, not the biggest name in the field nor the best overall record. Yet they surprise higher ranked teams and make a playoff push.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year they qualified for the playoffs, a feat not accomplished by a few "bigger" name teams (Team Flasch, Team Kleiter).</div><div><br /></div><div>Should we expect the same "upset" result this year?</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 15-7 on the season, qualifying in 3 of 5 events while reached 2 finals and winning 1 title.</div><div><br /></div><div>And how about their H2H record vs. the field this season? They are 7-2.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch. Out.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />This is going to be a fun event to watch unfold.</div><div><br /></div><div>Saskatchewan has 5 men's teams currently ranked in the Top 50: McEwen (#14), Team Kleiter (#24), Team Knapp (#34), Team Kalthoff (#48) and Team Laycock (#49).</div><div><br /></div><div>Any one of those 5 teams could win this title.</div><div><br /></div><div>But also watch out for Team Bernath (#62) or Team Hartung (#72) or the #TeamUpset pick Jacobson.</div><div><br /></div><div>Although keep your eyes on Hartung. They have a re-altered lineup heading into this event compared to what they had all season so expectations may be all over the map.</div><div><br /></div><div>8 Saskatchewan teams ranked in the Top 75 of the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>And here many people thought curling was struggling in Saskatchewan.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 8 are also balanced out in the pools.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pool A features McEwen, Kalthoff, Laycock and Bernath alongside Team Bryden and Team Carss.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pool B has Kleiter, Knapp, Hartung, Jacobson along with Team Heidt and Team Springer.</div><div><br /></div><div>And with the format being only the Top 2 advance to the page playoff, good teams will go home early.</div><div><br /></div><div>It may be interesting to pay attention to the familiarity these teams have with one another as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>8 of the 12 teams in the field curl out of the Nutana Curling Club in Saskatoon: Bernath, Carss, Hartung, Jacobson, Kalthoff, Kleiter, Laycock and McEwen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides tour events, you know they have crossed paths during league play or practices or fun spiels or whatever in Saskatoon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Friends? Enemies? Rivalries? All of the above?</div><div><br /></div><div>Worth nothing, AGAIN, another provincial championship switching formats this year. Last year this event was a triple knockout with 12 teams. This year a RR with 12 teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>And back and forth we go once again....the REAL theme of Playdown Party season.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team McEwen, Team Laycock, Team Knapp, Team Kleiter</b></i><br /><br /><span style="color: #04ff00;"><b><span>Saskatchewan</span></b><b><span> </span><span>Championship: Team Knapp def. Team McEwen</span></b></span><br /></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><b style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">#TeamAcadia</b></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjUmNG8h2No/XifZxPkrCII/AAAAAAABOks/2NY4hjnOo6Uo3Cl9_S9FzWTrssAAPkSoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/NB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="599" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjUmNG8h2No/XifZxPkrCII/AAAAAAABOks/2NY4hjnOo6Uo3Cl9_S9FzWTrssAAPkSoACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/NB.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Miramichi, NB<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Jones<br /><br />Format: 10 team triple knockout with 3 qualifiers. A-qualifier earns bye to championship final.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Grattan</i></b><br /><br />James Grattan and his slightly altered squad have been quite busy this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have competed in 6 tour events, qualified in 5, reached 2 finals and won both.</div><div><br /></div><div>They sit with an overall season record of 23-10. They also sit with a 7-1 H2H record vs. the field. </div><div><br /></div><div>The key to success may come in how the new guy on the team, Joel Krats, performs.</div><div><br /></div><div>At only 22 years old, the #NextGen star is already competing out of his 3rd province.</div><div><br /></div><div>After representing his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador in his junior years, Krats shifted to Nova Scotia last season to play with Team Purcell.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now he has joined the New Brunswick veteran skip to try and qualify for his first Brier out of yet another province.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could #TheVet + #NextGen = NB Tankard Champion?</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Comeau</i></b><br /><br />Rene Comeau's team may be ranked #165 in the world but do not let the ranking fool you. This team has potential to shock the system in Miramichi this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team does have a sub-.500 record on the season (11-13) but they have qualified in 3 of 5 tour events, including reaching a tour final in PEI last November.</div><div><br /></div><div>Comeau is past the #NextGen cut line at 29 years old but is a #NextGen OG.</div><div><br /></div><div>Comeau represented New Brunswick at the Canadian Junior Curling Championships, winning silver in 2014 and bronze in 2015.</div><div><br /></div><div>While we have yet to see his junior success translate to his men's game, could this be the year it happens?</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Another format change? These playdowns have been all over the map with format changes.</div><div><br /></div><div>After returning to a RR format last year, the NB Tankard will re-return to a triple knockout format this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Does the format favour anyone specifically? Hard to tell.</div><div><br /></div><div>What could be a wildcard is the experience factor of this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>James Grattan. Grant Odishaw. Scott Jones. Jason Roach. Zach Eldridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>These are all guys with NB Tankard wins under the slider and Brier experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>Does a triple knockout favour the experienced teams in the field?</div><div><br /></div><div>Or does it allow for #TeamUpsets to emerge?</div><div><br /></div><div>Could Rene Comeau, Carter Small, Aaron Young, Brody Hanson or Trevon Hanson reap the benefits?</div><div><br /></div><div>We have two tiers here: The Experienced 5 vs. The Emerging 5.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which tier produces the 2024 champion?</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Grattan, Team Eldridge, Team Comeau</b></i><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;">New Brunswick Championship: Team Grattan def. Team Eldridge</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div><b style="color: orange; font-size: large;">#WC</b></div></div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/joker.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/joker.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>2023 Representatives: Team Bottcher (#WC1), Team Carruthers (#WC2), Team Sturmay (#WC3)</div><div><br />Format: Top team who did not win their provincial/territorial championship based on CTRS.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.curling.ca/team-canada/canadian-team-ranking-system/2023-2024-ctrs-standings-men/" target="_blank">Teams In Contention</a>: Team Koe (AB), Team Carruthers (MB), Team McEwen (SK), Team Sluchinski (AB)<br /><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Ok, as we learned with the release of the Scotties pools and schedule, the "Wildcard" term is no longer being used.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, really, nobody likes the new naming convention. Right?</div><div><br /></div><div>So, for sake of ease and a small unwillingness to let the #WC term go quite yet, lets keep it around until the Playdown Party ends.</div><div><br /></div><div>As with any good party, there always seems to be a casualty of some sort. Whether a break-up or broken furniture or something "goes missing", there is always some unforeseen loss.</div><div><br /></div><div>For 2024, the Playdown Party casualty is the Wildcard. ๐ญ</div><div><br /></div><div>There has been no movement on the #WC Watch since last week as all the Brier playdown results did not cause a stir with top CTRS positions.</div><div><br /></div><div>This week we could have some clarity though.</div><div><br /></div><div>If McEwen does not win Saskatchewan, Sluchinski could be eliminated from the WC conversation.</div><div><br /></div><div>McEwen would also become the biggest fans of Team Koe and Team Carruthers next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>If McEwen does take the Saskatchewan Tankard title, Sluchinski remains in the hunt heading into next week's Boston Pizza Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>Expect Sluchinski to be the biggest McEwen supporters this week.</div><div><br /><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wildcard Prediction: Team McEwen</span></span></b></div></div><div><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></b></div><div><div><h3><b>National Championship Previews</b></h3><b><div><b><br /></b></div>USA - Men</b></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">East Rutherford, NJ</div></div><br />2023 Champion: Team Shuster<br /><br />Format: 8 team RR with 4 qualifiers to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Dropkin</i></b><br /><br />Ranked #15 in the world, the #YoungBucks enter the national championship as #Fav once again.</div><div><br /></div><div>But they were in this position last year remember and ended up struggling during the RR, squeaking into the playoffs and losing the SF (vs. Team Casper).</div><div><br /></div><div>Can Korey and the boys rediscover the magic of their 2022 US Championship win?</div><div><br /></div><div>It has not been the strongest of season for the Young Bucks.</div><div><br /></div><div>They sit with a sub-.500 season record of 27-28. They have qualified in 6 of 10 events, including reaching the final of the US Open of Curling (losing to Team Casper).</div><div><br /></div><div>They did qualify for the playoffs at the 2023 Pan Continental Curling Championships but lost both playoff games to finish 4th overall and reached the QF at The National in November.</div><div><br /></div><div>The past two events have not been as kind as they arrive here with a 1-7 record.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now of course those were both #gsoc events competing against the best of the best in the world but it does not give a ton of confidence, or momentum, heading into a national championship.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Ruohonen</i></b><br /><br />Rich Ruohonen is no stranger to USA national championships. He has been here many times.</div><div><br /></div><div>He has won this event twice (2008, 2018).</div><div><br /></div><div>He has also reached the final an additional 5 times (2011, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020).</div><div><br /></div><div>But he has struggled here the past two years, including a disappointing 1-6 last place finish last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a new year, new team, new result?</div><div><br /></div><div>Ruohonen has partnered up with 2010 US Olympian Jason Smith at vice. Smith was part of Team Shuster at the 2009 world championships and 2010 Winter Olympics.</div><div><br /></div><div>The new look team has had success on tour this season, qualifying in 6 of 9 events and reaching a tour final in St. Paul (lost to Team Casper).</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />There will be a bit of added pressure on the teams competing this week. Not only are they vying for a US championship and a berth in the 2024 world championship in Switzerland but the winner also earns the first spot in the 2025 US Olympic Curling Trials.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Olympic dream starts here for one team this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>No pressure though?!?</div><div><br /></div><div>John Shuster has been the dominating face that runs the place in US curling. Can he continue?</div><div><br /></div><div>He has won 3 of the past 4 and 4 of the past 6 US championships. He turns up at this event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not to mention the fact the team has reached 2 finals in their past 3 tour events (the other being a SF result).</div><div><br /></div><div>And what about last year's finalist Team Casper?</div><div><br /></div><div>They have been turning heads all season, undoubtedly having the best season of any team in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could the "surprise" run to the final last year motivate them to do one better and complete some unfinished business against their main rivals?</div><div><br /></div><div>Or will someone new emerge from the field and take down the Big 3 (Shuster, Dropkin, Casper)?</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Shuster, Team Dropkin, Team Casper</b></i><br /><br /><span><b><span>USA National </span><span>Championship: Team Shuster def. Team Casper</span></b></span><br /></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>USA - Women</b></span></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>East Rutherford, NJ<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Peterson<br /><br />Format: 8 team RR with 4 qualifiers to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Peterson</i></b><br /><br />Tabitha Peterson is a 3-time champion at this event (2012, 2020, 2023).</div><div><br /></div><div>Cory Thiesse is a 2-time champion at this event (2021, 2023).</div><div><br /></div><div>These are the players who have dominated USA Curling in the early part of this decade.</div><div><br /></div><div>Should we really expect that to stop now?</div><div><br /></div><div>Ranked #12 in the world and sitting with a season record of 29-24, Team Peterson is the front-runner for the title and #DefendTheIce.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in 4 of 9 events this season, including a tour title win at the US Open of Curling in September.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also won bronze at the 2023 Pan Continental Curling Championships, representing the #StarsAndStripes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus they own a 5-1 H2H record vs. the field this season.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Workin</i></b><br /><br />Rachel Workin has been "workin" this season in hopes of making some noise at this event.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the team is only 15-18 on the season, they have have qualified in 4 of 7 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while they failed to qualify at their last event, DEKALB Superspiel in Morris, MB, take note of who they lost to in their final 2 games: Team Inglis and Team McCarville.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also own a positive 5-4 H2H record vs. the field this season, including 2 wins over Team Strouse.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they come to play and gain momentum and confidence, they can be a very dangerous dark horse team lurking in the field.</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Team Peterson (#12) and Team Strouse (#15) are ranked in the Top 15 in the world. They enter this event as the overwhelming favourites to fight for the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>It will be interesting to see who steps up to challenge them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Anderson is the next highest ranked team at #36. The rest of the field falls outside the Top 70.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could playing with house money and no expectations to win actually help the field?</div><div><br /></div><div>Could the pressure of being the highest ranked teams work against Peterson and Strouse?</div><div><br /></div><div>And don't forget, similar to the men, the winning team takes books that first ticket to the Olympic trials.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Peterson, Team Strouse, Team Anderson</b></i><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">USA National Championship: Team Peterson def. Team Strouse</span></b></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Japan - Women</b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sapporo, Hokkaido, JPN<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Fujisawa<br /><br />Format: 10 team RR with 2 pool of 6. Top 3 in each pool qualify for Championship Pool. Top 3 qualify for the playoffs with 1st place earning a bye to the final.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Fujisawa</i></b><br /><br />Satsuki Fujisawa has had a love/hate relationship with this event over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was the time when she dominated the championships, winning 4 straight and 5 of 6 (2011-2014, 2016).</div><div><br /></div><div>Then there were the late 2010 years where she lost the final in 2017 and 2019.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 2020's feel more like the early 2010's with Fujisawa back in domination mode, having won this championship 3 of the past 4 years (2020, 2022, 2023).</div><div><br /></div><div>This year she will try to #DefendTheIce and #3peat once again.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team is currently ranked #10 on the world rankings, compiling a season record of 34-20.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in 6 of 10 events, including winning a tour title at their season opener in Hokkaido.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also reached the final as defending champions at the 2023 Pan Continental Curling Championships, losing the championship to Korea's Team Gim.</div><div><br /></div><div>There have also been misses this season though, namely failing to qualify at 3 of the 4 #gsoc events. Sure one was a TB loss (Masters vs. Team Wrana) but missing the playoffs a season after winning a slam was not what many would have expected from this team this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 6-3 vs. Japanese teams this season, including 2-0 vs. main pool rival Team Tabata.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Tabata</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of the #Fav rival, Team Tabata may not only stop Fujisawa in opening pool play but could also "steal" the entire championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog has mentioned Team Tabata as a #TeamUpset before so why not include them again here?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do not let the world ranking of #46 fool you. This is a good team capable of beating any team in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 36-20 on the season, have qualified in 7 (of 10) events, reached 3 finals and won 2 titles. Their most recent title, the Hokkaido Curling Championships, also happened to be their last event played before these championships. They went 9-0.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, to be fair, none of those teams will be competing here.<br /><br /></div><div>But, against teams who are competing this week, they have an 8-7 H2H record this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch out for that final RR game vs. Fujisawa. It could decide which team has the "advantage" heading into the Championship Pool cross-over games.</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />This is going to be a VERY tough championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Japan has 3 teams within the Top 22 of the world rankings: Fujisawa (#10), Team Kitazawa (#21), Team Kotani/Yoshimura (#22).</div><div><br /></div><div>Add in 1 more teams within the Top 41 in the world: Team Ueno/Kanai (#41).</div><div><br /></div><div>And 2 more within the Top 52 in the world: Team Tabata (#46) and Team Sasaki (#52).</div><div><br /></div><div>6 teams in the Top 52 in the world equates to a very deep field of very talented teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is also a new format for the championships, going to a format Canadian curling fans have seen before at the Scotties/Brier.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those top 6 teams are divided equally between the initial 2 pools with Pool A featuring Ueno, Kotani and Kitazawa and Pool B featuring Fujisawa, Tabata and Sasaki.</div><div><br /></div><div>If those are the 6 teams to advance to the Championship Pool, watch out! Anything could happen.</div><div><br /><i><b>Championship Pool Qualifiers: Team Kitazawa, Team Ueno, Team Kotani, Team Fujisawa, Team Tabata, Team Sasaki</b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Playoff Qualifiers: Team Fujisawa, Team Kitazawa, Team Tabata</b></i><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Japan National Championship: Team Fujisawa def. Team Kitazawa</span></b></div></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Japan - Men</b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Sapporo, Hokkaido, JPN<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Yanagisawa<br /><br />Format: 10 team RR with 2 pool of 6. Top 3 in each pool qualify for Championship Pool. Top 3 qualify for the playoffs with 1st place earning a bye to the final.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Yanagisawa / Team Morozumi</i></b><br /><br />Team Yanagisawa will attempt the #3peat this week and #DefendTheIce.</div><div><br /></div><div>Before Yanagisawa went on their current championship run, we saw another familiar Japanese curler accomplish the #3peat: Yuta Matsumura (2019-2021).</div><div><br /></div><div>Can Yanagisawa following in Matsumura's slide path? They may need to go through Matsumura (now vice for Team Morozumi) to do so of course.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yanagisawa is not the highest ranked team in the field. They currently sit #28 compared to Team Morozumi at #18.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hence both being tagged as co-#Fav right now. These are the 2 teams with the most experience, most championship victories and the have the highest ranking.</div><div><br /></div><div>Morozumi (52-31) has 4 tour titles this season from 5 final appearances and has qualified in 10 of 15 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>15 events folks! This team has played A LOT of curling since starting their season in August and winning 3 straight tour titles early. They also reached the Tour Challenge Tier II final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yanagisawa (43-34) has 1 tour title and has qualified in 7 of 14 events. They also represented Japan at the 2023 Pan Continental Curling Championships, winning bronze over USA (Team Dropkin).</div><div><br /></div><div>The big question here is what is their H2H record this season?</div><div><br /></div><div>Advantage Yanagisawa: 2-1.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Abe</i></b><br /><br />If experience leads to championships, Shinya Abe will be playing for a medal at the end of this event.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 44 year old won his 1st Japanese title in 1996 as lead with Team Sato.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since his 1996 title, he has won 3 additional gold medals (2019-2021), alongside 4 silver (2000, 2015, 2017, 2018) and 7 bronze (1997, 1998, 2003, 2013, 2016, 2022, 2023).</div><div><br /></div><div>And, in all those appearances, he has won medals as a lead and as a skip. And, as skip, he has thrown skip stones and second stones before.</div><div><br /></div><div>Talk about a well-rounded curling athlete. He really has proven he can do it all...and at any position.</div><div><br /></div><div>Abe is back skipping this season but has thrown second and vice stones this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team is ranked #69 in the world with a season record of 19-17. They did pick up a tour title back in August at the ADVICS Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have not seen them compete since November, where they struggled at events played in Canada. Overall, in those events, they went a combined 3-8 and failed to qualify in any event.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, experience is a key factor and Abe has it in spades.</div><div><br /></div><div>The rankings, the results and the numbers may not favour him heading into the event. But do not be surprised to see him fighting for a playoff spot at the end.</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />On paper, this may appear to be a 2 team championship between Morozumi and Yanagisawa.</div><div><br /></div><div>But do not get fooled into thinking there are not a handful of teams who can mount a challenge to the main contenders.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Hayato Sato (#42), Team Hirata (#43) and Team Maeda (#56) have had outstanding seasons.</div><div><br /></div><div>H. Sato (note there are 2 Team Sato's in the field) has qualified in 6 of 9 events and has 2018 Japanese men's champion Go Aoki throwing last stones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hirata has qualified in 7 of 10 events and has picked up 3 tour titles. Remember, Hirata did reach the Japanese final last year too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maeda has qualified in 6 of 8 events, including 2 tour titles. One of those titles was the Mother Club event in Winnipeg while the other was their most recent event, the Hokkaido Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to Team Tabata on the women's side, Maeda went 9-0 to claim that championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maeda has also represented Japan at the 2021 (held Jan. 2022) and 2022 (held Dec. 2022) World Junior-B Curling Championships. At the 2022 event, the team was 5-0 and playoff bound before COVID-19 cancelled the remainder of the event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Add in #TeamUpset Abe and you have a 4 main challengers taking on the 2 main contenders.</div><div><br /></div><div>Get ready for a tough #6pack challenge here folks.</div><div><br /></div><div>The draw certainly stacked against one pool though as Pool A will feature Morozumi, Sato, Hirata and Maeda.</div><div><br /></div><div>4 of the main 6 in one pool, meaning at least 1 will be going home early.</div><div><br /></div><div>Advantage Yanagisawa and Abe though, headlining the other pool. They should get off to a good start to earning Championship Pool qualification and have a nice record in hopes of playoff qualification.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Championship Pool Qualifiers: Team Morozumi, Team Maeda, Team Hirata, Team Yanagisawa, Team Abe, Team Takahashi</b></i></div><div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b>Playoff Qualifiers: Team Morozumi, Team Yanagisawa, Team Maeda</b></i><br /><br /></div><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Japan National Championship: Team Morozumi def. Team Yanagisawa</span></b></div></div><div><br /><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><br />The blog will return next week with the final playdown previews of the season: Alberta and Manitoba.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we know how important those two provincial championships will be!</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, stay hydrated and keep the party going rock heads...</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-51799335957895702382024-01-22T19:47:00.005-07:002024-01-26T11:02:00.612-07:00Playdown Party Part II<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: Playdown Party Continues</u></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Handing out final tickets to Calgary and more for Regina</i></b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEldmsTPDw5-JrM962DujDiPQOwaoX1aN4oCK1fw96tLjdp3RDTgEpTtEs4jtj4Gk7or6ALgJFnMnAM9_Mf05IB3HFKCzp15GuGvDhrSL1qiBZVvi_gJ1Bd1aWoz4oEXI_xfR1jKV06QG7l8Wveo4npVZiNBmi1fOOWxhdkNb6wy7Ei8TRb7WXe6D_R7pM/s543/PartyOnWaynesWorld.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="398" data-original-width="543" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEldmsTPDw5-JrM962DujDiPQOwaoX1aN4oCK1fw96tLjdp3RDTgEpTtEs4jtj4Gk7or6ALgJFnMnAM9_Mf05IB3HFKCzp15GuGvDhrSL1qiBZVvi_gJ1Bd1aWoz4oEXI_xfR1jKV06QG7l8Wveo4npVZiNBmi1fOOWxhdkNb6wy7Ei8TRb7WXe6D_R7pM/s320/PartyOnWaynesWorld.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />As one weekend of provincial/territorial playdowns comes to an end, we gear up for another week of playdown party action.<div><br /></div><div>And this upcoming week will be THE BIGGEST PLAYDOWN PARTY EVER!!</div><div><br /></div><div>We have EIGHT (8!!) women's provincial playdown championships to watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have SEVEN (7!!) men's provincial playdown championships to watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>And #TwineTime has the FULL PREVIEW of all FIFTEEN (15!!!!!) championships for you rock heads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can we say it again?</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome to THE BIGGEST PLAYDOWN PARTY post in the history of the blog.</div><div><br /></div><div>No wonder the blog brought back the Wayne's World graphic to open this post.</div><div><br />Ready to "Party On"??!!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br />Before we dive into the playdown previews, lets take a quick moment to congratulate our recent #gsoc champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Mouat completed the career grand slam with their Canadian Open championship win over Team Bottcher. For the world champs, the final victory completed a perfect week of curling by going 7-0 overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>2024 has been a great year thus far for the Scottish lads. They now have 2 championship wins and a SF result, culminating in an overall record of 18-2 in January.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their next event comes at the beginning of February for the Scottish Curling Championships in Dumfries.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Homan collected #gsoc title #15 with their Canadian Open finale win over world champions Team Tirinzoni.</div><div><br /></div><div>Homan went 3-1 in the RR and wrapped up the championship week with an overall record of 6-1.</div><div><br /></div><div>Homan improved their season record to 38-5 with their results in Red Deer, including reaching 3 straight GSOC finals and winning the past two titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since the 2-2 result at the Tour Challenge in October, failing to qualify for the playoffs, the team is now 24-3 with 4 straight final appearances and 3 championship wins.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now they get to sit back and watch the playdown party for the VIP suite as they already have a ticket to Calgary as one of the pre-qualified teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>Imagine surviving the grueling provincial playdown schedule only knowing Team Homan is watching and waiting for you from the skybox.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yikes!</div><div><br /></div><div><div>Lets get caught up on the STOH and Brier fields.</div><div><br /><b>#STOH2024</b><br /><br />Four more tickets were punched to the Scotties with playdown championships wrapping up in NWT, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.</div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to the following teams who are now getting ready for the main event in Calgary AB:<br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">#TeamCanada - Team Einarson</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: purple;">#PurplePower - Team Scoffin</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">#PQ1 - Team Homan</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">#PQ2 - Team Jones</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: yellow;">#TeamArctic - Withdrew</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: purple;">#PurplePower: Team Scoffin</span></b></div><div><span><b><span style="color: #eeeeee;">#PolarPower: Team Galusha</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: lime;">#TeamGreen: Team Ackerman</span></b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="color: #ffd966;">#TeamAcadia: Team Adams</span></b></span></div><div><span><b style="color: #3d85c6;">#TeamBluenose: Team Smith</b><b><span style="color: #ffd966;"><br /></span></b></span><br />We have the return of some familiar faces...and a #NextGen debut.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kerry Galusha continued her domination as Queen of the North, going undefeated in claiming another NWT Scotties title, defeating Team Cormier in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Melissa Adams will make her 5th Scotties appearance and a return trip to Calgary where she last played in the event in 2021. Adams knocked off main rival, and partial defending champ, Team Quillian in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Heather Smith will make her return to the Scotties for the first time since 2014 (ok, she was there last year as alternate with Team Kelly out of New Brunswick). Her #SuperTeam out of Halifax knocked off #Fav defending champ Team Black (last year's Scotties 4th place finisher) in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we have a debut coming out of Saskatchewan. Team Ackerman, whom the blog tabbed as the #Fav last week, dominated the field in the RR and survived a tough battle vs. Team Martin in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>The full Scotties field will be finalized in one week's time when the remaining provincial championships wrap up and the final 2 #WC teams are decided based on the CTRS.</div><div><br /><b>#Brier2024</b><br /><br />The field in Regina added another team to the draw this past weekend. Congratulations to the following qualified teams:</div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">#TeamCanada - Team Gushue</span></b><br /><b style="color: #6fa8dc;">#PQ1 - Team Bottcher</b></div><div><span><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">#PQ2 - Team Dunstone</span></b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="color: yellow;">#TeamArctic - Team Latimer</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: purple;">#PurplePower - Team Scoffin</span></b></span></div><div><span><b style="color: #3d85c6;">#TeamBluenose: Team Manuel</b><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><br /></span></b></span><br />Nova Scotia was the only men's provincial championship to hit the ice last weekend. And the end result saw a #DefendTheIce moment when Team Manuel proved last year's NS Tankard title was no fluke.</div><div><br /></div><div>Manuel knocked off #Fav contender Team Purcell in the championship final for the second straight season.</div><div><br />The field will almost be complete in one week's time when 7 provincial/territorial champions will be decided.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the blog asked last week, are you ready? Keep the cold beverages and hot eats coming rock heads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the #PlaydownPreviews.<br /><br /><h3><b>Playdown Previews</b></h3><b><div><b><br /></b></div></b><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#STOH2024</b></h3></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">#TeamPacific</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n2AuozL8TXA_TN-nX054nCsQyZ_SVHg8eos-0UqGCXWdl7Z27aN5-mlxMHCfs_nTqtD2rS5CGI12rD2RD3ZmTjbHk_UQ-8m5m1U-OdPM69DdmWtf0mc0X7ABB7b9ZKp30yEV7l53NPQgz_1-iJ8ugYFMolNMLuvPhDkunO8n6PIgJXQMaFwoX5dIiius/s600/bc_map_flag.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="387" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n2AuozL8TXA_TN-nX054nCsQyZ_SVHg8eos-0UqGCXWdl7Z27aN5-mlxMHCfs_nTqtD2rS5CGI12rD2RD3ZmTjbHk_UQ-8m5m1U-OdPM69DdmWtf0mc0X7ABB7b9ZKp30yEV7l53NPQgz_1-iJ8ugYFMolNMLuvPhDkunO8n6PIgJXQMaFwoX5dIiius/w129-h200/bc_map_flag.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>Victoria, BC<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Grandy<br /><br />Format: 8 team RR with Top 4 qualifiers advancing to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Brown / Team Grandy</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This is almost too close to call. So the blog is doubling down with listing co-favs this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Brown is ranked #24 on the world rankings. Team Grandy is ranked #26.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Brown (34-15) has qualified in 7 of 8 events this season, including 2 finals and 1 tour title.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Grandy (30-29) has qualified in 5 of 11 events this season, with 1 tour title. Their lone title just happens to be their last event played a few weeks ago in Scotland when they won the Perth Masters.</div><div><br /></div><div>And note Grandy has competed in 3 #gsoc events this season, posting a 2-10 combined record at the Tour Challenge, National and Masters.</div><div><br /></div><div>These teams have only faced off once this season, in Swift Current at the Western Showdown in December.</div><div><br /></div><div>Grandy won the game 7-5.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Gushulak / Team Bowles </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Diane Gushulak has more experience in this event than most of the field, if not a majority of the field combined.</div><div><br /></div><div>And remember, Gushulak is fresh off representing B.C. at the Canadian Senior Curling Championships in December, where she won bronze.</div><div><br /></div><div>She will be competing in Victoria with her ladies team not her provincial champion senior team though.</div><div><br /></div><div>But still, coming off any type of a success on a national level has to carry some momentum and confidence.</div><div><br /></div><div>From experience to #NextGen, lets also give special #TeamUpset eyes to Team Bowles.</div><div><br /></div><div>The University of Victoria team just competed at the Canada West championships this past weekend, winning a TB for 2nd place and booking them a spot at the USport National Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>As we saw with last week's Playdown Party previews, provinces seem to be bouncing around with format.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the past 3 seasons this event was a triple knockout with 8 teams. This season is a return to a round robin format with 8 teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could the different format help or hinder a team? Who knows?</div><div><br /></div><div>But we do know the 4 qualifiers from last season (Brown, Grandy, Reese-Hansen, Ryan) are all back this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Different format, same 4 qualifiers?</div><div><br /></div><div>And keep your eyes on how Team Brown does this week. Should they fail to win the B.C. Scotties title, they are still in the running for one of those #WC tickets to Calgary.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Brown, Team Grandy, Team Reese-Hansen, Team Ryan</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span>British Columbia Championship: Team</span><span> Grandy def. Team Brown</span></b></span></div></div><div><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: blue;">#ABStrong</span></b></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIjHbxVIyOk/WlaTVUe58cI/AAAAAAAA2Rs/pVGxJx0cxDYcPZGYzUCFLBsix8LPuVMdQCLcBGAs/s1600/ABflag.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="524" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hIjHbxVIyOk/WlaTVUe58cI/AAAAAAAA2Rs/pVGxJx0cxDYcPZGYzUCFLBsix8LPuVMdQCLcBGAs/s200/ABflag.png" width="149" /></a></div><br />St. Paul, AB<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Skrlik<br /><br />Format: 8 team RR with 3 qualifiers. 1st place earns bye to final while 2nd vs. 3rd advance to SF.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Skrlik</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The champs are back to #DefendTheIce. But being the hunted could be much more difficult compared to being the hunter.</div><div><br /></div><div>Skrlik has won 3 tour events this season but they also have 4 events where they DNQ.</div><div><br /></div><div>Consistency will be key for them to replicate their success of last season.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they can get on a roll, gain momentum and confidence, they could repeat as Alberta champs.</div><div><br /></div><div>And added pressure/excitement knowing your home city is the also the host city for the Scotties.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Kaufman</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Nicky Kaufman returns to the Alberta Scotties for the first time since 2020 and she could end up being the surprise team in the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have only seen the team compete in 4 tour events this season but they have qualified in 3, including back-to-back SF results at their last 2 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having played all their events in Alberta, almost entirely against Alberta opposition, could be an advantage. They will be familiar with their opposition. They have a 7-4 H2H record this season against the field, including wins over higher ranked Team Sturmay and Team Hunkin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do not let that #69 ranking fool you either. Kaufman's experience could be a wildcard factor in her favour.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a field of teams who have been here before yet only Team Skrlik has tasted championship glory.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Hunkin has an advantage with vice Jessie Haughian of course with Haughian winning this championship with her sister, Casey Scheidegger, in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>There will still be a sister connection in the field with Jessie Hunkin and Nicky Kaufman.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus keep your eye on Team Sturmay. They are still in the thick of the #WC battle too.</div><div><br /></div><div>#NextGen will be well represented in the field with Team Gray-Withers. We just saw Team Ackerman win Saskatchewan last weekend. Could Gray-Withers use their win as motivation towards saying "hey, if they can do it, we can do it!" They did just win the Canada West title this past weekend representing the University of Alberta.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Skrlik, Team Sturmay, Team Hunkin</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span style="color: blue;">Alberta Championship: Team Hunkin def. Team Skrlik</span></b></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><b><br /></b><b><span style="color: #783f04;">#BuffaloHunt</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QRtqc4M9M8/WlaTeUwSbqI/AAAAAAAA2Rw/Wjk5TOD3G3gWkjkPaRf_sMiH7FD_P6LOwCLcBGAs/s1600/MBflag.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="719" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3QRtqc4M9M8/WlaTeUwSbqI/AAAAAAAA2Rw/Wjk5TOD3G3gWkjkPaRf_sMiH7FD_P6LOwCLcBGAs/s200/MBflag.png" width="140" /></a></div><div>Morden, MB<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Jones<br /><br />Format: 12 team RR with 2 pools of 6. Top 3 in each pool advance to Championship Pool RR. Top 3 qualify for playoffs with 1st place earning a bye to the final and 2nd vs. 3rd in the SF.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Lawes</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The #11 ranked team in the world should enter this event with the #Fav label but after the tough result in Red Deer, they may not enter with momentum.</div><div><br /></div><div>Consistency has plagued this team all season.</div><div><br /></div><div>On paper, they are one of the strongest teams in the world. They have experience and championship pedigree.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the ice, they are a modest 26-21 overall. They have qualified in 4 of 8 events. But they did reach a final. Remember their run to the championship game at the #gsoc Tour Challenge Tier I?</div><div><br /></div><div>The flip side of that argument is their performance in their last 2 events, both #gsoc events as well. They went 2-2 at The Masters and 1-3 at The Canadian Open.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which team shows up in Morden?</div><div><br /></div><div>The one who reached a slam final or the one who struggles for wins on a consistent basis?</div><div><br /></div><div>They do have a slight advantage right now, knowing they are in the pole position for one of the two #WC spots.</div><div><br /></div><div>But you know they want to earn and win their ticket to Calgary with the buffalo on their backs.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Kaatz</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>18-18 on the season. Ranked #98 on the world rankings. 7 tour events. Only 3 qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>So why is Team Kaatz a #TeamUpset who could make some noise?</div><div><br /></div><div>It is not how you start the season but how you finish.</div><div><br /></div><div>After struggling in the first part of the season, Kaatz has improved since November.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in 3 straight tour events. They have reached 1 final alongside 1 SF and 1 QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 9-6 overall in those Manitoba Curling Tour events.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the big advantage is the 5-1 H2H record vs. fellow pool opposition/#TeamUpset possible challenger Team McLeod.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kaatz and McLeod could end up fighting for that 3rd spot in the group, behind Team Cameron/Team Campbell.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kaatz has the advantage. Perhaps we call it the Kadriana Lott advantage? Not to mention Cathy Gauthier as their coach.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>No Einarson. No Jones. Advantage everyone else!</div><div><br /></div><div>But who will seize the day on one of the most wide open, opportunistic Manitoba Scotties fields ever?</div><div><br /></div><div>The Canadian Open didn't reveal anything for the 3 teams who competed. All 3 missed the playoffs. Lawes was the only team to even secure a win.</div><div><br /></div><div>And none of them did themselves any favours towards the #WC standings either.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the Big 3 coming in vulnerable, could a "surprise" challenger emerge from the opening RR?</div><div><br /></div><div>Beth Peterson is back. And she has tasted Scotties fever before.</div><div><br /></div><div>Kristy Watling is also a dangerous dark horse.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Peterson and Watling are both in the same pool as Lawes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Cameron and Campbell find themselves together in the other pool, with both not only fighting for the MB title but also wanting to one-up one another in the #WC standings.</div><div><br /></div><div>But if they aren't careful, dark horse challengers like Team McLeod and Team Kaatz could be ready to ruin one (or both) of their Scotties dreams.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we look ahead, based on rankings, imagine a final playoff bracket featuring Lawes, Cameron and Campbell.</div><div><br /></div><div>Winner gets the Buffalo. Loser MIGHT get a #WC? 3rd place MIGHT ALSO get a #WC?</div><div><br /></div><div>PLUS, how about last year's teammates/Scotties participants Meghan Walter/Mackenzie Elias vs. Abby Ackland/Sara Oliver?</div><div><br /></div><div>Walter/Elias now curl with Team Cameron. Ackland/Oliver curl with Team Campbell.</div><div><br /></div><div>All 4 went to the Scotties as #WC3 last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year, could they end up playing against one another for a Scotties berth? One duo sending their former teammate duo home early?</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on THAT drama.....</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Championship Pool Qualifiers: Team Lawes, Team Peterson, Team Watling, Team Cameron, Team Campbell, Team Kaatz</b></i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i><b>Playoff Qualifiers: Team Lawes, Team Cameron, Team Campbell</b></i><br /></div><div><i><br /></i></div><span style="color: #783f04;"><b>Manitoba Championship: Team Lawes def. Team Campbell</b></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><b><span>#CurlON</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IKD8jvdvMQ/WlaTjyR59lI/AAAAAAAA2R0/tV_lezQG7xMaSfPUxNBsWAMJEcxoCFEyACLcBGAs/s1600/ONmap.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="445" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IKD8jvdvMQ/WlaTjyR59lI/AAAAAAAA2R0/tV_lezQG7xMaSfPUxNBsWAMJEcxoCFEyACLcBGAs/s200/ONmap.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>Dorchester, ON<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Homan<br /><br />Format: 12 team triple knockout with 4 qualifiers.<br /><br /><div><b><i>#Fav: Team Inglis</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Danielle Inglis is no stranger to provincial championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>She is no stranger to national championships either, having won a Canadian (and world) mixed championship in 2018.</div><div><br /></div><div>She also lost the Ontario Scotties final in 2018 to main rival Team Duncan.</div><div><br /></div><div>But this year will be unfamiliar territory for Inglis.</div><div><br /></div><div>She enters this year's Ontario Scotties as the #Fav.</div><div><br /></div><div>No Homan mean Inglis is in.</div><div><br /></div><div>And this should not be a surprise.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team is 33-19 on the season, having qualified in 7 of 9 events played. They have 2 tour titles and recently reached the SF in Scotland at the Perth Masters.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also have a 5-2 H2H record vs. the field this season. Those 2 losses came at the same tour event in North Bay to Team Brandwood and Team Duncan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course, Inglis ended up beating both in the playoff bracket, including Duncan in the final, to avenge those losses quickly.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have seen Inglis at the Scotties before, as an alternate for Team Duncan in 2018 and winning silver as an alternate for Team Homan in 2021 inside the #IceBubble.</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course we are familiar with seeing Inglis at Curling Canada events behind the scenes.</div><div><br /></div><div>But could this finally be the season we see Inglis on the ice wearing the Ontario jacket and skipping her own team to Scotties glory?</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a long time coming....</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Auld</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The world ranking may show #76 but the experience factor could be a difference maker.</div><div><br /></div><div>Skip Courtney Auld and vice Chrissy Cadorin have provincial championship experience.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while they struggled for the majority of the season, they do arrive at this event on a momentum high.</div><div><br /></div><div>In their opening 3 tour events, they failed to qualify and racked up an unimpressive 3-10 record. At one point they were on an 8-match losing streak in September.</div><div><br /></div><div>But at the Stu Sells event in Brantford in December, the team went 7-1 overall and captured the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>They posted victories over fellow Ontario Scotties qualifiers Team Ladouceur, Team Markle and Team Jewer.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also picked up a win over newly crowned Nova Scotia Scotties winner Team Smith and NWT Scotties winner Team Galusha in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they can keep that magic in a bottle from December flowing into this week in January, they could surprise a few of those higher ranked teams in the field and make a "surprise" push for the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Since her first Ontario Scotties win in 2013, this championship really has been owned by Rachel Homan.</div><div><br /></div><div>She has 6 provincial titles. She has represented the province at 7 Scotties (2021 was awarded).</div><div><br /></div><div>2014 and 2015 she was already at the Scotties as Team Canada.</div><div><br /></div><div>And 2018 she was representing Canada at the Winter Olympics.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since that 2013 title, she only has one Ontario Scotties where she failed to win the title (2016 losing the final to Team Jenn Hanna).</div><div><br /></div><div>Why are we talking about Rachel Homan?</div><div><br /></div><div>Because she is not here and this is the BEST opportunity for any of the 12 teams in this field to make a Scotties without her being here to stop them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Allison Flaxey took advantage in 2014. Julie Hastings did the same in 2015. And Hollie Duncan seized the day in 2018.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who can reap the benefits this year?</div><div><br /></div><div>There are a number of top quality teams in Ontario but getting through Homan always seems to be a problem.</div><div><br /></div><div>No Homan, No Problem.</div><div><br /></div><div>The question is WHO??</div><div><br /></div><div>And remember, Team Inglis is right in the hunt for one of the #WC spots so all eyes will be on her not only within the province but from neighbour provinces as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets also give a special shout out to fellow non-traditional media member and multi-Scotties participant Lori Eddy, who has joined Team Ladouceur as vice for this event. Her experience could be a wild card factor for the #NextGen team.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Inglis, Team Duncan, Team Ladouceur, Team Brandwood</b></i><br /><b><br /></b></div><span><b>Ontario Championship: Team Inglis def. Team Duncan</b></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>#FearTheMoose</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0hxmGy8Fng/WlaUpvvXORI/AAAAAAAA2SM/YcbhTFdMdsI71s0anERr2AsPBe_k-hO0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Northernontariocoa.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0hxmGy8Fng/WlaUpvvXORI/AAAAAAAA2SM/YcbhTFdMdsI71s0anERr2AsPBe_k-hO0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Northernontariocoa.gif" /></a></div><div>Little Current, ON<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team McCarville<br /><br />Format: 6 team RR with Top 2 advancing to final.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team McCarville</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>No surprise here.</div><div><br /></div><div>2023 and 2010 Scotties bronze medal winner.</div><div><br /></div><div>2022 and 2016 Scotties silver medal winner.</div><div><br /></div><div>10-time Scotties participant.</div><div><br /></div><div>2009 and 2021 Canadian Curling Olympic Trials bronze medal winner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Krista McCarville has one impressive curling resume.</div><div><br /></div><div>But she is missing that coveted gold medal on the national stage.</div><div><br /></div><div>This season she added 11-time Scotties participant Andrea Kelly to the fold, with Kelly moving into the vice position.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have played 4 tour events this season, winning their season opener in September and qualifying in one other.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also reached the QF at the highly competitive Northern Ontario Major League of Curling, an combined gender event with men's and women's teams entered.</div><div><br /></div><div>McCarville will attempt the #4peat as well, having won the championship in 2019, 2020 and 2023.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember they declined the invite bid in 2021 and were awarded the Scotties bid in 2022, both due to COVID-19.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team McCormick</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Curling fans may not be as familiar with skip Jackie McCormick but they may be familiar with the front end.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sisters Jan and Amanda Gates are back on the ice together and their experience lends a wild card advantage to Team McCormick.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember last year's Northern Ontario Scotties folks. Team McCormick finished the RR with a 5-1 record, tied for top spot with Team McCarville.</div><div><br /></div><div>They ended up losing the SF and winning the bronze medal.</div><div><br /></div><div>We may not see them compete on tour but do not discredit their potential to challenge for this title.</div><div><br /></div><div>They may arrive here with a sense of unfinished business after last year's result.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Can anyone dethrone McCarville?</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the ultimate storyline to watch out for.</div><div><br /></div><div>McCarville did take a RR loss last year to Team Bella Croisier so she is beatable.</div><div><br /></div><div>But can anyone beat her twice? It might take a RR and playoff win to do the trick.</div><div><br /></div><div>Krysta Burns is back, having lost the 2020 and 2023 final.</div><div><br /></div><div>McCormick gave a good run last year as well.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team McCarville, Team Burns, Team McCormick</b></i><br /></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Northern Ontario Championship: Team McCarville def. Team Burns</b></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><b><span style="color: cyan;">#Labelleprovince</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXueEidbFns/WlaTr0Uj_nI/AAAAAAAA2R4/oeOqrd55qC8HhARpN8s-pMYSxwzdwd-MACLcBGAs/s1600/QCmap.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1290" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXueEidbFns/WlaTr0Uj_nI/AAAAAAAA2R4/oeOqrd55qC8HhARpN8s-pMYSxwzdwd-MACLcBGAs/s200/QCmap.png" width="161" /></a></div><div>Drummondville, QC<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team St-Georges<br /><br />Format: 6 team RR. Top 3 qualify for playoffs with 1st place earning a bye to the final and 2nd vs. 3rd in the SF.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team St-Georges</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Laurie St-Georges won her first Quebec Scotties title last season...and made her 3rd straight Scotties appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div>After being awarded the Quebec berth in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, St-Georges finally got to taste provincial victory last season.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now she enters the 2024 Quebec Scotties as the actual defending champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pressure. On.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are the highest ranked team in the field, sitting #53 overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they have a positive 22-15 record on the season, including qualifying in 3 events and winning 2 titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also arrive in Drummondville on an impressive 7-match winning streak after winning the Bogside Cup in PEI in December at their last event.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the real advantage for this team this season is the new additions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Scotties runner-up Marie-France Larouche has joined the team at vice. </div><div><br /></div><div>3-time USA Curling champion Jamie Sinclair is their alternate.</div><div><br /></div><div>To say they are a #Fav in this field might be an understatement. </div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: The Field? </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Team St-Georges just appears to be such a stacked team in comparison to the competition. And the blog says this with respect to the other 5 teams in the competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>St-Georges is beatable.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, similar to the Northern Ontario preview above, can anyone beat her twice?</div><div><br /></div><div>If online betting was making a case for the Quebec Scotties, it would be Team St-Georges vs. The Field.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I think a majority of bets would still go to St-Georges.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can any of the other 5 challengers make a surprise run here?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Having said that, Team Horton and Team Verreault made their run last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>All 3 teams finished the RR with identical 4-1 records.</div><div><br /></div><div>Horton ended up in 1st place.</div><div><br /></div><div>Verreault handed St-Georges their sole RR loss.</div><div><br /></div><div>But St-Georges extracted revenge in the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Horton could not solve the St-Georges puzzle at all, losing the RR and final. </div><div><br /></div><div>Beating St-Georges once can be done. We saw it last season.</div><div><br /></div><div>But beating her twice to take away "her" title? Lets see if anyone can accomplish that feat.<br /><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team St-Georges, Team Horton, Team Verreault</b></i><br /><b><br /></b></div><span style="color: cyan;"><b>QC Championship: Team St-Georges def. Team Horton</b></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></b><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">#TheIslanders</span></b></div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuHFTcLG-tWWe5snrkQ-d4olnKrvv8UXrnRkEWSIxClc71NKvY0AJbxs-HxmX8hUwnTk1raYCfueOYFO2QJiOlVL61wnpNvt-bdp9tDH_bjXqnZ-_JEJ0u3f1nk_MgREcz9j98PwpSNkU1udYOSoC2E2vKrhZD-m3-Nv26GfUlIOmZOEEfyhWNpJRFR7n/s1200/PEI.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1200" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuHFTcLG-tWWe5snrkQ-d4olnKrvv8UXrnRkEWSIxClc71NKvY0AJbxs-HxmX8hUwnTk1raYCfueOYFO2QJiOlVL61wnpNvt-bdp9tDH_bjXqnZ-_JEJ0u3f1nk_MgREcz9j98PwpSNkU1udYOSoC2E2vKrhZD-m3-Nv26GfUlIOmZOEEfyhWNpJRFR7n/w200-h146/PEI.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: white;">Summerside, PEI<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Birt<br /><br />Format: 8 team triple knockout with 3 qualifiers. If same team wins A, B and C event, they win the title with no playoff bracket needed.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team DiCarlo</i></b></span></div><div><b><i><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div><span style="color: white;">I preface this pick by saying they are the highest ranked team in the field, sitting at #161 in the world.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">But the tour results do place them in the front-runner position as well.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">They have played 2 tour events this season, qualified in both and reached a championship final.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">They also have a positive 3-2 H2H record vs. the field.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Plus Veronica Smith is on this team, playing vice.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">For those who pay attention to Canadian Junior Curling Championships, you will be familiar with the name Veronica Smith as she has represented PEI on the junior national stage for a number of years.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: The Field</i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Honestly, the entire field could also be listed as #TeamUpset.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">The teams entered in the field are close in rankings.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">DiCarlo is #161 with Team Blades #162, Team White #170, Team Power as #175 and Team Ferguson at #205 as an example.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">This is WIDE OPEN!</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><b><i><span style="color: white;">#W2W4</span></i></b></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Who wants to take the lead?</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">With powerhouse Suzanne Birt not competing, this championship is ripe for the taking.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Birt had won the last 4 PEI Scotties titles and represented the province in the past 5 Scotties.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Is this the official changing of the guard season?</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">If so, who wants to seize the day?</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">One team will emerge victorious and earn a debut spot in the Scotties field in Calgary.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Give this event special attention curling fans. We could be seeing the next Suzanne Birt emerge before our eyes this season.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><i><b><span style="color: white;">Qualifiers: Team DiCarlo, Team Power, Team White</span></b> </i><br /><b style="color: black;"><br /></b><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span>Prince Edward Island Championship: Team DiCarlo def. Team Power</span><span> </span></b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span><br /></span></b></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">#TheRock</span></b></div><div style="color: black;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iCM-BTQ2cbXzPwQg4fFUTa7ZhqozX658-wY8sasZlSl9bkoEC4iLm26t4YIok1ZDvxhULAwvgUM2lW1C5Glbhyjo9GEpGc7djTwisTNuVGpq8JJUwh2giLpR2TIDHcNl5RK87lTZusIHXP_xcctUKRf_dd5nOWtmeMKz_dihbko5D5oLzb8MJwlQ61VL/s1000/NL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1000" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iCM-BTQ2cbXzPwQg4fFUTa7ZhqozX658-wY8sasZlSl9bkoEC4iLm26t4YIok1ZDvxhULAwvgUM2lW1C5Glbhyjo9GEpGc7djTwisTNuVGpq8JJUwh2giLpR2TIDHcNl5RK87lTZusIHXP_xcctUKRf_dd5nOWtmeMKz_dihbko5D5oLzb8MJwlQ61VL/w200-h146/NL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="color: white;">St. John's, NL<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Curtis<br /><br />Format: 4 team double RR with Top 2 advancing to the final.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Curtis</i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Stacie Curtis is back to #DefendTheIce and try to capture her 7th NL Scotties title.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Curtis has played 3 events this season, reaching 1 final in the season-opener back in September.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Their last 2 events have not been as kind though, failing to qualify and putting together an overall record of 2-7.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">They arrive here as defending champions but on a 4-match losing streak after going winless at their last tour stop at the Stu Sells event in Halifax.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">And against their competition this season, they are 0-2 vs. Team Boland and 2-1 vs. Team Godsland. They have yet to play Team Gushue.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">They may be listed as #Fav based on NL Scotties wins alone.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Gushue</i></b></span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Hello Hayley Gushue.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Oh yes, she is a member of THAT Gushue family. You know, the one who owns curling in NL.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Gushue will be making her NL Scotties debut.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">It will be tough against a strong and experienced field but everyone starts somewhere.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">And when you have a guy named Brad Gushue in your corner, never underestimate the possibilities.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Win or lose, consider this year the coming out party for Hayley Gushue.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">We guess the future is going to be bright!</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><b><i><span style="color: white;">#W2W4</span></i></b></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Curtis is the #Fav based on defending champion status.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Godsland has a tour title this season, defeating Curtis in the final. Plus they reached the SF in their only other tour event.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Boland did not qualify in either of the two events played this season but owns a 2-0 record vs. Curtis this year.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">And Gushue has name recognition but is making her debut.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">Something has to give in this field.</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: white;">But who takes the advantage?</span></div><div><span style="color: white;"><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Curtis, Team Godsland</b></i></span><br /><b style="color: black;"><br /></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span>Newfoundland and Labrador Championship: Team Godsland def. Team Curtis</span><span> </span></b></span></div></span></div><div style="color: black;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span><br /></span></b></span></div><b><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></b></span></div><div><span><b><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: orange; font-size: medium;"><b>#WC</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/joker.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/joker.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><span style="color: white;">2023 Representatives: Team Lawes (#WC1), Team Scheidegger (#WC2), Team Walter (#WC3)</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br />Format: Top two teams who did not win their provincial/territorial championship based on CTRS.</span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.curling.ca/team-canada/canadian-team-ranking-system/2023-2024-ctrs-standings-women/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ffa400;">Teams In Contention</span></a>: <span style="color: white;">Team Lawes (MB), Team Sturmay (AB), <b><span style="font-weight: 400;">Team Inglis (ON), </span></b>Team Brown (BC), Team Cameron (MB), Team Campbell (MB)</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />The big news here is Alberta's Team Sturmay jumping ahead of Ontario's Team Inglis.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">It should be noted Sturmay's results at the Canadian Open did not improve her CTRS point total as CTRS only takes the best 7 results of the season.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">Last week's blog post was made before the standings were updated, thus having Inglis ahead of Sturmay.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">NOW, fast forward a week, and Sturmay has a 1.25 lead on Inglis heading into playdown weekend.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">This could be the difference between playing in Calgary or staying home folks, assuming of course Lawes wins Manitoba and Sturmay/Inglis falter in Alberta and Ontario respectively.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">Both Sturmay and Inglis still control their own fate of course. Survive the week and earn a Scotties heart, no stress.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">And keep your eyes on BC's Team Brown and the Manitoba duo of Team Cameron and Team Campbell.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">Cameron leads Campbell by 0.937 points. Brown leads both by a few points.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">If Lawes wins Manitoba and one of the 3 teams ahead of the Manitoba duo falter, the final spot could come down to who does better at the Manitoba Scotties: Team Cameron or Team Campbell.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">And what if Brown falters in BC? Could a run to the Manitoba final by Cameron and/or Campbell displace Brown from a WC spot?</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">But if all the teams above the Manitoba duo win, both should advance to Calgary as the two #WC recipients.</span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: white;">So many possibilities still in play here folks.</span></div><div style="color: black; font-weight: 400;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-weight: 400;"><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wildcard Predictions: Team Sturmay, Team Campbell</span></span></b></div></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></b></span></div><div style="color: #cc0000;"><span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></b></span></div></b></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#Brier2024</b></h3><b><br /></b><div><div><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">#TeamPacific</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n2AuozL8TXA_TN-nX054nCsQyZ_SVHg8eos-0UqGCXWdl7Z27aN5-mlxMHCfs_nTqtD2rS5CGI12rD2RD3ZmTjbHk_UQ-8m5m1U-OdPM69DdmWtf0mc0X7ABB7b9ZKp30yEV7l53NPQgz_1-iJ8ugYFMolNMLuvPhDkunO8n6PIgJXQMaFwoX5dIiius/s600/bc_map_flag.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="387" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0n2AuozL8TXA_TN-nX054nCsQyZ_SVHg8eos-0UqGCXWdl7Z27aN5-mlxMHCfs_nTqtD2rS5CGI12rD2RD3ZmTjbHk_UQ-8m5m1U-OdPM69DdmWtf0mc0X7ABB7b9ZKp30yEV7l53NPQgz_1-iJ8ugYFMolNMLuvPhDkunO8n6PIgJXQMaFwoX5dIiius/w129-h200/bc_map_flag.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>Victoria, BC<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Gauthier<br /><br />Format: 12 team triple knockout with 4 qualifiers advancing to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Schneider</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of this team are the defending champs so they arrive in Victoria looking to #DefendTheIce.</div><div><br /></div><div>New to the team is skipper Catlin Schneider.</div><div><br /></div><div>But Schneider is no "new" player. He has 3 Brier appearances under his belt, including winning a bronze medal in 2020 while representing his home province of Saskatchewan.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, with the 2024 Brier being in Regina, you can bet the Sasky boy would love to compete in front of home family and friends...even if it is representing Team B.C.</div><div><br /></div><div>Schneider has made the transition back to skip for the first time since his University of Regina Cougars days...and it has led to success.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ranked #35 in the world, the team has compiled a 29-24 record on the season, including 2 final appearances.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are capable of beating top ranked teams, as shown in victories this season over Team Mouat, Team Edin, Team Dropkin and Team McEwen.</div><div><br /></div><div>But they are also prone to taking losses against lower ranked teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>Consistency has been the the crux of their success.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a triple knockout event, against tough provincial opposition and wearing the target as defending champs, consistency is what they need to find to earn a spot back on Brier ice.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Kolomaya</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Jared Kolomaya is not a new name. He was part of Team Pierce's 2022 BC Tankard title as second.</div><div><br /></div><div>And he is once again joined at lead by Nicholas Meister, also part of the Pierce championship team.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now he is back to skipping and has added former skip Cody Tanaka at vice.</div><div><br /></div><div>At last year's championship, Tanaka surprised a few people with his run to the playoffs after surviving the #CSideGrind.</div><div><br /></div><div>And who did Tanaka face in the page playoff game? Team Pierce with Kolomaya and Meister.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now they have joined forces and it will be interesting to see if the combination can lead back to a playoff appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team is 15-9 on the season, qualifying in 4 of 5 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a very experienced field but Kolomaya could emerge as the surprise challenger.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This field is deceptively difficult. There may not be familiar #gsoc-type of names in the field but there are worthy contenders and dark horse challengers all over this draw.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Schneider. Team Pierce. Team Richard. Team Robillard. Team Montgomery. Team Norbert. Team Kolomaya. Team de Jong.</div><div><br /></div><div>But also watch out for Team Chester with Paul Cseke at vice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Fenton could be a surprise as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>This might be the most difficult championship to predict this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The field is equally strong and while no team stands out high and above the rest, each team is capable of beating one another.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this an expect the unexpected championship? Or, when the last rock stops spinning, will a past champion remain on top of the B.C. curling scene?</div><div><br /></div><div>It really is anyone's guess...</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Schneider, Team Pierce, Team Robillard. Team Kolomaya</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span>British Columbia Championship: Team</span><span> Schneider def. Team Robillard</span></b></span></div></div><div><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><b>#CurlON</b></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IKD8jvdvMQ/WlaTjyR59lI/AAAAAAAA2R0/tV_lezQG7xMaSfPUxNBsWAMJEcxoCFEyACLcBGAs/s1600/ONmap.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="501" data-original-width="445" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6IKD8jvdvMQ/WlaTjyR59lI/AAAAAAAA2R0/tV_lezQG7xMaSfPUxNBsWAMJEcxoCFEyACLcBGAs/s200/ONmap.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>Dorchester, ON<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team McEwen<br /><br />Format: 12 team triple knockout with 4 qualifiers.<br /><br /><div><b><i>#Fav: Team Epping</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a weird season for Team Epping.</div><div><br /></div><div>Curling fans are used to seeing this team on #gsoc ice yet the closest they got was competing at the Tour Challenge Tier II event (2-2 record, DNQ).</div><div><br /></div><div>They have played 10 tour events this season though, qualifying in 6 and winning a tour title at a Stu Sells event in November.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus they just reached the SF at the Golden Wrench tour stop in Arizona last weekend, so they will have some momentum entering this championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could Regina be a lucky Brier destination for John Epping?</div><div><br /></div><div>He made his Brier debut in 2018 in Regina. Could he make his 4th appearance, first since 2021, back in Regina?</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team King </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Ranked #53 in the world and owning a positive 26-20 record on the season, Team Jayden King looks primed to become a dark horse challenger this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in 5 of 9 events this season, including a tour championship win in September. They also reached another tour final at the Stroud Sleeman Cash Spiel in October.</div><div><br /></div><div>They even had a 10-match winning streak going between last September and early October.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the ice has gone a bit cold since November for the young team, failing to qualify in their past 3 events. This includes an 0-4 weekend in Halifax with losses to fellow Ontario Tankard participants Team Fournier and Team Epping.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they can recover their magic from earlier in the season, they could turn some heads this week.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This field has former champions all over the place.</div><div><br /></div><div>John Epping. Mark Kean. Greg Balsdon.</div><div><br /></div><div>We cannot forget Team Howard either. Glenn Howard hurt his surgically repaired knee at a tour event in December (an event the team won btw) and was ruled out indefinitely for the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>But this is still Glenn Howard and this is still his strong team so never count them out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Michael Fornier is here too. He may not have an Ontario title to his credit but he has 3 Brier appearances representing Quebec under his slider.</div><div><br /></div><div>And what about #NextGen contender Sam Mooibroek? His team has had a breakout season on tour, currently sitting #25 on the world rankings right behind #Fav Team Epping (#23).</div><div><br /></div><div>This is going to be one fun, and possibly hectic, triple knockout to watch curling fans.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Epping, Team Mooibroek, Team Fournier, Team Howard</b></i><br /><b><br /></b></div><span><b>Ontario Championship: Team Mooibroek def. Team Epping</b></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>#FearTheMoose</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0hxmGy8Fng/WlaUpvvXORI/AAAAAAAA2SM/YcbhTFdMdsI71s0anERr2AsPBe_k-hO0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Northernontariocoa.gif" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0hxmGy8Fng/WlaUpvvXORI/AAAAAAAA2SM/YcbhTFdMdsI71s0anERr2AsPBe_k-hO0gCLcBGAs/s1600/Northernontariocoa.gif" /></a></div><div>Little Current, ON<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Horgan<br /><br />Format: 14 team triple knockout with 3 qualifier positions.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Horgan</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The defending champions may have lost 2 players from their championship win last season but there is no slowing them down with a new lineup.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sitting with an impressive 22-11 record on the season, Team Horgan has won 2 straight tour events.</div><div><br /></div><div>After failing to qualify in their opening 3 events of the season, they have now reached a SF and won back-to-back titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are on an 11-match winning streak entering this event.</div><div><br /></div><div>And that SF loss that started the win streak? It just happened to be to some guy named Matt Dunstone.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Brad Jacobs gone from Northern Ontario curling, Tanner Horgan is becoming the new face that runs the place.</div><div><br /></div><div>The question is whether he can win his second Northern Ontario championship and survive the pressure of having a target on your back.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is new territory for him in the men's game. </div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Adams Jr.</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The blog was keeping a keen eye on Bryan Adams Jr. last year and thought he could make a deep run at this event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Instead he went 2-3 and bowed out relatively quick.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this the season he makes his run?</div><div><br /></div><div>The team reached the SF of the Northern Ontario Major League of Curling.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also reached the SF of a tour event in Thunder Bay at the start of January.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is momentum building.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>If the Major League of Curling results tip the hat to a team to watch out for it would be 2024 champions Team Bonot.</div><div><br /></div><div>They claimed the title this past weekend, defeating Team Johnston in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what about last year's Tankard finalist Team Sandy MacEwan? Could they make another final run in 2024?</div><div><br /></div><div>Jordan Chandler and Bryan Burgess are familiar Northern Ontario names as well who have not won this event but have made playoffs runs in the past.</div><div><br /></div><div>Brad Jacobs won this championship from 2010 to 2022. Tanner Horgan took over last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this the start of a Horgan streak?</div><div><br /></div><div>Or are we ready to see a new face emerge?</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Horgan, Team Bonot, Team MacEwan</b> </i><br /></div><span style="color: #cc0000;"></span><br /><span style="color: #274e13;"><b>Northern Ontario Championship: Team Horgan def. Team Bonot</b></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><b><span style="color: cyan;">#Labelleprovince</span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXueEidbFns/WlaTr0Uj_nI/AAAAAAAA2R4/oeOqrd55qC8HhARpN8s-pMYSxwzdwd-MACLcBGAs/s1600/QCmap.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1290" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXueEidbFns/WlaTr0Uj_nI/AAAAAAAA2R4/oeOqrd55qC8HhARpN8s-pMYSxwzdwd-MACLcBGAs/s200/QCmap.png" width="161" /></a></div><div>Drummondville, QC<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Asselin<br /><br />Format: 16 team triple knockout with 4 qualifiers advancing to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Asselin</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Can Felix Asselin #DefendTheIce as skip?</div><div><br /></div><div>Asselin has been to 4 Brier's already, including the past 3.</div><div><br /></div><div>But last year was his first Brier as skip. And his first season winning the Quebec championship as skip.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can he handle the pressure of being the hunted while standing in the house?</div><div><br /></div><div>Ranked #30 in the world, Asselin has put together an outstanding season.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team is 23-6 overall. They have qualified in 4 of 5 tour events. They have reached 3 tour finals. They have won 2 tour titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they enter this event riding a 6-match winning streak after claiming the Stu Sells Brantford title in December.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sounds like a #Fav to me.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Wise</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Zackary Wise and his team from Montreal have been a team the blog has been keeping a close eye on this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they reached the SF in Valleyfield back in September it was almost like firing a warning shot into the air for their fellow Quebec opponents.</div><div><br /></div><div>The following week they won a tour title in Ottawa and then reached a QF at their next event.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the flip side, they have not played since November when they went 0-3 at a tour event in Clermont and are on a 4-match losing streak heading into this provincial championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have beaten higher ranked teams this season. They have also lost to lower ranked teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which team shows up in Drummondville?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>This is a large field but the list of main contenders may be small.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Asselin of course.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Wise as a #TeamUpset dark horse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Desjardins is always a contender.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Martel earned their spot in the field as the Circuit Field winner.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Tremblay and Team Lawton could also be dangerous.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember 3 of the 4 members on Team Trembley reached the final last year as members of Team Vincent Roberge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Outside of those 6 teams, it would be a "surprise" to see another challenger emerge.</div><div><br /></div><div>But who knows? This is why we play the games. And why we love sports.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Leduc surprised the field last year with their #CSideGrind qualification.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they earned the last ticket in this field via the Last Change Qualifier event. Maybe they surprise again?</div><div><br /></div><div>Or someone else becomes the #TeamLeduc of 2024?</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Asselin, Team Desjardins, Team Martel, Team Wise</b></i><br /><b><br /></b></div><span style="color: cyan;"><b>QC Championship: Team Asselin def. Team Desjardins</b></span><br /><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span><span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></b><div><b><span style="color: #38761d;">#TheIslanders</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuHFTcLG-tWWe5snrkQ-d4olnKrvv8UXrnRkEWSIxClc71NKvY0AJbxs-HxmX8hUwnTk1raYCfueOYFO2QJiOlVL61wnpNvt-bdp9tDH_bjXqnZ-_JEJ0u3f1nk_MgREcz9j98PwpSNkU1udYOSoC2E2vKrhZD-m3-Nv26GfUlIOmZOEEfyhWNpJRFR7n/s1200/PEI.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="878" data-original-width="1200" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuHFTcLG-tWWe5snrkQ-d4olnKrvv8UXrnRkEWSIxClc71NKvY0AJbxs-HxmX8hUwnTk1raYCfueOYFO2QJiOlVL61wnpNvt-bdp9tDH_bjXqnZ-_JEJ0u3f1nk_MgREcz9j98PwpSNkU1udYOSoC2E2vKrhZD-m3-Nv26GfUlIOmZOEEfyhWNpJRFR7n/w200-h146/PEI.png" width="200" /></a></div>Summerside, PEI<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Smith<br /><br />Format: 7 team triple knockout with 3 qualifiers.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Smith</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Tyler Smith has represented PEI at the past 2 Briers, winning the PEI Tankard last season and being awarded the spot in 2022.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can he #DefendTheIce for the first time?</div><div><br /></div><div>Smith does not play a ton of tour events, having only entered 4 this season. But they did qualify in 2 events, including winning the title in Summerside in November.</div><div><br /></div><div>At their last event in Moncton, they went 2-3 and DNQ.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: The Field </i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Smith has proven himself to be PEI championship pedigree.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can another team in this field give him a run?</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Higgins made the provincial final last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jamie Newson, Tyler Harris and Blair Jay have been here before too and made deep runs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Will one of them emerge as the main challenger to the top contender?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>The last time PEI had a successful #DefendTheIce moment was 2018 when Eddie MacKenzie won his 2nd straight title.</div><div><br /></div><div>And where was the Brier held in 2018? Regina.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could we see a bit of #HIStory repeating in PEI with a #DefendTheIce championship leading to a Brier berth in Regina?</div><div><br /></div><div>Or will a surprise team emerge from the field and make their debut?</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Smith, Team Higgins, Team Harris</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span>Prince Edward Island Championship: Team Smith def. Team Higgins</span><span> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><span><br /></span></b></span></div><div><span><div><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">#TheRock</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iCM-BTQ2cbXzPwQg4fFUTa7ZhqozX658-wY8sasZlSl9bkoEC4iLm26t4YIok1ZDvxhULAwvgUM2lW1C5Glbhyjo9GEpGc7djTwisTNuVGpq8JJUwh2giLpR2TIDHcNl5RK87lTZusIHXP_xcctUKRf_dd5nOWtmeMKz_dihbko5D5oLzb8MJwlQ61VL/s1000/NL.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="728" data-original-width="1000" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3iCM-BTQ2cbXzPwQg4fFUTa7ZhqozX658-wY8sasZlSl9bkoEC4iLm26t4YIok1ZDvxhULAwvgUM2lW1C5Glbhyjo9GEpGc7djTwisTNuVGpq8JJUwh2giLpR2TIDHcNl5RK87lTZusIHXP_xcctUKRf_dd5nOWtmeMKz_dihbko5D5oLzb8MJwlQ61VL/w200-h146/NL.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>St. John's, NL<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Young<br /><br />Format: 9 team RR with 3 qualifiers. 1st place earns bye to final with 2nd vs. 3rd playing the SF.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Smith / Team Young</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>It is not often a defending champion is not listed as a #Fav and, to be fair, this is a fairly tight contest for #Fav designation.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Smith is ranked #70. Team Young is ranked #81.</div><div><br /></div><div>Greg Smith has won this title twice (2018, 2021).</div><div><br /></div><div>Nathan Young is the two-time defending champion aiming for a #3peat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Smith has qualified in 4 of 6 tour events this season, having reached 3 SF and 1 QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in their last 2 tour events at the end of 2023, reaching the SF in Clemont and the QF in Moncton.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, they are 0-1 vs. Young this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Young has only played 3 tour events this season but does have a tour title under the slider having won the Rick Rowsell Classic in September.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also reached the SF at the #NextGen U25 event to start the season in August.</div><div><br /></div><div>We last saw them at a tour event in October though, where they went 2-3 at the Soo Curlers Fall Classic and DNQ.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both are the prime contenders of this event but both look equally beatable.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Tipple</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking for a #NextGen up and comer to "rock" the boat in NL curling?</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Tipple could tip the entire fleet upside down and shock the system at their NL Tankard debut.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, they are a young team and they are competing against a very experienced field but is that not what we look for in #TeamUpset challengers?</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw them at the Rick Rowsell event where they lost their opening 3 games but then made a spirited run winning their final 2, including a W over higher ranked (and fellow 2024 NL Tankard participant) Team McNeil Lamswood.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are playing with house money. Everything to gain. Nothing to lose.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Smith. Young. Ryan McNeil Lamswood. Matthew Blandford/Trent Skanes. Andrew Symonds.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a sneaky strong field.</div><div><br /></div><div>And with only 3 playoff spots available, good teams will go home early.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Brad Gushue continuing to hold down the Team Canada jacket, the rest of the province continues to try and capitalize on him not being here.</div><div><br /></div><div>But when Gushue finally relinquishes that maple leaf, he will be back. And the path to the Brier will get that much more difficult.</div><div><br /></div><div>Teams in NL have been enjoying the ride. Continue to enjoy it while you can.</div><div><br /></div><div>And try to be the one to seize the day...and the opportunity.</div><div><br /></div><div>Fun fact: the last player to beat Brad Gushue at the NL Tankard was Matt Blandford (2010 RR). </div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Young, Team Smith, Team Skanes</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span>Newfoundland and Labrador Championship: Team</span><span> Smith def. Team Young</span></b></span></div></span></div></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;"><b>#PolarPower</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ-_FCNkUePymYfeVMo1pge5dPLSB88m3t8jl7aNisl5ibyhXDrmG6eJA3t8XQkclG9Y0XCj8_4EWy_Q11qFyuO6Bz5jnNMu_tfgsctGOXgiHALG14VMBkWTOjN0Hb95pl6Zb963kmmsauR_XUCWqlthyphenhyphenaJKiscKPHEzq5M711qeUSqq1sgCXpY99m4NB/s157/NWT.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ-_FCNkUePymYfeVMo1pge5dPLSB88m3t8jl7aNisl5ibyhXDrmG6eJA3t8XQkclG9Y0XCj8_4EWy_Q11qFyuO6Bz5jnNMu_tfgsctGOXgiHALG14VMBkWTOjN0Hb95pl6Zb963kmmsauR_XUCWqlthyphenhyphenaJKiscKPHEzq5M711qeUSqq1sgCXpY99m4NB/w194-h200/NWT.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>Inuvik, NWT</div><div><br />2023 Champion: Team Koe<br /><br />Format: 2 team Best of 5 format<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Koe</i></b><br /><br />Jamie Koe is back and looking to claim his 17th Brier appearance this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Always a crowd favourite, Koe remains the King of the North.</div><div><br /></div><div>And with twin sister Kerry dubbed the Queen of the North, it is no surprise which family sits atop the ice throne in NWT.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to sister Kerry, Jamie is undefeated at the NWT Tankard.</div><div><br /></div><div>If he enters, he wins. He has won every NWT championship he has entered since its inception in 2015.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lone time another team represented NWT at the Brier was 2021 (Team Skauge), when Koe did not participate.</div><div><br /></div><div>His overall record at the event? 50-0!</div><div><br /></div><div>Yup, undefeated...literally. How impressive is that?!?!</div><div><br /></div><div>This season, Koe entered 2 tour events. While failing to qualify in their first event in Beaumont (1-3), they returned to the same location in December and reached the final (5-1 overall).</div><div><br /></div><div>A run to a tour event final is a good indicator of this team being ready to make some noise.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Saturnino</i></b></div><div><br />Koe has been so dominant at this event over the years, it almost seems impossible for it to end.</div><div><br /></div><div>But all streaks in sport end eventually, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this the year another team from NWT makes the move and knocks the King off his throne?</div><div><br /></div><div>It won't be easy of course.</div><div><br /></div><div>But anything can happen?!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>#W2W4</i></b></div><div><br />Can anyone beat Jamie Koe?</div><div><br /></div><div>And maybe not even beat him for the championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just beat him period.</div><div><br /></div><div>50-0 and counting....</div><div><br /></div><div>Will the streak continue?<br /></div><div><br /><b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;">Northwest Territories Championship: Team Koe def. Team Saturnino - 3 games to 0</span></b></div><br /><br /><div><span style="color: orange; font-size: medium;"><b>#WC</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/joker.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/joker.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>2023 Representatives: Team Bottcher (#WC1), Team Carruthers (#WC2), Team Sturmay (#WC3)</div><div><br />Format: Top team who did not win their provincial/territorial championship based on CTRS.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.curling.ca/team-canada/canadian-team-ranking-system/2023-2024-ctrs-standings-men/" target="_blank">Teams In Contention</a>: Team Koe (AB), Team Carruthers (MB), Team McEwen (SK), Team Sluchinski (AB)</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />With Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan not taking the ice this weekend, not much changes on the #WC front of teams in contention.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, the Canadian Open results did reconfigure the standings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Koe and Team Carruthers moved past Team McEwen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Koe is in the driver's seat right now, should he falter at the upcoming Boston Pizza Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>Carruthers will become the biggest Koe fan in the country, knowing a Koe win should protect them a spot in Regina if they falter in Manitoba.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Team Sluchinski, the last team out last year, is hoping Carruthers and McEwen win their respective provinces. Should Sluchinski be unable to win Alberta, they could squeak into the Brier field if the other 3 prevail. </div><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wildcard Prediction: Team Sluchinski</span></span></b></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#StayTuned </b></h3></div><div><br /></div><div>There you have it rock heads.</div><div><br /></div><div>The BIGGEST PLAYDOWN PARTY PREVIEW blog post EVER!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>If you made it to the end, congratulations and THANK YOU!</div><div><br /></div><div>Most important though, enjoy ALL the curling action this week. There is streaming everywhere so your curling eyes will have lots to watch.</div><div><br /></div><div>You might want to have a few TVs and monitors set up to stay on top of all the action.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those competing and chasing Scotties/Brier dreams, good luck and good curling.</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-28887170900751452852024-01-17T15:31:00.000-07:002024-01-17T15:31:15.770-07:00Playdown Party 2024<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: Welcome To Playdown Party 2024</u></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>All eyes on Canadian playdown drama</i></b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OBpSw6Zc0Q/XiffffNogJI/AAAAAAABOls/KLjsX8EkRRA86o7Hjecb7_XgDXvGFSingCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Party.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="206" data-original-width="307" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_OBpSw6Zc0Q/XiffffNogJI/AAAAAAABOls/KLjsX8EkRRA86o7Hjecb7_XgDXvGFSingCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Party.jpg" /></a></div><br />Welcome back an annual tradition for the blog. You have all been invited to the biggest party of the year, the Playdown Party!<div><br /></div><div>Last year we finally saw the return of provincial/territorial playdowns, previously wiped out due to COVID-19 for a few seasons.</div><div><br /></div><div>And what a party we had. We partied like it was....2018? 2019?</div><div><br /></div><div>Are you ready to do it all over again in 2024?</div><div><br />You have the invite in your hand. Put on your best curling gear. Come and knock on my door. We've been waiting for you. Lets get it started in here!<br /><br /><a name='more'></a>THE biggest party of the curling season in Canada is the Playdown Party.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, the Scotties and Brier are arguably bigger party centers but they are located in one city within one province.</div><div><br /></div><div>The playdown party happens across the entire country. Coast to Coast.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a true NATIONAL party where all curling fans are invited.<br /><br />It also has the LARGEST guest list. Each provincial/territorial playdown has a list of attendees invited to the party.<br /></div><div><br />And as we say every year, once again you can bet this Playdown Party will have all kinds of DRAMA!!<br /><br />The first party had closing time this past weekend. But more parties are getting ready to open their doors this upcoming week. Some of you might even attend them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets get caught up on the STOH and Brier fields.</div><div><br /><b>#STOH2024</b><br /><br />The first playdown party hit the ice last weekend in Whitehorse, Yukon.</div><div><br /></div><div>And our first Scotties RSVP was confirmed with Team Bayly Scoffin winning the Yukon Curling Championship. Team Scoffin went 3-1 in the RR and defeated Team Wallingham in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to the following teams who are now getting ready for the main event in Calgary AB:<br /><br /><b><span style="color: red;">#TeamCanada - Team Einarson</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: purple;">#PurplePower - Team Scoffin</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">#PQ1 - Team Homan</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">#PQ2 - Team Jones</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: yellow;">#TeamArctic - Withdrew</span></b><span style="color: purple;"><b><br /></b></span><br />The main headline here is Canada's Team Einarson aiming for the #5peat. Amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Homan and last year's finalist Team Jones will be strong competition out of the gate to try and dethrone our champions as they will compete as Pre-Qualified teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course the sub-headline is Nunavut deciding to decline their invite, opening up another spot in the field. But more on that below.</div><div><br /></div><div>4 more teams will punch their tickets to Calgary this weekend as the Playdown Party gets going in Saskatchewan, NWT, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.</div><div><br /><b>#Brier2024</b><br /><br />We know five teams already punching their tickets to the Montana's Brier in Regina, SK. </div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to the following teams:<br /><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: red;">#TeamCanada - Team Gushue</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: yellow;">#TeamArctic - Team Latimer</span></b><br /><b><span style="color: purple;">#PurplePower - Team Scoffin</span></b></div><div><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b>#PQ1 - Team Bottcher</b></span></div><div><span><b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">#PQ2 - Team Dunstone</span><br /></b></span><br />We have some returning party goers on the attendee list as well as a new invitee.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Gushue returns with the maple leaf on their backs. Gushue will be looking to #DefendTheIce and chase down his 5th Brier title in his 21st appearance.<br /><br />Yukon will once again be represented by Thomas Scoffin. Scoffin will be making his 5th Brier appearance (2018, 2020, 2022, 2023) and secured the #3peat in Yukon this past weekend.</div><div><br />Nunavut will have a new face at the party this year with Team Shane Latimer winning the territorial championship with a 5-1 RR record and defeating Team Kingdon in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>And of course we have our Pre-Qualified teams in the field: Team Bottcher and Team Dunstone.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will add 1 more team to the field after the weekend wraps up and we crown a provincial champion in Nova Scotia.<br /><br />But now lets open the door and enter the #PlaydownParty with 5 Playdown Previews.</div><div><br /></div><div>Are you ready? Grab a cold beverage. Enjoy some hot eats. And get ready for some fun (and drama).<br /><br /><h3><b>Playdown Previews</b></h3><b><div><b><br /></b></div>#STOH2024</b></div><div><b><br /></b><div><span style="color: #04ff00;"><b>#TeamGreen</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqhtN-McqSg6I5fQs18Qbgj6Yrn5eOsA7HPcNubiJVT_IiLBYEWHWUDDvn88_eMQmswTCRLF5Z1pjEW7yxeCt0yN65LB9UX_51o9YZMt0VkbtZiow6jzyCHwtCcRycXnfGp0Wgb4B1qNhurxsVeSWSVd_eSWO_lHJVYZGWwK1Sglqpwh-ByobYlThIQ/s162/SK.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="162" data-original-width="104" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibqhtN-McqSg6I5fQs18Qbgj6Yrn5eOsA7HPcNubiJVT_IiLBYEWHWUDDvn88_eMQmswTCRLF5Z1pjEW7yxeCt0yN65LB9UX_51o9YZMt0VkbtZiow6jzyCHwtCcRycXnfGp0Wgb4B1qNhurxsVeSWSVd_eSWO_lHJVYZGWwK1Sglqpwh-ByobYlThIQ/w128-h200/SK.JPG" width="128" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Tisdale, SK</div></div><br />2023 Champion: Team Silvernagle<br /><br />Format: 12 team RR with 2 pools of 6. Top 2 in each pool advance to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Ackerman</i></b><br /><br />There are a number of former champions in this field: Robyn Silvernagle, Sherry Anderson, Amber Holland, Michelle Englot, Penny Barker.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the team arriving in Tisdale with the highest ranking is the #NextGen team from Saskatoon, Team Ackerman.</div><div><br /></div><div>They currently sit #32 on the world rankings and have been dominating the Sask Tour scene this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>After failing to qualify in their opening 3 events of the season, they have been on a steady incline since.</div><div><br /></div><div>5 straight qualifications. 3 finals. 3 titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>And those titles all came against Sasky competition, winning in Moose Jaw, Saskatoon and last weekend in Yorkton at the SaskTour Women's Players Championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are on a 10-match winning streak heading into the event and 11-1 overall in their past 2 events, both championship titles. And they own an 11-2 season record vs. their opposition this week.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Orsted</i></b><br /><br />The blog has been watching the team from Moose Jaw all season and has named them a #TeamUpset at a few tour events too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why mess with success?</div><div><br /></div><div>They are ranked #57 in the world, sitting behind 5 other teams in the field and right in front of another.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in 5 of 7 events, including a finals appearance in Saskatoon in November (lost to Ackerman).</div><div><br /></div><div>And they arrive in Tisdale fresh off a SF result last weekend in Yorkton.</div><div><br /></div><div>They may be ranked #57 on the rankings but year to date they sit #51 and are the #4 team in the province this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have also picked up wins this season against higher ranked competitors like Ackerman, Martin and Barker.</div><div><br /></div><div>We know Saskatchewan is wide open...could we be in for a Playdown (Surprise) Party right out of the hack?</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />The blog said it last year and we say it again this year. This is a WIDE OPEN field.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have familiar names. We have new names.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we have a new format.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gone is the triple knockout. Hello pool play. Could this help or hinder the competition?</div><div><br /></div><div>When there are 2 pools of 6 and only the Top 2 make the playoff round, every game matters more than the one before.</div><div><br /></div><div>2 losses is probably the most you can relinquish against the field. 3 MIGHT keep you in the running but you don't want to press your luck, do you?</div><div><br /></div><div>And one pool seems STACKED in comparison to the other.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pool A is the #PoolOfDeath with Anderson, Barker, Holland, Martin, Ostred and Team Stevenson. Only 2 of those 6 will survive the RR.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pool B presents opportunity for some and perhaps a bit of relief for the defending champ. Silvernagle will be joined by #Fav Ackerman alongside Englot, Team Mitchell (another dark horse?), Team Selzer and Team Tisdale.</div><div><br /></div><div>Should we expect the unexpected? Or will the familiar names prove experience matters?</div><div><br /></div><div>With no team in this field close to wildcard consideration, this is a make it or break it event for these teams. <br /><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Martin, Team Orsted, Team Ackerman, Team Silvernagle</b></i><br /><br /><span style="color: #04ff00;"><b><span>Saskatchewan</span></b><b><span> </span><span>Championship: Team Ackerman def. Team Martin</span></b></span><br /></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>#TeamBluenose</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqde-1VMW_-A4OVY93Rmn-kga3W1b5AO67uekttAar8lpUlxhHROQxeo7Ep150l7Hz2dFRWUJwe7JquguBoLs5D3OokDr0MCP9IEU3r-4R19J-iraXNKYmMzjRPAFBimSwxXj2YAc3aHzQKOVeQ7J2hG4fUVDPnbcLjYPUQZMFlkkSLax3YjX07XzjRQ/s743/NSflag.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="743" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqde-1VMW_-A4OVY93Rmn-kga3W1b5AO67uekttAar8lpUlxhHROQxeo7Ep150l7Hz2dFRWUJwe7JquguBoLs5D3OokDr0MCP9IEU3r-4R19J-iraXNKYmMzjRPAFBimSwxXj2YAc3aHzQKOVeQ7J2hG4fUVDPnbcLjYPUQZMFlkkSLax3YjX07XzjRQ/w200-h161/NSflag.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Halifax, NS</div></div></div><br />2023 Champion: Team Black<br /><br />Format: 8 team triple knockout with 4 qualifiers. Qualifiers advance to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Black</i></b><br /><br />Ready for a #DefendTheIce moment? How about the #3peat?</div><div><br /></div><div>Both could happen with Team Black headlining the Nova Scotia Scotties.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has not been as dominant of a season from Team Black as we have seen in the past though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, they have qualified in 6 of 7 events and reached the SF at the PointsBet Invitational.</div><div><br /></div><div>But of all those qualifications, only 2 finals appearance. And those were in August and September. And neither resulted in championship wins.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 24-18 on the season, ranked #26 in the world, but a modest 7-7 record in their past 3 events since the beginning of November.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have seen them at 2 #gsoc events though, reaching the QF at the Tour Challenge Tier II and going 1-3 at The National.</div><div><br /></div><div>They remain the "face that runs the place" but are they prone to an upset this year?<br /><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Hilliard</i></b><br /><br />Is this the year for Tanya Hilliard?</div><div><br /></div><div>In 2019 and 2020 she lost out in a TB.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year she lost the provincial final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can she finally break through?</div><div><br /></div><div>Hilliard has been a regular threat on the Atlantic circuit for a number of years and should always be considered a dark horse threat when the Playdown Party opens its doors.</div><div><br /></div><div>This year the team has only played 4 events. 2 qualifications. 2 DNQs. But those 2 qualifications were runs to the final, including their most recent event in December in PEI.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their season has been DNQ, F, DNQ, F. If the pattern continues, they will not make the playoffs here.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they make the playoffs, pencil them into the final given how their season has gone.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 11-10 on the season, ranked #89 in the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>This seems like the perfect #TeamUpset resume folks.</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Who will be the main challenger for Team Black?</div><div><br /></div><div>Hilliard is a dark horse challenger.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what about the return of Jill Brothers?</div><div><br /></div><div>The 4-time NS champ, 6-time Scotties participant has returned home and looks ready to reclaim her crown from the current Bluenose Queen.</div><div><br /></div><div>After competing in New Brunswick last season with Team Kelly, winning the NB title of course, she has returned to join forces with past teammate/skip Heather Smith.</div><div><br /></div><div>Add 2010 Scotties finalist Erin Carmody at lead and 6-time Scotties participant Marie Christianson and you have one heck of a Super Team.</div><div><br /></div><div>Christianson has been skipping this season but Smith is listed as the skip for this event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Oh and don't forget having Colleen Jones as your coach and Taylour Stevens as your alternate.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yikes!</div><div><br /></div><div>But don't just settle in with a Top 2 contender list.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jessica Daigle and Kristen MacDiarmid are back as well, both proven to be contenders as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to Saskatchewan, the #WC possibility is not in play for a team from Nova Scotia so this will be an all out fight for the crown.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Black, Team Smith, Team Daigle, Team Hilliard</b></i><br /><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span>Nova Scotia </span><span>Championship: Team Smith def. Team Black</span></b></span></div></div><div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;"><b>#TeamAcadia</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjUmNG8h2No/XifZxPkrCII/AAAAAAABOks/2NY4hjnOo6Uo3Cl9_S9FzWTrssAAPkSoACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/NB.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="599" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjUmNG8h2No/XifZxPkrCII/AAAAAAABOks/2NY4hjnOo6Uo3Cl9_S9FzWTrssAAPkSoACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/NB.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>Oromocto, NB<br /><br />2023 Champion: Team Kelly<br /><br />Format: 6 team triple knockout with 3 qualifiers. A-qualifier earns bye to championship final.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Quillian</i></b><br /><br />Sylvie Quillian is back in the house as skip and ready to continue her reign over New Brunswick women's curling.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 5-time NB champ, 6-time Scotties participant (2022 was appointed due to COVID-19 remember) enjoyed 2 years at vice with Andrea Kelly, including the exciting bronze medal win at the 2022 Scotties.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Kelly playing out of Northern Ontario now, Quillian is back to skip duties, where she won 4 NB Scotties titles (2008, 2015, 2016, 2018).</div><div><br /></div><div>She has reconnected with former lead Jill Boyle but has welcomed 2 new players into the fold: Sarah Mallais and Carol Webb.</div><div><br /></div><div>The highest ranked team in the field (#90), Quillian has had a successful season. They have qualified in all 4 events played, including reaching 1 final in Moncton back in October.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are 12-10 overall on the season; however, they are a modest 3-2 against the field.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Arsenault-Bishop</i></b><br /><br />Speaking of Quillian, could a familiar face become a surprise challenger for the title?</div><div><br /></div><div>Nicole Arsenault-Bishop played second for Quillian for many years, including NB Scotties titles in 2016 and 2018.</div><div><br /></div><div>This season she stepped into the house to test her skills as skip. And the results have her on the cusp of dark horse challenger consideration.</div><div><br /></div><div>While the team is only 5-9 on the season, they have reached the QF in 2 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>But they are 2-1 against the field this season too, including a W over Quillian in their last matchup in PEI in December.</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />The NB Scotties has traditionally been a RR event but this year the format has shifted to a triple knockout.</div><div><br /></div><div>Interesting how some provinces moved from a triple knockout to a RR (SK) while others went the other way (NB).</div><div><br /></div><div>Which format wins out? </div><div><br /></div><div>The format call could also be based more on the number of teams competing or the venue available.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless, New Brunswick teams will be testing out the triple knockout this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Quillian and Team Melissa Adams are the Top 2 seeds in the event and should be expected to qualify for the page playoff round.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note Melissa Adams and her foursome have 2 tour titles already this season, including winning their last event in November (Jim Sullivan Classic).</div><div><br /></div><div>If so, that leaves 1 playoff spot up for grabs. If the top seeds qualify, the #CSideGrind will be a battle for sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who claims the spot? The blog's #TeamUpset? Watch out for Team Burgess and Team Forsythe though.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Carly Smith could be the ultimate upset, now curling with #NextGen NB junior champ Justine Comeau and Shaelyn Park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also keep your eyes on who qualifies via the A-side. Remember, the A-qualifier earns the auto spot in the provincial final. A HUGE advantage.</div><div><br /></div><div>For Quillian or Adams, that means only needing to win 2 games to earn a final ticket.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Quillian, Team Adams, Team Arsenault-Bishop</b></i><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;">New Brunswick Championship: Team Quillian def. Team Adams</span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></div><div><div><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;"><b>#PolarPower</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ-_FCNkUePymYfeVMo1pge5dPLSB88m3t8jl7aNisl5ibyhXDrmG6eJA3t8XQkclG9Y0XCj8_4EWy_Q11qFyuO6Bz5jnNMu_tfgsctGOXgiHALG14VMBkWTOjN0Hb95pl6Zb963kmmsauR_XUCWqlthyphenhyphenaJKiscKPHEzq5M711qeUSqq1sgCXpY99m4NB/s157/NWT.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="157" data-original-width="152" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZ-_FCNkUePymYfeVMo1pge5dPLSB88m3t8jl7aNisl5ibyhXDrmG6eJA3t8XQkclG9Y0XCj8_4EWy_Q11qFyuO6Bz5jnNMu_tfgsctGOXgiHALG14VMBkWTOjN0Hb95pl6Zb963kmmsauR_XUCWqlthyphenhyphenaJKiscKPHEzq5M711qeUSqq1sgCXpY99m4NB/w194-h200/NWT.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>Hay River, NWT</div><div><br />2023 Champion: Team Galusha<br /><br />Format: 4 team double RR with Top 3 qualify for the playoffs. 1st place in RR advances directly to final with 2nd vs. 3rd in the SF.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Galusha</i></b><br /><br />Are you going to bet against the only skip to have won this championship since inception in 2015?</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, Kerry Galusha in undefeated at the NWT Scotties. She is the ultimate Queen of the North.</div><div><br /></div><div>And she has 20 Scotties appearances under the slider as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Over the past few years we have seen Galusha become not just a name in curling but a real contender.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last season the team went 4-4 at the Scotties. In 2022, they finished 6-4, tied for 5th overall and reaching the Championship Round.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have also seen the team travel to more and more tour events, facing off against top ranked teams and testing more competitive curling ice but also showing they are not just there for the "experience".</div><div><br /></div><div>This season, the team competed in 8 tour events. They qualified in 3 events, including reaching a championship final at the Stu Sells Brantford event. And they currently sit #39 on the world rankings.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Queen of the North does not look ready to relinquish her crown anytime soon folks. </div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset</i></b><br /><br />The field?!</div><div><br /></div><div>This seems to be the #TeamUpset answer every season. But it is out of respect for Kerry Galusha and her winning ways more than a knock against the competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Cormier, Team Delorey and Team Stanley will need to curl the event of their lives to take down the queen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not saying it cannot happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>But I am not sure it will happen.</div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Will Galusha suffer a loss in this event?</div><div><br /></div><div>Since the NWT Scotties started in 2015, Galusha has amassed an overall record of 34-1 at the event.</div><div><br /></div><div>She has 25 straight wins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Her only loss? January 29, 2016 vs. Team Lora Browne from Fort Smith.</div><div><br /></div><div>She is not only winning the championship, she is dominating the event.</div><div><br /></div><div>The watch might not be whether she wins again but whether she does so undefeated for the 6th straight year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note, there was no NWT championship in 2017 as no other team entered. And of course no championship was held in 2022 due to COVID-19. In both instances, Galusha and her team were awarded the NWT Scotties title.</div><div><br /><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Galusha, Team Cormier, Team Delorey</b></i><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #eeeeee; font-size: medium;">Northwest Territories Championship: Team Galusha def. Team Cormier</span></b></div><b><br /></b><b><br /></b><span style="color: orange; font-size: medium;"><b>#WC</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/joker.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/joker.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>2023 Representatives: Team Lawes (#WC1), Team Scheidegger (#WC2), Team Walter (#WC3)</div><div><br />Format: Top two teams who did not win their provincial/territorial championship based on CTRS.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.curling.ca/team-canada/canadian-team-ranking-system/2023-2024-ctrs-standings-women/" target="_blank">Teams In Contention</a>: Team Lawes (MB), Team Inglis (ON), Team Sturmay (AB), Team Brown (BC), Team Cameron (MB), Team Campbell (MB), Team Gray-Withers (AB)<br /><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />With Nunavut withdrawing from the 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts, a fourth door has opened for a non-provincial/territorial winner to punch a ticket to Calgary.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nunavut's loss appears to be Manitoba's gain. With 2 teams already in the field, Canada's Team Einarson and #PQ2 Team Jones, Manitoba stands to gain an addition 2 or 3 spots in the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>We know the Manitoba champion will earn a spot. Could the final 2 wildcard spots also go to Manitoba teams? Teams Lawes, Cameron and Campbell certainly hope so.</div><div><br /></div><div>And with all 3 competing at the #gsoc event in Red Deer this week, all 3 can earn some points to increase their odds.</div><div><br /></div><div>All 3 will fight for the Buffalo of course but they know their chances of earning the second chance ticket are high as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lawes is pretty much a slam dunk for the Scotties field right now. We can almost move them into Lock status after the slam.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch out for Team Sturmay as well this week in Red Deer. With Italy's Team Constantini withdrawing from the event due to medial reasons, the home province earns another team in the field. And what a huge opportunity for Sturmay.</div><div><br /></div><div>Should they do well, pick up a few wins and maybe even qualify for the playoffs, their chance to earn a Scotties WC spot will increase.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmmm, wonder how Team Inglis and Team Brown are feeling about this? Of course both of them are in the WC hunt too but also both are favoured, right now at least, to win their provincial titles and thus not needing the second chance opportunity.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 4 provinces crowning champions this weekend probably will not factor into the WC discussion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Nova Scotia's Team Black (#12) and Saskatchewan's Team Ackerman (#14) and Team Martin (#15) are the highest CTRS teams in those fields but should either (or both) fail to win their provincial titles, they would need A LOT of help to get into the WC discussion.</div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout the Playdown Party, the #WC section will be updated...as will the predictions.</div><div><br /><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wildcard Predictions: Team Sturmay, Team Cameron</span><br /></span></b><br /><br /><b>#Brier2024</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>#TeamBluenose</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqde-1VMW_-A4OVY93Rmn-kga3W1b5AO67uekttAar8lpUlxhHROQxeo7Ep150l7Hz2dFRWUJwe7JquguBoLs5D3OokDr0MCP9IEU3r-4R19J-iraXNKYmMzjRPAFBimSwxXj2YAc3aHzQKOVeQ7J2hG4fUVDPnbcLjYPUQZMFlkkSLax3YjX07XzjRQ/s743/NSflag.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="743" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqde-1VMW_-A4OVY93Rmn-kga3W1b5AO67uekttAar8lpUlxhHROQxeo7Ep150l7Hz2dFRWUJwe7JquguBoLs5D3OokDr0MCP9IEU3r-4R19J-iraXNKYmMzjRPAFBimSwxXj2YAc3aHzQKOVeQ7J2hG4fUVDPnbcLjYPUQZMFlkkSLax3YjX07XzjRQ/w200-h161/NSflag.png" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Halifax, NS</div></div></div><br />2023 Champion: Team Manuel<br /><br />Format: 8 team triple knockout with 4 qualifiers. Qualifiers advance to Page Playoff.<br /><br /><b><i>#Fav: Team Purcell</i></b><br /><br />From world junior bronze medal win in 2022 to Brier participant in 2024?</div><div><br /></div><div>Yup, it could happen for 23-year old Owen Purcell.</div><div><br /></div><div>This team has been playing A LOT of curling this season, competing in 11 events from late August to last weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of those 11 events, they have qualified in 7 of them with 1 championship win. But that championship win came way back in August at the start of the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are coming off a SF result last weekend in Duluth though, including a W over Olympic champ John Shuster.</div><div><br /></div><div>With a 32-22 record on the season and ranked #37 in the world, the #NextGen movement continues to be strong in Nova Scotia.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a new team as well. Half of the team were together last season (Purcell and Adam McEachren) with the other 2 coming from Team Paul Flemming's 3rd place team at the NS Tankard last season (Ryan Abraham, Scott Saccary).</div><div><br /></div><div>And they have 2004 Brier champ Mark Dacey as their coach.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember Matt Manuel pulled the feat last season. Can Purcell follow rank this season?</div><div><br /></div><div>Note, they are only 4-3 against the field this season.</div><div><br /><b><i>#TeamUpset: Team Flemming</i></b><br /><br />Ok, so the name Paul Flemming is not a name usually associated with #TeamUpset status, especially at a Nova Scotia Tankard.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 8-time NS champ and 11-time Brier participant is always a threat.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Flemming won the Canadian Senior Curling Championship in December.</div><div><br /></div><div>So why a #TeamUpset?</div><div><br /></div><div>This is not the same team he won a senior title with. And it is unknown how the "new" team will function against a field who have been playing together all season.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have also not seen this team compete at a tour event so the unknown factor is heavily in play.</div><div><br /></div><div>Experience and name recognition alone will always place Flemming as a challenger though. </div><div><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Are we in for another surprise win this season?</div><div><br /></div><div>Manuel shocked many in the curling world with his NS Tankard title last season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who does it in 2024?</div><div><br /></div><div>Can Manuel #DefendTheIce? And with 5-time Scotties champ Kim Kelly on the bench.</div><div><br /></div><div>Will Purcell make the quick jump from junior to Brier?</div><div><br /></div><div>Or will experienced names like Flemming, Stuart Thompson or Brent MacDougall win out at the end?</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep your eyes on a few other names like Bryce Everist and Colten Steele too. They could surprise.</div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Purcell, Team Manuel, Team Everist</b></i></div><div><br /><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b><span>Nova Scotia </span><span>Championship: Team Purcell def. Team Manuel</span></b></span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="color: orange; font-size: medium;"><b>#WC</b></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/joker.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="301" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4bC3IrjZ54o/XifcNwJe_nI/AAAAAAABOlU/2SDz_zxVKPEW0alLm5xpoS1BMLekLBVBgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/joker.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>2023 Representatives: Team Bottcher (#WC1), Team Carruthers (#WC2), Team Sturmay (#WC3)</div><div><br />Format: Top team who did not win their provincial/territorial championship based on CTRS.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.curling.ca/team-canada/canadian-team-ranking-system/2023-2024-ctrs-standings-men/" target="_blank">Teams In Contention</a>: Team McEwen (SK), Team Koe (AB), Team Carruthers (MB), Team Sluchinski (AB)<br /><br /><b><i>#W2W4</i></b><br /><br />Unlike the Scotties field, the Brier will only be handing out 1 WC spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the contender pool is fairly small.</div><div><br /></div><div>If McEwen loses in Saskatchewan, the bid could be his for the taking. He is the prime position...for now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Alberta could be the decider here. Koe and Sluchinski are both right in the hunt. If one wins the Boston Pizza Cup, the other could steal the WC ticket.</div><div><br /></div><div>Carruthers will also be a team to watch in Manitoba. They should be the favs for the Buffalo but if they are upset in the chase, this WC conversation could get very interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>And with McEwen, Koe and Carruthers all competing at the Canadian Open this week, these WC standings could change. Note, Carruthers and McEwen are in the same pool in Red Deer and will play one another in the final draw.</div><div><br /></div><div>We might want to check the heart rates on Team Sluchinski as well. They JUST missed out on the final WC spot last year. Could they be the "first team out" again this season?</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of "who", it is probably safe to assume the prairie provinces are going to benefit from the WC spot this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Given the Brier is in Regina, this is a double win for the organizers.</div><div><br /><b><span style="color: orange;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wildcard Prediction: Team Sluchinski</span></span></b></div></div><div><br /><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><br />The blog will return next week with all the Playdown Party discussions. Plus this party is not just your normal run of the mill one-nighter. Heck it is not even your normal weekend festival. This party keeps bumping and grinding for a few weeks. Get ready for more #PlaydownPredictions next week!</div><div><br /></div><div>And ICYMI, the #PowerRankings mountain has its first update in 2024. Check out where the top teams land <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2024/01/power-rankings-welcome-to-202.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #PowerRankings will be updated next week as well after the Canadian Open wraps up in Red Deer.</div><div><br /></div><div>ICYMI, the newest #TwineTime podcast episode was released on Monday. Tyler Powell joined the #TwineTimeFam to break down the men's and women's fields in Red Deer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Who are the #Favs? #TeamUpset? What should we be watching for this week?</div><div><br /></div><div>Go #BetweenTheSheets with Tyler Powell <a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-canadian-open-preview-with-tyler-powell" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a> or listen on your fav podcast app.</div><div><br />Party on Wayne....</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-63161529625939617512024-01-11T12:51:00.000-07:002024-01-11T12:51:05.891-07:00S2324 W25 - Pre-Playdown Tune-Up<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Pre-Playdown Tune-Up Time</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Getting ready for playdown season</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58hOLbhCAmCnc3E8516d2ppN5DAztWb8YjpmaqfyK8FGaqPwIXtT8ITU20Ozz01t5Tfwme5q8bi6cwUjgsQ3nEebncCg2P5q6bu6MGeMVhukA6mRti1GJVXsNpS2nIlqWPHpHfhBrg3yyNqiNQ9DZtIRKPyatzkVbTfeAawrnIHlCz16Tkt71EJ0JHfwu/s600/get-ready.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="600" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj58hOLbhCAmCnc3E8516d2ppN5DAztWb8YjpmaqfyK8FGaqPwIXtT8ITU20Ozz01t5Tfwme5q8bi6cwUjgsQ3nEebncCg2P5q6bu6MGeMVhukA6mRti1GJVXsNpS2nIlqWPHpHfhBrg3yyNqiNQ9DZtIRKPyatzkVbTfeAawrnIHlCz16Tkt71EJ0JHfwu/s320/get-ready.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">January is officially here.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No, not because the weather has become frigid.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And no, not because everyone is hitting the gym to work off holiday celebrations.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And no, not because everyone is feeling a bit blue and grumpy and not wanting to go to work.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">No, no rock heads. None of those reasons remind us we are in the first month of a new year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yes, it is because curling teams in Canada are preparing for upcoming provincial and territorial championships.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Welcome to Playdown Season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Are you ready?</div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok, so we are not officially in playdown season mode yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But, this is the pre-season of playdown season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For many teams in Canada, these next few weekends are final chances to get ready for the gauntlet of a provincial/territorial playdown and the last chance to keep those Scotties/Brier dreams alive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">January is when the Scotties field will be finalized and a majority of the Brier field as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yukon will crown both champions this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For New Brunswick, NWT, Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, the women's playdown fever hits the ice next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The remaining provinces, the week after.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And many provinces will run their women's and men's championships at the same time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the men, Alberta and Manitoba will be the last provinces to declare their men's champions as those provincial playdown events take place early February.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The playdown party is being prepped as we speak...and all of you curling fans have an invite to attend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But before the playdowns start, a few teams have some competitive curling to take care of.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The men have a big tour event this weekend in Lloydminster.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This weekend many top international women's teams are in Italy competing for a tour title.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And don't forget the next #gsoc event of the season, The Canadian Open, gets underway next week in Red Deer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While the playdown party may be a focus for Canadian curling fans, remember there are upcoming national championships still to be played around the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We see you Scotland and USA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Consider this weekend a pre-playdown tune-up for many teams.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bring on some World Curling Tour action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is exciting to see new tour events on the schedule and both of the events this weekend became a reality in thanks to hard work by two specific teams: Team Bottcher and Team Constantini.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ICYMI, the updated #PowerRankings were released earlier this week. Check out the new Top 10 <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2024/01/power-rankings-welcome-to-202.html#more" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="clear: both;"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></h2><p><b>MEN</b></p><p><b><i>Astec Safety Challenge</i></b></p><p>Lloydminster, AB</p><p>2023 Champion: New Event</p><p>Format: 21 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Bottcher</b></p><p>And no, this is not because they are the "home" team in making this event happen.</p><p>It feels like Team Bottcher is just starting to get ready for the important part of their season.</p><p>They have played well in the first half of the season. But it feels like they haven't reached peak performance.</p><p>Yes, they have won 3 tour events earlier in the season. And yes, they own a remarkable season record of 38-12.</p><p>But they have hit a small wall near the end of 2023, losing in the SF at their past 3 events, including 2 slams.</p><p>SF finishes are, of course, still a great result. But it feels underwhelming for a team of this caliber, no?</p><p>And with only this event and next week's slam event providing tune-up for the Brier in Regina, you can bet these boys will be hungry in January.</p><p>It will be interesting to see if the early assignment of a Brier wildcard spot is an advantage or not.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Wiebe / Team Parent</b></p><p>When we talk about this event being a playdown tune-up event, Manitoba's Team Wiebe and Alberta's Team Parent are prime examples.</p><p>Both teams are having solid seasons.</p><p>Both could enter their provincial championship as dark horse, under the radar potential playoff qualifiers.</p><p>And both are going to want to use this event as a strong tune-up heading into those championship events.</p><p>Wiebe, ranked #33 on the world rankings, have played in 9 events already this season. They reached the QF at the Tour Challenge Tier II.</p><p>Parent, ranked #73, have also played 9 events, reached 2 finals and are coming off their first tour win of the season at an event in December.</p><p>This is a very strong field and both teams will be waving the #TeamUpset flag throughout the competition.</p><p>But both are also very capable of surprising a few higher ranked opponents and messing up the triple knockout brackets.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>8 of the Top 9 teams in the world rankings are competing here.</p><p>#1 Team Retornaz. #2 Team Bottcher. #3 Team Schwaller. #4 Team Mouat. #6 Team Edin. #7 Team Gushue. #8 Team Dunstone. #9 Team Koe.</p><p>The only team missing is #5 Team Whyte.</p><p>The question will be whether any of the other non-Top 10 teams can "steal" a playoff spot from the Elite 8?</p><p>With 8 qualifiers and a triple knockout format, in theory the #Elite8 should steamroll towards a loaded playoff bracket.</p><p>Can any of the other teams in the field put a shock to the system?</p><p>Team McEwen, Team Carruthers, Team Sluchinski and Team Sturmay would be the Top 4 main challengers.</p><p>Team Gosgens, Team Wiebe and Team Schneider might have something to say as well.</p><p>It will be interesting to see if the #Elite8 can live up to their world ranking or if one of the "challengers" tips over the apple cart and creates a sticky situation.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Sluchinski vs. Team Wiebe - Draw 1: A battle of up and coming teams who are making waves this season. Both want strong starts here as both have similar high ceiling expectations heading into provincial playdowns.</p><p>Team McEwen vs. Team Schneider - Draw 1: Catlin Schneider vs. Colton Flasch. Can this become a low-key curling rivalry please?!</p><p>Team Koe vs. Team Parent - Draw 2: If Parent is going to be a dark horse, here is the game to prove your worth. Parent did defeat a Koe to win their tour title in December. One Koe (Jamie) defeated. Can they knock off the other Koe (Kevin) in their opener here?</p><p>Team Gushue vs. Team Hood - Draw 3: These teams are becoming very familiar with one another, competing at Pan-Continental and world championships together. Plus, when was the last time Gushue was in an event and was NOT one of the Top 3 seeds earning an opening draw bye? Yowie Wowie!!</p><p>Team Edin vs. Team Koe - Potential Draw 4: If both survive their opening game, this would be a fun A-side SF.</p><p>Team Gushue vs. Team Dunstone - Potential Draw 4: See above...same potential.</p><p>Team Bottcher vs. Team Koe - Potential Draw 6: This could be an A-qualifier game Friday afternoon.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Retornaz, Team Bottcher, Team Mouat, Team Schwaller, Team Edin, Team Gushue, Team Dunstone, Team Koe</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Bottcher def. Team Edin</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>WOMEN</b></p><p><b><i>Cortina Curling Cup</i></b></p><p>Cortina, ITA</p><p>2023 Champion: New Event</p><p>Format: 10 team RR with 2 pools of 5. Top 6 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Gim</b></p><p>Ranked #2 on the world rankings and #2 on the season rankings, Korea's Team Gim love to curl.</p><p>And their schedule shows it.</p><p>Heading into 2024, they had a season record of 64-17.</p><p>They have already played 81 games this season. And they have already recorded 64 wins.</p><p>And yes, this does include the Korean championships to start the season back in June 2023.</p><p>This team has competed in 12 events already this season. They have reached the playoffs in 11 events.</p><p>They have played in 5 finals. They have won 4 championships.</p><p>Korean Champions. Pan-Continental Champions. GSOC National Champions.</p><p>And they were able to #DefendTheIce in Calgary at the Autumn Gold Curling Classic.</p><p>If this team can fight off curling fatigue entering the second half of the season, we could see a few more championship moments.</p><p>Perhaps even a world championship moment?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Mariani</b></p><p>When you enter an event ranked #258 in the world, you probably know you are the ultimate Team Upset flag bearer.</p><p>But this is also a great opportunity for the Italian junior champions to get their sliders wet against top international competition.</p><p>Team Mariani is fresh off a World Junior-B Curling Championships appearance in December in Finland. They made the playoffs with a solid 5-1 RR record but lost in the QF to Turkey, ending their chance for promotion to upcoming 2024 World Junior Curling Championships.</p><p>We have also seen this young team at a few tour events in Prague, CZE and Tallinn, EST.</p><p>And while they failed to qualify in both, they did put together identical 2-3 records and on the cusp of qualification.</p><p>All 4 wins at the tour events have also come against teams ranked above them.</p><p>So they have flown the Team Upset flag with success already this season.</p><p>Regardless of results this weekend though, this is a great #growthesport moment for Italian curling.</p><p>Team Constantini is the face of women's curling, and will be for as long as they want to be, but the country needs to see growth from other teams as well.</p><p>Having Team Mariani competing on home ice this weekend will only help them.</p><p>And this event, hopefully to become a regular on the tour schedule, will also help grow the sport overall in Italy as the nation (and this city) prepares to host the world for the 2026 Winter Olympics.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>With respect to the teams in Pool B, Pool A is a #PoolOfDeath in Cortina.</p><p>Look at this line-up: KOR Team Gim, NOR Team Rorvik, GER Team Abbes, EST Team Kaldvee, SUI Team Huerlimann.</p><p>Gim, Rorvik and Kaldvee are going to be competing for a world championship in a few months.</p><p>Rorvik, Kaldvee and Abbes all competed at the 2023 European championships.</p><p>Gim won their continental championship, claiming the Pan-Continental title.</p><p>Huerlimann has proven to be a dark horse competitor in Switzerland, sitting #30 on the world rankings and has reached a tour final earlier in the season (Oslo Cup).</p><p>This is going to be a hard pool to survive.</p><p>Pool B will have its competitors too of course.</p><p>Home favs Team Constantini and Italian junior champs Team Mariani will draw loud cheers in Cortina.</p><p>Turkey's Team Yildiz has quickly become a crowd favourite and a dangerous opponent for anyone.</p><p>And keep your eyes on Switzerland's Team Schwaller. They have been making a move on the #PowerRankings over the past few weeks and are closing in on a Top 20 world ranking.</p><p>Scotland's Team Munro wraps up the field in Pool B and with all the attention on Team Morrison, a strong result here could help Munro gain some traction before the upcoming Scottish championships.</p><p>This is going to be a fun event to watch unfold rock heads.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Gim vs. Team Rorvik - Draw 1: What a start! Rorvik won world silver last year. Gim will enter this year's world championship as a podium threat. And both teams have been curling great this season.</p><p>Team Constantini vs. Team Schwaller - Draw 1: An equally big game in Pool B right out of the hack. Winner should have the advantage towards earning the SF bye in the playoff bracket.</p><p>Team Constantini vs. Team Marini - Draw 2: The Present vs. The Future for Italian women's curling?</p><p>Team Abbes vs. Team Kaldvee - Draw 3: The winner of this game should have the inside track on securing a playoff spot out of a very tough Pool A. The loser will need lots of help to qualify.</p><p>Team Kaldvee vs. Team Huerlimann - Draw 5: The winner will still have playoff aspirations but the loser will more than likely be eliminated.</p><p>Team Constantini vs. Team Yildiz - Draw 7: The final RR draw could decide a SF bye. Or maybe an early elimination for the loser?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Gim, Team Constantini, Team Rorvik, Team Schwaller, Team Abbes, Team Yildiz</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Gim def. Team Constantini</b></p><p><br /></p><h2><b>#StayTuned</b></h2><p>The blog will be back next week with an update to the Power Rankings and a preview of the fourth #gsoc event of the season: The Canadian Open.</p><p>And for the slam preview, we are going with a podcast episode.</p><p>Who is the SPECIAL GUEST joining #TwineTime to break down all the action?</p><p>Until next week, always remember the mountain is watching ๐๐</p><p>And stay warm curling fans!!</p>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-15631525618820319132024-01-08T17:18:00.001-07:002024-01-09T10:24:58.298-07:00Power Rankings - Welcome to 202<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="text-align: center;"> </span><b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: The Power Rankings Return</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Bring on the 1st updated Power Rankings of 2024</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1S0yMHyoQRtfBxs75UIFk6jnRZVqjJZ48UHWycCpb1M5Tw5fSBFFYkxrz_mzjDKBvUsk3Pt_YuEwxoj010tH6_d_4DXOp8Xc4JF4PER6KZ0bboXoP7aWbRoJnn5WGFzzaQdLJMDqZC8xp4Nw1XsnJu-_RQoht0oPvLAqKWJav7ioGKGW2Y7R7d-eZ3zE/s600/HappyNewYear2024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="600" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1S0yMHyoQRtfBxs75UIFk6jnRZVqjJZ48UHWycCpb1M5Tw5fSBFFYkxrz_mzjDKBvUsk3Pt_YuEwxoj010tH6_d_4DXOp8Xc4JF4PER6KZ0bboXoP7aWbRoJnn5WGFzzaQdLJMDqZC8xp4Nw1XsnJu-_RQoht0oPvLAqKWJav7ioGKGW2Y7R7d-eZ3zE/s320/HappyNewYear2024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy New Year!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Did everyone enjoy the holiday season? Celebrate with some great people and great food? Maybe a few great drinks?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully everyone within the curling family was able to step away from the rink and spend quality time with those most important to them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And hey, maybe a few of you went to the rink with those special people and had some fun as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Either way, the blog wishes you all a Happy New Year and all the best in 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank You for continuing to support the #TwineTime blog and podcast. It means a lot and hopefully the content in 2024 will keep you coming back from more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A new podcast episode may be dropping next week too....just sayin' ๐</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now lets get to some curling, shall we?</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>While many of us were getting back into our regularly scheduled programming routines of return to work, kids back to school and realizing this nice weather is eventually going to turn into real winter weather soon, many of our curling athletes hit the ice this past weekend to ring in the new year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mixed doubles action was front and center with major events taking place in Alberta, Nova Scotia and Wisconsin.</div><div><br /></div><div>And when the last rock settled, one nation dominated the competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus we had some men's and women's tour action in Scotland and Saskatchewan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets break it all down on what you missed during the first weekend of 2024.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Rocky Mountain Mixed Doubles Classic (MD)</i></b> - Team Thiesse / Dropkin (USA) def. Team Papley / van Amsterdam (AB): The perfect weekend for the world champs to kick off the new year. The Cory/Korey duo went 8-0 to claim the title in Banff/Canmore. For Korey Dropkin, it is his 2nd title at this event after winning the championship in 2019 with former partner Sarah Anderson. The Americans knocked off new Alberta MD champs Team Sluchinski/Sluchinski (QF) and family duo Team Cotter/Cotter (SF) to reach the final. For the runner's up from Alberta, the loss in the final concluded a strong weekend of curling and an overall record of 7-2. They took the longer path to the championship final, having survived 3 playoff games defeating Team Sachkiw/Jacques (PO), Team Schmiemann/Ginter (QF) and Team Peterman/Gallant (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>MadTown DoubleDown (MD)</i></b> - Team Anderson / Stopera (USA) def. Team Hamilton / Hamilton (USA): Sometimes the #CSideGrind can lead to champagne wishes and caviar dreams...just ask Sarah Anderson and Andrew Stopera. After losing the A-qualifer and their first game in the B-side, they navigated the C-side to reach the playoffs and continued their roll with playoff wins over B-qualifier Team Persinger/Casper (QF) and back-to-back playoff wins over A-qualifiers Team Walter/Schneider (SF) and Team Hamilton/Hamilton (F). The champions finished the weekend with a 8-2 record overall. For the Hamilton siblings, it was the shortest path possible to the final. After qualifying A-side, they picked up playoff wins over C-qualifier Team Farrell/Thurston (QF) and B-qualifier Team Walker/Muyres (SF) to finish with an overall 6-1 record.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Mixed Doubles Super Series - Halifax (MD)</i></b> - Team Roenning / Braenden (NOR) def. Team Myketyn-Driscoll / McEachren (NS): The Norwegian champions rounded out a 7-1 weekend by hoisting the title. After reaching the playoffs with a 4-1 RR record, they knocked off Team Wasylkiw/Konings (QF) and Team Kim/Jeong (SF) to reach the final. Their fellow finalists took the longer path to the championship, needing to survive a TB after a 3-2 RR record. Their playoff path included wins over Team MacDiarmid/Jeffrey (TB), Team Skaslien/Nedregotten (QF) and Team Powers/Saunders (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Perth Masters (M)</i></b> - Team Mouat (SCO) def. Team Whyte (SCO): New year, same result. The European and world champions continued to show they are the best team in Scotland, picking up another tour title over main rivals Team Whyte. For Mouat, it marks the #4peat in Perth after winning the title in 2019, 2020 and 2023 (the event was not held in 2021 and 2022 due to the pandemic). The #DefendTheIce path for Mouat included a 4-1 RR record to qualify for the playoff bracket and playoff wins over Team Hostmaelingen (QF) and Team Brunner (SF). For Team Whyte, they qualified for the playoffs with a perfect 5-0 RR record and reached the final with playoff wins over Team Stocker (QF) and Team Waddell (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>๐ฅ Perth Masters (W)</i></b> - Team Grandy (BC) def. Team Lockhart (SCO): The defending B.C. champs ensured it would not be a double-double weekend of Scottish champions in Perth. Team Grandy qualified for the playoffs with a 4-1 RR record (including a RR win over Lockhart) and picked up playoff wins over Team Blair (QF) and Team Inglis (SF) to finish the event with a 6-1 championship record. For Team Lockhart, they squeezed into the playoffs with a 3-2 RR record and recorded playoffs wins over Team Munro (QF) and Team Morrison (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>SaskTour Men's Players Championship (M)</i></b> - Team Knapp (SK) def. Team Laycock (SK): The defending #TeamGreen champions find themselves starting 2024 right where they want to be, as SaskTour champions. Team Knapp showed why they remain a team to watch out for heading into the SK Tankard after posting an impressive 6-0 record over the weekend. After receiving a bye to the SF round, Knapp knocked off Team Bernath to clinch a spot in the final. For Team Laycock, they finished the weekend with a 4-3 record overall. After losing their opening 2 games, including a loss to Knapp, they rebounded to win their next 2 games and squeak into the playoffs. To reach the final, Laycock knocked off Team Kalthoff (QF) and Team Kleiter (SF) to once again prove the name Steve Laycock remains one to be weary of in Saskatchewan.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>SaskTour Women's Players Championship (W)</i></b> - Team Ackerman (SK) def. Team Mitchell (SK): Chalk up a perfect 6-0 weekend for Skylar Ackerman and her team in claiming the SaskTour women's title in Yorkton. After the 4-0 RR record, Ackerman only needed to defeat Team Orsted in the SF to reach the final. For Jessica Mitchell and her team, after losing their opening RR game, they ran off 3 straight wins to reach the playoffs. Similar to Ackerman, they only needed 1 playoff win to reach the final, defeating Team Martin in the SF.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>It is also worth noting provincial qualifiers were wrapping up as well as provinces and territories prepare for their upcoming championship events.</div><div><br /></div><div>As we found out earlier on Monday, <a href="https://www.tsn.ca/curling/team-nunavut-withdraws-from-2024-scotties-tournament-of-hearts-1.2059594" target="_blank"><b>Nunavut</b></a> will unfortunately not be sending a women's representative to the Scotties in Calgary.</div><div><br /></div><div>From a #growthesport perspective, this is quite disappointing and sad to see. We have seen the territory become more competitive over the years and seem to be making great slides forward. Hopefully this is a minor and temporary setback towards the growth of curling up north.</div><div><br /></div><div>With Nunavut withdrawing from the competition, an extra spot in the field has opened up.</div><div><br /></div><div>We knew 1 last Wild Card spot would be awarded once the provincial/territorial championships were finalized and it would go to the highest non-qualifying team on the CTRS.</div><div><br /></div><div>This second (4th overall) wild card spot will now go to the 2nd highest non-qualifying team on the CTRS.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you want the pre-preview of who is in the best position to gain from the Nunavut announcement, check out the updated CTRS <a href="https://www.curling.ca/team-canada/canadian-team-ranking-system/2023-2024-ctrs-standings-women/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, Manitoba and Alberta appear to be the big winners and could gain an extra representative.</div><div><br /></div><div>And with Calgary serving as host, we could see 2 or 3 Alberta women's teams on the ice representing the home province. Imagine what that could do for ticket sales and interest.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course LOTS can change on those rankings between now and when those final 2 wild card spots are awarded....so don't get TOO excited just yet.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is also worth noting, Nunavut will be sending a men's team to the Brier in Regina. The Nunavut men's championship took place the week before Christmas in Iqaluit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Shane Latimer won the championship, posting a 5-1 RR record and defeating Team Wade Kingdon in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Congrats to Team Latimer and best of luck in Regina representing #TeamArctic.</div><div><br /></div><div>With the results of this past weekend fresh in our minds, lets go mountain climbing and see how the Power Rankings look at the start of 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div>And since mixed doubles was the focus of the weekend, lets give the discipline top billing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/12/final-power-rankings-2023.html#more" target="_blank">the end of 2023 Power Rankings</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn4GcAyxYhyBSa3CqGkyJHF6My_4sYbJ6IYGP1knaheW6rI9d2_eAS_sqPGKOexztu_KzNzdG2LQbmm5BdLdorpD3dN4UakDvSCur4yRZ3KEbTP3SXspgn2MuzYGxC6FC9V_JAQSMavlDOVZrEViHLHbBYdaU-dhrL6cbCzsUFNq2DblaDnzVl733XE2L/s580/Power%20Rankings.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="580" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUn4GcAyxYhyBSa3CqGkyJHF6My_4sYbJ6IYGP1knaheW6rI9d2_eAS_sqPGKOexztu_KzNzdG2LQbmm5BdLdorpD3dN4UakDvSCur4yRZ3KEbTP3SXspgn2MuzYGxC6FC9V_JAQSMavlDOVZrEViHLHbBYdaU-dhrL6cbCzsUFNq2DblaDnzVl733XE2L/w320-h243/Power%20Rankings.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>MIXED DOUBLES</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Walker / Muyres (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: MadTown DoubleDown - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>Another deep playoff run, after qualifying B-side, is enough to hold on to their spot atop the mountain.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>For now...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Matsumura / Tanida (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles SuperSeries - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>Are the Japanese champions back to their consistent ways?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A 4-1 RR record and QF appearance in Halifax is a good start to the new year. Can they make a push for the top spot now?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Skaslien / Nedregotten (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles SuperSeries - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>See above?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A similar result for the Norwegians as with the Japanese. A strong 4-1 RR record and a QF result overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Missed opportunity though to make a push for the #1 spot?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Roenning / Braenden (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles SuperSeries - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>The Norwegian champs are back. A solid tour title win in Halifax against a very strong field will be a much needed boost to the confidence and gain some momentum for the second half of the season.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Watch out!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Thiesse / Dropkin (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Rocky Mountain Mixed Doubles Classic - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome back to the MD scene Cory & Korey.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The world champs proved why they are world champions and why, even if we do not see them a ton on the MD circuit this season, they are still a force to be reckoned with.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Cotter / Cotter (9)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Rocky Mountain Mixed Doubles Classic - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>A SF run in Banff/Canmore and a 5-2 record overall was a great start to 2024 for the father/daughter duo.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>They also picked up impressive wins over Canadian champs Jones/Laing in the RR and a QF win over 2022 Olympians Gill/Hewitt.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team St-Georges / Asselin (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles SuperSeries - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>Unlike their fellow Top 10 duos below, the Quebec couple did make the playoff round in Halifax after posting a 3-2 RR record and surviving the TB.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The result was enough to retain their Lucky #7 spot on the mountain and avoid the tripping hazard bestowed upon some of their opposition.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>8. Team Koana / Aoki (2)</i></b></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles SuperSeries - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a surprise. The Japanese duo, who has been red hot all season, missed the playoffs with a 3-2 RR record. They didn't even qualify for the TB round.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><i>Edit Note: They did have to withdraw from the event early due to illness.</i></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>9. Team Kaldvee / Lill (4)</i></b></div></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles SuperSeries - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>A similar result for the Estonians as their fellow former Top 4 ranked Japanese opponents.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Missing the playoffs, including not even a TB possibility, with a 3-2 RR record is a bit surprising.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Anderson / Stopera (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: MadTown DoubleDown - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>Who saw that title coming for the American tandem?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>After losing the A-qualifier and B-SF game, not many would have placed a bet on this duo surviving the #CSideGrind and claiming the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain rewards great results, especially #TeamUpset victories.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy your spot on the Top 10 and welcome to the Power Rankings.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Hamilton/Hamilton, Team Armstong/Griffith, Team Papley/van Amsterdam, Team Zheng/Pietrangelo, Team Martin/Laycock</div></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Retornaz (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)</div><div><br /></div><div>The Italian Stallions do not fall off a mountain because they took the holiday season off.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Get ready to see them back on the ice this upcoming weekend as a tune-up to continue the chase for the Golden Slam in Red Deer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Mouat (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Perth Masters - Champions</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>When you #DefendTheIce and pick up a 4th straight title at a tour stop on home nation ice, you better believe the mountain will reward you for those results.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Mouat solidified their spot as the top Scottish team this season with another final victory over their main rivals as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Whyte (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: Perth Masters - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>In the final Power Rankings of 2023, the <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/12/final-power-rankings-2023.html#more" target="_blank"><b>#DearSanta letter</b></a> from Team Whyte was to become Scottish #1.</div><div><br /></div><div>They had their chance to make the argument a bit more interesting facing off against Mouat in the final in Perth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately they came up short.</div><div><br /></div><div>We will see them in Red Deer chasing a slam win and then the big one: The Scottish Curling Championships at the start of February.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the positive, Mr. July is earning a lot of ๐๐ for his 2024 Men of Curling calendar pic.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Bottcher (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The top Canadian ranked team is preparing for the tour event in Lloydminster, an event they made happen.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They would love to win that event and head to Red Deer with some momentum for the Canadian Open.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Edin (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Swedes will also be in Lloydminster this weekend for their 1st event of 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Dunstone (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>See above. The Sheriff will roll into the border-crossing town looking to make a name for himself.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Schwaller (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>See above as well with the Swiss ready to kick start the year in Lloyd.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Gushue (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, the theme continues. You know the drill. See above.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Brunner (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: Perth Masters - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>A strong result in Perth for the young Swiss team.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A 4-1 RR record, including a win over Mouat, is impressive. Sure they were bested by the Scots in the SF but going 1-1 against the Euro/world champions is a great way to start 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div>They will now prepare for their #gsoc debut at the Canadian Open next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do not sleep on this team!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Craik (9)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Perth Masters - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>When you go 4-1 in the RR and not qualify for the playoffs, well....how can the Power Rankings mountain really punish you?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you do not. Luck was not on Team Craik's side in Perth.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the mountain will let them hold their Top 10 place regardless....at least for now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Casper, Team Carruthers, Team Ramsfjell, Team Bryce, Team McEwen</span></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Tirinzoni (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The world champs are enjoying a prolonged holiday season before hitting the ice at the next #gsoc event in Red Deer next week.</div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Homan (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div></div><div>The team may be taking some time off before the slam but skip Rachel was on the ice this past weekend competing in MD with partner Tyler Tardi.</div><div><br /></div><div>They reached the playoff round in Banff/Canmore.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Gim (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The busiest team in curling?</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Not only will they be in Red Deer next week, they will first be competing this upcoming weekend in Italy.</div><div><br /></div><div>They really love to curl....</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>4. Team Einarson (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The Canadian champs will be back on the ice at the Canadian Open looking to gain some momentum before Scotties season rolls around.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Jones (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Skip Jennifer Jones was also on the MD ice this past weekend, missing the playoffs in Banff/Canmore.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The foursome will want to gain positive momentum before the Scotties next week in Red Deer.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Hasselborg (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The Circus has been closed for the holidays but expect to see the doors open once again in Red Deer.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Wrana (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the quietest skips off the ice but one of the loudest on the ice. Don't believe me? Open your ears when watching the Canadian Open next week.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Constantini (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>This is an exciting upcoming weekend for the Italians. They have brought a tour event to Cortina and draw a nice international field.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They sure would love to win the title on home ice....perhaps foreshadowing a similar result in 2026?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>9. Team Schwaller (10)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Bumping them up the mountain because their threat level to the competition continues to grow.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>And they will be on the ice this weekend in Italy.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can they maintain their Top 10 spot with a strong result?</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Grandy (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Perth Masters - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>The B.C. champs did hit the ice in Scotland and slid away with a tour title.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The victory earns them a return trip to the Top 10.</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome back to the mountain.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Rorvik, Team Morrison, Team Lawes, Team E. Kim, Team Han</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>There will be a few events hitting the ice this upcoming weekend before the next GSOC event lands in Red Deer next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog will have the full preview of events in Lloydminster and Cortina, Italy later this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, stay warm rock heads.</div><div><br /></div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-13344267344250873502023-12-18T17:21:00.000-07:002023-12-18T17:21:38.483-07:00Final Power Rankings - 2023<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Final Power Rankings of 2023</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Who ends the calendar year atop the mountain?</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyfrrU-Jy0d4I5jtn3nFn4X3hwXtffGAbdXDaTxFSkM03rjlKxhglBPwdMHcB6fKvvaGfW_FoY5ftW8frZelY9TV7o9GwcyKZcJMw3oelNiSiDZNfQFudwqKq-4yeWvpTITg2Vag-t-LsusPzSO_x2Ymz9FW4dQORwHbRsOkcj6mHRzJQw6vEybImNkRd/s580/Power%20Rankings.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="580" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNyfrrU-Jy0d4I5jtn3nFn4X3hwXtffGAbdXDaTxFSkM03rjlKxhglBPwdMHcB6fKvvaGfW_FoY5ftW8frZelY9TV7o9GwcyKZcJMw3oelNiSiDZNfQFudwqKq-4yeWvpTITg2Vag-t-LsusPzSO_x2Ymz9FW4dQORwHbRsOkcj6mHRzJQw6vEybImNkRd/s320/Power%20Rankings.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"The best way to spread Christmas cheer</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>is singing loud for all to hear"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div><i>- Buddy, "Elf"</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">You got it, Buddy!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And curling fans have lots to cheer and sing about as we close out the first half of the 2023/24 curling season.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There may be a few athletes who will be singing extra loud this season too...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at you, Joel Retornaz!!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But even for those who may have not seen the results match pre-season expectations, remember one important line from Kate McCallister in "Home Alone":</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><i>"This is Christmas. The season of perpetual hope."</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">All is not lost. The true excitement of a curling season is still to come.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Do not lose hope. Continue to chase those dreams. And come back in 2024 ready to fight harder than ever before.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But first, enjoy some Christmas delights and time with family and friends.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We aren't heartless monsters after all...</div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>With so much happening since the last time TwineTime slid out of the hack at the beginning of November, #TheRunback is just too fast and furious to cover.</div><div><br /></div><div>Retoranz Rollz...</div><div><br /></div><div>Mouat #DefendTheIce...</div><div><br /></div><div>Tirinzoni/Paetz finally become the Big Cheese in Europe...</div><div><br /></div><div>Homan looking more determined than ever...</div><div><br /></div><div>Swedish Women's Rivalry continues...</div><div><br /></div><div>Scottish Pride is a multi-team race now...</div><div><br /></div><div>Canadian men becoming an afterthought...</div><div><br /></div><div>We have seen outstanding results this season too.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have #TeamUpset shockers.</div><div><br /></div><div>#Fav domination.</div><div><br /></div><div>And lots of questions heading into 2024.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z1kvrn3YpDb7ZNRjJsTk2-lRYeiD4KxejEt8cfBXr-Zb7ZzCy4rzGdiYH_-k32O1_mCKUZTYTt-smC3d_g8tgtbFLdJtphvev-khN-HNsQlZnl7O1vfu9WFO4Pu_-fKzFs7S4hhOnKWQPFvTGRmTy5TZAzo7jRIfHDcLN4Fnf4TzqzfJKTdCa-EFqG9L/s612/DearSanta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="612" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5z1kvrn3YpDb7ZNRjJsTk2-lRYeiD4KxejEt8cfBXr-Zb7ZzCy4rzGdiYH_-k32O1_mCKUZTYTt-smC3d_g8tgtbFLdJtphvev-khN-HNsQlZnl7O1vfu9WFO4Pu_-fKzFs7S4hhOnKWQPFvTGRmTy5TZAzo7jRIfHDcLN4Fnf4TzqzfJKTdCa-EFqG9L/s320/DearSanta.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div>But first, lets close out 2023 with celebrating the Final #PowerRankings of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>And what gift is each Top 10 asking Santa for this holiday season?</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets play a little game of #DearSanta with the Power Rankings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w15.html#more" target="_blank">the last published Power Rankings (W15)</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Retornaz (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Golden Slam</div><div><br /></div><div>When you go 3 for 3 at the slams, you may want to become a bit greedy and try to win them all.</div><div><br /></div><div>Winning 3 in a row is impressive, but why not aim for 4? Or go for all 5?</div><div><br /></div><div>And you know that Truck hat will be popular in Red Deer!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Whyte (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Scottish #1</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Oh that slam win would have helped make the Scottish #1 argument even more intense.</div><div><br /></div><div>Whyte had a great run to the final in Saskatoon but the team may still be wondering what more they have to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>A #gsoc title is probably required to enter the chat about possibly heading to Switzerland for men's worlds in March. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Mouat (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: #DefendTheIce</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The boys pulled the feat on home ice at the European Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can they fend off Scottish rivals Team Whyte to earn the world championship nomination from British Curling and the chance to defend their world title?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Bottcher (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Brier 2024 Title</div><div><br /></div><div>The Canadian men's curling scene is looking a little dull right now. Italy, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland have emerged as the Top Dogs on ice.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Bottcher would love to get their name included in the pack and place Canada back on top of the curling scene.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thus far this season, they have looked the part as the Team Canada front-runner...for now...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Edin (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Return To Glory</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The run to the Euro final felt right for the Swedish Vikings. And King Niklas emerged right back in the conversation as a world champion front-runner.</div><div><br /></div><div>For awhile this season the Swede's were almost an afterthought. We knew they were here and still curling well but they were not dominating any headlines.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe flying under the radar a bit, while being a new tactic for Team Edin, might actually be the best gift Santa could give them heading into 2024?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Dunstone (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Matt Dunstone's fingernails</div><div><br /></div><div>You know things are getting stressful when you sneak a peak at The Sheriff's fingernails and notice they are absent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Young Dunstone places a lot of pressure on himself...as he should in knowing he has the skillz to pay those billz.</div><div><br /></div><div>After the Brier final appearance in 2023, can the team find their momentum in the second half of the season?</div><div><br /></div><div>And, if so, maybe Dunstone's fingernails will finally grow back?!?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Schwaller (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: #MakeTheFinal</div><div><br /></div><div>The continuing narrative for Switzerland's Team Schwaller.</div><div><br /></div><div>Always in the running. Always a Top 4.</div><div><br />But that SF curse.</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw it happen at Euro's.</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw it happen in Saskatoon this past weekend at the WFG Masters.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can we see this team get back to a major final and start winning those big events?</div><div><br /></div><div>The win in Swift Current before the slam shows they are ready to do so.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Gushue (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Consistency, Consistency, Consistency</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The #GSOC playoff streak is gone...and the consistency we have seen from Team Gushue over the years at gsoc events was rocked to the core for curling fans.</div><div><br /></div><div>And now the boys from The Rock need to restart the streak.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it is not just the playoff streak of consistency.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Canadian champs have looked a bit off at times this season. Not the dominant Gushue we are used to seeing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could his grasp on the Canadian jacket be slipping through his fingers now too?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Craik (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: Scottish Pride</div><div><br /></div><div>James Craik is a name curling fans should already be familiar with given the world junior stage success.</div><div><br /></div><div>But for those who are just getting to know the name, get to know it fast. And start buying stock in this #NextGen team.</div><div><br /></div><div>It will be tough for young Craik to survive the Scottish Highlands of Curling, knowing Mouat and Whyte are also curling outstanding.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the Scottish Pride runs deep in this team's veins as well and they are ready to make the Scottish men's curling scene even more difficult.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Casper (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: #StarsAndStripes</div><div><br /></div><div>Could #NextGen / #TeamUpset Team Casper become the next US men's curling champion?</div><div><br /></div><div>And, could they represent USA at the 2024 world championship in Switzerland?</div><div><br /></div><div>Right now, do not bet against them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Dropkin and Team Shuster will be formidable opposition of course but Casper is putting a scare into them and showing there is a new kid in town ready to steal the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the first time in awhile, USA men's curling is WIDE OPEN and FOR THE TAKING!</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Carruthers, Team Ramsfjell, Team Bryce, Team McEwen, Team Brunner</span></div></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Tirinzoni (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: World Domination!</div><div><br /></div><div>With the last outstanding piece of the puzzle complete, winning the Euro title, what's next?</div></div><div><br /></div><div>World Domination!</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously though, this team is the best in the world and come to play at the major WCF championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they are always a tough out at the slams and on tour.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, is there a better overall player in the world than Alina Paetz?</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Homan (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Scotties Title</div><div><br /></div></div><div>After winning #gsoc title #14 this past weekend in Saskatoon, we know exactly where Rachel Homan and company have their sights set.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure there is another slam in Red Deer to start 2024 but this team is dialed in to Calgary already and seems very determined to take back the Scotties trophy.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Gim (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: Korean #HERstory</div><div><br /></div><div>From PCCC champ to slam champ...it was a memorable November for the Korean champions.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>And do not thing they are done there or the momentum cannot carry over into 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gim has big aspirations this seasons, namely to become the 1st team from South Korea to win the world championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>South Korea won silver in 2022 (Team E. Kim). Is 2024 the season they land atop the world podium?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you are not considering them a #Fav or co-fav right now, you have not been watching the first few months of the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch Out!!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>4. Team Einarson (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Kerri Gets Her Groove Back</div><div><br /></div><div>Main Canadian rivals Team Homan are getting all the attention this season and labelled as the 2024 Scotties frontrunners but lets not forget the defending champs either.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>It is not like Team Einarson is having a bad season. They just reached the SF in Saskatoon remember.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the attention surrounding Homan and last year's Scotties finalists Team Jones seems to be growing louder than the attention for the defending champs.</div><div><br /></div><div>And this might be exactly what Kerri Einarson wants from you curling world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could the defending Canadian champs actually head to Calgary with less pressure than newly labelled favourites Homan and Jones?</div><div><br /></div><div>If so, that MAY actually make them the under the radar favourites to repeat yet again.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Jones (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: The Intimidation Factor</div><div><br /></div><div>When you step on the ice and see the name "Jones" on the scoreboard next to yours, you should be intimidated.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Jennifer Jones is a force. And she plays her best with her back against the wall.</div><div><br /></div><div>Count her out at your own peril curling fans.</div><div><br /></div><div>Already collecting one slam title this season, the team has reached the SF at the other two slams as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the run to the Scotties final last year is proof the young guns are ready to make their move with the vet skip.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Jones can reclaim that intimidation factor over her opposition, whether they want to admit it is there or not, she may just be closing in on another Scotties title this season.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Hasselborg (2)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Swedish Vikings</div><div><br /></div><div>The Hasselborg Circus is coming to a town near you...</div></div><div><br /></div><div>But while the fun and games are there, best believe this team is laser focused on reclaiming their spot on the throne as the Swedish Vikings.</div><div><br /></div><div>This has been a humbling season for Hasselborg, losing the Euro spot to rivals Team Wrana and now playing catch up.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure Hasselborg is ranked higher, on the world rankings and these Power Rankings, but the difference between the two Swedish sides is almost negligible.</div><div><br /></div><div>The war between these two sides is one to keep close eyes on.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmmm, speaking of....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Wrana (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: Swedish Vikings</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course they would write Santa for the same gift as their main rivals. Both want the Swedish title and representation at the 2024 world championship.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Euro run was a nice result for Team Wrana in their debut appearance.</div><div><br />Ok, the playoff games were disappointing results but they made the playoffs and showed all week they are one of the best teams in Europe...and the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now they need to regain their momentum and figure out a way to hold off a charging challenge from Hasselborg.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we thought the Euro qualifier series between these two teams was intense, wait and see what the world qualifier will bring us.</div><div><br /></div><div>A true Christmas gift from these two teams to all curling fans is getting to watch this rivalry continue.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Constantini (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: World Championship #HERstory</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog warned you rock heads about Italy's Constantini being the dark horse threat at Euro's. And what happened?!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They were a top team all week, reached the final and pushed the experience of Team Tirinzoni all game.</div><div><br /></div><div>Italy has never reached the podium at a world championship, having a best result of 5th place twice (1980, 2023).</div><div><br /></div><div>Constantini is looking to make #HERstory in Nova Scotia this season at the 2024 world championship.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>9. Team E. Kim (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: GSOC Glory</div><div><br /></div><div>It is never easy for teams to continue competing in the second half of the season knowing their is no world championship at the end of your schedule.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>While Korea's Team Kim will cheer on rivals Team Gim at the world championships later in the season, they still need to find their own motivation to finish the year and build momentum into the 2024 Korean Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Could it come in the form of Grand Slam of Curling glory?</div><div><br /></div><div>They watched Gim hoist a slam title already this season. How is that for motivation?</div><div><br /></div><div>They lost the TB in Saskatoon this past weekend but this team remains one of the best, and most dangerous, teams in the world to play.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they still have a lot to play for as the finish out the season.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Schwaller (9)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: Welcome Wagon</div><div><br /></div><div>Santa, bring Switzerland's Team Schwaller the welcome wagon gift to hopefully introduce them to the rest of the curling world.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>If you have not noticed the strength of this team yet, start paying attention now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Tirinzoni is the class of Swiss curling, and the world with the #1 ranking on this mountain, but a new challenger has quietly emerged from the mountains ready to shake things up.</div><div><br /></div><div>How good are they?</div><div><br /></div><div>From October to December, they competed in 4 tour events. Reached 4 tour finals. Won 4 tour titles. And compiled an overall record of 22-3.</div><div><br /></div><div>Xenia Schwaller has come to play this season folks....and Tirinzoni/Paetz should be taking notice.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Rorvik, Team Morrison, Team Lawes, Team Peterson, Team Han</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>MIXED DOUBLES</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Walker / Muyres (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Canadian Title</div><div><br /></div><div>5 Final Four. 3 finals. 1 title.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Yup, this is the top duo of the year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pressure may mount heading into 2024 as Walker and Muyres have both committed solely to the discipline, meaning it is a MD Canadian title or bust for them this season.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Koana / Aoki (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: Comeback Player of the Year</div><div><br /></div><div>Tori Koana made her return to competitive curling ice this season, partnering with Go Aoki for MD.</div><div><br /></div><div>And it has been one of the most successful returns we have seen in the sport.</div><div><br /></div><div>3 tour events.</div><div><br /></div><div>3 tour titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>20-1 overall record.</div><div><br /></div><div>How is that for a comeback?</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>3. Team Matsumura / Tanida (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: World Championship Glory</div><div><br /></div><div>Consistency has plagued the Japanese champs at times this season. They can win a title one week, go winless the next.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>But this is still one of the most dangerous MD tandems in the sport.</div><div><br /></div><div>After their run to the world final last season, they would love to go one step further in 2024 and bring the first World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship title to Asia.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Kaldvee / Lill (5)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: ESTonia is bEST</div><div><br /></div><div>The Estonians have been knocking at that world door for a number of seasons but could this finally be the breakout season?</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>We saw it with Australia's Team Gill/Hewitt a few seasons ago and look where they are now?</div><div><br /></div><div>Estonia's Team Kaldvee/Lill would love to follow that slide path...right to a world championship podium and a future ticket to the Olympics in 2026.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are curling better than ever right now and should be considered a medal threat at the 2024 world championship.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Martin / Laycock (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div></div><div>Dear Santa: Captain Canuck...Finally!</div><div><br /></div><div>Steve Laycock and Nancy Martin are two curlers from Saskatchewan who have been chasing the maple leaf for years.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>From men's and women's team success to mixed doubles triumphs, both players have come close but faltered near the end.</div><div><br /></div><div>Martin has lost 2 Canadian MD finals. And recently lost the Canadian senior final.</div><div><br /></div><div>If there are two players in Canadian curling craving the Captain Canuck title, it might be these two.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in every event they have entered together this season, including winning a tour title back in September.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Skaslien / Nedregotten (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: GOLD</div><div><br /></div><div>The on and off the ice duo from Norway may be one of the most well-known MD duos in the world.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Yet, surprisingly, they still chase the top of the podium.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have come close, losing the 2021 world final and 2022 Olympic final.</div><div><br /></div><div>We have only seen them at 3 tour events this season, as both remain equally focused on their respected women's and men's teams.</div><div><br /></div><div>But in those 3 events, they qualified each time and won 2 titles. They are 18-2 on the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they focus on MD, they come to play and they come to win.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>7. Team St-Georges / Asselin (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: #CoupleGoals</div><div><br /></div><div>The couple who curls together, stays together?</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>It works in Norway. And it seems to be working in Quebec.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Laurie/Felix combo has quickly become a winning formula for the French pairing.</div><div><br /></div><div>A tour title already under the slider, alongside a few other playoff appearances, has #Labelleprovince looking like a potential Canadian MD title contender.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Perret / Rios (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: Turn Back Time</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the 2018 Winter Olympics? Remember this Swiss duo being at the top of the game and looking like the gold medal threat?</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>They were the 2017 world champions after all.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then came the tough Olympic loss and silver medal win.</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo has not been able to fully recover and rediscover their MD groove since. Until now?</div><div><br /></div><div>A tour title and 3 QF appearances have the Swiss trending upward and climbing the mountain, a feat many is Switzerland are able to do with ease.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they can channel their inner-Cher with a little "If I Could Turn Back Time", they could finally emerge back on top of the MD curling world.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Cotter / Cotter (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: Cotter - The Canadian Curling Family</div><div><br /></div><div>Couples who curl together, stay together. But lets amp it up a notch and make it family pride.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Could Jaeyln and Jim Cotter make Cotter the official Canadian curling family?</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo is turning heads on the MD circuit, qualifying in 5 events and reaching a tour final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this the Canadian MD championship dark horse threat?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Zheng / Pietrangelo (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Dear Santa: GSOC Mixed Doubles</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously though!!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>This #NextGen duo is further proof why we need to see a Grand Slam of Curling mixed doubles circuit.</div><div><br /></div><div>The MD Super Series is a great start and has seen great success.</div><div><br /></div><div>But putting GSOC name recognition, money and media attention behind the discipline would be amazing.</div><div><br /></div><div>And this is a team who could really benefit from that type of #growthesport thinking.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Ontario-based tandem has reached 2 tour finals this season and has 2 additional SF appearances.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Armstong/Griffith, Team Westman/Ahlberg, Team Roenning/Braenden, Team MacMillan/Middleton, Team Han/Zou</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>The storylines to end 2023 continue to mount, leaving curling fans with a lot to look forward to heading into 2024.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can Whyte overtake Mouat?</div><div><br /></div><div>Can Einarson get her groove back?</div><div><br /></div><div>Is Bottcher the only team who can fend off the Euro stronghold?</div><div><br /></div><div>Will Retornaz win the Season's Golden Slam?</div><div><br /></div><div>What format will we see next from the Grand Slam of Curling? Will one every win out over the rest?</div><div><br /></div><div>The final formalization of a Curling Players Union?</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog will return in the new year with continued coverage...and maybe a short stop in Red Deer for The Canadian Open?</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, THANK YOU to each and every one of you for continuing to support "the little blog that could". Who knew #TwineTime would be here 10 years later?</div><div><br /></div><div>To all rock heads and their curling family and friends, HAPPY HOLIDAYS / MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfCsSEBPFHkScp1wUwnvHKCCLfQLvMyFyKjSYn8qvJvyJvEfxkrTcXCtLYoKRJU1w8LWuw8jQG23uR_n_qBsSL3P51hTB9xzuN2Ypf6135nxH5C7GLHdE8EG10XeCurG2VQsD90LSIKNijw6PDKkK_dFdIvxpJIzen2736jM9oBY43-z5GoGtM5AYc_-o/s323/Happy%20Holidays.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="156" data-original-width="323" height="194" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcfCsSEBPFHkScp1wUwnvHKCCLfQLvMyFyKjSYn8qvJvyJvEfxkrTcXCtLYoKRJU1w8LWuw8jQG23uR_n_qBsSL3P51hTB9xzuN2Ypf6135nxH5C7GLHdE8EG10XeCurG2VQsD90LSIKNijw6PDKkK_dFdIvxpJIzen2736jM9oBY43-z5GoGtM5AYc_-o/w400-h194/Happy%20Holidays.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-68404325252112029742023-11-02T16:29:00.002-06:002023-11-02T16:44:59.987-06:00S2324 W15 - CMCC Preview<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: A Month To Remember</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Bye Bye Rocktober, Hello November</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2ywRNkKPMNaa6gD7uT3hdhxKioi73yeI491xxhYA3438bl-dEjN15SvCV_StxjV84jNaSQTAj433J9nvxe26UvGc1mhWrXeiXxzKSwbOQ1wF18XsT0BVzktF8O3z4td40AQhV-KbwsQ-iSSHpHdJeJMsw-O53YVdstJ9SwXGp3c7TGD07QzyQNZcuk5h/s540/November.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX2ywRNkKPMNaa6gD7uT3hdhxKioi73yeI491xxhYA3438bl-dEjN15SvCV_StxjV84jNaSQTAj433J9nvxe26UvGc1mhWrXeiXxzKSwbOQ1wF18XsT0BVzktF8O3z4td40AQhV-KbwsQ-iSSHpHdJeJMsw-O53YVdstJ9SwXGp3c7TGD07QzyQNZcuk5h/s320/November.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Welcome to the best month of the year: November!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Good bye, Rocktober. You were fun. But now we welcome my favourite month.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ok, maybe I am personally biased with having a birthday this month but November is still a great month.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The weather is still in transition mode from Fall to Winter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We take the time to remember those who fought for our country and honour those who died in the line of duty during Remembrance Day observances.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We wrap up one continental curling championship at the beginning and get excited for another in a few weeks.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We get some Grand Slam of Curling excitement.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We get to watch (and support) our fav male curlers rock the 'stache for #Movember.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yup, we see you starting early this year Catlin Schneider ๐๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Plus we get to "fall" back with a time change. We get Black Friday shopping.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And we get one final month of relaxation before a hectic, and often stressful, Christmas season begins.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Don't hate on November rockheads. Soak it in and love it.</div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Rockheads, we know lots is going on. The curling drama hit a full slide path this week at the Pan Continental Curling Championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TSN dropped their TV coverage for online coverage only.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brad Gushue is "pissed off".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Curling fans are pissed off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Everyone is pissed off.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And everyone is pointing fingers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the end of the day, #PCCC is in its sophomore year of existence.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The offering in a club setting is not a horrible idea. From a financial standpoint, it probably makes sense.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is the operational logistics causing concerns.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As Gushue pointed out this week, having athletes warm up outside the venue and not right at ice level before a match is certainly a major cause of concern. It simply should not happen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We see so much streaming all season now, in every venue possible, it is a bit surprising to see TV coverage not being done. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, the venue may be small and not ideal but not possible at all? Not sure I am buying all of that.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There has to be some compromise and solutions to be discovered, from all parties involved.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TSN. WCF. Curling Canada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lets all get on the ice and play nice...together. For the sport.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kelowna is trying to present a welcoming backdrop. And now they are not being provided the opportunity to truly showcase their talents due to lack of TV coverage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This event is featuring outstanding teams from Asia-Pacific and North America.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They are not being highlighted anymore either. Unless you have TSN+ (with a subscription fee) or have ready accessibility to view TSN online. Some people do. Others do not.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is not "just" a tour event in Swift Current or Morris or Halifax.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a continental championship and should be covered as a major international event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />It does not help #growthesport. It, in effect, actually makes the sport look more grassroots/amateurish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We need to be better. Hopefully lessons will be learned from 2023 and corrected for 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Until then, lets just gripe and raise our eyebrows and be upset. We can be.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But lets also continue to support the hosting committee, volunteers and athletes committed to trying to make this year's Pan Continental Curling Championships a success...as much as they have control over anyway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On that note, lets focus on the positive. Curling! I mean actual competitive curling happening this upcoming weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ready to crown a new Canadian champion? The Canadian Mixed Curling Championship hits the ice in Swift Current this weekend. Can Quebec accomplish the rare #4peat? Host province advantage?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a strong field with past champions, past medal winners and tons of experience.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Plus some World Curling Tour action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ICYMI, the updated #PowerRankings were released earlier this week. Check out the new Top 10 <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w15.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="clear: both;"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></h2><p><b>MIXED</b></p><p><b><i>Canadian Mixed Curling Championship</i></b></p><p>Swift Current, SK</p><p>2022 Champion: Quebec (Team Asselin)</p><p>Format: 14 team RR with 2 pools of 7. Top 3 in each pool advance to Championship Pool. Top 4 qualify to playoff bracket (#1 vs. #4 and #2 vs #3).</p><p><b>Pool A</b></p><p><b>Provinces/Territories: Northern Ontario, Nova Scotia, Ontario, PEI, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon</b></p><p><b>#Fav: Northern Ontario</b></p><p>Trevor Bonot is back. The 2017 champion and 2022 runner-up is ready to reclaim the ice and take back his title.</p><p>And he returns with the exact same lineup that reached the championship final a year ago.</p><p>How could we not place the #Fav tag on them?</p><p>#FearTheMoose indeed.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: PEI</b></p><p>Tyler Smith may be considered a playoff longshot in this experienced mixed curling pool but do not undersell his abilities either.</p><p>Smith has become the men's face to run the place..errr, island...over the past few years.</p><p>Brier experience can help him and he could surprise a few of his opponents who may have mixed experience but not Brier/Scotties experience on the same level.</p><p>Dark horse? Yes. Longshot? Yes. Write The Islanders off? Hardly.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This is a STACKED pool of experience.</p><p>Northern Ontario and Saskatchewan have previous championship pedigree.</p><p>Ontario reached the Championship Pool last season.</p><p>As did Nova Scotia...who now have Colleen Jones joining them as lead.</p><p>And Quebec...well we already know La belle province has proven itself to be the mixed capital of Canada over the past 3 years (all with different teams).</p><p>And to think, of just those 5 teams named above, at least 2 will be going home early.</p><p>Yowie Wowie!</p><p>Strap in for these games. This entire RR has #PopcornMatch potential.</p><p><b>Projected Standings: 1. Northern Ontario 2. Ontario 3. Saskatchewan 4. Nova Scotia 5. Quebec 6. PEI 7. Yukon</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Pool B</b></p><p><b>Provinces/Territories: Alberta, B.C., Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, NWT, Nunavut</b></p><p><b>#Fav: NWT</b></p><p>The #PolarPower is back!</p><p>Is this FINALLY the year Jamie Koe claims a Canadian championship?</p><p>This will be Koe's 9th Canadian Mixed appearance, having won bronze at the past 3 championships.</p><p>And remember, back in 2015, Koe reached the championship final.</p><p>Fun fact, Koe lost the final to Saskatchewan in 2015. And who is back this year representing #TeamGreen? The same front end, Chris Haichert and Teejay Heichert.</p><p>Hmmm, wouldn't Koe love a little revenge on them in the Championship Pool?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: New Brunswick</b></p><p>Charlie Sullivan is back chasing down that elusive Canadian Mixed Curling Championship crown.</p><p>For Sullivan, 2023 marks his 7th appearance at this event.</p><p>And while New Brunswick may be considered a curling longshot for a Canadian title, Sullivan has shown in the past he can make deep playoff runs at this event.</p><p>In fact, in his past 3 appearances, all ended with a SF result (2016, 2017, 2018).</p><p>Maybe don't overlook #TeamAcadia this week?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Pool A is full of experience. Pool B is full of opportunity.</p><p>While there is some mixed experience in this pool, mainly highlighted by our #Fav and #TeamUpset mentions, there are also a few fresh faces to watch for.</p><p>Kyle Kurz will try to follow in his brother's slide path in winning a Canadian mixed title. Colin won the title representing Manitoba in 2019. And Kyle will be joined by wife Melissa Gordan and well-known Manitoba skip Beth Peterson.</p><p>There could be a few "surprises" emerging from this pool.</p><p>The question is, should those "surprise" teams advance to the Championship Pool, will they have the pedigree to knock off what *should be* 3 very experienced teams coming from Pool A?</p><p><b>Projected Standings: 1. NWT 2. Manitoba 3. New Brunswick 4. Alberta 5. B.C. 6. Newfoundland and Labrador 7. Nunavut</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Championship Pool Qualifiers: Northern Ontario, NWT, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick</i></b></p><p><b><i>Playoff Qualifiers: Northern Ontario, NWT, Ontario, Saskatchewan</i></b></p><p><b>#CMCC2023 Championship: Northern Ontario (Team Bonot) def. NWT (Team Koe)</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>WOMEN</b></p><p><b><i>Stu Sells 1824 Halifax Classic</i></b></p><p>Halifax, NS</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Lawes</p><p>Format: 15 team RR with 3 pools of 5. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Jones</b></p><p>Do you want to bet against a team who just won a Grand Slam of Curling title?</p><p>The Tour Challenge Tier I champs return to the ice and look to build off their momentum from Niagara Falls.</p><p>The slam win is the biggest win for this team, currently in their sophomore year together.</p><p>And it is a good rebound from the Scotties loss last season, making them dangerous contenders once again.</p><p>Of course take note Chelsea Carey will be a #SuperSpare this weekend, subbing at skip for Jones.</p><p>Watch out for that draw though. Italy's Team Constantini will be no push over, especially after winning a title last weekend.</p><p>And there are dangerous #TeamUpset challengers lurking in Pool B as well...</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Daigle</b></p><p>Enter Halifax's Jessica Daigle into the discussion. And competing in Pool B!</p><p>Team Daigle will have have some home ice advantage this weekend and that could provide a difference maker towards pushing for a playoff spot.</p><p>Daigle already has a tour win under the slider this season, winning The Curling Store Cashspiel in Lower Sackville, NS. Plus a QF appearance at the Dave Jones Mayflower Cashspiel a few weeks ago.</p><p>While they have only qualified in 2 of their 5 events this season, both of those events took place in the friendly confines of home province Nova Scotia.</p><p>Those other 3 events? Oakville, Barrie and Moncton.</p><p>Maybe home ice is nice afterall?!</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Keep your eyes on Switzerland's Team Tirinzoni and Italy's Constantini.</p><p>With the European Curling Championships only a few weeks away in Aberdeen, Scotland, this is one of those final tune-up events for both teams.</p><p>Of course we also have the next GSOC event starting next week, The National.</p><p>Tirinzoni and Constantini will be there. As will Jones. And a few other competitors hitting the ice at the event this weekend: Team Ha, Team Grandy, Team Black.</p><p>Can the slam teams dominate the field or will we get a #TeamUpset result showcasing more parity in the sport?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Constantini vs. Team Daigle - Draw 5: If Daigle is to be a #TeamUpset flag bearer, leaving a mark in their opener against the Italians will be key.</p><p>Team Tirinzoni vs. Team Ladouceur - Draw 9: Can the #NextGen knock off the world champs?</p><p>Team St-Georges vs. Team Ha - Draw 10: If a non-slam team is going to knock off a slam team and "steal" a playoff spot, could it be the young rock stars from La belle province?</p><p>Team Jones vs. Team Constantini - Draw 14: Obviously!</p><p>Team Grandy vs. Team Ha - 15: Could decide the Pool C winner heading into the playoffs?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Tirinzoni, Team Jones, Team Ha, Team Black, Team Constantini, Team Grandy, Team Hilliard, Team Daigle</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Black def. Team Constantini</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Danish Open</i></b></p><p>Copenhagen, DEN</p><p>2022 Champion: NEW EVENT</p><p>Format: 10 team RR with 2 pools of 5. Top 6 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Dupont</b></p><p>The home team will be the hottest team on ice.</p><p>Team Dupont is fresh off a Tour Challenge Tier II finals appearance.</p><p>But they have also been very consistent all season, reaching a SF, QF and a TB.</p><p>And remember, they are the defending Euro champions so they are in full preparation mode to head to Aberdeen and #DefendTheIce.</p><p>What better way to gain momentum than winning a tour title on home ice?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Bjoernstad</b></p><p>The "other" Norwegians.</p><p>Team Roervik made waves last year in reaching the world championship final.</p><p>Torhild Bjoernstad and the team from Oppdal, Norway would love to start challenging Roervik for that Norwegian title and Euro/world spot.</p><p>After failing to qualify in their 2 season opening events, they had a breakout performance last weekend in Sundbyberg, Sweden by going 3-0 in the RR and reaching the final.</p><p>They have momentum arriving in Copenhagen and could surprise a few of those higher ranked teams in the field.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Euro prep mode is underway. And this field has a few teams looking to get off on a good start.</p><p>Dupont will be there. As will Roervik.</p><p>Czech Republic's Team Kubeskova and Germany's Team Abbes will also be in Aberdeen.</p><p>Keep an eye on these 4 teams and how they perform this weekend. It could be a telling sign to what happens in a few weeks from now in Scotland.</p><p>But also watch out for challenger like Switzerland's Team Schwaller, on a two-event winning streak right now.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Abbes vs. Team Kubeskova - Draw 1: What an opener for 2 teams who will probably be battling for one of the final world championship spots at Euros. Who takes the upper hand early?</p><p>Team Dupont vs. Team Bjoernstad - Draw 4: The #Fav opens against #TeamUpset, who will already have a game in hand.</p><p>Team Roervik vs. Team Schwaller - Draw 4: One of the hottest teams on tour facing off against the world champion runner-up.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Roervik, Team Dupont, Team Schwaller, Team Kubeskova, Team Dryburgh, Team Abbes</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Dupont def. Team Schwaller</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Moose Jaw SaskTour Spiel</i></b></p><p>Moose Jaw, SK</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Barker</p><p>Format: 20 team RR with 4 pools of 5. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Campbell</b></p><p>Jolene Campbell returns to Saskatchewan...to compete with her new Manitoba foursome.</p><p>The former Sasky champ has found great success in the rival province.</p><p>The team just reached the Tour Challenge Tier II SF, in addition to winning a tour title earlier this year. Plus reaching 1 additional tour final and another QF.</p><p>Chalk them into a spot on the playoff bracket now.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Ricci</b></p><p>Experience matters folks! And Cindy Ricci has experience.</p><p>A name familiar with Saskatchewan curling fans, Ricci is back and ready to fight her way to the top of Sask mountain.</p><p>The team has already had a successful start to their season, winning the Rocktoberfest event Thanksgiving weekend.</p><p>Can they build on the momentum in their second event and turn some heads in Saskatchewan?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>19 teams from Saskatchewan.</p><p>1 team from Manitoba. And they are the #Fav.</p><p>Outside of Team Campbell being a strong title contender, this field is made up of Saskatchewan Scotties challengers.</p><p>And a great opportunity for each of them to head into the winter season laying claim to being one of the teams to watch out for as the next #TeamGreen.</p><p>Nancy Martin. Penny Barker. Sherry Anderson. Michelle Englot.</p><p>The "big" names are here.</p><p>But watch out for Skylar Ackerman. Sherry Just. Mandy Selzer. Jessica Mitchell. Jana Tisdale. Sherrilee Orsted. Jenna Pomedli.</p><p>The list of Sask challengers is longer than most give the province credit for.</p><p>Someone is going to slide out of Moose Jaw with huge bragging rights...and momentum.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Campbell vs. Team Martin - Draw 2: The favs of Pool A face off early.</p><p>Team Anderson vs. Team Englot - Draw 4: Sherry Anderson vs. Michelle Englot. Enough said!</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Campbell, Team Barker, Team Ackerman, Team Anderson, Team Martin, Team Pomedli, Team Mitchell, Team Englot</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Barker def. Team Campbell</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Tallinn Ladies International Challenger</i></b></p><p>Tallinn, EST</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Kaldvee</p><p>Format: 12 team RR with 2 pools of 6. Top 7 qualify. Top RR team overall earns bye to SF.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Kaldvee</b></p><p>Curling is coldEST in ESTonia. And Marie Kaldvee is the Queen of the Baltic!</p><p>Kaldvee is not only trying to #DefendTheIce at her home spiel but try to win a 3rd Tallinn Ladies championship, having also won the title in 2019.</p><p>Kaldvee and her team are also in Euro preparation mode, having won the B-Division last year and earning promotion back to A-Division in a few weeks.</p><p>The team has qualified in their last 2 tour events, winning bronze at the Match Town Trophy and reaching the QF in Sundyberg.</p><p>Expect another deep playoff run this weekend from the Estonian champs.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Paulauskaite</b></p><p>Speaking of Euro prep, watch out for Lithuania's Team Paulauskaite.</p><p>Last year was a breakout Euro result for the Lithuanian champs.</p><p>While they failed to earn A-Division promotion, they did slide out of the B-Division with a bronze medal, a best-ever finish for Lithuania.</p><p>They could be considered one of the #Favs heading into the B-Division competition in a few weeks.</p><p>They have been placed in their more challenging Pool A but could surprise a few teams and start showing their potential as a future Euro A-Division competitor?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This is a great opportunity to showcase the "other" European nations.</p><p>Europe is often discussed with the powers of Switzerland, Sweden, Scotland and, now, Italy.</p><p>But what about Estonia? Latvia? Hungary? Turkey? Lithuania? Austria? England? Poland? Ukraine?</p><p>They have national teams too and they are ready to compete.</p><p>From a #growthesport perspective, this is an interesting event to watch and keep your eyes on a few of these teams.</p><p>Turkey's Team Yildiz will be also competing at the Euro A-Division, looking to get back to the world championship.</p><p>And those other nations? Well they could be highlighting Euro A-Division fields in the future.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Kaldvee vs. Team Kalocsai-van Dorp - Draw 2: A tough opener for both as both should have playoff aspirations. And yes, that last name might look familiar. Skip Vera is the wife of Dutch player Jaap van Dorp but still represents her home nation of Hungary.</p><p>Team Yildiz vs. Team Paulauskaite - Draw 3: Yildiz is where Paulauskaite wants to be. And it was not too long ago Yildiz was winning B-Division bronze, knocking on the A-Division door.</p><p>Team Farnell vs. Team Paulauskaite - Draw 5: If either team wants to book a spot in the playoffs, a victory in this pivotal RR game could play the difference.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Yildiz, Team Kaldvee, Team Regza, Team Barone, Team Farnell, Team Augustin, Team Paulauskaite</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Kaldvee def. Team Yildiz</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>MEN</b></p><p><b><i>Stu Sells 1824 Halifax Classic</i></b></p><p>Halifax, NS</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Epping</p><p>Format: 15 team RR with 3 pools of 5. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Grattan</b></p><p>Rankings be damned, if we go off performances this season Team Grattan is riding the hot hand heading to Halifax.</p><p>2 tour events. 2 tour titles. 10-2 overall. Currently riding a 9-game winning streak.</p><p>If we placed that same resume to any team in the field, you would list them as a #Fav.</p><p>Plus, both tour titles this season have happened in Halifax. Can they go 3 for 3?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team King</b></p><p>Jayden King and his team from Guelph, Ontario may not be well-known by as many curling fans but it might be time to sit up and take notice.</p><p>They have been curling, ALOT, this season and with success.</p><p>They have qualified in 5 of 6 events. Own a tour title (Ottawa). Reached another final (Stroud). And have 1 SF and 2 QF results.</p><p>They are also 15-3 in their last 3 events played, including victories over perennial Ontario fav/champ Team Howard and Japan's Team Morozumi.</p><p>Do not undersell this team folks.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This is a great event with strong Eastern Canada representation. We don't always get to showcase the talent out East but here is the opportunity for curling fans to see some great teams.</p><p>Nova Scotia will be well represented by Team Thompson, Team Purcell, Team Manuel, Team Everist and Team MacDougall.</p><p>New Brunswick will be led by Team Grattan and Team Jones.</p><p>Newfoundland will have representation from Team Smith.</p><p>Quebec will be in the house with Team Asselin and Team Arsenault.</p><p>And of course Ontario will have Team Epping, looking to #DefendTheIce, alongside #TeamUpset Team King and other contenders like Team Fournier, Team Mooibroek and Team Champ.</p><p>Some might call this a "Tier II" field of contenders. And, if so, do so with respect to the names competing.</p><p>These are certainly teams who could compete for a Tour Challenge Tier II title.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Manuel vs. Team King - Draw 7: The winner of this game could have an inside track on a playoff spot.</p><p>Team Smith vs. Team Mooibroek - Draw 8: Both teams should be in the playoff discussion mid-event. The winner will like their chances to qualify.</p><p>Team Asselin vs. Team Grattan - Draw 8: A battle of 2 teams considered the main contenders for the title.</p><p>Team Epping vs. Team Fournier - Draw 11: Are these the two Ontario Tankard favs this season?</p><p>Team Epping vs. Team King - Draw 13: The final RR game could be a great opportunity for #TeamUpset to dethrone the champs and book a playoff spot?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Fournier, Team Purcell, Team Asselin, Team Epping, Team Thompson, Team Grattan, Team Manuel, Team Everist</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Asselin def. Team Grattan</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Swiss Cup Basel</i></b></p><p>Basel, SUI</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Whyte</p><p>Format: 21 team RR with 3 pools of 5 and 1 pool of 6. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Brunner</b></p><p>Switzerland's Team Brunner is collecting the travel points this season folks.</p><p>Switzerland. Scotland. Norway. Canada. Estonia.</p><p>The passport is filling up. And so are the positive results.</p><p>8 events played. 7 qualifications. 2 QF. 5 SF.</p><p>Can this weekend finally be the monkey of their back and reach their first tour final of the season?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Totzek</b></p><p>They may be ranked #78 in the world right now but do not underestimate the Germans.</p><p>They reached the QF last weekend in Bern.</p><p>And, after knocking off Team Kapp 4 games to 3 in the Euro Qualifier, they are preparing for the European championships.</p><p>In their playoff run last weekend, they knocked off #25 Team Hoesli and #28 Team Waddell.</p><p>Sure they fell to Waddell in the QF but it was a strong weekend of curling.</p><p>Can they build on last weekend's success and continue momentum heading into Aberdeen?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This is a very strong Euro field. With an added flavour of Americana's Team Ruohonen.</p><p>While the majority of the teams will not be competing at Europeans representing their nation, this is still an opportunity to put your competitors on notice.</p><p>Some will be at Euro's though too (i.e. Team Gosgens) so this is a great field to test your might and use as a tune-up.</p><p>If there was a Euro "Tier II" event, similar to the slam, this field might just be it.</p><p>And again, this is meant out of pure respect as this field is stacked with strong competition.</p><p>I would be keeping my eyes on these results folks.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Bryce vs. Team Hoesli vs. Team Kapp: This trio should be fighting for playoff spots. If one of them goes 0-2 against the others, those playoff aspirations will dry up fast.</p><p>Team Gosgens vs. Team Hostmaelingen - Draw 2: What a blockbuster opener for 2 teams considered to be major championship contenders here.</p><p>Team Ramsfjell vs. Team Waddell - Draw 6: Both are considered favourites out of Pool D. Who takes the advantage into the playoffs?</p><p>Team Brunner vs. Team Totzek - Draw 9: The final RR game could have major playoff implications.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Brunner, Team Bryce, Team Gosgens, Team Ramsfjell, Team Totzek, Team Kapp, Team Hostmaelingen, Team Waddell</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Brunner def. Team Ramsfjell</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Danish Open</i></b></p><p>Copenhagen, DEN</p><p>2022 Champion: NEW EVENT</p><p>Format: 12 team RR with 3 pools of 4. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Krause</b></p><p>Similar to the women's preview, would you want to bet against the home nation?</p><p>Team Krause is not the #Fav based on national representation only though.</p><p>They have won back-to-back tournaments to open their season, winning both Nordic Curling Tour events in Sweden (Match Town Trophy, Sundbyberg Open).</p><p>They are also 12-1 on the season and riding a 5-match winning streak heading into this event.</p><p>Sure, they will not be representing Denmark in the Euro A-Division this year, after being relegated to B-Division last year.</p><p>But this team is certainly playing at an A-Division level and pace right now so watch out.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Verreycken</b></p><p>Here comes Belgium.</p><p>Ok, so not a team we really see on tour very often but not a team to be overlooked.</p><p>Timothy Verreycken has represented Belgium at a number of European Curling Championships, including in last year's B-Division.</p><p>While the team struggled to a 2-5 RR record, they were able to hold off Ukraine in the relegation SF to avoid relegation and keep Belgium in the B-Division this year.</p><p>You may also remember Verreycken in coming off a strong skipping performance at the World Mixed Curling Championship, leading his team to a playoff spot with a 6-2 RR record and a QF result.</p><p>There could be some carry-over momentum from that historic result.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This is an event where curling fans can become familiar with some new faces and new names, especially from nations like Belgium, Estonia and Poland.</p><p>There are also some upcoming competitors in this field, like Sweden's Team Landelius or Italy's Team Ribotta.</p><p>This event is a good reminder for curling fans, just because you may not be familiar with the names competing does not mean your shouldn't be watching.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team R. Craik vs. Team Verreycken - Draw 1: If the Belgium's are going to wave the #TeamUpset flag and make a playoff push, starting with a W out of the hack would be nice.</p><p>Team Krause vs. Team Landelius - Draw 3: A tough opener for the 2 teams expected to be playoff bound from Pool A.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Krause, Team Ribotta, Team R. Craik, Team Landelius, Team Veltsman, Team Vilandt</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Krause def. Team Ribotta</b></p><p><br /></p><h2><b>#StayTuned</b></h2><p>The blog will be back next week with an update to the Power Rankings and a preview of our second #gsoc event of the season: The National.</p><p>And remember, the Pan Continental Curling Championships wrap up this weekend. Who takes home continental bragging rights? Who earns world championship tickets?</p><p>Who earns A-Division promotion while another suffers B-Division relegation?</p><p>Plus, the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship may not be available on broadcast TV but games will be available to stream.</p><p>For all the teams and athletes competing this weekend, good luck and good curling.</p><p>Until next week, the mountain is always watching ๐๐</p>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-78801241820811319732023-10-30T16:31:00.000-06:002023-10-30T16:31:07.002-06:00Power Rankings - W15<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - W15</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Happy Halloween Weekend of Booo-tacular Curling</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg62WhmVjYAsBdox3sMH5lcOltmwVAmgNFh_QKLE5E9BfwzQCWFbCSG5Bihv4X3xDDpwjhsE8DfGYO4_PmbLKkRaUXwnzsMMdNaEX7lnIBwEI7WgzC6vys3SbYv0BvjyqEKEqIOT6bk3R_yNCPJ6yab0TXb1DI4_pPfNsdL5svsOM4Cxy1GkCbFieVM6x/s700/happyhalloween.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlg62WhmVjYAsBdox3sMH5lcOltmwVAmgNFh_QKLE5E9BfwzQCWFbCSG5Bihv4X3xDDpwjhsE8DfGYO4_PmbLKkRaUXwnzsMMdNaEX7lnIBwEI7WgzC6vys3SbYv0BvjyqEKEqIOT6bk3R_yNCPJ6yab0TXb1DI4_pPfNsdL5svsOM4Cxy1GkCbFieVM6x/w200-h200/happyhalloween.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Double, double toil and trouble;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Fire burn, and cauldron bubble"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>- Macbeth</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The pre-Halloween weekend provided a few Macbeth-esque qualities for those who stepped on the ice.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Was it "double, double" on the scoreboard?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Or was it a weekend filled with "toil and trouble"?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Maybe it was more a weekend of Morticia Addams excitement:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"Last night you were unhinged.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You were like some desperate, howling demon.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>You frightened me.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Do it again!"</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes you can get on a roll and just dominate your competition, leaving even your own teammates and fans in awe at your curling abilities.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For some teams it was a spooky scare of a weekend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For some, it was a weekend full of Halloween treats.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And for a select few, they rose above to become the Jack Skellington on ice:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"I am the pumpkin king."</i></div></div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Ok, enough with the Halloween quotes and trying to make it relatable to curling. You get the idea.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets just dive right into the weekend action and update Power Rankings.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have some candy to get to and my stomach is growling.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Saville Grand Prix (W)</i></b> - Team Sturmay (AB) def. Team Strouse (USA): Home ice was nice for Selena Sturmay this weekend. Sturmay went 6-1 overall to claim the title. After posting a 3-1 RR record to reach the playoffs, Sturmay picked up wins over Japan's Team Yoshimura (QF) and fellow Albertan Team Hunkin (SF) to reach the final. USA's Strouse squeaked into the playoff bracket with a 2-2 RR record and knocked off Manitoba's Team Cameron (QF) and home fav Team Gray-Withers (SF) in the playoffs. </div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Saville Grand Prix (M)</i></b> - Team Jacques (AB) def. Team Webb (AB): An All-Albertan battle of 3-1 RR teams highlighted the men's final at Saville. Team Jacques prevailed to pick up the tour title after scoring playoff wins over Team Sherrard (QF) and Team Davies (SF). For Webb, their path to the final included a SF victory over Team Libbus after securing the SF bye from the RR.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>North Greenville Women's Fall Curling Classic (W)</i></b> - Team Constantini (ITA) def. Team Armstrong (ON): Italy's Team Constantini is rounding into European Curling Championship form at the perfect time. So perfect in fact they went 6-0 over the weekend to claim the title in Kemptville, Ontario. Constantini qualified for the playoffs via the A-side and knocked off Team Watling (QF) and Team Inglis (SF) to reach the final. For Team Armstrong, they lost their opener vs. Team St-Georges and then rode a #TeamUpset hot hand into the final. After qualifying via the B-side, they secured playoff wins over Team McCarville (QF) and Team Kitzawa (SF). </div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Soo Curling Fall Classic (M)</i></b> - Team Dunstone (MB) def. Team Retornaz (ITA): Matt Dunstone would not allow an Italian Double over the weekend, derailing championship aspirations for Tour Challenge champ Team Retornaz in the final. Both Dunstone and Retornaz entered the final undefeated, having both qualified for the playoffs via the A-side. In the playoffs, Dunstone scored wins over Team Kean (QF) and Team Horgan (SF) while Retornaz knocked off Team Skanes (QF) and Team Howard (SF).</div></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Kamloops Crown of Curling (W) </i>- Team Brown (BC) def. Team Dennis (BC): A perfect 7-0 weekend culminated in a tour title for Team Brown. After qualifying for the playoffs with a 5-0 RR record, Brown scored a SF win over Team Ryan to reach the final. For Team Dennis, they went 4-1 in the RR (losing to Brown) but reached the final via a SF win over previously undefeated Team Hafeli. Dennis's SF win over Hafeli was revenge for the finals loss the previous weekend in Maple Ridge.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Kamloops Crown of Curling (M) </i>- Team Pierce (BC) def. Team Kleibrink (BC): Sometimes the #CSideGrind can prove less scary and more spook-tacular! Team Pierce found that out this weekend, surviving the long road into the playoffs and and winning 4 straight to claim the title. After A-side SF and B-side final losses, Pierce won the C-side qualifier to reach the playoff bracket. Once there, they would defeat Team Kolomaya (QF) and Team Craig (SF) to make the final. For Kleibrink, they lost an A-side SF as well but rebounded to qualify via the B-side. In the playoffs, they knocked off Team deJong (QF) and Team Olsen (SF) to reach the final. Pierce ended up going 6-2 over the weekend in claiming the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Grand Prix Bern Inter Curling Challenge (M) </i>- Team Craik (SCO) def. Team Kapp (GER): The arrival is complete! Welcome the #NextGen Scottish champ to the World Curling Tour victory lane. James Craik and his team from Forfar, Scotland had a perfect weekend in claiming their first tour title in Bern. After qualifying via the A-side, Craik knocked off Team Stocker (QF) and Team Waddell (SF) to reach the final. For Germany's Team Kapp, they lost their opening game but rattled off 7 straight wins to reach the final. After qualifying via the B-side, Kapp defeated Team Klima (QF) and Team Brunner (SF) to set up a #NextGen finale vs. Craik. Could this be a future world championship finale folks?</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Sundyberg Open (W) </i>- Team Schwaller (SUI) def. Team Bjoernstad (NOR): It was "deja vu" in Sweden for Swizterland's Team Schwaller, winning their second straight Nordic Curling Tour title. Both titles coming in October. Both titles coming on Swedish ice. Schwaller went 2-1 in the RR to earn a bye to the SF, where they defeated Sweden's Team Dryburgh. Bjoernstad entered the final undefeated after posting a 3-0 RR record and a SF victory over Turkey's Team Yildiz. Dryburgh took home the bronze medal with a victory of Yildiz. Schwaller's back-to-back wins have them atop the <a href="https://www.nordiccurlingtour.com/ranking-2023-2024" target="_blank"><b>Nordic Curling Tour</b></a> standings.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Sundbyberg Open (M) </i>- Team Krause (DEN) def. Team Landelius (SWE): Make it "deja vu" times two in Sundbyberg. Denmark's Team Krause completed a matching Double-Double and caused "toil and trouble" for the opposition. Similar to Schwaller, Krause also went back-to-back with Nordic Curling Tour titles in Sweden in October. After losing their opener, Krause would go undefeated the rest of the way in claiming the title. They went 2-1 in the RR and secured playoff wins over Sweden's Team A. Westerberg (QF) and Norway's Team Harstad (SF) to earn a revenge match in the final. Landelius also took the long road to the final, having defeated Krause in their opener but dropping their last 2 RR games to finish 1-2 and sneak into the playoffs. To reach the final, they defeated Sweden's Team J. Westerberg (QF) and Team Granbom (SF). Harstad won the bronze medal over Granbom. Krause's victory moves them atop the <a href="https://www.nordiccurlingtour.com/ranking-2023-2024" target="_blank"><b>Nordic Curling Tour</b></a> rankings.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mixed Doubles Super Series (MD) </i>- Team Koana/Aoki (JPN) def. Team Matsumura/Tanida (JPN): No team is on a better role right now than the Japanese tandem of Tori Koana and Go Aoki. Mark it as 12 straight wins and counting. After winning the tour title last weekend, Koana/Aoki followed it up with another title this past weekend...and this time they went 8-0! After qualifying for the playoffs with a 5-0 RR record, the Japanese duo defeated Team Jones/Laing (QF) and Team Walker/Muyres (SF) to reach their second straight tour final and set up an all-Japan championship match. Matsumura/Tanida also reached the final undefeated after posting an identical 5-0 RR record and scoring playoff wins over Team Martin/Laycock (QF) and Team Kim/Jeong (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As you may have noticed, there were no #TourLifePredictions for last weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog focused on the 2023 Pan Continental Curling Championships with a <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/pccc2023-preview.html" target="_blank"><b>full preview post</b></a> of the A and B Divisions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those predictions, once the event wraps up next weekend, will be graded though.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, for complete transparency, the blog will show a summary of the grades received for the predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w5.html">W4 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w6.html" target="_blank">W5 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank">W6 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html" target="_blank">W7 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w9.html" target="_blank">W8 - C+</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w10.html#more" target="_blank">W9 - B+</a></div><div><a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-sweep16-bracket-preview-with-felix-asselin" target="_blank">W10 - No Picks (T-186 - Sweep16)</a></div><div><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w12.html" target="_blank">W11 - C</a></div><div><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w13.html#more" target="_blank">W12 - A-</a></div><div><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w14.html" target="_blank">W13 - B- (Tour Challenge)</a></div><div>W14 - No Picks (PCCC Preview)</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the mountain!</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w14.html" target="_blank">last week's Power Rankings</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Retornaz (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Soo Curlers Fall Classic - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>How do you follow up a slam win? With another run to a tour final of course.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>If teams were not scared to face the Italian Stallions before, they should be now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Bottcher (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A deserving weekend off for the slam runner-up and a team who has been feasting on the competition like World War Z zombies all season.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Whyte (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They may not be heading to Aberdeen to represent Scotland at the European Curling Championships but they are still one of the best teams on tour this season, sitting #3 on the Year to Date rankings.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Dunstone (5)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Soo Curlers Fall Classic - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>How do you put a tough playoff loss at a slam behind you? Go out and win a title in your next event.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Matt Dunstone is "the pumpkin king" of the weekend!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Gushue (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Gushue is wearing the Maple Leaf this week at the Pan Continental Curling Championships, looking to #DefendTheIce as champion AND clinch a spot in the 2024 World Men's Curling Championship for Canada.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Gushue opened the event with a "surprising" loss to Korea but rebounded Monday morning with a win over New Zealand. They face USA's Team Dropkin, who beat them in the RR last year, Monday evening.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>6. Team Mouat (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The world champs are licking their wounds a bit after the Tour Challenge but do not underestimate the Scottish lads either. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, we saw them struggle at times last season too and look how that played out in the end?!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Casper (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Tier II champions are enjoying the title. Enjoy the celly boys!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Craik (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Grand Prix Bern - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>After 3 straight QF results, including the Tour Challenge Tier II last weekend, Scotland's Team Craik finally put a full weekend of results together in claiming their first tour title in Bern.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are also 22-13 on the season and alongside the tour title have 1 SF and 4 QF results through 7 tour events played.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>9. Team Krause (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Sundbyberg Open - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>There is nothing rotten in the state of Denmark right now. The Danish champs are rolling along.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Chalk up a second Nordic Curling Tour title, going back-to-back at the Swedish events, and they now sit atop the NCT standings.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are now 12-1 on the season as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a team who will have a lot to prove at European's this season. After going 0-9 in the A-Division last year, Denmark was relegated to B-Division this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Consider them the B-Divison #Fav to earn back A-Division promotion now?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Morozumi (9)</i></b></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Inactivity will not cause the Tour Challenge Tier II runners-up a slip on the mountain. They are still having a great season.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>But it must be tough to be sitting at home watching their rivals, Team Yanagisawa, compete at the Pan Continental Curling Championships this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the plus side, cheering for them only can help Japan in the long run in trying to secure a spot in the 2026 Olympics field.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Schwaller, Team Edin, Team Carruthers, Team McEwen, Team Sturmay</span></div></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Einarson (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Team Einarson is in Kelowna as Team Canada competing at the Pan Continental Curling Championships.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Last year they won the bronze medal. This year, can they make their first international final?</div><div><br /></div><div>They won their opener over B Division champs Chinese Taipei but suffered a loss Sunday night vs. Japan's Team Fujisawa.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are back on the ice Monday afternoon against Australia.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Hasselborg (2)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Hasselborg Family Circus is enjoying much deserved time off.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Tirinzoni (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Euro Revenge Tour is underway for the world champs. You know they want that Euro title!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>4. Team Gim (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Gim is competing at PCCC in Kelowna as Korean champions.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>They are off to a hot start, sitting 2-0 after victories over Mexico and New Zealand. Thus far they have outscored their opposition 25 - 3.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Jones (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of the Tour Challenge champions took the weekend off.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Skipper Jennifer Jones was back on the ice though competing in the Mixed Doubles Super Series, reaching the QF with partner Brent Laing.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team E. Kim (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: North Grenville Women's Fall Curling Classic - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>The Tour Challenge Tier II champions started strong in Kemptville, qualifying for the playoffs via the A-side.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately they ran into a red hot Team Inglis in the QF and took a defeat. But still another solid weekend of curling from the Koreans...who now cheer on rivals Team Gim at PCCC 2023.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Lawes (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Tour Challenge Tier I runners-up enjoyed a weekend off to relax and recharge.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Constantini (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: North Grenville Women's Fall Curling Classic - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Italians followed up their Tour Challenge Tier I QF result with a second tour final of the season and their first tour title of the year.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Looking for a dark horse team at next month's European Curling Championships? Here they are!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Schwaller (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Sundbyberg Open - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>When you win back-to-back tour titles and take over the Nordic Curling Tour lead, the mountain takes notice.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Tirinzoni and Team Jaeggi may get all the Swiss attention but keep your eyes on a very talented Team Schwaller curling fans.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Morrison (9)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The playoff appearance at the Tour Challenge Tier I keeps the Scottish champs on the mountain and in the Top 10...for now.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>But Team Homan is lurking.</div><div><br /></div><div>As are fellow Euro competitors Team Wrana and Team Dupont.</div><div><br /></div><div>And watch out for China's Team Han, competing at the PCCC B-Division this week.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Homan, Team Wrana, Team Yoshimura, Team Dupont, Team Han</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>MIXED DOUBLES</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Walker / Muyres (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The #1 team on the mountain maintains their position with another deep playoff run.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are looking to be the best MD team in Canada right now and early #Fav for the Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championship title.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>2. Team Matsumura / Tanida (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>Last week they went 4-0 in the RR before losing in the QF.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>This week they go 5-0 in the RR and reach the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>And remember a few weeks ago they went undefeated to claim a tour title.</div><div><br /></div><div>If it wasn't for that 0-for weekend, they may be ranked #1 right now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Koana / Aoki (10)</i></b></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Back-to-back tour titles for the Japanese duo...and in the return for Tori Koana.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>This team is looking very confident and dangerous right now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Martin / Laycock (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Another solid weekend of mixed doubles curling for this tandem, back together after one week off.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sure looks like Saskatchewan is producing some great MD curlers right now folks.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Kaldvee / Lill (2)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>They did win a massive title a few weeks ago but inactivity will catch up with you on the mountain.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>But they are still the overall Year to Date points leaders for the season remember.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>6. Team St-Georges / Asselin (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Hopefully the duo is still celebrating their World Mixed Curling Championship bronze medal.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>St-Georges was on the ice this weekend with her women's team in Kemptville as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Looking forward to seeing the Quebec couple back on the MD ice soon.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>7. Team Skaslien / Nedregotten (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Inactivity causes slip ups as we know on Power Rankings mountain.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>But the Norwegian couple still maintains a spot on the Top 10.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Armstrong / Griffith (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>A QF result in Moose Jaw moves this B.C. duo back into the Top 10.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Jones / Laing (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>The Canadian champs returned to the MD ice this weekend and made a playoff push, reaching the QF.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Always considered a threat in any event they enter...especially if they get on a roll and gain some momentum.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team MacMillan / Middleton (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain is not ready to remove the #NextGen duo from the Top 10....yet!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Perret/Rios, Team Kim/Jeong, Team Roenning/Braenden, Team Zheng/Pietrangelo, Team Thevenot/Kalthoff</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>Remember the Pan Continental Curling Championships are underway in Kelowna. Nations competing in the A Division are trying to qualify for the 2024 world championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>ICYMI, the blog released a full preview post breaking down the action in both the A and B Divisions. Check it out <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/pccc2023-preview.html#more" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>And stay up to date on all the scores, including those draws not shown on TV, <a href="https://livescores.worldcurling.org/pccc/aspnet/current2?EventID=0" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog will return later in the week with weekend #TourLifePredictions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, stay safe and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!! ๐๐</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-82480679272694960692023-10-27T17:54:00.000-06:002023-10-27T17:54:10.065-06:00PCCC2023 Preview<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: Pan Continental Curling Championship Preview</u></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>World championship tickets are on the ice in Kelowna</i> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy26g_GzQy55GYLw1VsRaRqQFBhbP5HPjXE5jU3XQ2KHb80lTnB8k6z46y5Ht12Um0tgRo9v3liZV4wJc9exu_3yDWNuXB5V_Z3tobNqCoYBdpnXw7t_oPC_7AlOanN6poXC80GefvokWm0LaH_-FucemCUI1rwHuURmB8se1ffZd0qoHGstAzBByd0j2j/s930/PCCC2023%20Logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="735" data-original-width="930" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy26g_GzQy55GYLw1VsRaRqQFBhbP5HPjXE5jU3XQ2KHb80lTnB8k6z46y5Ht12Um0tgRo9v3liZV4wJc9exu_3yDWNuXB5V_Z3tobNqCoYBdpnXw7t_oPC_7AlOanN6poXC80GefvokWm0LaH_-FucemCUI1rwHuURmB8se1ffZd0qoHGstAzBByd0j2j/s320/PCCC2023%20Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>"Only those who risk going too far</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>can find out how far one can go"</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>- T.S. Eliot</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The British poet, playwright and publisher may have been foreshadowing the growth of curling around the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For many nations competing at the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championships, there will be some risks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some may be stepping on world competitive ice for the first time. And that can be risky and scary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some have dreams of competing at upcoming world championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And some have aspirations of becoming the best in the world.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Regardless of competing in an A Division or B Division, each team will have risk in stepping on the ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Whether it is to challenge themselves or to #growthesport for the nation on their back or live up to high expectations of themselves, teams will be pushing themselves this week in Kelowna.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, in doing so, we will find out just how far they can go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One slide out of the hack at a time during a grueling week of continental curling action.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Pan Continental Curling Championships will make their sophomore appearance in 2023 after a debut last year in Calgary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And before we slide out of the hack with the preview, lets take a moment to check out the event logo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year's logo captured the Calgary skyline with the Calgary Tower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year we see a tribute to the environmental backdrop serving as the host location in British Columbia. The bear shadow on the rock is a nice touch. And the colours and motif support the Indigenous relationship of the land on which the competition will be played.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I still wish there would be a short story published from World Curling Federation on how they designed the event logo and who designed it. Just for curiosity sake if nothing else.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back to the event itself.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This event serves as not only a continental championship but, and perhaps more importantly, as the world championship qualifier for nations within the Pacific-Asia and America's regions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With this season serving as the opening year towards Olympic qualification, there is added pressure on the nations competing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If a nation wants to make it to Italy in 2026, they need to start with world championship appearances in 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Failing to qualify for a world championship puts your home nation behind the eight-ball.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And it might be impossible to catch up, even after one year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For those nations competing in the B Division, they are already behind the front runners.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If they want to make it to the Olympic field, they need to win the B Division, earn promotion to next year's A Division, qualify for the 2025 world championships and, probably, still need to some help along the way from other nations faltering.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We see you China. It is going to be a long road to Italy for you!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But welcome back to the world of international curling at least.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This event is not all about risk and pressure and stress though. It is also about growth and excitement.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year we saw Guyana and Chinese Taipei make their mark in winning the B Division. They will be competing in the A Division this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year we welcome Philippines into the curling family with both men's and women's teams making their debuts in the B Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">How about Jamaica? Remember Cool Runnings? Well perhaps we see a female version come to life on another ice surface sport? The Reggae Girls will also make their debut in the B Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As the sport continues to grow internationally, World Curling Federation needs to provide opportunities for nations to compete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The establishment of the Pan Continental Curling Championships follows the success of the European Curling Championships model.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are A and B Divisions. There is relegation and promotion. There is opportunity to grow. There are opportunities for success and continental supremacy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It is the crux of sport. Winners. Losers. Joy. Heartbreak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And with a touch of growth, enthusiasm and hope for the future.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The wildcard factor in the entire competition will be the ice surface. This competition is not taking place inside an arena but rather the 12-sheet club ice at the Kelowna Curling Club.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Could this be an advantage to those non-Grand Slam of Curling teams who do not regularly compete on club ice?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Could it be a deciding factor or "equal playing field" opportunity for those other nations?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kelowna, the world will be watching.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Welcome to the 2nd Annual Pan Continental Curling Championships!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both;"><b>#PCCC2023 Preview</b></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kelowna, B.C., Canada</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2022 Champions: A Division - Canada (men) and Japan (women), B Division - Guyana (men) and Chinese Taipei (women)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Men - A Division</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Nations:</i></b> Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Guyana, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, USA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Format: 8 nation RR with Top 4 playoff qualifiers. Top 5 placement qualify for the World Men's Curling Championship. Last place nation relegated to PCCC 2024 B Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#Fav: Canada</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Team Gushue returns to represent the Maple Leaf on home ice. And they will attempt to #DefendTheIce from their championship win here last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year will feature a bit extra pressure of course as Canada is not handed an auto spot in the world championship field. This year's men's championship will be held in Schaffhausen, Switzerland.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year, Gushue was competed for bragging rights more than anything.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This year he will be competing to ensure Canada has a spot on the world championship ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok, not really a big concern but it does add a new element and pressure, even if very minor.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have not really seen the full package Team Gushue this season either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They arrive in Kelowna off a SF appearance at the Tour Challenge last weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They reached a QF in their season opener event and the SF run at the PointsBet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />But they are a modest 10-5 on the season. A bit surprising for the defending Canadian champs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Of course we say this with a grain of salt as expectations of positive results are just very high with a team like Gushue and their resume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year they lost their opening game to USA and then rattled off 8 straight to win gold.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Will someone trip them up in the RR again this year? If so, who? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or will they find their sliders and dominate the competition?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#TeamUpset: Guyana</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well that was a quick ascend for the tiny South American nation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year Guyana competed in the B Division. They posted a 5-2 RR record, good enough to qualify as the #4 seed, and knocked off #1 seed Hong Kong in the SF and #3 seed India in the final.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And they did so with 3 players.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Fast forward to this season and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9z0vWEH_vU" target="_blank"><b>Ray Husain</b></a> is ready to rock in the A Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Husain has competed at a few tour events this seasons as lead-up preparation for this event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And while they may be 1-10 on the season, getting competitive ice time in is crucial.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Guyana may not be a threat to reach the playoffs or qualify for the world championship but they are here to compete and try to stay in the A Division for another season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can they surprise 1 or 2 teams and pick up the wins needed to avoid relegation?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#W2W4: Five Alive...For Whom?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Expectations heading into the event are the Big 4 will remain in control: Canada, USA, Japan, Korea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If so, that once again leaves the fifth and final ticket up for grabs from the rest of the field.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year New Zealand made #HIStory by qualifying for only their second world championship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We know the story of Team Hood by now, with the move to Calgary and getting more ice time in on tour and training in preparation for competing in Kelowna.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We saw Australia enter a tour event as a tune-up as well, reaching the SF.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Those two nations should be considered the favs to fight it out for the final ticket...and they play one another in the opening draw for the second consecutive year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But also keep your eyes on whether either of them can try to make the leap into playoff consideration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Is Korea's Team Park vulnerable? They are 1-7 in their last 2 tour events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Could one of the Oceania teams not only secure a ticket to the world championship but steal a playoff spot from their Asian counterparts?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PopcornMatch:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Australia vs. New Zealand - Draw 1: This game started the competition last year and will do so again this year. Last year it was the difference maker for the final world championship ticket. Will the rivalry game prove to be the difference maker again this year?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada vs. USA - Draw 3: Similar to the Oceania rivalry, anytime we get Canada vs. USA on ice it is a rivalry game. USA won last year's RR game but settled for bronze overall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chinese Taipei vs. Guyana - Draw 6: Could this game be the decider on who survives to the 2024 A Division and who is relegated to B Division?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">New Zealand vs. Korea - Draw 6: If Korea is vulnerable to giving up a playoff spot, this is the game to find out. Plus, should the Kiwi's lose the opener to Australia, this game could be their only opportunity to get back into the world championship discussion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada vs. Guyana - Draw 7: Welcome to the A Division, Guyana! The expectation is this will not be a close game but these are the games up and coming nations dream about having while developing their program. Husain gets to take on Gushue on WCF ice at a major international competition. How cool will that be, regardless of the result?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Projected Standings: 1. Canada 2. USA 3. Japan 4. New Zealand 5. Korea 6. Australia 7. Chinese Taipei 8. Guyana</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#WMCC2024 Qualifiers: Canada, USA, Japan, New Zealand, Korea</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Relegated #PCCC 2024 B-Division: Guyana</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PCCC 2023 Playoff Qualifiers: Canada, USA, Japan, New Zealand</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">#PCCC 2023 A Division Bronze Medal Game: Japan (Team Yanagisawa) def. New Zealand (Team Hood)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">#PCCC 2023 A Division Championship: Canada (Team Gushue) def. USA (Team Dropkin)</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Women - A Division</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Nations:</i></b> Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, USA</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Format: 8 nation RR with Top 4 playoff qualifiers. Playoff bracket will be #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3. Top 4 placement qualify for the World Women's Curling Championship (minus Canada who qualify as host). Bottom nation relegated to PCCC 2024 B Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#Fav: Korea</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This may be an unpopular opinion but Korea's Team Gim should be considered the #Fav heading into the competition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada's Team Einarson is ranked higher (#2) in comparison to Gim (#4) but Gim has played alot more curling this season and has produced a stronger season resume.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Korean champions are 39-10 on the season, including a tour title at the Autumn Gold and the QF result at last weekend's opening #gsoc event, The Tour Challenge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In October alone, they are 16-3 overall with a tour title and 2 QF finishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And while they have yet to face Einarson this season, they did just defeat USA's Team Peterson and Japan's Team Fujisawa at the slam last weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#TeamUpset: Chinese Taipei and Mexico</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With Kazakhstan withdrawing from the competition due to travel difficulties, both finalists from the 2022 B Division earned promotion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chinese Taipei defeated Mexico for B Division gold in an extra end suspenseful game last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now both have the opportunity to renew a new rivalry with extra incentive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember, only 1 nation will be relegated this year. Both B Division finalists from a year ago are competing here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At least 1 of them will remain in A Division for 2024.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That is HUGE for both nations. #growthesport</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mexico went 0-3 against Chinese Taipei last year, losing both RR games and the final. Can they gain their revenge in sending them back to B Division in 2024?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or will Chinese Taipei continue their dominance over Mexico and send the silver medal winners back to B Division?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#W2W4: WWCC 2024 Tickets</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With the 2024 World Women's Curling Championships taking place in Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada has little pressure on them this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada has the auto berth as the host nation so Team Einarson gets to solely focus on upping the colour of their medal won last year (bronze).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But don't think she is just playing for national pride either. Einarson has yet to reach an international final. She won bronze here last year. She won world championship bronze in 2022 and 2023.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The team is playing for a lot more on a personal level too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the other teams, pressure on in trying to secure one of the tickets for their nation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">4 spots. 7 nations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Korea, Japan and USA should be essential "locks" for 3 of those 4 spots.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chinese Taipei and Mexico are coming up from B Division and may still be a few years away from truly competing for a world championship ticket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This leaves Australia and New Zealand to face off for 1 ticket. The same storyline as last year. And the same, potential, storyline for the men's competition.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">New Zealand made #HERstory last year in qualifying for their first-ever world championship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can they do so once again?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or can Australia make #HERstory of their own and qualify for their first-ever world championship?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">That's right, Australia's women have never competed at a world championship either.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Either way, #HERstory of some kind will be made this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PopcornMatch:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada vs. Japan - Draw 2: The defending champs (Team Fujisawa) vs. the 2022 bronze medal winners (Team Einarson). Who doesn't want to see this game? They split the results last year with Einarson winning the RR game but Fujisawa winning the SF.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada vs. USA - Draw 5: The Americans (Team Peterson) defeated Canada in the RR last year but Einarson earned revenge in the rematch to win bronze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Japan vs. Korea - Draw 5: Bring on another rivalry game in Draw 5, this time from Asia with Team Fujisawa vs. Team Gim.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chinese Taipei vs. Mexico - Draw 6: Could this game decide who remains in A Division for 2024 and who is relegated to B Division?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Australia vs. New Zealand - Draw 6: Could this game decide who advances to the world championship and who stays home?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Projected Standings: 1. Canada 2. Korea 3. Japan 4. USA 5. New Zealand 6. Australia 7. Chinese Taipei 8. Mexico</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#WWCC2024 Qualifiers: Canada (as host), Korea, Japan, USA, New Zealand</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Relegated #PCCC 2024 B-Division: Mexico</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PCCC 2023 Playoff Qualifiers: Canada, Korea, Japan, USA</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">#PCCC 2023 A Division Bronze Medal Game: Japan (Team Fujisawa) def. USA (Team Peterson)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">#PCCC 2023 A Division Championship: Korea (Team Gim) def. Canada (Team Einarson)</span></b></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Men - B Division</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Nations:</i></b> Brazil, China, Hong Kong, India, Kenya, Mexico, Philippines, Saudi Arabia</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Format: 8 nation RR with Top 4 playoff qualifiers. Playoff bracket will be #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3. Winner of final earns promotion to PCCC 2024 A Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#Fav: China</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Welcome back China.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Probably not a statement the nations competing in B Division will be saying this week. Do not expect a huge welcome back party.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">China will be the favourite to win the B Division and earn promotion to 2024 A Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The experience factor alone will put China ahead of the pack, skipped by 2022 Olympian and 4-time world championship attendee Zou Qiang.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Team Zou has been competing at tour events since late September as well, including a QF appearance a few weeks ago in Airdrie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Zou may only be 7-12 on the season but competing in 4 tour events to tune-up for this event could be the wildcard factor in their favour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The road to the Olympics is going to be a tough one for Chinese curling but it all starts this week in Kelowna.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#TeamUpset: Philippines</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We welcome the return of one Asian nation and celebrate the debut of another.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Philippines will be making their World Curling Federation international debut this week in Kelowna.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But do not let the nation name fool you into thinking this team cannot compete for the A Division promotion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Philippines is being led by the Pfister brothers: Marc and Enrico. The Pfister boys used to curl out of Switzerland and have competed in 3 world championships (2015, 2016, 2018).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They have also competed in 3 #gsoc events: 2015 Tour Challenge, 2015 National, 2015 Canadian Open.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Marc also competed at the 2018 Champions Cup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This season, the new look team has competed in 1 tour event. They went 5-1 at the Prague Open in early October, losing the championship final.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is not your every day, new the ice, debut curling nation competing folks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do not be surprised is Philippines makes their debut and finds themselves competing for promotion in the B Division gold medal game.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#W2W4: Wide Open Field</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The experience factor leads to China and Philippines based on the lineup.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But do not undersell India, last year's B Division runner-up.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or Hong Kong, who won the RR portion last year and ended up winning a bronze medal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brazil tasted A Division status at last year's inaugural event but was relegated to B Division this year. This year Brazil will field a new team for the competition so it will be interesting to see how they do in their quest to return to the top flight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mexico's men will make their debut this year as well, looking to follow in the success of the women's program who earned a promotion spot to A Division this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While the nations competing here are not fighting for world championship tickets, they are fighting for an A Division promotion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">8 nations. 1 spot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Only the gold medal winner earns the promotion, meaning every game matters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PopcornMatch:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mexico vs. Philippines - Draw 1: The debut nations face off right out of the gate. The winner will make #HIStory with their first W.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">China vs. Hong Kong - Draw 1: Jason Chang will be back skipping Hong Kong and will be looking for revenge after falling short in last year's B Division playoffs. And he starts against Asian rival nation China and a very experienced skip. This game WILL decide playoff positions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hong Kong vs. Philippines - Draw 3: If China is to run the RR table, the winner of this game could avoid them in the SF, creating an "easier" path to the B Division final. OR could this game be a preview of said SF game?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Projected Standings: 1. China 2. Philippines 3. Hong Kong 4. India 5. Brazil 6. Saudi Arabia 7. Mexico 8. Kenya</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PCCC 2023 Playoff Qualifiers: China, Philippines, Hong Kong, India</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">#PCCC 2023 B Division Bronze Medal Game: Hong Kong (Team Chang) def. India (Team Raju)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">#PCCC 2023 B Division Championship / Promotion to #PCCC 2024 A Division: Philippines (Team Pfister) def. China (Team Zou)</span></b></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Women - B Division</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Nations:</i></b> Brazil, China, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kenya, Philippines </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Format: 6 nation RR with Top 4 playoff qualifiers. Playoff bracket will be #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3. Winner of final earns promotion to PCCC 2024 A Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#Fav: China</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">China is #Fav for the men's B Division. China is OVERWHELMING #Fav for the women's B Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And I say so with all due respect to the other nations competing this week in Kelowna.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">China's Team Han has been on fire since returning to the curling ice this season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Already a blog preseason #TeamUpset watch, Han has an overall season record of 22-5.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They have reached at least the SF round in all 4 tour events played. They have reached 2 finals. They have 1 tour titles under the slider.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They even started the season on an impressive 12-match winning streak.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">From opening the season ranked outside the Top 150 to now sitting at #43....Yowie Wowie!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Again, with all due respect, anything short of China winning the B Division and earning promotion to the 2024 A Division would be considered a MASSIVE shock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#TeamUpset: Jamaica and Philippines</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Similar to the men's B Division, we welcome 2 new nations to World Curling Federation competitive ice this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Philippines, like the men's program, will make their women's debut.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jamaica's women will do the same.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a huge #growthesport moment for both nations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Philippines is trying to establish themselves as an Asian nation contender and it all starts with how their men's and women's teams perform this week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For Jamaica, bringing curling to the Caribbean region is huge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Regardless of results this week, both nations will be making #HERstory when they step on the ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The blog wishes them both good luck and good curling. This is exciting rockheads!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#W2W4: Who can challenge China?</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As mentioned above, China will be the overwhelming #Fav.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So who can step up and try to mount a challenge? Can anyone?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jamaica and Philippines will be making their debut and are probably not ready to compete for a promotional spot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Kenya returns after reaching the playoffs last year and winning a bronze medal, albeit it was only a 4 nation competing and they just needed to defeat African rivals Nigeria to do so.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As an aside, Nigeria will not be fielding a team this year. We miss you <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqWecYhxJcY" target="_blank"><b>Teek The Curler</b></a>!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So the main challengers should come from those nations who were relegated to B Division last year: Brazil and Hong Kong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Both were a bit surprised with their relegation last year so both will be hungry to earn their spot back next year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But it will not be easy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brazil will have a slightly new team on the ice, now being skipped by Anne Shibuya. Shibuya has world championship experience, having competed at the 2017 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship and 2018 World Mixed Curling Championship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">She will be joined by returning vice <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW9ImdB6FNs" target="_blank"><b>Luciana Barrella</b></a>. Barrella also has world championship experience, having competed at 4 world mixed events (2015 - 2018) and a world mixed doubles championship (2019).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hong Kong has returning experience, once again skipped by Ling-Yue Hung. Hung skipped the team at last year's PCCC and has competed in 5 Pacific-Asia Curling Championships (the event replaced by the Pan Continental Curling Championships). Hung has also competed at world mixed and world mixed doubles curling championship events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Both nations have podium aspirations here but can either mount a challenge to the mighty Chinese?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PopcornMatch:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">China vs. Hong Kong - Draw 1: Hong Kong gets to try and draw first blood against their Asian rivals. This will be a test match to see if they are ready to challenge them in the playoffs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jamaica vs. Kenya - Draw 1: Could #HERstory be made?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Jamaica vs. Philippines - Draw 2: #HERstory WILL be made for sure as the winner of this game could record their 1st ever WCF win!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brazil vs. China - Draw 2: China draws their toughest competition right out of the gate. If they start 2-0, it might be over before it gets started.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hong Kong vs. Brazil - Draw 5: Hong Kong defeated Brazil last year, securing their only W of the competition. Can Brazil earn revenge? This is the final RR game but could serve as a SF tune-up?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Projected Standings: 1. China 2. Hong Kong 3. Brazil 4. Philippines 5. Kenya 6. Jamaica</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PCCC 2023 Playoff Qualifiers: China, Hong Kong, Brazil, Philippines</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">#PCCC 2023 B Division Bronze Medal Game: Brazil (Team Shibuya) def. Philippines (Team Umali)</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">#PCCC 2023 B Division Championship / Promotion to #PCCC 2024 A Division: China (Team Han) def. Hong Kong (Team Hung)</span></b></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There you have it rock heads. What say you? Agree? Disagree?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Who are you most excited to see step on the ice in Kelowna?</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both;"><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Note there are a number of men's, women's and mixed doubles tour events happening this weekend as well. As always, the <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w14.html#more" target="_blank"><b>#PowerRankings</b></a> are watching!! ๐๐</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">ICYMI, #TwineTime did attend the inaugural event last year in Calgary. There were some great post-match interviews conducted with many of the athletes from the A and B divisions. Those interviews can be viewed on the #TwineTime YouTube channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TwineTime" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Many of the athletes interviewed last year will be returning to the ice this year in Kelowna.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There will be TV and streaming coverage. TSN will cover Canada games while World Curling TV will stream A-Division games on The Curling Channel, with some games featured with full production and commentary.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Full broadcast details can be found <b><a href="https://worldcurling.org/2023/10/pccc-broadcast/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To those nations and athletes competing, good luck, good curling and continue making #HIStory/#HERstory. </div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-70076223111422953642023-10-23T16:34:00.001-06:002023-10-23T16:37:27.565-06:00Power Rankings - W14<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - W14</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Tour Challenge debrief + Power Rankings update</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69bmAocIemcKiUM8my_02FPGPw7PuGWNuwIFSi31RQiS-KpxHPxBEXAWzxNc5ibM90YwM8E4FfQgx_umJcqiTv9PSwZl_E0dcRb-KyT97PKeF5arSSjvOm3FMIr9KV1PVMuwqqT-pjgEurn08aH0cmnYUNJyajytAGa_B0YNadXiYHfiFvcHYJTu5doB2/s187/Week14.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="67" data-original-width="187" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69bmAocIemcKiUM8my_02FPGPw7PuGWNuwIFSi31RQiS-KpxHPxBEXAWzxNc5ibM90YwM8E4FfQgx_umJcqiTv9PSwZl_E0dcRb-KyT97PKeF5arSSjvOm3FMIr9KV1PVMuwqqT-pjgEurn08aH0cmnYUNJyajytAGa_B0YNadXiYHfiFvcHYJTu5doB2/w320-h115/Week14.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lucky 14!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok maybe not lucky for everyone but it is the #TwineTime lucky number so this is a lucky week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">#SlamSeason has officially begun with the Tour Challenge tossing its last rocks on Sunday and crowing 4 champions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One added to her legacy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A second is on his path to creating #HIStory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A Tier II champion is returning to Tier I.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And another is following in the slide path of a compatriot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And while the action on the ice was great, the path to playoffs was a bit slippery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Plus, WHERE WAS THE ORANGE??</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Don't forget, we also crowned our first World Champions of the season!!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Where do we begin?</div><div><br /></div><div>The head scratcher of an orange themed event with no orange rings? Or the new No TB clause causing so many 2-2 teams to go home early?</div><div><br /></div><div>The orange marketing one seems simple. This event has been marketed as the "orange" slam for years. It is in October coinciding with Halloween, another "orange" event.</div><div><br /></div><div>So where was the orange?</div><div><br /></div><div>I get it. Hearing Life is the main sponsor of the event so the rings were blue to match the title sponsor logo.</div><div><br /></div><div>Awesome.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, if you want this event to be "blue" change up all the marketing and make it a "blue" slam.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Champions Cup is gone. It was a blue slam. The colour is now open for the taking. If the Tour Challenge wants blue to match the sponsor, make the full marketing package to align with the rings.</div><div><br /></div><div>You know, as is the case with all the other slams.</div><div><br /></div><div>This really is PR / Marketing 101.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while orange is my favourite colour and I would hate to see it go, if it has to go because of Marketing 101 principles, I am all for it.</div><div><br /></div><div>But right now, having the marketing be orange and the rings be blue....it doesn't even match the #gsoc marketing plan overall. Hopefully this is a one-year slip up and it gets fixed next year.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know this is minor and, for most people, not even an issue. And maybe this is just my public relations degree creeping into my curling enjoyment but it really did bother me all week watching the games. ๐คท</div><div><br /></div><div>How about we tackle the "real" issue of the weekend? All those 2-2 teams. No TB. #Disaster</div><div><br /></div><div>When the Grand Slam of Curling made the decision this season to eliminate the TB game and leave the TB procedure solely to the Last Stone Draw numbers, many were wondering how that would play out.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, after 1 event, it kind of left a salty taste in the mouths of many curling fans....and perhaps a few teams?</div><div><br /></div><div>Here are how many teams were sitting with a 2-2 record and how many playoff spots were open after the RR:</div><div><br /></div><div>Tier I (W): 4 teams for 3 playoff spots</div><div><br /></div><div>Tier I (M): 7 teams for 3 playoff spots</div><div><br /></div><div>Tier II (W): 8 teams for 4 playoff spots</div><div><br /></div><div>Tier II (M): 6 teams for 3 playoff spots</div><div><br /></div><div>The Tier I women's competition seemed to be ok. 4 teams for 3 spots means only 1 goes home due to the new TB formula. Not too much to be upset there.</div><div><br /></div><div>But look at the other 3 events. A total of 21 teams fighting for 10 spots.</div><div><br /></div><div>11 of those 21 teams were eliminated solely based on the LSD procedure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this how we want our curling brackets to be decided in events like a slam? In events where there is a huge points (and financial) incentive to making the playoffs?</div><div><br /></div><div>Look, I get the scheduling chaos that comes with TB games. It can be tough on the GSOC and organizing committee. </div><div><br /></div><div>But at least, under the old rule, there would be those early morning TB games to be played. And they were free for the public.</div><div><br /></div><div>And sure, they probably were not fun for the players. Having to win 3 games in a row to make it to Championship Sunday doesn't sound like fun either.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it is not unheard of either. Hello #CSideGrind at many tour events.</div><div><br /></div><div>If we want to eliminate the TB games, maybe we need to reconsider the entire slam format.</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe 16 teams is not ideal. It creates the 2-2 logjam in the standings as noted above.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, do not get me started again on the concept of being placed in a pool but actually only playing 4 teams from another pool. Why even have a pool system? That is not how competitive pool play works in sports.</div><div><br /></div><div>If nobody likes the <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2022/10/power-rankings-w11.html" target="_blank"><b>#TwineTime previous suggestion</b></a> of 4 pools of 4 teams playing 3 RR games and the final RR draw becoming the #Sweep16 playoff round, what about increasing (or decreasing) the amount of teams in the field?</div><div><br /></div><div>What if we went to an 18-team field with 3 pools of 6? Each team playing 5 RR games. </div><div><br /></div><div>Ok, I know the scheduling nightmare there but it has a greater possibility of eliminating the 2-2 problem with teams ending with 3-2 or 2-3 records. There is a more definitive playoff cut line at least.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, maybe we go to a 15-team field with 3 pools of 5. I know this may not solve the 2-2 problem with each team still playing only 4 RR games but at least teams are playing their pool opposition.</div><div><br /></div><div>It cannot be worse than what we saw with the standings this weekend!</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, if we want the 16-team fields, maybe we just have to go to the triple knockout concept used at the Canadian Open.</div><div><br /></div><div>I know some teams do not favour the triple knockout because the scheduling is less structured and can be messy at times.</div><div><br /></div><div>On that argument, I clearly say "just win and there are no issues".</div><div><br /></div><div>If you don't like the idea of possibly having a messy schedule, win your games. It can be quite simple if we want to make broad statement arguments. And it is not like teams are unfamiliar with triple knockout formats. There are quite common on tour.</div><div><br /></div><div>Honestly, there is no "right" or "wrong" answer to this. Each idea, whether competition format or amount of qualified teams, has pro and con arguments.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, after seeing how many teams were left "tied" for a handful of playoff spots this weekend, the current #NoTB format just doesn't work. It seemed unfair to many of the teams in the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>Or maybe #TwineTime is once again sitting alone on an island and more people did enjoy the new format?</div><div><br /></div><div>What say you rockheads? Did you like it? Dislike it? Didn't really care one way or another?</div><div><br /></div><div>Or do you have a different solution to the problem?</div><div><br /></div><div>Conversation matters and discussion can always be good. Share your thoughts on social media and/or the comments below. I welcome any ideas.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now, with respect to all the action taking place this past weekend, lets do a full runback before climbing the mountain.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>World Mixed Curling Championship (MW)</i></b> - Sweden (Team Nygren) def. Spain (Team Vez): The <i>Tre Kronor</i> are wearing the world championship crown after going 10-0 in claiming the first #WMCC title for Sweden. After losing the final in 2015 and 2016, Sweden finally claimed the world championship. Sweden went 8-0 in the RR and secured playoff wins over Belgium (QF) and Canada (SF) to reach the final. Spain also entered the final undefeated, posting a 7-0 RR record and picking up playoff victories over Japan (QF) and Norway (SF). For Spain, it was their second silver medal in the competition (2018). And for Sweden's Jennie Wahlin, it was redemption for losing the 2016 final. Canada defeated Norway to claim bronze.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Tour Challenge Tier I (W)</i></b> - Team Jones (MB) def. Team Lawes (MB): A battle of former teammates at skip with new teams around them went to a GOAT in the sport. Jennifer Jones collected her 10th #gsoc title with her young, slightly altered team while securing the first slam title for her teammates. For Jones, it was also her first Tour Challenge title after having a previous best result of SF (2017). Jones only needs the Canadian Open title to complete the career grand slam. Both Jones and Lawes reached the playoffs with 2-2 RR records, surviving the aforementioned new TB procedure. In the playoffs, Jones knocked off 2 previously undefeated teams in Team Tirinzoni (QF) and Team Hasselborg (SF) while Lawes defeated undefeated Team Gim (QF) and Team Einarson (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Tour Challenge Tier I (M)</i></b> - Team Retornaz (ITA) def. Team Bottcher (AB): Viva Italia for the Italian Stallions in collecting a second #gsoc title. After posting a 3-1 RR record to qualify, Retornaz ran through the playoffs like it was a world championship, knocking off Sweden's Team Edin (QF), Scotland's Team Whyte (SF) and Canada's Team Bottcher (F). For Bottcher, they qualified with a 2-2 RR record (and surviving the TB procedure) and secured playoff wins over Team Schwaller (QF) and Team Gushue (SF) to reach the final.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Tour Challenge Tier II (W)</i></b> - Team E. Kim (KOR) def. Team Dupont (DEN): Welcome back Team Kim! The Koreans will be making their return to Tier I ice in Red Deer at the Canadian Open after winning the Tier II championship this weekend. Take note, last year Kim was competing in the Tier I and reached the QF. This year, Kim posted a 3-1 RR record to make the playoffs and knocked off Team Anderson (QF) and Team Inglis (SF) to reach the final. For Denmark's Team Dupont, it was a solid week of curling in preparation to #DefendTheIce at the upcoming European Curling Championships. Dupont also qualified for the playoffs with a 3-1 RR record and reached the final with playoff victories over Team Black (QF) and Team Campbell (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Tour Challenge Tier II (M)</i></b> - Team Casper (USA) def. Team Morozumi (JPN): The Tier II title will stay south of the border for the third consecutive event. After Team Dropkin claimed the past two Tier II titles, compatriot Team Casper followed the slide path to keep the title with the Stars & Stripes. Both finalists survives the TB procedure with 2-2 RR records to make the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, Casper defeated the lone undefeated team, Korea's Team Jeong, in the QF and Team McEwen (SF) to make the final. For Morozumi, their path to the final went through #NextGen Team Wiebe (QF) and Team Sturmay (SF).</div></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">MCT Atkins Curling Supplies Classic (W) </i>- Team McLeod (MB) def. Team Cherwinski (MB): Lisa McLeod had a perfect weekend in claiming the Manitoba Tour title. After posting a 4-0 RR record, McLeod defeated Team Rhyme in the SF to reach the championship game. For Cherwinski, they survived a similar 2-2 TB procedure to reach the playoffs, where they upset Team Jensen in the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">MCT Atkins Curling Supplies Classic (M) </i>- Team Calvert (MB) def. Team Irwin (MB): Make it a perfect 6-0 weekend for Team Calvert in claiming the championship and securing their spot in the Manitoba provincial championship field. Calvert qualified via the A-side and picked up playoff wins over Team D. Wiebe (QF) and Australia's Team Merchant (SF). For Irwin, they qualified via the B-side and scored playoff victories over Team McDonald (QF) and Japan's Team Hirata (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Saville U25 Challenge (W) </i>- Team Marks (AB) def. Team Plett (AB): It was an Edmonton vs. Sherwood Park final at Saville. Edmonton's Abby Marks secured the championship over Sherwood Park's Myla Plett. Marks reached the playoffs with a 2-1 RR record and knocked off Team Richards (QF) and Korea's Team Kim (SF) to reach the final. For Plett, she entered the final undefeated after posting a 3-0 RR record and only needing 1 playoff win (def. Team Ackerman - SF) to make the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Saville U25 Challenge (M) </i>- Team Adams (AB) def. Team Elsenheimer (AB): A classic QE2 battle in the final between Calgary's Cole Adams and Edmonton's Adam Elsenheimer. For this final, the Flames defeated the Oilers (so to speak). Adams went undefeated over the weekend, posting a 3-0 RR record and a SF win over Team Burton. Elsenheimer took the long way to the finale, reaching the playoffs with a 1-2 RR record and need playoff wins over Team Tao (PO), Team Parent (QF) and Team Sampson (SF). Elsenheimer played in all 7 draws of the competition, the only team to do so.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">King Cash Spiel (W) </i>- Team Hafeli (BC) def. Team Denis (BC): A perfect weekend of curling for Holly Hafeli and her team from Kamloops. In what might be considered a #TeamUpset result, Hafeli went 3-0 in the RR to qualify and need only 1 playoff game to reach the final, a SF win over Team Jackson-Baier. Kim Denis and her team from Richmond also earned a bye to the SF after posting a 3-0 RR record. They entered the final undefeated as well after picking up the playoff win over Team Ryan.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">King Cash Spiel (M) </i>- Team Montgomery (BC) def. Team Richard (BC): Another team with a perfect weekend claiming a tour title. Jason Montgomery and his Victoria team went 6-0 to claim the title Maple Ridge. After wrapping up the RR with a 3-0 record, Montgomery picked up playoff wins over Team Pierce (QF) and Team Kolomaya (SF) to reach the final. For Richard, the team from Kelowna went 2-1 in the RR and reached the final with playoff wins over Team Cseke (QF) and Team Kleibrink (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mayflower Cashspiel (W) </i>- Team MacDiarmid (NS) def. Team Hilliard (NS): An all-Halifax final ensuring the home town fans would be leaving with a championship win under their sliders. Both teams won their pools with identical 3-1 RR records, securing byes into the SF round. In the SF, MacDiarmid would defeat Team Quillian while Hilliard knocked off Team Forsythe to set up the all-Halifax final battle.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mayflower Cashspiel (M) </i>- Team Grattan (NB) def. Team Eldridge (NB): James Grattan continues to have a hot hand in the early part of the season, picking up another tour title this weekend in Halifax. Grattan also went undefeated in doing so, upping their overall season record to 10-2 and now riding a 9-game winning streak. After qualifying A-side, Grattan picked up playoff victories over Team MacIsaac (QF) and Team Jones (SF). Zach Eldridge took the #CSideGrind path to make the playoffs and then scored wins over Team Thompson (QF) and Team Purcell (SF) to set up the all-NB championship final.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Martensville Mixed Doubles (MD) </i>- Team Koana/Aoki (JPN) def. Team Thevenot/Kalthoff (SK): Welcome back to competitive curling Tori Koana! There is no better way to return than with a championship win. The Japanese tandem of Koana and Go Aoki qualified for the playoffs with a 3-1 RR record and knocked off Team Kuzyk/Laycock (QF) and Team Dong/Ma (SF) to reach the final. For Saskatchewan duo Ashley Thevenot and Dustin Kalthoff, they also posted a 3-1 RR record to qualify for the playoffs. Their path to the final included playoff wins over Team Yachiw/Raymond (QF) and Team Han/Zou (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ready to see how the blog did with the #GSOC Tour Challenge <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/tour-challenge-preview.html#more" target="_blank">#TourLifePredictions</a></b>?</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Tour Challenge Tier I (W)</i></b> - 6 of 8 qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Tour Challenge Tier I (M)</i></b> - 6 of 8 qualifiers, including a finalist.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Tour Challenge Tier II (W)</i></b> - 6 of 8 qualifiers, including the winner.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Tour Challenge Tier II (M) </i>- 3 of 8 qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div>Overall, the blog predicted 21 of 32 qualifiers, sliding out of the hack with a 66% accuracy. At least there was 1 correct winner (Team Kim) and a finalist (Team Bottcher)</div><div><br /></div><div>But the horrible prediction rate for the Tier II men's competition really lowers the grade this week. How about we go with a "B-" for the week?</div><div><br /></div><div>And, for complete transparency, the blog will show a summary of the grades received for the predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w5.html">W4 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w6.html" target="_blank">W5 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank">W6 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html" target="_blank">W7 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w9.html" target="_blank">W8 - C+</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w10.html#more" target="_blank">W9 - B+</a></div><div><a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-sweep16-bracket-preview-with-felix-asselin" target="_blank">W10 - No Picks (T-186 - Sweep16)</a></div><div><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w12.html" target="_blank">W11 - C</a></div><div><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w13.html#more" target="_blank">W12 - A-</a></div><div>W13 - B- (Tour Challenge)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>You know the Power Rankings mountain can become a bit of a volcano after a Grand Slam of Curling event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w13.html#more" target="_blank">last week's Power Rankings</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Retornaz (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - Champions.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>24-3 season record.</div></div><div>Qualified in all 4 events played.</div><div>2 titles, including 1 slam title.</div><div>1 SF.</div><div>1 QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>Any other reason needed as to why the Italian Stallions sit atop the mountain?</div><div><br /></div><div>We see you Coach Ryan Fry and Claudio Pescia. ๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Bottcher (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sure they lost in the final but they reached another final. Make it 4 finals in 4 tour events with 3 tour titles. This was the first final they have lost this season. The slam final really determined the #1 and #2 spot on the Power Rankings this week.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Whyte (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Well the British Curling announcement on Tuesday about which team will represent the home nation of Scotland at the 2023 European Curling Championships next month just got VERY interesting.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Whyte reached the SF at the slam. Mouat did not qualify.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure Whyte moves down the Power Rankings due to the finalists but they now are the top Scottish lads.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Gushue (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Another slam, another playoff appearance for Brad Gushue. His appearance in slam playoff brackets is becoming almost as obvious as sunrise / sunset on a daily basis. Impressive!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>5. Team Dunstone (5)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Dunstone could not replicate the finals appearance of a year ago but still reached the playoff bracket in a very crowded field.</div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone else getting the feeling this team is flying a bit too under the radar this season? For the good? Or the bad?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Mouat (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain does not want to punish the former #1 team too bad for their performance in Niagara Falls but the world champs are stumbling and tumbling fast now.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They were given a reprieve earlier in the season for bad weekend results but going 3-6 in your last 2 events is starting to raise some eyebrows.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they were not clenching a bit before the upcoming Euro announcement this week, they should be doing so now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Casper (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier II - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>This might be an unpopular opinion with some but winning the Tier II should have high rewards (besides the next slam obvious invite of course LOL).</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, remember this team has reached 3 finals this season and now has 2 titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>A bit of a #TeamUpset win? Perhaps. But this team has come to play this season and is ready to give Shuster and Dropkin a run for their money for that US title.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Schwaller (10)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain asked last week "Which Team Schwaller shows up at the Tour Challenge?"</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The answer: The Competitive One!</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure they went out in the QF, losing to finalist Bottcher, but they qualified with a 3-1 RR record and followed up their SF result last weekend with another good playoff appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are looking good heading into Euro's next month.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Morozumi (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier II - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They came so close to earning a ticket to the Canadian Open, reaching the final but falling short.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Still, another solid week of curling for the Japanese foursome. It was their 5th finals appearance of the season and 2nd in their past 3 events.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Edin (9)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The defending champs were unable to #DefendTheIce at the Tour Challenge but did reach the playoff bracket.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, when you lose to the eventual champ, is it really that "bad" of a playoff loss?</div><div><br /></div><div>Retornaz. Schwaller. Edin. Mouat/Whyte. Oh is that Euro men's field looking tantalizing!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Carruthers, Team McEwen, Team Sturmay, Team Craik, Team Koe</span></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Einarson (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The SF result may not be how the Canadian champs envisioned returning to the top of the Power Rankings mountain but when you not only make the Final Four but knock the previous #1 ranked team out of the playoff bracket in your final RR game...yup, enjoy the view again!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Plus a nice tune up result for the #PCCC2023 starting this weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Hasselborg (5)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>We wondered how Hasselborg will respond after the Euro qualifier. I think we have our answer.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A tour title two weeks ago. A SF appearance at the first slam of the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not to mention they did defeat the eventual champions in the RR remember.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Tirinzoni (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The world champions hold their position on the Power Rankings with a QF result.</div><div><br /></div><div>They lost to the eventual champion PLUS they did enter the playoffs undefeated. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>4. Team Gim (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of teams entering the playoffs undefeated, Korea's Team Gim did so as well before being tripped up by eventual finalist Team Lawes.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Still the result, overall and in conjunction with results of teams previously ahead of them, means Gim keeps climbing.</div><div><br /></div><div>Are they the Pan Continental #Fav now? </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Jones (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, how many people saw that slam title coming? #TwineTime and the Power Rankings mountain certainly did not.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>For shame on the blog, underestimating a champion like Jones with her #NextGen lineup. How quickly we forget they reached the Scotties final last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jones and company just put everyone back on notice they are still here and just as dangerous as ever.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team E. Kim (9)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier II - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of a "Welcome Back" party. The mountain sees you Team Kim!</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>And the Koreans continue to climb after their dominating run through the Tier II.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure they lost their opener to Denmark's Team Dupont but earned their revenge in the finale. Plus they never lost again after the opener, including outscoring their opposition 45-16 in those 6 straight wins.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch. Out.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Lawes (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They are only getting better and stronger as the season progresses.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They failed to qualify at their 2 season opening events but reached the SF two weeks ago and now a slam finals appearance this past weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>We talk about peaking and elevating your game at the right time in sports. Lawes might be doing so right now.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>8. Team Homan (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>Did the mountain jinx the #1 teams this past weekend? Both teams who entered on top failed to qualify and take a tumble down.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A bit surprising result for Team Homan given how well they have been playing this season. But also not a huge cause of concern.</div><div><br /></div><div>The women's field is so close and competitive, parity is here and top teams are going to falter every weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>This past weekend, it was Homan's turn. She will turn the tables on the opposition at a future event.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Morrison (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - QF</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Another weekend of curling, another playoff appearance for Scotland's Team Morrison. They have qualified in all 6 tour events this season after all.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>3 QF. 1 SF. 2 F.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the Euro's!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Wrana (2)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tour Challenge Tier I - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>Bit surprised to see Wrana go 1-3 this past weekend.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>BUT, look at the opposition: Lawes, Morrison, Gim, Tirinzoni.</div><div><br /></div><div>All 4 teams above them on the mountain.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the team they beat? Eventual finalist Lawes in their opener.</div><div><br /></div><div>Still consider them a dangerous team at next month's European championships.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Yoshimura, Team Dupont, Team Han, Team Black, Team Fujisawa</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>MIXED DOUBLES</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Walker / Muyres (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Just enjoy the view atop the mountain a bit longer....the snow is coming after all.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Kaldvee / Lill (2)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain doesn't punish a champion for taking a week off, hopefully still celebrating.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Martin / Laycock (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Steve Laycock did hit the MD ice this weekend in Martensville, competing with Amanda Kuzyk, while Nancy Martin competed at the Tour Challenge Tier II.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Laycock and Kuzyk reached the QF and lost to the eventual champions.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>4. Team St-Georges / Asselin (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The duo wasn't competing in Mixed Doubles but was competing in Mixed, winning a bronze medal for Canada at the world championship.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Matsumura / Tanida (9)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Martensville Mixed Doubles - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>Consistency may be the area to work on for the team from Japan.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Win a tour event weeks ago, going undefeated.</div><div><br /></div><div>Go winless the following weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>Go 4-0 this past weekend but fall short in the QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which team will show up week in and week out on tour now?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Skaslien / Nedregotten (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Still one of the strongest MD duos in the world.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team MacMillan / Middleton (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Again, a team who could not compete this weekend due to foursome commitments at the Tour Challenge: MacMillan with Team Grandy and Middleton with Team Schneider.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Roenning / Braenden (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain will not punish for a slow MD weekend.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Zheng / Pietrangelo (8)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The #NextGen MD tandem remains on the #TeamUpset duos to watch this season.</div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>10. Team Koana / Aoki (10)</i></b></div></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Martensville Mixed Doubles - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on another dangerous team from Japan!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A 6-1 weekend culminating in a tour title sounds like a recipe for success.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus we got to see the return of Tori Koana.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Perret/Rios, Team Ramsfjell/Ramsfjell, Team Adams/Robichaud, Team Armstrong/Griffith, Team Thevenot/Kalthoff</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Agree? Disagree? What would YOUR Top 10 look like?</div><div><br /></div><div>Share your thoughts with the #PowerRankings and reveal your Top 10 mountain on social media or in the comment section below.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>The blog promised a podcast episode but it may be delayed. #TwineTime hit the ice this weekend...literally.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yup, Week 2 of the season and down I went...hard. Apparently, for those competing on all the other sheets, it looked bad enough where everyone stopped playing and was concerned for my well-being.</div><div><br /></div><div>Needless to say, my body (and ego) are VERY sore this week. I am moving slow. I am feeling old. And I feel pain.</div><div><br /></div><div>But, going to mend myself up and hopefully get back on the ice soon. One fall will not stop #TwineTime curling.</div><div><br /></div><div>It just may delay a podcast episode though. #Sorry</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog will return later in the week with the big Pan Continental Curling Championships preview, including predictions of course.</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, keep your feet on the ice and enjoy the week.</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-81075310943714927232023-10-17T17:21:00.002-06:002023-10-20T13:15:21.943-06:00Tour Challenge Preview<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: Tour Challenge Preview</u></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Welcome to #SlamSeason</i></b></span></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iumAoZcGMtg/XcMMttRzCLI/AAAAAAABJ5s/0hDh4-c3h6QDt2iHUZj8srbONbOnxWHHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Tour%2BChallenge%2BLogo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="300" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iumAoZcGMtg/XcMMttRzCLI/AAAAAAABJ5s/0hDh4-c3h6QDt2iHUZj8srbONbOnxWHHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/Tour%2BChallenge%2BLogo.png" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Knock, Knock</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Who's there?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Orange</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Orange who?</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Orange you glad it's Tour Challenge Time?!</i></div><br /><div><div>This joke has been used over and over again for these Tour Challenge preview blog posts.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I just cannot help myself from doing so again this year. #SorryNotSorry</div><div><br /></div><div>But when your favourite colour is orange and the sport you blog about bring orange rings to the rink, can you really blame me? ๐ </div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the Tide Pod Challenge....err, I mean the Grand Slam of Curling Tour Challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div>#IYKYK ๐</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div><br /><a name="more"></a>64 teams have arrived in Niagara Falls, Ontario with champaign wishes and caviar dreams.</div><div><br /></div><div>16 men's and women's teams will compete in the Tier I.</div><div><br /></div><div>16 men's and women's teams will compete in the Tier II.</div><div><br /></div><div>Come Championship Sunday, 4 teams will be left standing as season-opening #GSOC Champions! ๐</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, the Tier II champions will earn their spot in the 2024 Canadian Open in January.</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw the Tour Challenge expand last season and it was met with praise.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the most part.</div><div><br /></div><div>What the blog did NOT like last year, remains the same this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you go to a 16 team RR with 4 pools of 4, you end up having teams play 4 other teams from another pool but never against the teams in your own pool.</div><div><br /></div><div>This can led to "pool stacking" where 1 pool dominates the other and can "stack" the playoff bracket.</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw this happen last year in the men's Tier I with Pool C vs. Pool D.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Koe emerged as the only playoff team in Pool D, qualifying with a 2-2 record, while Team Retornaz and Team Edin (both 4-0 RR records) and Team Schwaller (3-1) reaching the playoffs from Pool C.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year's women's Tier I saw a similar issue with Pool B vs. Pool C. All 4 Pool B teams reached at least a TB while Pool C was left with 2 teams fighting for a playoff spot, also through the TB round.</div><div><br /></div><div>The men's Tier II also saw a similar issue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this the format we want to see and the results we hope for with this format? I am not so sure.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course note there are NO TB GAMES at #gsoc events this season, minus the Players' Championship. If teams are tied for playoff spots, the Last Stone Draw (LSD) numbers will be the decider.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year #TwineTime made a "radical" format suggestion, stating maybe we keep each team playing 3 RR games against the teams in their pool and then eliminate the final RR game for an all-inclusive #Sweep16 playoff round.</div><div><br /></div><div>The final RR draw becomes an elimination playoff bracket draw and all 16 teams qualify for the playoff regardless of RR record.</div><div><br /></div><div>The teams would be reseeded based on RR record (with LSD as the TB) and the #Sweep16 bracket would be made.</div><div><br /></div><div>We get the best of both worlds. A pool play format with an expanded single-elimination playoff bracket.</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone wins, no?</div><div><br /></div><div>ICYMI, check out the full suggestion from the past <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2022/10/power-rankings-w11.html" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a></div><div><br /></div><div>On the positive note, this field really could not get any better. From just a rankings perspective, only 2 of the Top 32 men's teams (Team Asselin, Team Knapp) and only 1 of the Top 32 women's teams (Team Brown) are not in the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>These truly are the best teams in the world competing on Tier I and Tier II this week rockheads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy the ride!</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Note:</i></b> For this preview, since the teams are not actually competing against their pool opponents, there is no point in doing a pool preview. Instead, the 16 teams will be seeded for the preview based on their current world ranking (qualification cutoff was Sept. 18 but we will use current ranking). On the positive, this way all 64 teams are included. The teams actual world ranking position is in parenthesis.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the blog <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w13.html" target="_blank"><b>#PowerRankings</b></a> were updated yesterday if you want to compare. ๐<br /><br /><h3><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></h3><b><br /></b><b>Tour Challenge</b><br /><br />Niagara Falls, ON<br /><br />2021 Champions: Team Edin, Team Homan (Tier I), Team Dropkin, Team Grandy (Tier II))<br /><br />Format: 16 team RR with 4 pools of 4. Top 8 qualify.<br /><br /><b>Tier I</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>MEN</b><br /><b><br /></b><div><b>1. Team Bottcher (1) </b></div><div>Schedule: Gosgens, Gushue, Dunstone, Dropkin</div><div>Season Record: 20-3</div><div><br /></div><div>No team arrives with a hotter hand than Team Bottcher. They are coming off their 3rd tour title out of 3 tour events. Yes, they lost in the QF at the PointsBet Invitational but that does not count as a tour event.</div><div><br /></div><div>With only 2 losses this season (Team Wiebe, Team Koe), should anyone really bet against them in Niagara Falls?</div><div><br /></div><div>They are on a 6-match winning streak right now and are 5-1 this season against the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last time we saw Bottcher at a slam, the team was winning the season-ending Champions Cup in Regina.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those middle two RR games though, vs. Gushue and Dunstone, will be the #PopcornMatch draws for them.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Team Mouat (2)</b></div><div>Schedule: Shuster, Whyte, Koe, Retornaz</div><div>Season Record: 20-5</div><div><br /></div><div>A hot start to the season has become a mild Fall afternoon for the world champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>They dominated at their opening 2 tour events, winning back-to-back titles and posting an impressive 13-1 record.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even heading into their 3rd event, reaching the QF, they were on a 16-match winning streak.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since the playoff appearance in Corwall, they are 2-4 with the QF loss and failing to qualify last weekend. </div><div><br /></div><div>They arrive here on a 3-match losing streak as well, losing to fellow Tier I teams Romsfjell and Gosgens.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which team shows up here? The one who was blitzing the competition at the start of the season or the one in an early season slump?</div><div><br /></div><div>You know the #PopcornMatch to watch: All-Scottish Battle vs. Whyte!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Team Retornaz (3)</b></div><div>Schedule: Yanagisawa, Carruthers, Edin, Mouat</div><div>Season Record: 18-2</div><div><br /></div><div>3 events into the season and the Italian Stallions have an impressive qualification record: Champion, SF, QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also opened their season on a 13-match winning streak.</div><div><br /></div><div>This team has never looked as good and as confident as they do right now, making them perhaps the most dangerous team in the field.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, remember they have Ryan Fry on the coaching bench now. Fry could be the wildcard to help land the Italians another #gsoc title this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch for their #PopcornMatch vs. Edin. Edin counts for 1 of their losses earlier this season (Epping the other).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Team Gushue (4)</b></div><div>Schedule: Sluchinski, Bottcher, Schwaller, Ramsfjell</div><div>Season Record: 6-3</div><div><br /></div><div>Will the real Brad Gushue please stand up?</div><div><br /></div><div>The record for the season is a bit of a head scratcher but that is what happens when we have only seen the Canadian champs at 1 tour event (QF - Shorty Jenkins) and the SF loss at the PointsBet Invitational.</div><div><br /></div><div>We know Team Gushue. We know they are always a threat. But we haven't really seen them play this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the flip side, Gushue has 14 slam titles (most of anyone) and has reached the SF round in 15 of the past 16 slam events.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog talks consistency, consistency, consistency...well Gushue has it!</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a big event for them too. Not only is it in the opening slam but this is also a tune-up for the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championships, where they will try to qualify Canada for the world championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch for that salivating Gushue vs. Bottcher #PopcornMatch folks.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Team Schwaller (5) </b></div><div>Schedule: Dropkin, Dunstone, Gushue, Gosgens</div><div>Season Record: 14-6</div><div><br /></div><div>Is Team Schwaller still the "fly under the radar" championship threat?</div><div><br /></div><div>This team continues to be one of the best in the world yet people never talk about them being a #gsoc main contender. Why?</div><div><br /></div><div>They have put together a solid season already, qualifying in all 3 tour events and reaching each stage (Final, SF, QF).</div><div><br /></div><div>The middle of their schedule will determine if they reach the playoffs. Knock off one (or both) of Dunstone/Gushue and you are in a good spot. Lose both and you are in trouble.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. Team Koe (6) </b></div><div>Schedule: Carruthers, Yanagisawa, Mouat, Edin</div><div>Season Record: 14-5</div><div><br /></div><div>2 tour events. 2 finals. 2 championship losses to Bottcher.</div><div><br /></div><div>That is the season thus far for Kevin Koe and company.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are on a bit of a roll right now though, winning 7 straight games last weekend in Dundas before the finals loss to rival Bottcher.</div><div><br /></div><div>And note the last time we saw Koe on #gsoc ice was a Players' Championship win near the end of last season.</div><div><br /></div><div>The lineup looks slightly different of course with Jacques Gauthier in and Brad Thiessen out but the results could be similar.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those closing RR games will be key to their success. They need to knock off one of their European opponents to make the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. Team Dunstone (7)</b> </div><div>Schedule: Ramsfjell, Schwaller, Bottcher, Sluchinski</div><div>Season Record: 6-2</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sheriff may come to the orange rings with a slight chip on the shoulder, looking for revenge after the finals loss last year to 3-man Team Edin.</div><div><br /></div><div>And we still do not know what to make of Team Dunstone this season. They lost in the QF at their lone tour event (Okotoks) but did reach the final (again) at the PointsBet.</div><div><br /></div><div>But 8 games played is not alot to go off of, especially when some of their opposition has been playing almost every weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>A bit of slider rust on a light early schedule could haunt the team?</div><div><br /></div><div>Their #PopcornMatch is out of the gate against 2 Euro teams. Go 2-0 and you are sitting pretty. Trip up early and those Matty Dunstone finger nails are going to be bit off by the time they play Bottcher.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. Team Whyte (8)</b></div><div>Schedule: Edin, Mouat, Yanagisawa, Carruthers</div><div>Season Record: 26-7</div><div><br /></div><div>What a season young Whyte is having folks.</div><div><br /></div><div>A SF at their season opener in Baden was followed be 3 straight final appearances, including winning the Shorty Jenkins.</div><div><br /></div><div>So what do we make of last weekend's 2-3 record and failing to qualify?</div><div><br /></div><div>A one off? Bit of too much curling early tiredness catching up to them?</div><div><br /></div><div>Tough to say.</div><div><br /></div><div>We are still waiting for the big slam breakthrough for Whyte, having reached the QF 4 out of 10 appearances but never beyond. Is this the time?</div><div><br /></div><div>The front of the schedule is loaded with tough games vs. Edin and rival Mouat. An 0-2 record out of the gate might be too much to make up later.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. Team Edin (9)</b></div><div>Schedule: Whyte, Shuster, Retornaz, Koe</div><div>Season Record: 12-6</div><div><br /></div><div>The champs are here. And all of them are ready to get on the ice with King Niklas looking good, feeling fine and ready to chase down more titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been an "average" season thus far for the Swedish Vikings. Average by their standards I say with respect.</div><div><br /></div><div>1 finals appearance. 1 QF appearance. 1 Did Not Qualify (last weekend in Dundas).</div><div><br /></div><div>They are averaging 2 losses per event this season. 2 losses here might get you sent home early.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they are planning to make #HIStory as the first team to #3peat, having won the title in 2016 and last year, they will need to buck their event trend of 2 losses per event.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 2018 Olympic final rematch vs. Shuster is always a #PopcornMatch just on sentiment alone.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the game vs. Retornaz could be the big deciding factor on whether Edin is playing into the weekend or going home early as the defending champ.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Team Ramsfjell (10)</b></div><div>Schedule: Dunstone, Dropkin, Gosgens, Gushue</div><div>Season Record: 13-9</div><div><br /></div><div>Surprised to see the young Norwegians ranked in the Top 10? </div><div><br /></div><div>If so, maybe keep your eyes on them this weekend and they can show you why they are there...and here!</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember their #gsoc debut at the 2022 Masters? They reached the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are prone to taking a loss or two at an event of course but they also have 1 final appearance and 2 QF results under the slider this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>And 1 of those QF results was last weekend, losing to Bottcher in the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>They get the Double D, Double G draw, facing Dunstone/Dropkin early and ending with Gosgens/Gushue.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>11. Team Dropkin (11) </b></div><div>Schedule: Schwaller, Ramsfjell, Sluchinski, Bottcher</div><div>Season Record: 14-8</div><div><br /></div><div>After 3 straight appearances in the Tier II, Korey Dropkin is finally skipping his Young Bucks in the Tier I event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Don't get me wrong though, the Tour Challenge has been a positive event for Dropkin. He is the defending two-time Tier II champion (2019, 2022) after all.</div><div><br /></div><div>But no #DefendTheIce scenario this year and no #3peat for him. Now he is competing with the "big boys" in the Tier I.</div><div><br /></div><div>This could be the #TeamUpset of the event folks.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are coming off a championship final appearance at the US Open a few weeks ago and have reached a SF and QF as well this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Dropkin is to make a run here, the middle RR games are the deciders. Games against #10 Ramsfjell and #13 Sluchinski are must win games towards a playoff ticket.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lose one, or both, and you need to upset the higher ranked teams and possibly hope for some help.</div><div><br /></div><div>Take note as well with Korey Dropkin throwing fourth stones but Andrew Stopera skipping the game.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>12. Team Carruthers (12) </b></div><div>Schedule: Koe, Retornaz, Shuster, Whyte</div><div>Season Record: 11-4</div><div><br /></div><div>We haven't seen Carruthers on the ice since the PointsBet Invitational championship win.</div><div><br /></div><div>That win was on October 1, 16 days ago.</div><div><br /></div><div>Will they still have any momentum from that event carrying into this slam? Hard to say.</div><div><br /></div><div>The schedule right out of the hack is no easy task in drawing Koe and Retornaz, both coming off strong results last weekend on the ice.</div><div><br /></div><div>The final RR game vs. Whyte could be the #PopcornMatch of the event for them though and serve as a potential de facto elimination game for either (or both) teams.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>13. Team Sluchinski (13)</b></div><div>Schedule: Gushue, Gosgens, Dropkin, Dunstone</div><div>Season Record: 16-6</div><div><br /></div><div>Expect this team to get alot of #TeamUpset love heading into their Tier I slam debut.</div><div><br /></div><div>And for obvious reasons.</div><div><br /></div><div>When you open your season with 2 tour titles and 2 QF results, people are going to be talking.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they won their second tour title in Beaumont in September, you can hear the team celebrate by saying "bring on the slam".</div><div><br /></div><div>This was their goal. And here they are.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now lets see how they perform.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to Team Carruthers above, we have not seen them on the ice since the PointsBet Invitational. Unlike Carruthers, they are coming off a one-and-done loss at that event.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they open with slam champ Gushue.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #PopcornMatch with be against Gosgens. If they lose to Gushue in their opener, they need to come back and score the win over the Dutch boys to try and get back into the playoff hunt.</div><div><br /></div><div>0-2 starts, especially at your debut slam event, are almost impossible to overcome.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>14. Team Gosgens (14)</b></div><div>Schedule: Bottcher, Sluchinski, Ramsfjell, Schwaller</div><div>Season Record: 18-13</div><div><br /></div><div>The Dutch have played alot of curling already this season. 5 tour events under the slider with a SF and QF result as their best finishes.</div><div><br /></div><div>They had a rough start to the year, failing to qualify in their opening events and posting a 2-6 record early.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have regrouped though since arriving in Canada, qualifying in Beaumont and Dundas and reaching a C-qualifier in Okotoks.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they do have wins this season against Ramsfjell, Koe and Mouat.</div><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps they will be the #TeamUpset this week in Niagara Falls?</div><div><br /></div><div>They made their Tier I slam debut at the 2023 Canadian Open. Lets see how the sophomore event goes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those middle games in the schedule will make or break them. The 2-1 season H2H vs. Ramsfjell favours them so keep an eye on that #PopcornMatch.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>15. Team Shuster (15)</b></div><div>Schedule: Mouat, Edin, Carruthers, Yanagisawa</div><div>Season Record: 10-5</div><div><br /></div><div>After opening their season with a SF result in Oakville, it has been a "meh" result for the Americans in their last 2 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>They did not qualify at the Shorty Jenkins nor at the Stu Sells in Barrie. And they do arrive here on a 2-match losing streak.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the flip side, they are the ultimate underdogs in the field. They will have everything to play for and nothing to lose when they step on the ice.</div><div><br /></div><div>Shuster has had success at the Tour Challenge, his most successful slam event overall. He has reached the SF once (2015) and the QF 3 times (2017 - 2019).</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year he competed in the Tier II so being back in the Tier I field is a testament to positive results over the past year to make a move up the rankings and be back in the slam discussion.</div><div><br /></div><div>The opening 2 games are key. Knock off Mouat and/or Edin and you are right in the playoff hunt for the backend games.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>16. Team Yanagisawa (18)</b></div><div>Schedule: Retornaz, Koe, Whyte, Shuster</div><div>Season Record: 22-15</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of teams who have played alot already this season, enter Japan's Team Yanagisawa for your consideration.</div><div><br /></div><div>They played their first event at the beginning of August in Sapporo. Since then, they have played 6 more events leading into this slam.</div><div><br /></div><div>7 events played. 1 championship (Hokkaido). 1 SF (Sapporo). 2 QF (Beaumont, Vernon).</div><div><br /></div><div>While we worry about other teams in this field not playing enough, is it the opposite concern for this team? Have they played too much and might be feeling a bit of fatigue already in October?</div><div><br /></div><div>The schedule is daunting, drawing Retornaz, Koe and Whyte as all 3 are having great seasons. And they just lost to Koe in Dundas last weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Koe, Team Retornaz, Team Whyte, Team Mouat, Team Bottcher, Team Dunstone, Team Gushue, Team Schwaller</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><b>#TourChallenge Tier I Championship: Team Bottcher def. Team Koe</b></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><br /><b>WOMEN</b><br /><b><br /></b><div><div><b>1. Team Tirinzoni (1) </b></div><div>Schedule: Roervik, Peterson, Fujisawa, Wrana</div><div>Season Record: 18-3</div><div><br />Perfection cannot go on forever, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>But starting the season 14-0 and winning 2 titles is still pretty remarkable.</div><div><br /></div><div>And even though they went 4-3 last weekend in Dundas, they still reached the QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>Those 3 losses, 2 were to teams competing in the Tier II (Dupont, Kim) and the other was to Tier I Morrison.</div><div><br /></div><div>The wins are impressive too of course, knocking off Roervik, Hasselborg and Morrison (twice!)</div><div><br /></div><div>Tirinzoni has reached the QF at this event the last 4 years so why expect anything short of a similar result this year, especially given how well they have been playing?</div><div><br /></div><div>Their schedule is a mini world championship RR though.</div><div><br /></div><div>They get the world championship rematch out of the gate vs. Roervik. Peterson and Fujisawa are world championship regulars. And Wrana they will run into again next month at Euros.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can all 4 of their games be given #PopcornMatch consideration?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Team Einarson (2)</b></div><div>Schedule: Cameron, Hasselborg, Ha, Homan</div><div>Season Record: 7-3</div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to men's Canadian champ Team Gushue, we have not seen a ton of Team Einarson this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>They suffered a surprising QF loss at their opening in Edmonton and lost the final of the PointsBet to main rival Homan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Other than that, we don't really know how prepared they are for the opening slam.</div><div><br /></div><div>But they better be ready as this team is known to perform for #SlamSeason.</div><div><br /></div><div>They reached 5 of 6 finals last year, including the season-ending Champions Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #PopcornMatch Canadian curling fans are waiting for will come in the last RR vs. Homan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both should be in playoff position but if one, or either, slip up early, that final RR game could become an elimination game for the loser.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Team Homan (3)</b></div><div>Schedule: Grandy, Jones, Constantini, Einarson</div><div>Season Record: 12-0</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Einarson's main rival, how about THAT season record folks!!</div><div><br /></div><div>They arrive at the first slam undefeated with 2 titles under the slider: Saville Shootout and PointsBet Invitational.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have wins over Tier I competitors Team Grandy, Team Cameron and Team Einarson.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they are trying to #DefendTheIce.</div><div><br /></div><div>It all seems to add up to a Homan victory over the weekend, doesn't it?!?</div><div><br /></div><div>We know the #PopcornMatch already...see above!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Team Gim (4)</b></div><div>Schedule: Peterson, Roervik, Wrana, Fujisawa</div><div>Season Record: 35-9</div><div><br /></div><div>Gim started the season at the Korean championships in June, posting an impressive 12-1 record to claim the title.</div><div><br /></div><div>They had a slight hiccup when arriving in Canada, failing to qualify at Saville and the QF loss at Shorty Jenkins, but they have put it together recently.</div><div><br /></div><div>They reached the SF in Vernon and were able to #DefendTheIce at the Autumn Gold, going a perfect 7-0.</div><div><br /></div><div>They took the QF loss last weekend vs. Hasselborg at the Players Open but they very much look back on track to being one of the top teams in the world.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, on the Year to Date rankings, they sit #1!</div><div><br /></div><div>Last season this team reached 4 GSOC SF, including at the Tour Challenge, but failed to reach a final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this the season? Is this the event?</div><div><br /></div><div>Everyone loves an all-Asian battle between Korea and Japan so the final RR game vs. Fujisawa has #PopcornMatch potential.</div><div><br /></div><div>It could become an qualification/elimination game too.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Fujisawa....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Team Fujisawa (5) </b></div><div>Schedule: Morrison, Lawes, Tirinzoni, Gim</div><div>Season Record: 14-7</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a mixed bag of results in the early part of the season for Team Fujisawa.</div><div><br /></div><div>They won a tour title at their season opener event in Hokkaido and reached the QF at Saville but then failed to qualify in Beaumont and suffered a surprising QF loss at the Autumn Gold after qualifying A-side.</div><div><br /></div><div>The consistency has not been there this season...yet?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Last season was the slam breakthrough for the team, winning the Canadian Open. They also ended the season with a SF appearance at the Champions Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>We know this team loves the slam ice and, usually, has great success on it.</div><div><br /></div><div>The backend of their schedule is tough so if they are to make a playoff push, they need to get out of the hack with wins early.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #PopcornMatch against Lawes could be a telling game in how far Fujisawa goes in Niagara Falls.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. Team Hasselborg (6) </b></div><div>Schedule: Constantini, Einarson, Grandy, Jones</div><div>Season Record: 22-6</div><div><br /></div><div>Outside of the "surprising" Euro Qualifier loss, this has been one heck of a start to the season for Team Hasselborg.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have played 3 tour finals, winning 2 titles (Oslo, Dundas).</div><div><br /></div><div>And of those 6 losses, 4 were against Wrana in the Euro Qualifier.</div><div><br /></div><div>Outside of that event, they only have 2 losses this season (Tirinzoni, Kitazawa).</div><div><br /></div><div>Not to mention they do have 6 wins against main Swedish rival Wrana, including 2 last weekend in Dundas (1 being in the final).</div><div><br /></div><div>They also have Ws over Roervik, Constantini (twice!), Gim and Lawes.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hasselborg won this event in 2019 and reached the QF last year. Anything short of a playoff appearance would be a surprise.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on that 2nd RR game vs. Einarson though with major #PopcornMatch feels.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. Team Wrana (7)</b> </div><div>Schedule: Lawes, Morrison, Gim, Tirinzoni</div><div>Season Record: 19-8</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the last time we saw Team Wrana on #gsoc ice?</div><div><br /></div><div>They won the Players' Championship!</div><div><br /></div><div>Since then?</div><div><br /></div><div>They "slayed the dragon" in knocking off Team Hasselborg for the Euro Qualifier to become the new #SwedishVikings, not to mention winning their season opener event in Oslo and reaching the final last weekend in Dundas.</div><div><br /></div><div>This team is the real deal folks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their opener vs. Lawes will be a #PopcornMatch. If they can win and gain momentum early, they will be dangerous.</div><div><br /></div><div>The back half of their schedule is tough with Gim and Tirinzoni but taking care of business against the teams technically ranked below you can set you up well to play the teams ranked above you.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. Team Jones (8)</b></div><div>Schedule: Ha, Homan, Cameron, Hasselborg</div><div>Season Record: 13-8</div><div><br /></div><div>A quiet season for the 2023 Scotties finalists thus far.</div><div><br /></div><div>They reached the final in Saville at their season opener. But have not reached the playoff bracket since, missing out at the Shorty Jenkins and losing a TB last weekend in Dundas.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also suffered an "upset" loss to Team Black as the defending champs at the PointsBet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is this maybe a sign of what the new Brier/Scotties rule looks like? Teams with wildcard positions already assigned to them at the start of the season do not play as many tour events because they don't need to?</div><div><br /></div><div>If they are to make a run to the playoffs here, and be considered a slam threat, the game vs. Homan should be an all eyes on me style of #PopcornMatch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both are already Scotties bound for Calgary in February, lets see if either can gain a slam advantage now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. Team T. Peterson (9)</b></div><div>Schedule: Gim, Tirinzoni, Lawes, Morrison</div><div>Season Record: 15-6</div><div><br /></div><div>When you play 3 tour events to start the season and average out to a winning record of 5-2 at each event, it looks like a successful start.</div><div><br /></div><div>They won the US Open of Curling event and reached the SF at Stu Sells Oakville and the QF at the Autumn Gold, surviving the #CSideGrind.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tabitha Peterson has also had success on Tour Challenge rings in the past, reaching back-to-back SF in 2018 and 2019.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last season the team reached the SF at The Masters and Champions Cup.</div><div><br /></div><div>But they have yet to make a slam final.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch for their #PopcornMatch vs. Tirinzoni.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they are to make a playoff run, they need to pick up a W over a higher ranked team. If not Gim in the opener, it needs to be Tirinzoni.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Tirinzoni may be more vulnerable to take a loss in their 2nd or 3rd game compared to their opener and/or final RR game.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Team Lawes (10)</b></div><div>Schedule: Wrana, Fujisawa, Peterson, Roervik</div><div>Season Record: 10-6</div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend was the exact kind of result Team Lawes needed heading into this event.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is why tune-up events matter, to gain some confidence and momentum.</div><div><br /></div><div>Outside of the SF result in Dundas, it has been a fairly quiet season for Lawes.</div><div><br /></div><div>They failed to qualify at their season opener in Saville and while they did reach the SF at the PointsBet, we haven't seen a ton of curling from them either.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend was an arrival statement, including scoring wins over Jones (twice!) and Morrison before falling to Hasselborg in the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their opener vs. Wrana has all the makings for a #PopcornMatch. Both went deep last weekend in their tune-up event and both will be looking for a deep playoff push at the season opening slam.</div><div><br /></div><div>That opening game should be explosive!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>11. Team Camerson (11) </b></div><div>Schedule: Einarson, Constantini, Jones, Grandy</div><div>Season Record: 24-8</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a dangerous "under the radar" team many might overlook but could surprise this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>In their first 4 events together as a new team, they reached 2 finals and 2 SF. And they won their season opener at the Icebreaker in Morris, MB.</div><div><br /></div><div>They hit a hiccup at their last event, Autumn Gold Curling Classic, but did walk away with a positive 4-3 record from the event. Losing back-to-back qualifier games can be tough though.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have not played a ton of Tier I teams this season and when they have, they own a 1-2 record against them. But losing to Einarson and Homan (with sub Heather Nedohin) is nothing to be too upset about.</div><div><br /></div><div>The opener vs. Einarson will be fun but also watch for #PopcornMatch potential vs. another MB team in Jones.</div><div><br /></div><div>Depending how they perform against their two provincial rivals may determine their playoff fate.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>12. Team Roervik (12) </b></div><div>Schedule: Tirinzoni, Gim, Morrison, Lawes</div><div>Season Record: 13-5</div><div><br /></div><div>Are people still overlooking the team from Lillehammer, Norway?</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember what they did last year when underestimated? They went on a tear in reaching the world championship final and winning a silver medal.</div><div><br /></div><div>While we may not have seen them a ton on tour this season, they have 3 events under the slider and 3 qualifications.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have reached 1 final (Oslo), 1 SF (Stirling) and 1 QF (Basel).</div><div><br /></div><div>And while the test may be how they perform against non-European teams since they have only faced European competition this season, look at the schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tirinzoni and Morrison in world championship rematches. And a dangerous Korean champion in Gim.</div><div><br /></div><div>So the #PopcornMatch may come down to the final RR game vs. Lawes.</div><div><br /></div><div>To be one of the best teams in the world, you need to knock off Canadian teams on Canadian ice.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>13. Team Constantini (13)</b></div><div>Schedule: Hasselborg, Cameron, Homan, Ha</div><div>Season Record: 14-8</div><div><br /></div><div>The Italians have played 4 events this season and have a result from almost every possible scenario: Final, SF, QF, DNQ.</div><div><br /></div><div>All they are missing is championship win.</div><div><br /></div><div>They do have Tier I wins this season against Roervik and Grandy but have also taken losses against Roervik, Hasselborg (twice!), Gim and Wrana.</div><div><br /></div><div>They reached the QF last weekend in Dundas, falling to eventual finalist Wrana, so there will be some positive momentum heading into this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Constantini made their #gsoc debut at the 2023 Canadian Open so the nerves might not be as bad the second go around.</div><div><br /></div><div>They draw the "H" trifecta but the #PopcornMatch for them may be how they perform against the other team in their schedule, Team Cameron.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>14. Team Grandy (14)</b></div><div>Schedule: Homan, Ha, Hasselborg, Cameron</div><div>Season Record: 8-10</div><div><br /></div><div>Last season, Team Grandy was the team to talk about on tour. They were on fire early and making everyone aware of them.</div><div><br /></div><div>It culminated in a strong Scotties showing and created build-up for this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sophomore Slump perhaps?</div><div><br /></div><div>It has not been the start of the year the team would have hoped for.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of their 3 tour events, they only have 1 QF playoff result. They did reach the QF at the PointsBet though, defeating Team Duncan in the #Sweep16 before falling to Team Lawes in the QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their #PopcornMatch will come in their second game vs. Ha.</div><div><br /></div><div>Grandy won the Tier II last year. Ha has won the Tier II before as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both are looking for statement wins to start this slam season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Ha....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>15. Team Ha (15)</b></div><div>Schedule: Jones, Grandy, Einarson, Constantini</div><div>Season Record: 28-17</div><div><br /></div><div>Last year's Korean champions are set to make their Tour Challenge Tier I debut.</div><div><br /></div><div>Skipper Seungyoun Ha has played in every other slam, including reaching the 2020 Canadian Open final with Team Min-ji Kim, but has never played in the Tier I event here.</div><div><br /></div><div>She did compete in the Tier II in 2019 of course, winning the event with Team Kim to earn their spot in the Canadian Open.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since losing the Korean final to rival Gim, this team has played 6 tour events, winning 1 title (Stu Sells Oakville) and reaching 1 SF and QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>They do arrive with mixed results in their past 2 events though (Autumn Gold, Players Open) where they failed to qualify and have posted an overall record of 5-6.</div><div><br /></div><div>We saw what this team can do last year, winning the Korean title and winning silver at the Pan Continental Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets see what they can do on slam ice.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #PopcornMatch will be against Team Grandy. Both are looking to show they "belong" in Tier I competition so a win for either could help with a playoff push.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>16. Team Morrison (16)</b></div><div>Schedule: Fujisawa, Wrana, Roervik, Peterson</div></div><div>Season Record: 21-10</div><div><br /></div><div>The 2022 Euro bronze medal winners will look back on Sept. 16 and bless that date.</div><div><br /></div><div>When they won their SF game vs. Team Kim at the KW Fall Classic, they did JUST enough to retain a Top 16 ranking and earn their spot in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>It would be one week later they would drop to #17 behind Team Black but the Tour Challenge cutoff date was Sept. 18 and they were on the right side of the cut line.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course fast forward to the event itself and they are sitting #16 in the world and at their rightful spot in the Tier I.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a dangerous team, very capable of knocking off anyone in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>They already have 2 tour final appearances under the slider, alongside a SF and 2 QF results.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is also a team who loves their streaks. At their last 3 tour events, they have gone on 5-match winning streaks to reach the playoffs. Those 3 events have 1 final, 1 SF and 1 QF end result.</div><div><br /></div><div>So their #PopcornMatch is their opener vs. Fujisawa. Since they like to go on streaks, either they win and start another winning streak or they lose and need to rebound.</div><div><br /></div><div>Interesting to note, they have 2 events where they lost their opener. What did they do next? Win 5 straight both times.</div><div><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div><i><b><br /></b></i><div><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Einarson, Team Homan, Team Hasselborg, Team Gim, Team Wrana, Team Tirinzoni, Team Morrison, Team Constantini</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><b>#TourChallenge Tier I Championship: Team Homan def. Team Hasselborg</b></div><div><br /></div><i><b><br /></b></i><b>Tier II</b><br /><b><br /></b><b>MEN</b><br /><b><br /></b><div><b>1. Team Craik (16) </b></div><div>Schedule: Hostmaelingen, Epping, Jeong, Sturmay</div><div>Season Record: 14-11</div><div><br /></div><div>The Scots keep coming. With Mouat and Whyte headlining the Tier I, the highest ranked team in Tier II is another Scottish team.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Craik is the #NextGen team to watch this week. A dangerous junior champion ready to make a move on the men's game.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they are having themselves a solid season.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in 4 of 5 events, with 1 SF and 3 QF results.</div><div><br /></div><div>Note 6 of their 11 losses this season have come against team competing in the Tier I, pretty impressive when you consider those to not be "bad losses".</div><div><br /></div><div>They do have 2 losses against fellow Tier II teams though (Hostmaelingen, Nyman).</div><div><br /></div><div>And look who they draw in their opener! #PopcornMatch</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Team Epping (17)</b></div><div>Schedule: Mooibroek, Craik, Nyman, Brunner</div><div>Season Record: 15-13</div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend was a revival for Team Epping, something they needed before arriving here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Prior to the SF result in Dundas, they failed to qualify in their previous 2 tour events, lost in their opener at the PointsBet and were sitting with a 4-6 record from 3 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>The question now is, which team shows up in Niagara Falls?</div><div><br /></div><div>The one who reached a QF and SF to start the season? The one who went 4-6 in their next 3 events? The one who reached the SF last weekend?</div><div><br /></div><div>We really do not know....and they might not either.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Team Bryce (19)</b></div><div>Schedule: Morozumi, Casper, McEwen, Wiebe</div><div>Season Record: 13-5</div><div><br /></div><div>Great Scot, Another Scot?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome the 4th men's Scottish team into the Tour Challenge discussion. And, like their compatriots, you do not want to undersell their potential here.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bryce started the season with a finals appearance in Baden and a SF result in Stirling, losing to Retornaz and Mouat.</div><div><br /></div><div>But we had not seen them on tour since the end of August. That was 6 weeks ago!</div><div><br /></div><div>They resurfaced last weekend in Dundas and went 2-3, scoring a win over Whyte.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not a bad result after an extended competitive curling layoff but also not the best result for a tune-up event.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Bryce can find their early season form, they could be a dangerous playoff contender.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their #PopcornMatch could come in their 2nd game vs. Casper. Depending on how both perform in their opener, it could be a second loss for the loser or a second win for the winner?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Team McEwen (20)</b></div><div>Schedule: Kleiter, Schneider, Bryce, Hoesli</div><div>Season Record: 13-8</div><div><br /></div><div>A modest season record for the Sask boys but the results overall have been positive. Back-to-back SF results in their opener events and a SF showing at the PointsBet.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure they stumbled last weekend at the Players Open, finishing 2-3 and failing to qualify, but taking loses to Tier I teams Schwaller and Edin are not "bad losses" either.</div><div><br /></div><div>It still feels weird to see Mike McEwen in the Tier II but here he is for the second straight year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their schedule is full of #PopcornMatche potential.</div><div><br /></div><div>The opener vs. Kleiter is a SK rivalry game...and possible SK Tankard final preview?</div><div><br /></div><div>Catlin Schneider vs. Colton Flasch has some SK history as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Team Hoesli handed McEwen one of those losses last weekend in Dundas.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Team Brunner (21) </b></div><div>Schedule: Jeong, Sturmay, Hostmaelingen, Epping</div><div>Season Record: 26-11</div><div><br /></div><div>With Team Schwaller getting all the Swiss love and another young Swiss team getting all the #TeamUpset buzz (more on them in a moment), where is the love for Team Brunner?</div><div><br /></div><div>Here is a team with a high "seed" for the Tier II flying under the radar and could be a dangerous contender.</div><div><br /></div><div>They arrive here fresh off 4 straight SF finishes after opening their season with back-to-back QF results.</div><div><br /></div><div>6 events. 6 qualifications. How is that for a season? And it is only October!</div><div><br /></div><div>Of their losses, 5 have been to Tier I teams (Dropkin, Whyte, Sluchinski, Dunstone, Bottcher).</div><div><br /></div><div>They also have 5 losses to fellow Tier II teams of course (Bryce, Craik, Hostmaelingen, Hoesli, Casper).</div><div><br /></div><div>But look at the names they have also defeated this season: Dropkin, Edin (Twice!), Ramsfjell, Yanagisawa (Twice!), Sluchinski, Hostmaelingen.</div><div><br /></div><div>They are more than capable of knocking off any team in this competition...but also capable of losing to any team on their schedule.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch for that #PopcornMatch vs. Hostmaelingen. They are 1-1 H2H this season. Bring on the tiebreaker match!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. Team Hoesli (22) </b></div><div>Schedule: Casper, Morozumi, Wiebe, McEwen</div><div>Season Record: 16-10</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of #TeamUpset, hello Team Hoesli!</div><div><br /></div><div>And welcome another team from Switzerland.</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a tough start to the season from the boys from Glarus, Switzerland, going 3-5 in their opening 2 tour events.</div><div><br /></div><div>But then they got on a role at the Oslo Cup and changed the trajectory of their season.</div><div><br /></div><div>They went undefeated to win the title in Oslo, reached the QF at Stu Sells in Barrie and lost in a TB last weekend against fellow Swiss Team Schwaller.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a team who many may overlook when eyeing up this field. And you would do so at your own peril.</div><div><br /></div><div>The big #PopcornMatch game will be against fellow #TeamUpset flag bearer Team Wiebe in the 3rd RR game.</div><div><br /></div><div>By the third game, you have an idea if you are in the playoff discussion or not. If both teams are still there with 1-1, or maybe 2-0, records, it should be a lights out battle on the ice.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. Team Sturmay (23)</b> </div><div>Schedule: Nyman, Brunner, Mooibroek, Craik</div><div>Season Record: 11-6</div><div><br /></div><div>To say we have not seen the best of Team Sturmay this season is not meant to be disrespectful but rather to suggest we know the potential ceiling of success is now high for this team.</div><div><br /></div><div>They competed at the 2023 Brier was #WC3 and surprised many with how good of a team they are.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now the "under the radar" moniker has been removed and expectations are high.</div><div><br /></div><div>They started the season with SF and QF results but have since dipped. They failed to qualify in Okotoks and came up short vs. Dunstone in the PointsBet QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have had 2 weeks off to prepare for this slam.</div><div><br /></div><div>The opener will be the #PopcornMatch of the event. They draw a hot shooting team from Sweden, Team Nyman.</div><div><br /></div><div>A win could set the path for the playoffs. A loss and it might be tough to overcome.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. Team Morozumi (24)</b></div><div>Schedule: Bryce, Hoesli, Kleiter, Schneider</div><div>Season Record: 36-19</div><div><br /></div><div>Just look at that season record. Now go look back at all the other teams season records for comparison.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some teams will play an entire season and have a record of 36-19.</div><div><br /></div><div>Japan's Team Morozumi has compiled this record and we are only half way through October.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have played 10 events already this season, starting at the beginning of August in Sapporo through to last weekend in Dundas.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have 4 tour titles (Hokkaido, Kitami, Tokoro, Stu Sells Barrie) alongside a SF and QF result.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure they have 4 DNQ results too, including last weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>But all those events, all those competitive games and all those winning results should play to their favour in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus, career wise you will be hard pressed to find another athlete in Tier II with a resume as long and as successful as Yusuke Morozumi.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their #PopcornMatch is their opening game. Not just because it is against higher seed/ranked Team Bryce but because Morozumi has success at tour events when they open with a W.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of their 10 events played, they have won their opener 8 times.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 2 times they did not? At their season opener in Sapporo (1-3 overall) and last weekend (2-3).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. Team Casper (25)</b></div><div>Schedule: Hoesli, Bryce, Schneider, Kleiter</div><div>Season Record: 21-5</div><div><br /></div><div>If Shuster is becoming Papa Bear in USA curling and Dropkin in the Young Buck, what is Team Casper?</div><div><br /></div><div>Baby bear? The growling cub?</div><div><br /></div><div>What they shouldn't be is overlooked. Just look at that season record.</div><div><br /></div><div>5 events played. 2 tour titles. 1 finalist. 1 QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>And averaging only 1 loss per event.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yup, those stats certainly add up quick as an advantage for the #NextGen team from Chaska, MN.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also have wins over Sluchinski, Kleiter, Brunner, Morozumi and Dropkin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmmm, maybe they are the #TeamUpset pick?</div><div><br /></div><div>The final RR game vs. Kleiter should be a #PopcornMatch and, possibly, a de facto playoff elimination game?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Team Wiebe (26)</b></div><div>Schedule: Schneider, Kleiter, Hoesli, Bryce</div><div>Season Record: 13-6</div><div><br /></div><div>Wait, maybe Manitoba's Team Wiebe is a #TeamUpset on slam ice?</div><div><br /></div><div>If you follow #TwineTime, you already know the blog has been keeping close eyes on this team for a few seasons now. And they did reach the playoffs here last year.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have 4 events under the slider this season, reaching 2 SF and 2 QF. And one of those QF results was at the PointsBet where they "upset" Epping in the #Sweep16 round before losing to Gushue.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their opener vs. Schneider will be their #PopcornMatch of the event. They are 0-2 vs. Schneider this season, losing both games at the Saville Shootout (RR, QF).</div><div><br /></div><div>If they can extract their revenge, they build momentum. If Schneider has their number again, it could be a long road to stay in the playoff hunt.</div><div><br /></div><div>But also watch that second game vs. Kleiter. Remember both proved to be #TeamUpset bracket busters at the PointsBet. Could either do the same here?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>11. Team Schneider (27) </b></div><div>Schedule: Wiebe, McEwen, Casper, Morozumi</div><div>Season Record: 14-10</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Team Schneider, Catlin Schneider is finding success returning to the house as skip for the first time since his USPORT days with the University of Regina.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team from B.C. reached back-to-back finals in Edmonton and Vernon but hit a snag in Dundas with a 2-3 record (but included a W over Mouat).</div><div><br /></div><div>4 of their losses this season have come against Tier I competition (Bottcher x2, Gosgens, Ramsfjell).</div><div><br /></div><div>But the concern may be the 2 losses at the start of the season vs. fellow Tier II teams Kleiter and Sturmay.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their schedule is a mix of #NextGen and experience. But I would be grabbing popcorn for that game vs. McEwen. Schneider vs. Flasch sounds like a buttery drip of excitement.</div><div><br /></div><div>Plus the skipper will celebrate his birthday on opening day of action. We will see if the boys can give him a bday W and, possibly, a full week of birthday celly's toward the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>12. Team Jeong (28) </b></div><div>Schedule: Brunner, Nyman, Craik, Mooibroek</div><div>Season Record: 17-13</div><div><br /></div><div>For Korea's Team Jeong, the season started with the Korean National Curling Championships in June.</div><div><br /></div><div>They were the trying to #DefendTheIce but were upset in the final by Team Park.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not only did they lose their Korean title but gone were the opportunities to compete at the Pan Continental Curling Championships (where they won silver last year) and the world championship.</div><div><br /></div><div>It might be no wonder they started their tour season with failing to qualify at their first 2 events and posting a 4-4 record.</div><div><br /></div><div>They did reach the final at Stu Sells Barrie but went 1-4 last weekend at the Players Open, including losses to fellow Tier II teams Epping and Bryce.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their RR game vs. Nyman could be a fun #PopcornMatch pitting two #gsoc rookies against one another.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>13. Team Nyman (30)</b></div><div>Schedule: Sturmay, Jeong, Epping, Hostmaelingen</div><div>Season Record: 13-8</div><div><br /></div><div>Welcome a second Swedish men's team to the slam ice folks. How long have we waited to say that? #Forever</div><div><br /></div><div>Do not let Nyman's rookie status fool you though. This is a dangerous team who could become the ultimate #TeamUpset flag bearer.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have played 4 tour events this season, reaching 1 final (Tallinn, Estonia) and 2 QF (Oslo, Jonkoping).</div><div><br /></div><div>Playing in the Match Town Trophy Nordic Curling Tour event last weekend, they dominated the RR with a 4-0 record before running into eventual finalist Team Harstad in the QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>They should arrive in Niagara Falls with some confidence and very much flying under the radar against their competition.</div><div><br /></div><div>The opening match may be tough given the short turn around from playing in Sweden over the weekend and then needing to be in Canada for a Tuesday start.</div><div><br /></div><div>The big #PopcornMatch will be that game vs. Jeong as mentioned above.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>14. Team Hostmaelingen (31)</b></div><div>Schedule: Craik, Mooibroek, Brunner, Nyman</div><div>Season Record: 10-10</div><div><br /></div><div>They may be curling .500 rocks right now but do not let the season record fool you either.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have reached the QF at their last 3 events leading into the Tour Challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div>And while they may take 1 or 2 losses each event, they are also taking in more Ws than Ls to reach the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>We already know the game against Brunner will be intense, given their familiarity with one another already this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hostmaelingen has also picked up Ws this season over fellow Tier II teams Hoesli and Craik.</div><div><br /></div><div>And look who they play in their opener! A team they already defeated once this season back in August in Stirling.</div><div><br /></div><div>Do not forget last year where they went 4-0 in the RR before losing in the QF.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>15. Team Mooibroek (33)</b></div><div>Schedule: Epping, Hostmaelingen, Sturmay, Jeong</div><div>Season Record: 19-14</div><div><br /></div><div>The #NextGen team from Whitby could be a dangerous lower seed/ranked team in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>They had a strong start to their season, reaching the U25 #NextGen Classic final as the defending champs and a SF result the weekend before at the Summer Series in Quebec.</div><div><br /></div><div>They also reached the playoff rounds at both Stu Sells events, losing in the Playoff Round in Oakville and the QF in Barrie.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch for a #PopcornMatch out of the hack vs. Epping. They played Epping at the Stu Sells Tankard in Barrie and beat them 7-0. Do they have their number?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>16. Team Kleiter (35)</b></div><div>Schedule: McEwen, Wiebe, Morozumi, Casper</div><div>Season Record: 14-9</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The U25 #NextGen champions should not be underestimated.</div><div><br /></div><div>They may be the lowest ranked team in the field. They may be the last team to get an invite. And they may have only received the invite due to another team turning down their spot.</div><div><br /></div><div>But underestimate them? No, sir!</div><div><br /></div><div>While they have not qualified at their 2 tour events since the U25 title, lets remember what they did at the PointsBet.</div><div><br /></div><div>They knocked off Koe in the #Sweep16 and had a chance with hammer in the 8th end to defeat Carruthers.</div><div><br /></div><div>When Rylan Kleiter is on his game, this is a tough team to beat.</div><div><br /></div><div>And he will need to be on his game right out of the hack, drawing a #PopcornMatch vs. McEwen.</div><div><br /></div><div>Regardless of how Team Kleiter performs at the slam this week, a W over a provincial rival could mean more than anything else after this weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Kleiter is to be considered a SK Tankard threat, this event (and that opener) is the time to make a statement.</div><div><br /><br /><div><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Craik, Team Sturmay, Team Nyman, Team Schneider, Team McEwen, Team Hoesli, Team Brunner, Team Bryce</b></i><br /><b><br /></b><b>#TourChallenge Tier II Championship: Team Craik def. Team McEwen</b></div><div><br /></div><br /><b>WOMEN</b><br /><b><br /></b><div><b>1. Team Black (17) </b></div><div>Schedule: Jaeggi, Hunkin, Skrlik, Strouse</div><div>Season Record: 15-8</div><div><br /></div><div>Are you ready to Bet on Black?</div><div><br /></div><div>After just missing out on the Tier I, Nova Scotia's Team Black will enter Tier II as the top "seed".</div><div><br /></div><div>And deservingly so after a strong opening part of their season.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have reached 2 tour finals, a QF and the #TeamUpset SF appearance at the PointsBet Invitational (as predicted by #TwineTime btw).</div><div><br /></div><div>We also remember their run to the Final Four at the Scotties.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why should we expect anything less than a deep playoff run in Niagara Falls?</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring us some buttery popcorn drama vs. Skrlik in their 3rd RR game too. Both teams were at the Scotties last year and both should be considered #Favs in their provinces this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hello #PopcornMatch potential!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>2. Team E. Kim (18)</b></div><div>Schedule: Dupont, Ladouceur, Huerlimann, Martin</div><div>Season Record: 32-12</div><div><br /></div><div>A higher than average season record is expected from the Korean teams competing due to the Korean championships in June.</div><div><br /></div><div>For Kim, they took the loss vs. rivals Gim in the final. And it was a tough event against their rivals as they went 1-3 overall. Considering they only lost 4 games throughout the entire championship, losing 3 to Gim is not going to get you a national title.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have been in Canada since September though, competing at tour events and improving their rankings towards #gsoc Tier I status.</div><div><br /></div><div>They won the Stu Sells Barrie event, reached the SF at the KW Fall Classic and Players Open and have 2 QF results as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in every event played. </div><div><br /></div><div>And never underestimate an Olympic silver medal winner!</div><div><br /></div><div>The opener vs. Team Dupont can be a huge #PopcornMatch.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both teams are not afraid of rocks in play and can get offensive right out of the hack.</div><div><br /></div><div>The winner will have some positive momentum but the loser still has time to regroup for a playoff push.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Team Strouse (19)</b></div><div>Schedule: Anderson, Inglis, Yoshimura, Black</div><div>Season Record: 24-11</div><div><br /></div><div>From pre-season #TeamUpset to Tier II #Fav?</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been that kind of season for the team from Traverse City, Michigan.</div><div><br /></div><div>Already owning 2 tour titles this season and having reached another final, there is ample reason why Team Strouse is earning a ton of attention this week in their slam debut.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch out Team Peterson, last year's USA runner-up team is coming for your USA title this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some of their momentum may have left their sails this past weekend though, going 2-2 and failing to qualify at the event in St. Paul. Not the result many would have expected against fellow US competitors.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their #PopcornMatch will be their opener against fellow pre-season #TeamUpset candidate and US competitor Team Sarah Anderson.</div><div><br />If Strouse is to make a playoff push, they must get the opening win under their slider and regain some momentum and confidence.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><b>4. Team Yoshimura (20)</b></div><div>Schedule: Hunkin, Jaeggi, Strouse, Skrlik</div><div>Season Record: 37-12</div><div><br /></div><div>Japan's Team Yoshimura has already played 8 tour events this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Some teams have played only 2 or 3.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is quite impressive when you think about how many games they have played since starting their season at the beginning of August.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have only had 2 weekends off since they started. Amazing!</div><div><br /></div><div>And the results have been equally impressive, winning back-to-back titles to open the season, reaching 2 other finals and 3 QF results.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend at the Players Open they lost a TB game vs. Wrana after posting a 3-2 RR record.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog, and the #PowerRankings, have been high on Team Yoshimura for a few seasons now.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course remember skip Sayaka Yoshimura is not playing this season as she is pregnant. Yuna Kotani, who is the team's vice, has bumped up to skip the team.</div><div><br /></div><div>The #PopcornMatch for Yoshimura will come in that 2nd RR game vs. Team Jaeggi.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both teams will come into this event as playoff contenders. The loser of this game might be in for a fight to get there while the winner should be comfortable.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>5. Team Huerlimann (21) </b></div><div>Schedule: Campbell, Kitazawa, Kim, Gray-Withers</div><div>Season Record: 10-10</div><div><br /></div><div>With all the talk of Tirinzoni and Jaeggi being the faces of Swiss curling, how about a new emerging dark horse?</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to get familiar with Team Huerlimann rockheads!</div><div><br /></div><div>They secured their spot in this field with their season opening SF result in Oslo back at the end of August.</div><div><br /></div><div>Unfortunately, since that result, they have failed to qualify in their last 3 tour events.</div><div><br /></div><div>As is the format at this event, and the detriment it appears for Huerlimann, short RR formats mean you need to secure more wins than losses.</div><div><br /></div><div>Huerlimann is coming out with a .500 record, taking 2 wins but also suffering 2 losses. That formula sends you home early.</div><div><br /></div><div>For Huerlimann to find success in the Tier II field, it may start out of the gate with a #PopcornMatch potential vs. Team Campbell.</div><div><br /></div><div>An opening win could get them off on the right slide and, for the season, they are 3-1 in their opening draw games.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>6. Team Kitazawa (22) </b></div><div>Schedule: Martin, Huerlimann, Ladouceur, Dupont</div><div>Season Record: 21-9</div><div><br /></div><div>Looking for another Japanese team the blog, and Power Rankings, have been high on the past few seasons?</div><div><br /></div><div>Get to know Team Kitazawa!</div><div><br /></div><div>They have played 6 events this season, reaching 1 final, 2 SF, 1 QF and 1 TB.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend in Dundas, they failed to qualify with an overall record of 2-3. But they did knock off eventual champion Team Hasselborg.</div><div><br /></div><div>Keep your eye on their #PopcornMatch vs. Team Martin.</div><div><br /></div><div>This season, Kitazawa is 5-1 in event openers. For those 5 wins, a run to the playoffs followed.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the 1 loss, last weekend in Dundas, they did not qualify.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they get off to a winning start, watch out for them in the playoff bracket?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. Team Hunkin (24)</b> </div><div>Schedule: Yoshimura, Black, Anderson, Inglis</div><div>Season Record: 12-9</div><div><br /></div><div>3 events. 3 QF results. Average record per event of 4-3.</div><div><br /></div><div>All the stats favour, slightly, Team Hunkin.</div><div><br /></div><div>And do not let size fool you folks. Jessie Hunkin loves to throw the hard rock and toss some heat down the ice.</div><div><br /></div><div>It will be interesting to see if her opponents get sucked into a hitting game against her. If so, it might be light's out.</div><div><br /></div><div>The 2nd RR game vs. Black has all the makings of a #PopcornMatch.</div><div><br /></div><div>It may not be a game contested between the tallest skips on tour but the hits will be coming and it has the makings of a classic blow by blow boxing match.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>8. Team Jaeggi (25)</b></div><div>Schedule: Black, Yoshimura, Inglis, Anderson</div><div>Season Record: 18-14</div><div><br /></div><div>What a crazy season it has already been for Switzerland's Team Jaeggi.</div><div><br /></div><div>We all know the off-season story of them losing a teammate and now being forced to scramble a bit for tour events.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have utilized the #SuperSpare concept to a tee all season.</div><div><br /></div><div>From Eve Muirhead to Chelsea Carey to Daniela Jentsch to Robyn Silvernagle, super spares have stepped in to help this team continue their fight.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the results have been positive, especially considered almost every event is a new teammate on the ice.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have qualified in 4 of 6 events and lost in a TB in 1 additional.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the down side, they have yet to advance past the QF. Add in the TB loss and they are 0-5 this season in "playoff" elimination games. That trend will need to end.</div><div><br /></div><div>Both opener games should have #PopcornMatch potential.</div><div><br /></div><div>The team will be joined by Chelsea Carey again this week. Carey was with the team recently at the Autumn Gold Curling Classic, where the team qualified via the B-side before losing the QF to Beth Peterson.</div><div><br /></div><div>If Jaeggi can get off to a fast start, needing to go 2-0 or 1-1 at least, they may make their playoff push once again. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>9. Team Ladouceur (26)</b></div><div>Schedule: Gray-Withers, Kim, Kitazawa, Campbell</div><div>Season Record: 16-16</div><div><br /></div><div>The #NextGen team from Whitby is playing .500 curling thus far this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>But could a .500 2-2 record get you a playoff spot at the Tour Challenge? Depends on your LSD score I suppose.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ladouceur has entered 6 tour events this season. They have qualified in 3. But they have not qualified since their QF result at the KW Fall Classic mid-September.</div><div><br /></div><div>They did compete at the PointsBet Invitational though, knocking off Team Gray-Withers in the #Sweep16 before falling to Homan in the QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>And look who they draw in their opening game: Team Gray-Withers.</div><div><br /></div><div>A rematch for a #PopcornMatch? Yes, please!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>10. Team Dupont (27)</b></div><div>Schedule: Kim, Gray-Withers, Campbell, Kitszawa</div><div>Season Record: 9-8</div><div><br /></div><div>The European champions are back on GSOC ice and ready to make some noise.</div><div><br /></div><div>And talk about a perfect tune-up event before having to #DefendTheIce in Scotland next month at the European Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been a solid season for the Danes. They reached the QF in Oslo and SF in Basel to kick start their season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Last weekend was met with controversy of course at the Players Open where they defaulted their TB game vs. Tirinzoni after originally being told by organizers no TB games would be played.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they can get over the frustration of how last weekend ended and shift focus to a positive of being back at a slam, they could be a dangerous dark horse contender in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>They do own victories over Tirinzoni and Wrana already this season remember.</div><div><br /></div><div>As already mentioned, the opener vs. Kim is the #PopcornMatch to watch.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>11. Team Skrlik (28) </b></div><div>Schedule: Inglis, Anderson, Black, Yoshimura</div><div>Season Record: 10-8</div><div><br /></div><div>Not the start to the season expected from the Alberta champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure they won their season opener in Leduc but they have failed to qualify since.</div><div><br /></div><div>They did have the nice #Sweep16 win over fellow Tier II competitor Team Inglis at the PointsBet Invitational before losing the QF to Team Einarson.</div><div><br /></div><div>But maybe there is still a bit of sophomore championship slump for the 2023 AB Scotties winners?</div><div><br /></div><div>It is quite different going from the hunter to the hunted and Team Skrlik is learning that this year.</div><div><br /></div><div>Interesting #PopcornMatch out of the gate, drawing a PointsBet rematch with Team Inglis.</div><div><br /></div><div>The winner should be in a nice position for a playoff push.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>12. Team Gray-Withers (29) </b></div><div>Schedule: Ladouceur, Dupont, Martin, Huerlimann</div><div>Season Record: 13-10</div><div><br /></div><div>The opening part of the season has been huge high's and disappointing low's for Team Gray-Withers.</div><div><br /></div><div>They started their season with a title at the U25 #NextGen Classic, where they were able to #DefendTheIce as defending champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>They reached the SF the following weekend at the Saville Shootout.</div><div><br /></div><div>But since those two events, they have failed to qualify and own a record of 2-7 in 3 events.</div><div><br /></div><div>The question on this team is whether they can win away from the home confines of the Saville Sportscentre.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their opening 2 events were great...both at Saville.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their last 3 events in Beaumont, Oakville and Calgary have not been as kind.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they get the PB Invitational rematch against Ladouceur as their opening #PopcornMatch.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they are going to prove they can be a winning visitor team, their opening match is the time to do so.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>13. Team Inglis (30)</b></div><div>Schedule: Skrlik, Strouse, Jaeggi, Hunkin</div><div>Season Record: 13-9</div><div><br /></div><div>See above for polarizing results to a season?</div><div><br /></div><div>Seriously though.</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Inglis started their season on a tear, winning 10-straight games and picking up a tour title at their season opening event in Quebec.</div><div><br /></div><div>In their 3 events since, they are 3-8 and have not qualified for the playoffs, including the #Sweep16 loss to Team Skrlik.</div><div><br /></div><div>There is perhaps no better story at this slam than skip Danielle Inglis finally skipping her team to #gsoc ice. And she deserves it!</div><div><br /></div><div>But they need to right the ship fast so it is not a quick appearance. </div><div><br /></div><div>Their fate may be determined in their opening 2 RR games. Both have #PopcornMatch potential.</div><div><br /></div><div>If they are to make a playoff push, they cannot go 0-2.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>14. Team Campbell (31)</b></div><div>Schedule: Huerlimann, Martin, Dupont, Ladouceur</div><div>Season Record: 14-4</div><div><br /></div><div>Manitoba gets a lot of attention for their curling teams, with Einarson/Jones/Cameron leading the way in the Tier I.</div><div><br /></div><div>But what about Sasky import Jolene Campbell?</div><div><br /></div><div>Do not underestimate her potential either folks.</div><div><br /></div><div>And her new look team, recently announcing the addition of Liz Fyfe, could have major #TeamUpset potential in this field.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have 1 tour title, 1 finals appearance and 1 QF result from their 3 tour events this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>They have Tier II wins over Martin and Anderson.</div><div><br /></div><div>And they arrive in Niagara Falls fresh off their maiden title win last weekend in Selkirk.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the rematch in their 2nd RR game vs. Martin.</div><div><br /></div><div>They last played at the Mother Club Fall Classic, with Campbell winning the SF game.</div><div><br /></div><div>The winner of the game in Niagara Falls could set up nicely for a playoff appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>15. Team Martin (32)</b></div><div>Schedule: Kitazawa, Campbell, Gray-Withers, Kim</div><div>Season Record: 10-15</div><div><br /></div><div>Another skip who is deserving of slam respect is Nancy Martin.</div><div><br /></div><div>Martin has put in the time and work to get here. Now we will see how she performs.</div><div><br /></div><div>It has been an up and down early part of the season for the SK team.</div><div><br /></div><div>They reached the final at their opener event, went 0-5 at their next event and then reached the SF and QF at the follow up events.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since though, it has been 4 straight losses. Overall the team is riding a 6-game losing streak entering play this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>They need to turn things around and turn them around fast, not only to compete in this Tier II field but for their season overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>It all starts with their opener vs. Kitazawa.</div><div><br /></div><div>Their #PopcornMatch has to be their opener as we see if they can finally end their current losing streak or extend it?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>16. Team Anderson (33)</b></div><div>Schedule: Strouse, Skrlik, Hunkin, Jaeggi</div><div>Season Record: 13-7</div><div><br /></div><div>Another pre-season #TeamUpset to watch out for this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>And the RR formats have been kind to them this season. When you average 3 wins and 1 loss per RR, you are likely making the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>They qualified in 2 of their season opening 3 events but lost in the SF and QF.</div><div><br /></div><div>At their last event, US Open of Curling, they finally secured a playoff win in the SF before losing the final to US champ Team Peterson.</div><div><br /></div><div>They should have some momentum coming into this event; however, the time off in between the two events could be a factor.</div><div><br /></div><div>As mentioned above, watch out for that all-#TeamUpset Popcorn Match in the opener vs. fellow American Team Strouse.</div><br /><br /><div><i><b>Qualifiers: Team Black, Team Yoshimura, Team Strouse, Team Skrlik, Team E. Kim, Team Kitazawa, Team Dupont, Team Campbell</b></i></div></div><div><b><br /></b><b>#TourChallenge Tier II Championship: Team E. Kim def. Team Yoshimura</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>There you have it rock heads. What say you? Who are you cheering for?</div><div><br /></div><div>Will we see a new Grand Slam of Curling champion crowned?</div><div><br /></div><div>Will one of the 2022 champs successfully #DefendTheIce?</div><div><br /></div><div>Who gets the early slide on the Pinty's Cup with an opening slam title?</div><div><br /></div><div>And who will survive the Tier II and make the move onto Tier I ice at the 2024 Canadian Open?</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember you can stay up to date with all the results and standings on the event page <b><a href="https://thegrandslamofcurling.com/events/hearinglife-tour-challenge/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>With 64 teams competing this week, without question the Power Rankings mountain will see movement based on the results.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>The updated Power Rankings will be released next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, we will celebrate our first world champion of the season when the 2023 World Mixed Curling Championship wraps up in Scotland.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to stay up to date with all the #WMCC2023 results at the event page <b><a href="https://worldcurling.org/events/wmxcc2023" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>And you can get the full blog preview of the event <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/wmcc2023-preview.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>BIG NEWS:</i></b> There may be a NEW PODCAST interview sliding into your hack VERY SOON!! Any guesses on who? ๐</div><div><br /></div><div>Until then, for all the teams competing this week, good luck and good curling.</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-78600961982646583392023-10-16T16:03:00.000-06:002023-10-16T16:03:34.534-06:00Power Rankings - W13<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - W13</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Who sits atop the mountain heading into Slam Season?</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3gjMXvE8iL_biYaNZd1dd6ug_U4mSGkw6msiBg-bu8zTFpI6BnkaaunQEs4TgJW5V_sLuuR0kD_skFRkV5DrcDFuYl8caE3TEADGJPm-qhTRYzIENSVZqNXmBnrV1A2Yy9SnzP5SkPRa_denB1ZwFCMEKTRt6uB7hZ6lNDWjzNudt35RplUSlslMf_aP/s285/Week13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="106" data-original-width="285" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3gjMXvE8iL_biYaNZd1dd6ug_U4mSGkw6msiBg-bu8zTFpI6BnkaaunQEs4TgJW5V_sLuuR0kD_skFRkV5DrcDFuYl8caE3TEADGJPm-qhTRYzIENSVZqNXmBnrV1A2Yy9SnzP5SkPRa_denB1ZwFCMEKTRt6uB7hZ6lNDWjzNudt35RplUSlslMf_aP/w320-h119/Week13.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Welcome to Week 13 of the Power Rankings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And it leads us to ask the question: "Are you ready for #SlamSeason?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first Grand Slam of Curling event hits this ice this weekend in Niagara Falls with the Tour Challenge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The biggest event of the #gsoc season with 32 competing. 16 in the Tier I. 16 in the Tier II.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With two tiers competing and both being a dual gender event, there will be a total of 64 teams chasing grand slam glory.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Excited yet? </div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>But before we chase down the slam, we need to update the Power Rankings.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were quite a few tour events to keep track of this past weekend. And many of the teams competing this week at the slam decided to get in some pre-gsoc ice time.</div><div><br /></div><div>How does the mountain look heading into Niagara Falls?</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets start with the runback to celebrate those teams who had successful weekends first.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then see how the weekend results shaped the Week 13 Power Rankings.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Insitu Players Open (W)</i></b> - Team Hasselborg (SWE) def. Team Wrana (SWE): The Swedish rivalry continues...and maybe a small amount of revenge for Hasselborg. After being drawn into the same pool, Hasselborg ends up with a perfect 2-0 record against their rivals, winning the RR game and the championship final. For Hasselborg, they qualified top of the pool with a 4-1 RR record and scored playoff wins over Team Gim (QF) and Team Lawes (SF). Wrana took the longer path to the final, finishing the RR with a 3-2 record and surviving a TB game vs. Team Yoshimura. Once into the playoff bracket, they scored victories over Team Constantini (QF) and Team E. Kim (SF). Take note, 7 of the 8 playoff teams were non-Canadian, with Lawes the only Canadian team to qualify.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Insitu Players Open (M)</i></b> - Team Bottcher (AB) def. Team Koe (AB): The Alberta rivalry adds another chapter. Both teams were placed in the same pool, meaning we saw an earlier game between them in the RR with Koe emerging victorious. It would be Bottcher's only loss of the event though, as they reached the playoffs with a 4-1 RR record and then scored victories over Team Ramsfjell (QF) and Team Epping (SF) to set up the rematch. For Koe, they reached the final undefeated after posting the 5-0 RR record and scoring playoff wins over Team Waddell (QF) and Team Schwaller (SF). Both teams ended up taking 1 loss this weekend...to one another. This rivalry continues to heat up! ๐ฅ๐ฅ</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Match Town Trophy (W)</i></b> - Team Schwaller (SUI) def. Team Sundberg (SWE): #DefendTheIce was a success for Switzerland's Xenia Schwaller. And they did so by going undefeated with a perfect 5-0 record. After the 3-0 RR record, earning a bye to the SF, Schwaller knocked off Team Kaldvee to reach the final. For Sweden's Sundberg, they took the slightly longer road to the final after posting a 2-1 RR record (including a loss to Schwaller) and defeating Team Moberg (QF) and Team Dryburgh (SF) to get their RR rematch. Unfortunately for Sundberg, the finale result would be the same as the RR, denying the home nation a victory. Kaldvee defeated Dryburgh for the bronze medal.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Match Town Trophy (M) </i>- Team Krause (DEN) def. Team Harstad (NOR): Nothing rotten in the state of Denmark after this weekend! Krause goes a perfect 7-0 in claiming the title in Jonkoping, Sweden. After a 4-0 RR record to qualify, Krause scored playoff wins over Team Westerberg (QF) and Team Wrana (SF). For Harstad, they reached the playoffs with a 2-2 record, just securing 1 of the last playoff spots on the TB procedure, and picked up playoff bracket wins over previously undefeated, and defending champion, Team Nyman (QF) and Team Landelius (SF). Harstad's QF win over Nyman was also revenge for the final RR game loss. Landelius defeated Wrana for the bronze medal.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Alberta Curling Series - Event 1 (W) </i>- Team Wang (CHN) def. Team Han (CHN): Another rivalry finale, this time between the top 2 Chinese teams who have already picked up tour titles this season. Chalk up another W for Rui Wang though. Both teams reached the final undefeated after posting identical 4-0 RR records. Wang scored playoff wins over Team Wytrychowski (QF) and Team Hartwell (SF) while Han knocked off Team Sturmay (QF) and Team Nakamura (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Alberta Curling Series - Event 1 (M) </i>- Team Hirata (JPN) def. Team Dunbar (AB): A RR rematch in the final...with an opposite result. Hirata reached the playoffs despite suffering the RR loss (their only loss of the event) and scored a SF victory over previously undefeated Team Webb. For Dunbar, they qualified for the playoff undefeated and picked up a SF win over last weekend's champion Team Fei. Hirata would earn their revenge for the earlier loss in the final however.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Stoud Sleeman Cash Spiel (W) </i>- Team Heggestad (ON) def. Team Howard (ON): Heggestad has a perfect weekend in Stroud to collect the championship. After a perfect 3-0 RR record, including a W over Howard, Heggestad knocked off Team Bailey (SF) to reach the final. For Howard, they suffered the 1 RR loss but still qualified with a 2-1 RR record. In the SF they defeated Team Synackova to set up the finale RR rematch.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Stoud Sleeman Cash Spiel (M) </i>- Team Ferris (ON) def. Team King (ON): After losing their opening 2 games in Stroud, Pat Ferris and his team had their backs against the wall knowing another loss would eliminate them. They would never lose again, stringing off 5 straight wins to claim the title. They squeaked into the playoffs with a 2-2 RR record before scoring playoffs wins over Team Chandler (QF) and Team Dunnan (SF). For Jayden King, his Guelph, Ontario team qualified with a 3-1 RR record and reached the final with wins over Team Fanset (QF) and Team Smith (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">S3 Group Curling Stadium Series (W) </i>- Team Tisdale (SK) def. Team Englot (SK): Jana Tisdale lost an A-SF game Friday night and then never lost again in picking up the title in Swift Current. After dropping to the B-side, Tisdale qualified with 2 wins before scoring playoff victories over Team Silvernagle (QF) and Team Kanai (SF). For Englot, they entered the final undefeated after qualifying A-side and picking up their lone playoff win over Team Mitchell (SF). Tisdale knocked off both A-qualifiers (Kanai, Englot) in picking up the title.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">S3 Group Curling Stadium Series (M) </i>- Team Bryden (SK) def. Team Knapp (SK): Has a dark horse contender emerged in Saskatchewan? Josh Bryden went 6-1 this weekend to claim the title in Speedy Creek, SK. After a 3-1 RR record, Bryden knocked off last weekend's tour winner Team Kalthoff (QF) and Team Laycock (SF) to reach the final. For Kelly Knapp, the defending SK Tankard champs went 4-3 to reach the playoffs and needed only a SF win over Team St. John to reach the final. Unfortunately they could not wrap up the perfect weekend, falling in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">St Paul Cashspiel (W) </i>- Team Traxler (USA) def. Team Johnson (USA): Who says Alaska isn't a curling state? Ariel Traxler and her team from Fairbanks, AK will be bringing home a tour title after surviving a 2-2 RR record and scoring playoff wins over previously undefeated Team Workin (QF) and Team Johnson (SF). The win over Workin was a final RR game rematch, won by Workin, and with the high score of 11-10 for Traxler. For Allory Johnson, her team also qualified for the playoffs with a 2-2 record and defeated Team Cousins in the SF to make the final.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">St Paul Cashspiel (M) </i>- Team Casper (USA) def. Team Ruohonen (USA): Daniel Casper and his foursome from Chaska, MN went 5-1 over the weekend to win the title. After posting a 3-1 RR record, they scored a SF win over Team Sampson before the finale win over Ruohonen. Rich Ruohonen went 4-1 in the RR to reach the playoffs and secured a victory over Team Bonot in the SF.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">MCT Shootout (W) </i>- Team Campbell (MB) def. Team Watling (MB): Jolene Campbell and her new look team went undefeated to claim the title. After posting a 3-0 RR record, they defeated Team B. Peterson in the SF. For Watling, they also went 3-0 in the RR to qualify for the playoffs and knocked off fellow undefeated Team Clark-Rouire in the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">MCT Shootout (M) </i>- Team Calvert (MB) def. Team McDonald (MB): Braden Calvert had a perfect 5-0 weekend to claim the MCT Shootout title. After posting a 3-0 RR record, the team knocked off Team Grassie in the SF. For Jordan McDonald, it was a similar story in reaching the final. McDonald posted a 3-0 RR record and defeated Team Walter in their SF game.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mixed Doubles Super Series (MD) </i>- Team Kaldvee/Lill (EST) def. Team Cotter/Cotter (BC): Estonia rocks the house in Chilliwack and denies the home province father/daughter duo a championship win. Kaldvee/Lill went undefeated in picking up the championship, posting a 5-0 RR record and scoring playoff victories over Sweden's Team Westman/Ahlberg (QF) and B.C.'s Team Reese-Hansen/Chester (SF). For Cotter/Cotter, they also entered the final undefeated after posting an identical 5-0 RR record and playoff wins over Team Wark/Kleibrink (QF) and Team Walker/Muyres (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ready to see how the blog did with last weekend's <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/s2324-w12-rocktober.html" target="_blank">#TourLifePredictions</a></b>?</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Insitu Players Open (W)</i></b> - 7 of 8 qualifiers, including the runner-up.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Insitu Players Open (M)</i></b> - 5 of 8 qualifiers, including the winner.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Match Town Trophy (W)</i></b> - 4 of 6 qualifiers, including a finalist.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Match Town Trophy (M) </i>- 7 of 8 qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Alberta Curling Series - Event 1 (W) </i>- 6 of 8 qualifiers, including a finalist.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Alberta Curling Series - Event 1 (M) </i>- 2 of 4 qualifiers, including the winner.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mixed Doubles Super Series (MD) </i><span>- 5 of 8 qualifiers.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the blog predicted 36 of 50 qualifiers, sliding out of the hack with a 72% accuracy. Also predicting 2 winners, 1 runner-up and 2 additional finalists (who were predicted to finish second but ended up winning the title).</div><div><br /></div><div>This is a MUCH better week for #TwineTime. How about an "A-" grade for the week? The amount of finalists I think bumps the grade above the "B" rating but not into the full "A" success rate.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, for complete transparency, the blog will show a summary of the grades received for the predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w5.html">W4 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w6.html" target="_blank">W5 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank">W6 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html" target="_blank">W7 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w9.html" target="_blank">W8 - C+</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w10.html#more" target="_blank">W9 - B+</a></div><div><a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-sweep16-bracket-preview-with-felix-asselin" target="_blank">W10 - No Picks (T-186 - Sweep16)</a></div><div><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w12.html" target="_blank">W11 - C</a></div><div>W12 - A-</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Time to head to the mountain range. And remember, the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w12.html" target="_blank">last week's Power Rankings</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>1. Team Mouat (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>Well that was not the slam tune-up expected from the world champs. A 2-3 RR record and missing the playoffs is a bit surprising. Did they take the gas off the pedal to save energy for Niagara Falls? Luckily for them, those teams behind them did not do enough to usurp them from atop the mountain....yet?!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Whyte (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - DNQ</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Scots are going double time it seems as Whyte also went 2-3 in the RR and failed to qualify. Similar to their Scottish rivals, were they caught looking ahead to this week?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Retornaz (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Italian Stallions went a perfect 5-0 in the RR to qualify but were upset in the playoffs by Team Epping. Still a solid weekend of curling and showing, once again, why they are a threat in the upcoming slam.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>4. Team Bottcher (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to Bottcher! This is a team of resiliency. They were perhaps disappointed with their result at the PointsBet Invitational but turned it around to win another tour title. The #Fav heading into Niagara Falls?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Dunstone (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Sheriff enjoyed a weekend off to prepare for the Tour Challenge, where they reached the final last year.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Gushue (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A quiet week for the boys from The Rock. We know they will be ready for go for slam season though.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Carruthers (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Still enjoying their PointsBet Invitational victory perhaps?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Koe (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>That was the type of full weekend championship curling we have been waiting to see from Team Koe. A perfect RR record, including a W over main rival Bottcher, will be great motivation entering the slam. Sure they lost the final to their rivals but now they have some revenge to go with the motivation and momentum.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Edin (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - DNQ</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A 3-2 RR record was not enough to qualify, not even to get them into the lone TB game due to the LSD number. They are the defending Tour Challenge Tier I champions remember. Not sure how well of a tune-up weekend this will be for them?</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>10. Team Schwaller (HM)</i></b></div></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Which Team Schwaller will show up next? The one who started the Players Open 0-2 or the one who can go on a roll and reach the SF after surviving a TB game against Swiss counterparts Team Hoesli, who they needed to defeat in their final RR game just to make the TB discussion? The jury is out but for now, welcome to the Top 10.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team McEwen, Team Morozumi, Team Hoesli, Team Krause, Team Casper</span></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Homan (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>We cannot knock them off the top of the mountain for enjoying the view a bit longer before the slam.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Wrana (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>A Swedish team making a climb towards the #1 spot? Well that sounds familiar. What may be new though is the name of the Swedish team. Wrana may have lost the final but they reached the final nonetheless. Watch out for them in Niagara Falls. Remember, when we last saw them on #gsoc ice, they were hoisting a trophy (2023 Players' Championship).</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Tirinzoni (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Well that was a dramatic weekend of curling! Tirinzoni reached the playoffs with a 3-2 RR record and "survived" the TB round when Denmark's Team Dupont did not show up to compete. As was announced on Dupont's team IG account, they were originally told by organizers there would be no TB round so they went back to their AirBNB. When they were told the TB game was happening, it was already too late and they basically forfeited the game. Advantage Tirinzoni though as they got the TB as a bye and avoided a DNQ next to their name. Not the best weekend of curling overall though for the world champs, especially heading into a slam.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Einarson (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Canadian champs prepare for the Tour Challenge and, more importantly, the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championships.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Hasselborg (9)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that is the type of curling we have come to expect from Team Hasselborg. Huge tournament title coming at the exact right time. After taking the heartbreaking Euro Qualifier loss to rivals Wrana, building back momentum heading into the slam season is huge. They may not be in Scotland next month but winning another #gsoc title could still be a nice consolation prize?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Gim (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain gets very hard to climb when you are sitting in the middle position. You either need to win or hope those around you crumble. For Korea's Gim, they reached the QF but lost to eventual champ Hasselborg. The finalists stay above her on the mountain...but at least Gim maintained their footing too. No slip up is still a good week on the mountain.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Morrison (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - QF</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div>See above! Morrison also reached the QF and had a great week of curling. No move up but, on the positive, no slip up either.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Han (10)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: AB Curling Series Event 1 - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The field in Beaumont may not have been the strongest but China's Team Han reached another final and did so with an undefeated record. They now own a season record of 22-5 and add another tour final to their impressive season resume. If only the Tier II event was later in the season. They would be a deserving team to be there.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>9. Team E. Kim (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Insitu Players Open - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>Here comes Team Kim! In a bit of a similar position as Team Hasselborg, they will not be competing at the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championships (nor world championship) for Korea. However, they are still finding plenty of reasons to compete and win. Another solid weekend of curling showing them to be a dark horse contender this upcoming week.</div></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Wang (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: AB Curling Series Event 1 - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div></div><div>After inching closer and closer to the Top 10 over the past few weeks, winning a second tour title is enough for China's Team Wang to find their spot on the mountain. 2 titles in 3 weeks, with a SF thrown in between, is a solid Rocktober of results. They are 16-3 in October as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Yoshimura, Team Fujisawa, Team Black, Team B. Peterson, Team Lawes</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>MIXED DOUBLES</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Walker / Muyres (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Back to back strong weekends of MD curling action, with deep playoff runs, moves the Walker/Muyres duo to the top of the mountain.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Kaldvee / Lill (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>Hellooooo Estonia! Where "curling is coldEST" and "curling is funEST". What a weekend for Kaldvee/Lill, picking up a tour title against a very strong field.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Martin / Laycock (8)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A tour title. A SF. And now a QF. Solid MD season results for the Sasky duo. They are finding their momentum at the right time and look to be a solid tandem to watch out for this season.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>4. Team St-Georges / Asselin (2)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Understandable why this duo was not competing on MD ice this weekend....they are busy representing Canada at the World Mixed Curling Championship. And they are undefeated as of blog publishing date.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Skaslien / Nedregotten (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>With European Curling Championships right around the corner, do not expect too much on ice action for the Norwegian duo. They should hit the MD ice again at the end of November, after ECC is over.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team MacMillan / Middleton (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>A bit surprising we did not see them compete in Chilliwack but also makes sense as Middleton prepares to compete at the Tour Challenge Tour II (with Team Schneider). This duo does still lead the Year to Date points race for the discipline though so the mountain cannot punish them too harshly.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Roenning / Braenden (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>After reaching the final the previous weekend and losing to their rivals, and not competing this past weekend, the mountain will let the "other" Norwegians retain a similar spot to last week. For now....</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Zheng / Pietrangelo (9)</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>The #NextGen team may have missed the playoffs in Chilliwack but they did post an impressive 3-2 RR record and lost out on a spot in the TB due to the TB procedure. And those 2 losses? Well they just happened to come against the duo who won the title (Kaldvee/Lill) and an Olympic representative (Gill/Hewitt). Not exactly "bad" losses, hence the slight climb up the mountain.</div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>9. Team Matsumura / Tanida (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>From champions one week to 0-4 and missing the playoffs the next. Welcome to the world of mixed doubles. And welcome to the MD Power Rankings mountain, where major slips like going winless will cause a team to lose their footing and take a deep slide. Luckily they retain a spot in the Top 10 at least.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Perret / Rios (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A 4-1 RR record and reaching the playoffs in a strong MD field will get you climbing the mountain. For Switzerland's Perret/Rios, it was a nice rebound weekend after the TB loss last weekend. They are 11-7 on the season, averaging close to 4 wins an event while taking 2 losses. A 4-2 record, per event on average, will usually land you in the playoff discussion. And, for now, is a welcome spot in the Top 10.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Ramsfjell/Ramsfjell, Team Adams/Robichaud, Team Armstrong/Griffith, Team Gill/Hewitt, Team Homan/Tardi</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Agree? Disagree? What would YOUR Top 10 look like?</div><div><br /></div><div>Share your thoughts with the #PowerRankings and reveal your Top 10 mountain on social media or in the comment section below.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>The blog will return TOMORROW with the #GSOC Tour Challenge preview for both the Tier I and Tier II competition.</div><div><br />Remember, the World Mixed Curling Championship has hit the ice in Scotland. The <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/wmcc2023-preview.html#more" target="_blank"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></a> blog post offers a full preview of all the action, from #Favs to #TeamUpset to #W2W4 to exciting #PopcornMatches.</div><div><br /></div><div>And you can stay up to date with all the results <a href="https://livescores.worldcurling.org/wmxcc/aspnet/current?EventID=1" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-27533420336982391622023-10-14T09:39:00.002-06:002023-10-14T09:39:35.006-06:00#WMCC2023 Preview<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: World Mixed Curling Championship Preview</u></span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;"><i>Time to crown a world champion, baby!</i> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVMsmKIszgN9B5w3b3lIJUEuHkBdsdxKfON4h-TtFf7I9UOVpPcdAwrOv2zhbV2u2zrJjEHoPk8BfWVS83aixbZ7cdqoyOS7_7VdXpIxP_pVq-ksWSc-iRzCRzNuzy8ofXgvzeMF_b8VtYinxHbwfNUO5wCdOqrvoAM3EJQCjPelm9XR-HPsQ9RiaiswM/s520/WMCC2023%20Logo.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="421" data-original-width="520" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVMsmKIszgN9B5w3b3lIJUEuHkBdsdxKfON4h-TtFf7I9UOVpPcdAwrOv2zhbV2u2zrJjEHoPk8BfWVS83aixbZ7cdqoyOS7_7VdXpIxP_pVq-ksWSc-iRzCRzNuzy8ofXgvzeMF_b8VtYinxHbwfNUO5wCdOqrvoAM3EJQCjPelm9XR-HPsQ9RiaiswM/s320/WMCC2023%20Logo.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Welcome to the Season of Champions!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The World Mixed Curling Championship is also a special event on the international curling calendar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It marks the start of the Season of Champions and the first opportunity for a curling nation to claim bragging rights as a world champion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While there are many more world and continental championship events to follow, this event is the first slide out of the hack for the World Curling Federation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ready to crown a world champion?</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A quick aside, what do we think of the logo?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year the logo design was the same but orange. This year more teal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I kind of wish the world championship logos would have more of a storyline to the host nation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What does the logo design represent? Why the color choice? A complete visual story would be fun and make the event logo have importance.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Thoughts?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As a reminder, this is mixed curling and not mixed doubles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This event will feature national representative teams of 4 with a balance of each gender on the ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Gender identity is not a factor when it comes to competing on the ice. Curling adheres to the policy of "If You Can Play, You Can Play!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mixed curling can be fun too as it gives curling fans the opportunity to sometimes see a female skip face off against a male skip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Watch for those stat comparisons there rockheads.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We have seen in the past female skips find success at this event against male counterparts. Do not underestimate a team just based on the gender of a skip.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Here is your World Mixed Curling Championship history lesson (grab your pencils for a test later):</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22MpBhyJOX03WcC9CZ9HUc51ULp_jmPTq-MyRWVDNQRka1u1Lhkxvxv0d7dtr_PVKWvSLJPsDRGQqRcQ_7YCH-_U37t5oepl3ZEZd1wLWuUizglPySg9Fj0JMB8jxGHHEA8T1zYeYGSRlVp9HpZFCDCKFYjltzMZv5Y-EmbacPaQlmPHVsMXLaSOsApqT/s1023/HistoryLogo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1023" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22MpBhyJOX03WcC9CZ9HUc51ULp_jmPTq-MyRWVDNQRka1u1Lhkxvxv0d7dtr_PVKWvSLJPsDRGQqRcQ_7YCH-_U37t5oepl3ZEZd1wLWuUizglPySg9Fj0JMB8jxGHHEA8T1zYeYGSRlVp9HpZFCDCKFYjltzMZv5Y-EmbacPaQlmPHVsMXLaSOsApqT/s320/HistoryLogo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">๐ฅ The championship event began in 2015, replacing the European Mixed Curling Championship and becoming a true world championship rather than a continental championship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">๐ฅ Norway (Skip: Steffen Walstad) secured the first world championship in 2015, defeating Sweden (Skip: Rasmus Wrana) in the final.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">๐ฅ Canada is not only trying to #DefendTheIce but accomplish an unprecedented #4peat in 2023 after winning the title in 2018, 2019 and 2022 (2020 and 2021 editions canceled due to COVID-19 of course). Canada is the only nation to have won multiple world mixed championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">๐ฅ Other world champions include: Russia (Skip: Alexander Krushelnitskiy) in 2016 and Scotland (Skip: Grant Hardie) in 2017.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">๐ฅ 2023 will mark the third straight time Aberdeen, Scotland has been the host city for the championship, having hosted in 2019 and 2022. Aberdeen was named as host for 2020 and 2021 but both were cancelled due to the pandemic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">๐ฅ Other host cities in the past include: Bern, SUI (2015), Kazan, RUS (2016), Champery, SUI (2017) and Kelowna, CAN (2018).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">๐ฅ Russia and Canada have used home ice advantage to claim titles in 2016 and 2018. Outside of those two results, previous host nations have failed to win the title. Scotland came close last year, losing the final. All other hosts have failed to advance beyond the QF round.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">๐ฅ Overall, Canada has won the most world championship medals with 4 (3 G, 1 S). Scotland has the full range of medals, winning 1 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze. Norway and Russia have each won 1 gold and 1 bronze while Sweden has 2 silver results. Other podium finishers include: Germany and Spain (silver), China, Czech Republic and Switzerland (bronze).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Celebrity Jeopardy seems to be a hot TV topic right now. Maybe they should add a curling category?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Or maybe your home club can do a Jeopardy night as a fundraiser? If so, the history lesson above has all the answers you need to fill out the #WMCC category.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bring on the first world championship preview for the season. And note, there are a few tour events happening this weekend and the blog has you covered with the <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/s2324-w12-rocktober.html" target="_blank"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></a> blog post released earlier in the week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h3 style="clear: both;"><b>#WMCC2023 Preview</b></h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Aberdeen, SCO</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">2022 Champion: Canada</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Format: 34 team RR with 2 groups of 9 and 2 groups of 8. Top 3 in each group qualify with group winners earning a bye to the QF.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Group A</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Nations: Belgium, England, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Scotland, Sweden, Wales</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#Fav: England</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Experience can matter when it comes to this event and you will be hard pressed to find a team with more international curling experience in this pool than England.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Skipped by Anna Fowler, she will be joined by her brother Ben. Ben will throw last stones but Anna will be calling the game in the house.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Fowler Duo should be a familiar name to curling fans as they are a regular team on the mixed doubles circuit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They have also represented England at 5 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championships, achieving a best result of 8th place in 2016.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The backend experience should make them a dangerous team to progress into the playoff round.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#TeamUpset: Belgium</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They may not be a threat to advance to the playoffs but they could surprise a few teams in this pool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Belgium skip Timothy Verreycken is no stranger to representing the "Red Dragons" on ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He has skipped the men's national team at European Curling Championships, competing in the B-division in 2022 and staving off relegation to remain there for 2023 this upcoming November.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He also led the team to promotion in 2021 from Euro C-Division into last year's Euro B-Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is not an easy pool but even putting together a few wins would be huge for Belgium in their return to this world championship for the first time since 2019.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#W2W4:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The #NextGen movement is strong in this group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sweden has 2 members of the 2017 world junior champion squad, Jennie Waahlin and Fanny Sjoeberg.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Scotland has the alternate of the 2023 world junior champion squad with Amy Mitchell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Dutch skip Bart Klomp has competed at the European Youth Olympics and World Junior-B Championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The World Mixed Curling Championship can be a great opportunity for up and coming athletes to get some experience on world championship ice while representing their nation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Many past and current top curling athletes have their sliders enriched in a world mixed curling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You may not be as familiar with all the names competing but pay attention nonetheless.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some of these athletes could be the future names of world and Olympic champions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PopcornMatch:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">England vs. Wales - Draw 1: A great UK rivalry game to kick off the competition. But also an important one for potential qualification. England is a #Fav but Wales is led by a very experienced Adrian Meikle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Scotland vs. Wales - Draw 3: Wales might as well get the UK Battle games over with at the start, drawing back to back tough games right out of the hack. A 1-1 record might be needed to keep them alive in the playoff hunt. 0-2 might be too much to overcome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">England vs. Scotland - Draw 7: This could prove to a be a pivotal match towards qualification, either to keep the winners in the hunt for the QF bye or to just ensure they reach the playoffs. Plus who doesn't love a England/Scotland rivalry game?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Scotland vs. Sweden - Draw 16: This game, late in the RR, could play a massive role in deciding the final standings for the pool and who advances. The winner should be sitting pretty. The loser could be in trouble.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Projected Standings: 1. England 2. Sweden 3. Scotland 4. Japan 5. Wales 6. Belgium 7. Netherlands 8. Ireland 9. Israel</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Group B</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Nations: Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, Finland, Hungary, Lithuania, New Zealand, Poland, Slovenia</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#Fav: Canada</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">No doubt here who are the favourites in this group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada is the 3-time defending champion. And, even with all 3 teams being different, the Maple Leaf remains a massive threat to sit atop the podium once again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the second straight world championship Canada will be represented by a Quebec team, skipped by Felix Asselin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Team Menard won the title last year on this ice, can Asselin follow suit?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He will be joined by his mixed doubles partner (on and off the ice) Laurie St-Georges, his brother Emile Asselin and Emily Riley, proving this is an experienced foursome.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Will they feel the pressure of trying to accomplish an almost unheard of streak for any nation at any event, winning 4 straight world championships? Sure. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But, as Asselin discussed in a recent <a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-sweep16-bracket-preview-with-felix-asselin" target="_blank"><b>#TwineTime podcast</b></a> discussion, they are ready to go and represent.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br />It is not just about representing #Labelleprovince now, it is about keeping the world title in Canada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are small potholes along the RR path to get into the playoffs but a playoff berth should be attainable and a deep playoff run could be in the cards once again for Canada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#TeamUpset: Poland</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can mixed doubles experience translate over to success in mixed curling?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If so, Poland could surprise a few teams this week in Aberdeen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Poland will be led by Andrzej Augustyniak at skip and Adela Walczak at vice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The backend duo is currently ranked #35 on the world mixed doubles rankings, having recently finished 3rd at a tour event in Prague.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We know the process it has taken Polish curling to get back here, finally rejoining the WCF as a member association in 2022.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And remember, when Poland last competed at this championship in 2019, they did qualify for the playoffs (albeit with a different team of course).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Do not underestimate <i>Rzeczpospolita Polska</i>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#W2W4:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">If Canada is considered the overwhelming #Fav in this group, that still leaves 2 playoff tickets up for grabs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Who wants them?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Poland may be a dangerous challenger as the #TeamUpset flag bearer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But what about the other nations competing in this group?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">New Zealand will have women's national team skip Courtney Smith at vice. And Smith has been living in Scotland for awhile now so she may have a small advantage with ice conditions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Finland and Australia also have a rich history in mixed curling and could challenge for a playoff spot as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a group of opportunity for the 8 other nations. They just need to survive the Canadians.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PopcornMatch:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Australia vs. New Zealand - Draw 4: Bring on the Oceania rivalry game. If either nation wants to fight for a playoff spot, they need to win this game early on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Canada vs. Poland - Draw 13: Both back end combos are familiar with mixed doubles and have had MD success. This will be a good test to see if Poland is a legit challenger for the playoffs. And they meet later in the draw so that could help Poland if they know they are right in the playoff hunt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">New Zealand vs. Poland - Draw 23 - Depending on how the results fare in this pool, could this final RR game become a de facto playoff elimination game?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Projected Standings: 1. Canada 2. New Zealand 3. Australia 4. Poland 5. Finland 6. Hungary 7. Slovenia 8. Lithuania 9. Chinese Taipei</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Group C</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Nations: Austria, Brazil, Estonia, Germany, India, Italy, Spain, USA</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#Fav: Spain</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Some curling fans may still be shocked to see Spain listed a #Fav at an international curling event but history shows this is not a team to overlook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember, Spain won the world silver medal in 2018, losing to Canada in the final.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And Spain will be represented by the same team here in 2023, once again led by skipper Sergio Vez.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year the team went 6-1 in the RR to qualify for the playoff bracket. Unfortunately they were eliminated in the Qualification Game against Norway and finished T9 overall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They will arrive in Scotland with a bit of revenge and unfinished business on their sliders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We already know they are a podium threat based on previous results.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Expect another playoff appearance this year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#TeamUpset: India</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">India will be making their 2nd straight appearance at this event, having competed last year and finishing with a respectable 3-5 RR record.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now we will see what a year's worth of curling experience can do for the upcoming curling nation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Skip P.N. Raju returns to lead the team and will be joined by Richa Patel once again. Patel, who played vice at last year's championship, will move to lead this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Also remember, Raju skipped the men's national team at last year's inaugural Pan Continental Curling Championships where India finished with a silver medal in the B-Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year at this championship, India scored wins over New Zealand, Portugal and Slovenia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Can they replicate their 3 wins or improve their position in 2023?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#W2W4:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There are some experienced names headlining this group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The already mentioned Vez and Raju are to be watched.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But also USA's Jed Brundidge, who is having a strong season skipping his men's team on tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Italy's Alberto Pimpini played alternate with Italian Stallion Joel Retornaz at last year's European Curling Championship, winning a bronze medal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And never count out Germany, led this year by Felix Schulze.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Schulze has tons of international experience, having competed at the 2014 Winter Olympics, the 2012 world championship and the 2011 European championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Germany may also have a wildcard in their lineup with vice Josephine Obermann. Obermann won a European Mixed Curling Championship silver medal in 2011 (before the event became a world championship) and may be known for competing with Daniela Jentsch at numerous European and world championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This pool may be a lot closer than meets the eye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PopcornMatch:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Italy vs. USA - Draw 3: If either of these nations want to make a playoff push, an early win against a fellow challenger could go a long way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Germany vs. Spain - Draw 7: Could this early RR game end up deciding a QF bye in the playoffs?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Germany vs. Italy - Draw 22: The final RR game should have major playoff implications, whether as a de facto elimination game or deciding placement in the playoff bracket.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Projected Standings: 1. Spain 2. Germany 3. Italy 4. USA 5. Austria 6. Estonia 7. India 8. Brazil</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b>Group D</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Nations: Czech Republic, Hong Kong, Latvia, Nigeria, Norway, Slovakia, Switzerland, Ukraine</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#Fav: Norway</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember how Canada was a clear cut #Fav in Group B?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chalk up a similar storyline for Norway in Group D.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Norway will be led by Steffen Walstad. The same Walstad who won this inaugural championship in 2015.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And he will be joined by a blockbuster lineup, including vice Maia Ramsfjell, second Andreas Harstad and lead Eirin Mesloe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ramsfjell was here last year, competing as vice for skip Alexander Lindstrom. The team went 6-2 in the RR, reaching the playoffs, before losing in the QF to Sweden for a T5 finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And of course Ramsfjell has a ton of mixed doubles experience, playing with her brother Magnus, and competing at 2 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Harstad is a #NextGen stud to watch out for out of Norway, having won a bronze medal at the 2016 World Youth Olympics and skipping his own team to a Norwegian men's championship in 2019.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Harstad was also the alternate for Walstad's men's team at last year's European Curling Championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Mesloe brings a strong resume to the team as well, winning a bronze medal at this event in 2019.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For the nations who were drawn into this group, all you can say when looking at this stacked lineup is "#Yikes!"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#TeamUpset: Ukraine</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eduard Nikolov returns for his second straight World Mixed Curling Championship.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And he will bring almost the exact same lineup as last year with the only change coming at vice. This year's team will welcome Yaroslava Kalinichenko to the team.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Last year Ukraine finished with a 2-6 record against a very strong and experienced group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They will meet a similar fate this season, drawing a strong grouping and some familiar names from last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ukraine has been battle tested, both on and off the ice of course.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Nikolov and second Yaroslav Shchur have been teammates on the men's national team as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They represented Ukraine at the 2021 European C-Division championship, where they finished back of the pack with a 2-7 record.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Things turned around in 2022 though, where the team, now skipped by Nikolov, earned promotion to the Euro B-Division after winning C-Division silver.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unfortunately their B-Division time would be short-lived as last November they were relegated back to C-Division.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At the 2023 Euro C-Division, held in April, the team made the playoffs with a 6-1 RR record and won the C-Division gold, earning promotion back to B-Division this November.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The female members of this team are no strangers to Euro competition either. Lead Anastasiia Kotova skips the women's national team, where Kalinichenko plays lead.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They represented Ukraine at the 2023 Euro C-Division event as well, just missing the playoffs with a 5-4 record but good enough for a 5th place finish.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The international experience from the members of this Ukraine team should help them, even against a strong group.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a true #growthesport story, on so many levels!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#W2W4:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Switzerland!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Norway will earn the attention as a #Fav with their lineup but do not sleep on the Swiss.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember, Switzerland won the bronze medal last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ursi Hegner returns to skip the team but will throw vice stones. Yves Hess returns to throw fourth stones.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There is one change to this year's team from last year's podium finisher, Claudia Baumann has joined the team at lead to replace Chantal Schmid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a strong podium contender.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Note, if Norway and Switzerland are the front runners, who can squeak in for that final playoff ticket in this group?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is a group of experience and returning vets to the mixed curling ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hong Kong's Jason Chang is back after a strong 4-4 record last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chang, skip of the Hong Kong men's team, will be joined once again by vice Ling-Yue Hung, skip of the Hong Kong women's team. And both are preparing for the Pan Continental Curling Championships, happening right after this event.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Chang will also be joined on the team by his wife, lead Ada Shang.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Slovakia's Daniela Matulova returns as well after posting a 3-5 RR record last season.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Latvia's Arnis Veidemanis is a member of the 2021 Latvian men's national champions and has played in 2 European championships and 1 world mixed doubles championship. He is the current Latvia MD champion and regular competitor on the mixed doubles tour with partner Daina Barone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We cannot forget #Broomzilla of course with Nigeria. Skip Harold Woods III returns to skip the "Super Eagles" and will be joined at front end by the experienced MD duo of T.J. Cole and Susana Cole. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And while Czech Republic and Latvia will have different teams representing them this year, both nations have proven to be challengers in the past. Last year both posted 5-3 RR record, falling 1 game short of the playoffs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Interesting to note, Czech Republic, Latvia, Nigeria, Norway and Ukraine were all in the same group last year as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Slovakia and Switzerland were also in the same group last year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The fight for that final playoff spot should be fun to watch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>#PopcornMatch:</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Slovakia vs. Ukraine - Draw 2: If Ukraine is going to make some noise at this year's championship, it starts right out of the hack in their opener vs. an experienced Slovakia.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Czech Republic vs. Latvia - Draw 17: The winner of this game could still be in the hunt for a playoff spot. The loser may be eliminated from playoff consideration.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Norway vs. Switzerland - Draw 23: The final RR game should decide the group winner and QF bye.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Latvia vs. Hong Kong - Draw 24: Could this final RR game decide the final playoff ticket?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Projected Standings: 1. Norway 2. Switzerland 3. Latvia 4. Czech Republic 5. Hong Kong 6. Ukraine 7. Slovakia 8. Nigeria</i></b></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><i>Qualifiers: England, Canada, Spain, Norway, Sweden, New Zealand, Germany, Switzerland, Scotland, Australia, Italy, Latvia</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">#WMCC2023 Bronze Medal Game: Switzerland def. Spain</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="color: #bf9000;">#WMCC2023 Championship: Norway def. Canada</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">World Curling TV will provide coverage of all games on the <b><a href="https://worldcurling.org/2023/10/wmxcc2023-live/" target="_blank">Curling Channel</a></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And stay up to date with all the results on the WCF events page <b><a href="https://worldcurling.org/events/wmxcc2023" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">For those nations and athletes competing in Scotland, good luck and good curling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>#StayTuned</b></h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The blog will be back with #PowerRankings updates at the beginning of next week before releasing the first #gsoc preview for The Tour Challenge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">You can stay up to date on all the weekend tour action as well with the #TourLifePredictions post: <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/s2324-w12-rocktober.html#more" target="_blank"><b>Welcome to Rocktober</b></a>. There is even a guest appearance from Bart Simpson!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Remember to like, subscribe and share the blog to get updates on every blog post and help continue to grow the #TwineTime curling family.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And maybe send a little good luck and good curling to #TwineTime ahead of my first league curling experience on Saturday ๐</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-44758264437685445442023-10-12T16:28:00.001-06:002023-10-12T16:40:55.834-06:00S2324 W12 - Rocktober<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Welcome To Rocktober</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>The pre-slam weekend has rocks rolling everywhere</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLggX2zKg8NQaZ30JkgMFgaxespxm2tDpiooQcjNIXbveeht3B8rXdX_KExT6DsEbdesP0y8fuuAwQY2ZZsRFlW2Aq9h5LeHgCF-YQsUKRhGhQuSTQlMAOmVtdeZDjpSZ2m24LAmQn83DNLiGRZcRd6_Qwcf7lZ2yqZ0-Uoqc4gv4nxcii_7p2twGUzOl/s637/Rocktober.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="456" data-original-width="637" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLggX2zKg8NQaZ30JkgMFgaxespxm2tDpiooQcjNIXbveeht3B8rXdX_KExT6DsEbdesP0y8fuuAwQY2ZZsRFlW2Aq9h5LeHgCF-YQsUKRhGhQuSTQlMAOmVtdeZDjpSZ2m24LAmQn83DNLiGRZcRd6_Qwcf7lZ2yqZ0-Uoqc4gv4nxcii_7p2twGUzOl/s320/Rocktober.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Springfield Elementary is wrong.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Bart Simpson is right.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is CERTAINLY a month called #Rocktober!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">October is one of the busiest months of the curling calendar.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have a full house of World Curling Tour events.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have World Curling Federation world championships.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We have continental curling battles ready to hit the ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh yes, Rocktober is here.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And who knew Bart Simpson was such a big curling fan?</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Rockheads, this is a BUSY weekend on tour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As qualified teams prepare for next week's season-opening #gsoc event, The Tour Challenge, many of those same teams will be hitting the ice at a tour event to prepare them for next week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We were giving thanks last weekend for all the curling coverage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Prepare to give thanks yet again this weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And don't let that Friday the 13th fear cripple you from watching curling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As for those teams playing on Friday....well some of you may get sliced and diced.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not everyone can survive and come out a winner after all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also, the blog apologizes for the delay in publishing this weeks #TourLifePredictions blog post. But I think the reason is valid.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am preparing for my first adult curling league action this Saturday. I needed to hit the ice and get some practice in today! ๐๐ฅ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></h2><p>ICYMI, the updated #PowerRankings were released earlier this week. Check out the new Top 10 <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w12.html#more" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p>Take note with the updated Power Rankings, a mixed doubles mountain has emerged and the Power Rankings range continues to grow.</p><p>Bring on those previews and predictions.</p><p><b>WOMEN</b></p><p><b><i>Insitu Players Open</i></b></p><p>Dundas, ON</p><p>2022 Champion: New Event</p><p>Format: 24 team RR with 4 pools of 6. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Tirinzoni</b></p><p>They have been perfect on the year already, why not continue the trend in their pre-slam tune-up?</p><p>Seriously.</p><p>They are 14-0 on the season and won both tour events entered.</p><p>Even without the reigning world champion moniker tied to them, they would be considered the #Fav here.</p><p>Talk about a giving opposition a real scare in Rocktober!</p><p>Going undefeated in Dundas might be difficult though. The Pool A draw presents challenges like Scotland's Team Morrison, Korea's Team Ha, Denmark's Team Dupont and Canada's Team Inglis and Team Wasylkiw.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Hardy</b></p><p>No team might be up against a tougher wall in this competition than Ontario's Team Hardy.</p><p>Look at their opposition in Pool D: Team Hasselborg, Team Wrana, Team Kitazawa, Team Yoshimura, Team Armstrong.</p><p>To even have a sniff at a playoff spot you are going to have to take down Sweden and Japan.</p><p>Hardy has played in 3 events this season, reaching the playoff round at the Stu Sells Tankard in Oakville to start their season. They are 6-8 on the season overall.</p><p>All the numbers, and the draw, line up against them.</p><p>But isn't that what makes a #TeamUpset fun to watch?!?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>The obvious first glance will be to see how those team competing in next week's Tour Challenge perform this weekend.</p><p>Team competing at the #gsoc event will want to have a good result in Dundas to build momentum towards Niagara Falls.</p><p>But also keep an eye on the on-going topic of discussion the blog has focused on this season: Canada vs. The World.</p><p>There are 10 Canadian teams in the field. This means Canada is actually outnumbered this weekend, drawing 13 international teams.</p><p>To boot, we have 5 Asian teams and 8 European teams.</p><p>Consider this a bit of a continental rumble to see which continent can have bragging rights.</p><p>This is a very strong field with many of the team teams in the world entered.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Tirinzoni vs. Team Morrison - Draw 3: What a start to Pool A action featuring #ECC2022 silver and bronze medal winning teams.</p><p>Team Jones vs. Team E. Kim - Draw 5: Kim is coming off a championship performance last weekend and looks to be closing in on that Olympic form we saw a few seasons ago.</p><p>Team Dupont vs. Team Tirinzoni - Draw 6: A rematch of the 2022 European Curling Championships gold medal game, won by Dupont.</p><p>Team Kitazawa vs. Team Yoshimura - Draw 9: A classic battle for Japanese bragging rights...and could have huge qualification implications.</p><p>Team Jones vs. Team Lawes - Draw 10: No explanation needed!</p><p>Team Hasselborg vs. Team Wrana - Draw 13: Again, do we need an explanation here?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Tirinzoni, Team Gim, Team E. Kim, Team Wrana, Team Morrison, Team Grandy, Team Lawes, Team Hasselborg</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Tirinzoni def. Team Wrana</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Match Town Trophy</i></b></p><p>Jonkoping, SWE</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Schwaller</p><p>Format: 8 team RR with 2 pools of 4. Top 4 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Schwaller</b></p><p>The champs are back to #DefendTheIce. </p><p>And do not undersell them if you are not as familiar with Xenia Schwaller and her Swiss team.</p><p>They struggled at their 2 opening tour events of the season in Oslo and Basel but rebounded nicely at the Shorty Jenkins, reaching the SF.</p><p>In Cornwall they picked up wins over higher ranked teams like Team Ha and Team E. Kim.</p><p>This is also a great opportunity for them to make a move up the Nordic Curling Tour <a href="https://www.nordiccurlingtour.com/ranking-2023-2024" target="_blank"><b>rankings</b></a>, where they currently sit tied for 9th overall.</p><p>And if you are not familiar with the Nordic Curling Tour, #TwineTime has you covered highlighting the tour in a <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/s2324-w6-nordic-curling-tour.html" target="_blank"><b>blog post</b></a> earlier this season.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Dryburgh</b></p><p>Moa Dryburgh may not be the most familiar name to casual curling fans, especially coming from Stockholm, Sweden where the sport is dominated by names like Hasselborg and Wrana.</p><p>But if you are looking for a dangerous #NextGen team to push those "elite" names in Sweden in the upcoming years, Moa Dryburgh is the name on your lips.</p><p>Dryburgh is the two-time defending Swedish junior champion, winning a world junior championship silver medal in 2022.</p><p>We saw this team compete in Oslo at the Oslo Cup to kick off their season, where they reached the QF.</p><p>Along the way they also knocked off higher ranked teams like Italy's Team Constantini, Switzerland's Team Schwaller and Scotland's Team Munro.</p><p>Do not underestimate the skills of a #NextGen team, as we know!</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This is the second event in the Nordic Curling Tour schedule, following up the success of the Oslo Cup at the beginning of September.</p><p>If you are not familiar with the Nordic Curling Tour, #TwineTime has you covered highlighting the tour in a <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/s2324-w6-nordic-curling-tour.html" target="_blank"><b>blog post</b></a> earlier this season.</p><p>And while the names at the top of the rankings (Hasselborg, Rorvik, Wrana) are not here competing, it is an opportunity for teams chasing for the top to gain some ground and valuable points.</p><p>Dryburgh sits #6. Schwaller is #9. Fellow competitors Team Kubeskova (#12) and Team Kaldvee (#13) also gained points in Oslo.</p><p>And all of these teams are eligible for the bonus tour prize money. This prize money is to help #growthesport and is awarded only to teams who sit outside the Top 25 of the world rankings.</p><p>You may not think there is a lot to play for at this event, but for the teams competing there is a great opportunity to gain points and make a move for extra cash on the season.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Dryburgh vs. Team Kaldvee - Draw 4: Opportunity for the winner to book a spot in the playoffs. Plus Kaldvee could look a bit different as the Estonian skipper will be competing in Canada at a mixed doubles event rather than with the women's team here.</p><p>Team Schwaller vs. Team Kubeskova - Draw 7: Both may already have playoff spots solidified heading into this final RR draw but playing for 1st in the pool is still worth fighting for.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Dryburgh, Team Schwaller, Team Moberg, Team Kubeskova</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Dryburgh def. Team Schwaller</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Alberta Curling Series - Event 1</i></b></p><p>Beaumont, AB</p><p>2022 Champion: New Event</p><p>Format: 19 team RR with 3 pools of 5 and 1 pool of 4. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: China</b></p><p>Yes, I know I listed a country and not a team but can we just co-fav both Chinese teams in the draw?</p><p>From #TeamUpset in the preseason to #Fav in October, this is the trajectory Team Han is on.</p><p>And a trajectory this blog said would happen.</p><p>They have played 3 tour events. They have qualified in all 3. They have 1 title to their slider and 2 SF results, including last weekend at the Stu Sells Tankard.</p><p>After starting the season ranked #116 in the world, they are now sitting #45. That is not just an upward trajectory, that is a rocket jetpack on their backs!</p><p>But do not count out Team Wang either.</p><p>They now find themselves moving from #154 in the summer to #55 this week.</p><p>Similar to their Chinese compatriots, they have also played 3 tour events and own a tour title. Last weekend at the Stu Sells, they reached the QF.</p><p>Could we see an all-Chinese final brewing in Beaumont?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Ford Johnston</b></p><p>Familiar with the name Atina Ford Johnston?</p><p>If you are a fan of curling and a fan of Sandra Schmirler, you should be.</p><p>Ford Johnston won the 1998 Olympic gold medal with Team Schmirler in Nagano as their alternate.</p><p>She has a similar result with the team at the 1997 world championship.</p><p>And now she is back on the ice curling out of Calgary with Shannon Morris, Sheri Pickering and Cori Morris.</p><p>You are also probably familiar with the name Cori Morris. Another Saskatchewan-born curler, Morris represented Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics with Team Cheryl Bernard, winning a silver medal.</p><p>When you have that type of resume on your team, oh yes, you are going to get a mention in the preview.</p><p>They will have a tough path to the playoffs, drawing tricky Alberta teams in Team Purcell and Team Wytrychowski alongside Korea's Team Park and Japan's Team Tabata.</p><p>But Olympic medal winners always deserve respect, a shoutout and a watchful eye as competitors.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Alberta vs. Asia!</p><p>Alberta will have home ice advantage in Beaumont and statistical advantage in more teams competing.</p><p>Asia will have the advantage with teams ranked higher, having played in more events and owning a few tour titles.</p><p>China's Han and Wang will be tough competition.</p><p>Japan's Team Nakamura is coming off a finals appearance at the always competitive Autumn Gold Curling Classic last weekend in Calgary.</p><p>Japan's Team Tabata has also won a tour event back in August and has qualified in 4 events this season.</p><p>On the flip side, Alberta should be led by Team Sturmay. They have 2 QF results under their sliders this season and while the did not qualify in Calgary last weekend, they left with a positive 4-3 record overall in losing B and C-qualifier games.</p><p>And maybe keep a #TeamUpset eye on Alberta's Team Bowman. Remember they almost knocked off Team Cameron in their opener in Calgary last weekend. And while they may have gone 0-3, losing to Cameron, Tabata and Korea's Team Kim are not "bad losses" either.</p><p>Can the home province produce a champion in the inaugural edition of this new event?</p><p>Or do we see yet another chapter written towards the season-long story of Asian Domination Era?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Tabata vs. Team Purcell - Draw 2: This could be a key matchup out of Pool B towards qualification.</p><p>Team Nakamura vs. Team Wang - Draw 6: A classic Japan vs. China battle on the ice. Two nations with just a steep of a sports rivalry, in all sports, as Canada vs. USA. And both are having a great season.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Sturmay, Team Tabata, Team Han, Team Nakamura, Team Bowman, Team Purcell, Team Hartwell, Team Wang</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Han def. Team Nakamura</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>MEN</b></p><p><b><i>Insitu Players Open</i></b></p><p>Dundas, ON</p><p>2022 Champion: New Event</p><p>Format: 24 team RR with 4 pools of 6. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Mouat</b></p><p>When you sit atop the #PowerRankings, are the defending world champions and already have 2 tour titles under the slider this season....yup, you are going to be labelled a #Fav.</p><p>The lads are 18-2 on the season but did see their remarkable 16-match winning streak come to a surprising end in the QF at the Shorty Jenkins, losing to Quebec's Team Asselin.</p><p>On the positive side, it just means they may be looking to start another winning streak.</p><p>The draw should play to their favour for a playoff spot, with no disrespect to their opposition of course.</p><p>But who knows, Asselin wasn't expected to beat them either and they did.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Menard</b></p><p>Speaking of teams who could surprise Mouat, what about another Quebec-based team?</p><p>And one with a high-profile name recognition?</p><p>Welcome Jean-Michel Menard to the ice once again folks.</p><p>Yes, the same Menard who won the 2006 Brier, the 2006 world championship silver medal and the defending world mixed curling champion.</p><p>While his fellow provincial counterpart is now over in Scotland preparing to #DefendTheIce for Canada (and Quebec!), Menard will be joined in Dundas by Team Asselin vice Martin Crete.</p><p>Name recognition and resume alone earns respect from the blog for this make-shift team.</p><p>But wouldn't it be something to see Menard make a playoff run at this event against some of these top world ranked teams?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>See women's #W2W4 preview above?</p><p>Seriously though, this is another top tiered tour event with strong international representation to push Canadian home nation teams.</p><p>Canada will only have 10 teams in the field, compared to 14 international.</p><p>Europe is strongly represented once again, fielding 10 teams.</p><p>Korea and Japan will each have 2 teams in the field for an Asian quad overall.</p><p>Keep your eyes on Pool D.</p><p>Canada's Team McEwen is the lone maple leaf represented and draws the #PoolOfDeath with Sweden's Team Edin, Scotland's Team Waddell, Korea's Team Park and Switzerland's Team Schwaller and Team Hoesli.</p><p>Pool D is STACKED not only with talent but with teams who have put together solid starts to their seasons.</p><p>4 of those teams are going home early. A few are going to go home with losing records overall.</p><p>Yowie Wowie!</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>ALL OF POOL D: No joke, as noted above. This pool is stacked. Each game is HUGE!</p><p>Team Morozumi vs. Team Yanagisawa - Draw 2: Always like a classic all-Japanese rivalry game between 2 teams playing really well right now. This could have huge playoff implications for the loser.</p><p>Team Retornaz vs. Team Whyte - Draw 2: How is this for an opening game for both teams? Winner should feel more confident about a playoff spot out of the hack. Loser will luckily still have games in hand to regroup. Blockbuster opener though!</p><p>Team Bottcher vs. Team Koe - Draw 4: No explanation needed!</p><p>Team Whyte vs. Team Bryce - Draw 8: Whyte is on fire this season, actually leading the YTD rankings. But Bryce has also played well. A great Scottish rivalry game.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Mouat, Team Bottcher, Team Retornaz, Team Edin, Team Gosgens, Team Koe, Team Whyte, Team Schwaller</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Bottcher def. Team Mouat</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Match Town Trophy</i></b></p><p>Jonkoping, SWE</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Nyman</p><p>Format: 15 team RR with 3 pools of 5.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Nyman</b></p><p>Sweden's Fredrik Nyman is back to #DefendTheIce in Jonkoping.</p><p>Having home nation ice advantage is certainly a good start too.</p><p>Nyman is making strides this season, currently sitting #30 on the world rankings.</p><p>The team is also coming off a championship final appearance a few weekends ago in Tallinn, Estonia.</p><p>Plus this event is their tune-up event for next week's #gsoc Tour Challenge, where they will compete in the Tier II competition.</p><p>They currently sit T5th on the Nordic Curling Tour <a href="https://www.nordiccurlingtour.com/ranking-2023-2024" target="_blank"><b>rankings</b></a>, after reaching the QF at the opening Oslo Cup event.</p><p>If you have not been paying attention to this team yet, now would be a good time to start.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Wrana</b></p><p>Do these names sound familiar together: Wrana, Hasselborg, Eriksson?</p><p>No, this is not the formation of Swedish mixed super team.</p><p>This is the Swedish men's senior champions and the 2016 and 2017 World Senior Curling Championships gold medal winners. The team also won silver in 2018 and bronze in 2022.</p><p>Team Wrana also represented Sweden at the 2023 world senior championship, reaching the playoffs but falling in the QF to eventual silver medal winners Scotland.</p><p>Mats Wrana, Mikael Hasselborg, Anders Eriksson and Gerry Wahlin are here to compete with the "young guns" of the Nordic Curling Tour.</p><p>Wrana is on the path to returning to the world senior championships with an aim at reclaiming their world title.</p><p>Do not be ageist folks. This is a very strong curling team capable of a deep run this weekend.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This is a very interesting field. We have some Swedish up and comers and developmental teams in the field.</p><p>Pay particular attention to Sweden's Team Landelius and Team Westerberg.</p><p>But we also have some strong competition from neighbour European countries.</p><p>Denmark's Team Krause. Finland's Team Kiiskinen. Norway's Team Harstad and Team Lindstroem.</p><p>And similar to previously mentioned for the women's preview #W2W4, this is a great opportunity for teams in this field to make a move up the Nordic Curling Tour rankings and push for the bonus prize money.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Wrana vs. Team Kiiskinen - Draw 3: A classic Sweden vs. Finland matchup in any sport is fun but this one could go a long way in determining playoff advantages...and it is the opening game for both.</p><p>Team Landelius vs. Team Krause - Draw 3: Both should like their chances to qualify here but getting out of the hack with an opening game win sure builds some momentum and confidence.</p><p>Team Krause vs. Team Vilandt - Draw 5: When was the last time we saw an all-Danish match at a World Curling Tour / Nordic Curling Tour event?</p><p>Team Nyman vs. Team Harstad - Draw 7: This could decide top spot in Pool C. And might even be a preview to a playoff rematch?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Landelius, Team Wrana, Team Nyman, Team Krause, Team Kiiskinen, Team Harstad, Team Lindstroem, Team Westerberg</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Nyman def. Team Landelius</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b><i>Alberta Curling Series - Event 1</i></b></p><p>Beaumont, AB</p><p>2022 Champion: New Event</p><p>Format: 9 team RR with 1 pool of 5 and 1 pool of 4. Top 2 in each pool qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Hirata</b></p><p>After starting their season playing every weekend in Japan, winning a tour title and reaching another final, Hirata took September off to regroup and rest.</p><p>Fast forward to October and they have hit Canadian ice ready to make some noise.</p><p>We saw them last weekend in Airdrie, reaching the QF.</p><p>After opening the season with a #64 world ranking, they now sit #43.</p><p>This is a good opportunity for them to add some more ranking points and maybe make a deep playoff run.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Hood</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Aren't you asking "What's Good in the Hood?"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Ok, I know, I know. You are all reading this saying, "get over your bromance with Team Hood already, we get it."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And yes, that is a very fair reaction. However, give me one more week for a very valid reason.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Welcome Back Ben Smith!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As many know, Smith was surprisingly sidelined in early September with an <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w8-get-well-soon-ben-smith.html" target="_blank"><b>appendicitis</b></a>. Recovery has been going well for the Kiwi though and he is slated to return to the ice with his full Kiwi brotherhood this weekend at the tour event in Beaumont, Alberta.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is critical timing for Smith and the team as the Pan Continental Curling Championships are a few weeks away. New Zealand will have the full Team Hood on the ice this weekend for the first time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">They may find themselves in the Pool of 4 but it is more the #PoolOfDeath in this field.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Drawing an on-fire Team Fei from China, fresh off the tour title in Airdrie last weekend, and experienced Alberta teams in Team Webb and Team Pfeiffer will be a strong test out of the hack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But also a good opportunity for the Kiwi's to rediscover the game that got them to the 2023 world championship and help them, potentially, find their ticket to the 2024 world championship in a few weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now if only they would have received a call for the Men of Curling calendar!! They are already getting full press coverage, why not more coverage (with less "coverage")? ๐</div><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>5 Canadian teams.</p><p>4 Asia-Pacific teams.</p><p>This weekend should shape up to be a continental rivalry.</p><p>And with Canada now thrust into the newly formed Pan Continental region, and seeing the success of Asian nations already this season, can Canada keep up and re-establish themselves as a curling powerhouse?</p><p>Look, the names on the back are important. But the representation matters as well.</p><p>4 Alberta teams will be competing on home ice, looking to pick up a tour title.</p><p>And never forget the #PolarPower from up north. Jamie Koe will be on the ice competing this weekend as well with his NWT team.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Zou vs. Team Koe - Draw 4: A good test for the northern lights team. Koe draws Hirata in their opener and Zou in the 2nd game so going at least 1-1 after 2 games might be required to have a shot at the playoffs.</p><p>Team Hood vs. Team Webb - Draw 5: The winner of this game should be sitting in a good position for a playoff spot.</p><p>Team Hirata vs. Team Zou - Draw 7: This could decide first place in Pool B.</p><p>Team Hood vs. Team Fei - Draw 9: If Team Hood wants to make a playoff push here, a W over Fei might be needed. But the current world junior champions are not going to be an easy game for them.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Fei, Team Hirata, Team Hood, Team Zou</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Hirata def. Team Zou</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>MIXED DOUBLES</b></p><p><b><i>Mixed Doubles Super Series</i></b></p><p>Chilliwack, B.C.</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Martin / Griffith</p><p>Format: 24 team RR with 4 pools of 6. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Matsumura / Tanida</b></p><p>Chiaki Matsumura and Yasumasa Tanida opened their season last weekend in Sherwood Park.</p><p>They went 8-0 to claim the title.</p><p>With that kind of momentum, how could you put any other team in the field in this #Fav spot?</p><p>Plus, they are the inaugural team to sit atop the blog Power Rankings.</p><p>Now comes the pressure of sitting in the #1 spot and retaining your viewpoint atop the mountain.</p><p>The Japanese duo is a force to be reckoned with though. They are VERY good. And should be considered an early world mixed doubles podium threat.</p><p>The draw to the playoffs is kind for them this weekend so expect another deep run.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Zheng / Pietrangelo</b></p><p>Welcome #NextGen as #TeamUpset!</p><p>Ontario's Jessica Zheng and Victor Pietrangelo have already been the surprise stars of the early part of the MD season.</p><p>They lost the U25 #NextGen Mixed Doubles final in Edmonton to start their season and reached the final the following weekend in Boucherville, Quebec.</p><p>They even sit #9 on the Power Rankings.</p><p>But this will be their first real test against top ranked MD teams.</p><p>Just look at who they draw in their first two games: Estonia's Team Kaldvee/Lill and Australia's Team Gill/Hewitt.</p><p>This will be a great test for the #NextGen duo to see how they perform against higher ranked, more experienced competition.</p><p>But do not underestimate them either.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>ICYMI, mixed doubles is now part of the weekly blog <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w12.html" target="_blank"><b>#PowerRankings</b></a>.</p><p>Pressure on mixed doubles teams!</p><p>The players and fans asked for it. #TwineTime heard the call and a new mountain range was formed.</p><p>But now the teams need to perform and make their move up the mountain towards the coveted #1 spot.</p><p>Ok, I jest (slightly) in thinking teams actually are fighting for the top of a blog Power Rankings but it is kind of exciting.</p><p>This is a stacked MD field in Chilliwack, bringing together some of the best MD duo's in the world.</p><p>We want to see the discipline of mixed doubles continue to grow. One way in doing so is to promote the discipline and support the tour events.</p><p>And that includes this very blog expanding coverage and including MD tour events in the weekly #TourLifePredictions.</p><p>Imagine finally seeing a Grand Slam of Curling mixed doubles event folks?!</p><p>Hmmm, wouldn't that be a fun addition to The Masters or Canadian Open or even a season-ending Players' Championship.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Kaldvee/Lill vs. Team Zheng/Pietrangelo - Draw 1: As mentioned above, a great opportunity to see how the #NextGen Canadians can hang with one of the most experienced teams in the field.</p><p>Team Armstrong/Griffith vs. Team Cotter/Cotter - Draw 2: An all-BC battle on home province ice...and between two teams have been playing great already this MD season. This should be a great game.</p><p>Team Matsumura/Tanida vs. Team Walker/Muyres - Draw 4: The curling schedule gods were not kind to both of these teams. They just faced off in the finals last weekend and now draw one another in the RR here?</p><p>Team Gill/Hewitt vs. Team Kaldvee/Lill - Draw 9: Huge game between two very experienced duos..and a game that should have major playoff qualification implications.</p><p>Team Armstong/Griffith vs. Team Martin/Laycock - Draw 10: Both teams already have won tour events this season. Both teams find themselves on the inaugural Power Rankings. And both will battle in the final RR game, potentially fighting for a spot in the playoffs?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Gill/Hewitt, Team Perret/Rios, Team Armstrong/Griffith, Team Walker/Muyres, Team Kaldvee/Lill, Team Westman/Ahlberg, Team Martin/Laycock, Team Matsumura/Tanida</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Walker / Muyres def. Team Armstrong / Griffith</b></p><div><b><br /></b></div><p>Note there are additional tour events happening this week in Swift Current, SK, St. Paul, MN, Stroud, ON and Selkirk, MB not previewed above. This is one action-packed weekend in Rocktober!</p><p>For all the teams competing this week, good luck and good curling.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>#StayTuned</b></h2><p>The blog will be back with a second helping of preview posting this week as the World Mixed Curling Championships hit the ice in Scotland on Saturday.</p><p>The #WMCC2023 Preview deserves its own blog post though as we get ready to crown a world champion baby!</p><p>The mountain is always watching ๐๐</p>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-45675201208112011882023-10-10T16:04:00.000-06:002023-10-10T16:04:43.000-06:00Power Rankings - W12<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - W12</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Entered the Asian Domination Era?</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFqeovm4Sssjo5OE4KtB3Xe84A_SbzERX-K_MsB5efn1096gjc_4CGzA6RPjVze68Hw68CAi6pSe2ShcDQVbfsIYdNqSr2JzqNShj-Q3DqWcg6fzwMJR4QwGKFyDUKQbe3dfj66ne_ixHBBVBG6tsZOWdgD_o7Je1j5RQ6hKJqiseKa4uL2d0XwAUZR96/s580/Power%20Rankings.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="580" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBFqeovm4Sssjo5OE4KtB3Xe84A_SbzERX-K_MsB5efn1096gjc_4CGzA6RPjVze68Hw68CAi6pSe2ShcDQVbfsIYdNqSr2JzqNShj-Q3DqWcg6fzwMJR4QwGKFyDUKQbe3dfj66ne_ixHBBVBG6tsZOWdgD_o7Je1j5RQ6hKJqiseKa4uL2d0XwAUZR96/w320-h243/Power%20Rankings.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As Canadian curling fans come out from a holiday weekend, the blog hopes everyone was able to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday and give thanks and love to those around them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There certainly was a lot of curling over the long weekend for Canadian curling fans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">But many may be left asking, for a Canadian holiday, was it was another continent who had all the celebrations?</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>We knew going into the season the Asian teams would be coming for those titles.</div><div><br /></div><div>Japan. South Korea. China.</div><div><br /></div><div>Watch out!</div><div><br /></div><div>But this past weekend really showcased not only how strong the region is but how deep it is as well.</div><div><br /></div><div>On Championship Monday, we saw 4 finals on the ice. 3 involved a Japan vs. Korea battle. The 4th involved China.</div><div><br /></div><div>Korea took the last laugh in winning 2 of the 3 finals while China did prevail in their lone final appearance.</div><div><br /></div><div>But it is not JUST about making the finals and winning tour titles that make the Asia Domination Era a real deal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Look at the playoff brackets.</div><div><br /></div><div>At the Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic, of the 8 playoff teams, Japan had 2 teams (Team Fujisawa, Team Nakamura) and Korea has 1 (Team Gim).</div><div><br /></div><div>At the Stu Sells event, the women's playoff bracket saw 2 Japanese teams (Team Kitazawa, Team Yoshimura), 2 Chinese teams (Team Han, Team Wang) and 1 Korean team (Team E. Kim).</div><div><br /></div><div>For the Stu Sells men's event, 2 Korean teams (Team Park, Team Jeong) and 1 Japanese team (Team Morozumi) reached the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>And at the McKee Homes Fall Curling Classic, China has 2 playoff teams (Team Fei, Team Zou) and Japan had another (Team Hirata).</div><div><br /></div><div>When we look at just those 4 big tour events this past weekend, there were 32 playoff teams collectively. Of those 32 teams, 14 represent the Asian continent.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of the 14, Japan had 6 playoff teams while Korea and China each with 4.</div><div><br /></div><div>For perspective, of those 32 playoff spots, 15 were Canadian.</div><div><br /></div><div>From a numbers perspective, it may seem advantage #TeamCanada on having more playoff teams overall.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, Canadian teams also drastically outnumber the amount of Asian teams competing in those fields so statistically (and realistically) there SHOULD be more Canadian teams in those playoff brackets.</div><div><br /></div><div>But how many Canadian teams reached the finals? Only 1 (Team Parent in Airdrie).</div><div><br /></div><div>And that is just on the men's and women's tour. How about mixed doubles?</div><div><br /></div><div>Well there was a MD tour event this past weekend as well. Who emerged victorious? Japan!</div><div><br /></div><div>Add it up and it is 2 titles for Japan, 2 titles for Korea and 1 title for China. In one weekend!</div><div><br /></div><div>We can attribute the success of curling in Asia to the most recent Olympic Games being held in Korea (2018) and China (2022).</div><div><br /></div><div>With the success of the sport at both of the Winter Olympics, Asian nations have thrust a great amount of support behind the sport. And not just in the financial aspect either (although that certainly helps).</div><div><br /></div><div>We talk about #growthesport from many different perspectives with many different ideas but are we at the cusp of seeing an Asian takeover?</div><div><br /></div><div>Not that we should complain or minimize their successes either. These teams are outstanding.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having been to a few tour events already this season in person, including commentating numerous draws this past weekend at the Autumn Gold Curling Classic in Calgary, I can attest to these teams being as good as advertised.</div><div><br /></div><div>These results are not by accident or luck. These teams are playing week in and week out. As they say, "No rest for the wicked" right?</div><div><br /></div><div>And right now, the Asian nations are the "wicked" in the most positive sense of the word.</div><div><br /></div><div>How can Canadian teams, and even European and/or American teams, keep up with them? Well, isn't that the NEW million dollar question?!?!</div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever the answer is or becomes, it better happen sooner rather than later. Right now the 2023/24 curling season has entered an "Asian Domination Era".</div><div><br />Of course, we will also see if that era continues when the Grand Slam of Curling season kicks off next weekend at the Tour Challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div>As the blog says...#StayTuned ๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div>Time to toss the runback to summarize the weekend action.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Stu Sells Tankard (W)</i></b> - Team E. Kim (KOR) def. Team Yoshimura (JPN): A championship match between 2 teams who reached the final with identical 5-1 records. Both reached the playoff bracket with 3-1 RR records. Team Kim's path the championship included playoff wins over Team Wang (QF) and Team Han (SF), proving to be the thorn in the side of Chinese curling this weekend. For Yoshimura, they picked up playoff wins over Team Froud (QF) and Team Mann (SF) to end any hopes of a Canadian champion in Barrie. </div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Stu Sells Tankard (M)</i></b> - Team Morozumi (JPN) def. Team Jeong (KOR): Team Morozumi ensured it would not be a Korean sweep in Barrie when they took the title over their Korean opposition. Morozumi went 3-1 in the RR to reach the playoffs and then picked up wins over Team Hoesli (QF) and Team Fournier (SF). For Jeong, they went 4-1 to reach the playoff bracket and secured Ws over Team Park (QF) and Team Purcell (SF) to reach the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic (W)</i></b> - Team Gim (KOR) def. Team Nakamura (JPN): The champs were able to #DefendTheIce, taking the shortest path possible to take home the title once again. After qualifying via the A-side, Gim scored playoff wins over C-qualifiers Team Hunkin (QF) and Team B. Peterson (SF). Nakamura went the opposite route, navigating the long and tricky path of the #CSideGrind to reach the playoffs. Once in the playoffs, they knocked off A-qualifier Team Fujisawa (QF) and B-qualifier Team Brown (SF) to make the final. Gim also won the special Skins Game between the 2 A-qualifiers, defeating Team Fujisawa $800 - $300 after an extra end draw to the button. </div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">McKee Homes Fall Curling Classic (M) </i>- Team Fei (CHN) def. Team Parent (AB): The current world junior champions from China celebrated their 1st World Curling Tour title of the season in Airdrie, AB. Fei took the long road to the playoffs, surviving the #CSideGrind. But once there, they knocked off A-qualifier Team Hirata (QF) and B-qualifier Team Adams (SF) before winning the title. For Parent, they took the opposite road to the final, qualifying A-side and picking up playoff wins over C-qualifier Team Zou (QF) and B-qualifier Team Jacques (SF). </div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Prague Open (M) </i>- Team Ribotta (ITA) def. Team Pfister (PHI): The Pool B top teams ended up facing off again in the final. It would a reversed result from the RR though with the Italians winning the game that matters most over their Philippines counterparts. Ribotta entered the playoffs with a 3-1 record after taking their opening game loss to Pfister. They would knock off England's Team Retchless (QF) and Latvia's Team Truksans (SF) to get their second shot at Pfister. For Pfister, now representing Philippines after representing Switzerland for a number of years, the team reached the playoffs with a 4-0 RR record to earn the SF bye. In the playoffs they would defeat home favourite Team Klima (SF) to reach the final undefeated. A great debut result for the Philippines though, led by the Pfister brothers Marc (skip) and Enrico (second). Klima defeated Truksans to claim the bronze medal.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">New Scotland Brewing Co. Women's Cashspiel (W) </i>- Team Adams (NB) def. Team Christanson (NS): Chalk up a perfect 5-0 weekend for the New Brunswick foursome and a tour title on their Atlantic Canada neighbour's ice. Adams went 4-0 in the RR to earn the bye to the final before taking down Christanson for the 2nd time in the event. For Christensen, the new look team went 3-1 in the RR to reach the playoffs and defeated NL's Team Godsland in the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">New Scotland Brewing Co. Men's Cashspiel (M) </i>- Team Grattan (NB) def. Team Mosher (NS): Make it a New Brunswick sweep in Nova Scotia this weekend with Grattan following the slider of Adams in taking home the title. For Grattan, a new look team in their 1st event together, they squeaked into the playoffs with a 2-2 RR record and knocked off previously undefeated Team MacDougall in the SF. Team Mosher was #TeamUpset on the weekend, reaching the playoffs with a 3-1 RR record and defeating Team Comeau in the SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Regina Highland Rocktoberfest (W) </i>- Team Ricci (SK) def. Team Mitchell (SK): Similar to the men's final, the women's final would be an A-qualifier rematch. Unlike the men's final, this time the A-qualifier game loser would earn their revenge. Ricci reached the playoffs via the B-side and scored playoff wins over B-qualifier (and #TwineTime Team Upset) Team Orsted (QF) and C-qualifier Team Kozma (SF) before taking home the title. Mitchell, after qualifying A-side, knocked off C-qualifier Team Just (QF) and A-qualifier Team Inglis (SF) in the playoffs.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Regina Highland SaskTour Spiel (M) </i>- Team Kalthoff (SK) def. Team J. Heidt (SK): Kalthoff put together a perfect weekend to claim the SaskTour title, going 6-0 overall. After qualifying via the A-side, Kalthoff defeated C-qualifier Team Derksen (QF) and B-qualifier Team Bryden (SF) to reach the final. For Heidt, he lost the A-qualifier to Kalthoff but rebounded the qualify B-side. In the playoffs, they defeated A-qualifier Team Knapp (QF) and C-qualifier Team Laycock (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">German European Trials (M) </i>- Team Totzek (GER) def. Team Kapp (GER): The Best-of-5 trials went the full distance with Totzek capitalizing on scoring a big 5 in the opening end of the decider and never letting go of the lead. Totzek did win the opening game of the series but saw Kapp win the next two to put them on the brink of elimination. Totzek won the pivotal Game 4 to force the decider. Totzek will now head to Aberdeen, Scotland to represent Germany at the 2023 European Curling Championships next month.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mixed Doubles Super Series (MD) </i>- Team Matsumura/Tanida (JPN) def. Team Walker/Muyres (CAN): The Japanese duo was perfect on the weekend en route to claiming the title in Sherwood Park, Alberta. Matsumura/Tanida went 5-0 in the RR before collecting playoff wins over Team Nedohin/Nedohin (QF) and Team Gill/Hewitt (SF) to reach the final. For the Canadian combo of Walker/Muyres, they reached the playoff bracket with a 4-1 RR record and proceeded to score playoff wins over Team Birchard/Morris (QF) and Team Homan/Tardi (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Ready to see how the blog did with last weekend's <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/s2324-w11-happy-thanksgiving.html#more" target="_blank"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></a>?</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Stu Sells Tankard (W)</i></b> - 6 of 8 qualifiers, including 1 finalist.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Stu Sells Tankard (M)</i></b> - 4 of 8 qualifiers, including 1 finalist.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic (W)</i></b> - 5 of 8 qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">McKee Homes Fall Curling Classic (M) </i>- 5 of 8 qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">New Scotland Brewing Co. Women's Cashspiel (W) </i>- 1 of 3 qualifiers, including the runner-up.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">New Scotland Brewing Co. Men's Cashspiel (M) </i>- 2 of 4 qualifiers, including the winner.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Regina Highland Rocktoberfest (W) </i>- 4 of 8 qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Regina Highland SaskTour Spiel (M) </i>- 5 of 8 qualifiers.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the blog predicted 32 of 55 qualifiers, only sliding out of the hack with a mere 58% accuracy. On top of that, only 4 finalists. At least there was 1 winner (Thank You Team Grattan!).</div><div><br /></div><div>Quite a below average week for #TwineTime I would say. And the grade has to reflect that I suppose.</div><div><br /></div><div>And, for complete transparency, the blog will show a summary of the grades received for the predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w5.html">W4 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w6.html" target="_blank">W5 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank">W6 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html" target="_blank">W7 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w9.html" target="_blank">W8 - C+</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w10.html#more" target="_blank">W9 - B+</a></div><div><a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-sweep16-bracket-preview-with-felix-asselin" target="_blank">W10 - No Picks (T-186 - Sweep16)</a></div><div>W11 - C</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the mountain!</div><div><br /></div><div>And our mountain range is growing rockheads. Welcome the 1st Mixed Doubles Power Rankings!!</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w10.html#more" target="_blank">last week's Power Rankings</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>1. Team Mouat (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)</div><div><br /></div><div>The Scots return to action this week in Dundas before the Tour Challenge the following week.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Whyte (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>See above.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Retornaz (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>See above...again.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Dunstone (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Hmmm, there may be a theme going with no Top 10 teams competing this past weekend. This will be a quick mountain to summarize.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Gushue (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Carruthers (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Edin (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>8. Team Bottcher (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>9. Team Brunner (9)</i></b></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team McEwen (10)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Morozumi, Team Hoesli, Team Craik, Team Schwaller, Team Sluchinski</span></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Homan (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Enjoying the view...for now?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Tirinzoni (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Einarson (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Wrana (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The Top 4 retain their spots. But now the mountain gets a shake up below.</div></div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Yoshimura (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Stu Sells Tankard - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>Consistency, consistency, consistency. Reaching 4 finals already this season earns rewards on Power Rankings mountain. And the Japanese team continues to climb.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Gim (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>There is the Team Gim the blog has been waiting to see all season. Not only do they #DefendTheIce in Calgary but they do so undefeated against a very strong field. They are getting in fine form heading into the #gsoc season and the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championships. If you want to rewatch their final victory, including #TwineTime in the commentary booth, check it out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wmi3l6atK8&t=495s" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>7. Team Morrison (5)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>8. Team Black (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><b><i>9. Team Hasselborg (8)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Spots 7 - 9 see each team drop a bit but only due to inactivity and the great play from Team Yoshimura and Team Gim this past weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Han (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Stu Sells Tankard - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The blog warned you at the start of the season this Chinese team would be a threat. 3 events completed. 1 title. 2 SF. And they own a season record of 16-4. While they may sit #50 on the world rankings, if we look at their points earned for just this season, they are ranked #17. Watch Out!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team E. Kim, Team Fujisawa, Team Strouse, Team Wang, Team B. Peterson</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b>MIXED DOUBLES</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Matsumura / Tanida</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>When you win one of the strongest mixed doubles events of the early part of the season, and do so undefeated, you earn the inaugural spot atop the mountain.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>2. Team St-Georges / Asselin</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>They have been a busy duo, already competing in 3 tour events and winning 2 titles. Not to mention a QF appearance at their season opener. They are on a 12-match winning streak right now too. Plus, they are preparing to represent Canada at the upcoming World Mixed Curling Championship.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Skaslien / Nedregotten</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They won a strong event in Tallinn, Estonia last month and continue to be one of the best mixed doubles duos in the world.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Walker / Muyres</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A strong weekend of curling for the Canadian duo, now specializing together in only this discipline. They have to be considered one of the early season favourites for the Canadian MD title.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team MacMillan / Middleton</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of duos with a hot hand right now, how about this combo out of B.C.? 2 events in. 2 titles secured. And they have a season record of 14-1. Impressed? You should be! Welcome to the #TeamUpset of MD curling right now.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Roenning / Braenden</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The defending Norwegian champions and world bronze medal winners have only stepped on the ice for 1 tour event. But they reached the final before losing to main Norwegian rivals Skaslien/Nedregotten. Still a solid start the season when you reach a final undefeated at your opener.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>7. Team Kaldvee / Lill</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mixed Doubles Super Series - DNQ</div><div><br /></div><div>After a strong season opening bronze medal win at their home event in Tallinn, Kaldvee/Lill struggled this past weekend in Sherwood Park. They missed the playoffs with a 2-3 RR record. Of course their 3 losses just happened to be against 3 of the 4 SF at the event too so....</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Martin / Laycock</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Sasky pair has had a strong start to their MD season, posting a SF result at the Summer Series event in August and a Sask Tour title in Saskatoon last month.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Zheng / Pietrangelo</i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain is giving love to the #NextGen duo from Ontario. And the results speak for themselves. This team is 10-4 on the season, having reached 2 finals in their 2 tour events. Sure they came up short in those finals but they did lose to 2 teams ranked above them on the mountain (#5 MacMillan/Middleton and #2 St-Georges/Asselin)</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Armstrong / Griffith</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>We may have only seen this B.C. duo hit the ice once this season but it was a successful won (get it, won/one?), winning the title in Winnipeg at the end of August. And doing so with only 1 loss to boot.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Ramsfjell/Ramsfjell, Team Adams/Robichaud, Team Perret/Rios, Team Gill/Hewitt, Team Homan/Tardi</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Agree? Disagree? What would YOUR Top 10 look like?</div><div><br /></div><div>Share your thoughts with the #PowerRankings and reveal your Top 10 mountain on social media or in the comment section below.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>This is a MASSIVE weekend of curling action. There are numerous tour events hitting the ice as some teams prepare for next week's #GSOC Tour Challenge event.</div><div><br />PLUS, get ready to crown our first world champion of the season as the World Mixed Curling Championships get underway in Scotland.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog will return later in the week with all your #TourLifePredictions.</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-79180438137060315812023-10-05T16:38:00.000-06:002023-10-05T16:38:07.599-06:00S2324 W11 - Happy Thanksgiving<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Happy Thanksgiving</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>A Thanksgiving tradition continues in Calgary at the Autumn Gold</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7fCbWID3fUymdN3Vp-u4AXjvpmerKaFPelc_RuWeEdQnS8hKv0xq6WIqnBvtqEXJR5XNjd0YWreuyN1jc0GucJj3AplYdMRednIvt27OQhaRobEFlvA0FN7jzRaeVI9cXXZPjT5x2QN9WOSgd22L1QOFB06f04pziF8bG6weTXIKY8DRihhe_SBMgk0j/s630/HappyThanksgiving.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="420" data-original-width="630" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge7fCbWID3fUymdN3Vp-u4AXjvpmerKaFPelc_RuWeEdQnS8hKv0xq6WIqnBvtqEXJR5XNjd0YWreuyN1jc0GucJj3AplYdMRednIvt27OQhaRobEFlvA0FN7jzRaeVI9cXXZPjT5x2QN9WOSgd22L1QOFB06f04pziF8bG6weTXIKY8DRihhe_SBMgk0j/s320/HappyThanksgiving.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Welcome to Thanksgiving weekend in Canada!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A time where we, as Canadians, give thanks to everything we are thankful for in our lives.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From (hopefully) good health to a happy home to loving family to great friends...let us take this upcoming weekend to reflect and celebrate.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And while some will be hitting the ice this weekend to compete at World Curling Tour events, thus missing time with their family and friends, we hope all of them take time with their teammates and fans to celebrate a sport which can bring people together.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This weekend, truly ask yourself "What are YOU Thankful For?" and share it with those important people your life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sport is sport. At the end of the day, we can never take anything for granted. Live life to the fullest and enjoy the ride while we can.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">From #TwineTime to all of you rockheads, Happy Thanksgiving!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is a special year as the blog celebrates 10 years of existence. Over those 10 years, I have met wonderful people. From athletes competing in the sport to those behind the ice to volunteers across the globe and fans from every walk of life. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I truly am thankful for all of you who continue to support, share, like and read this blog during the curling season.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday weekend.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Now bring on the curling, right?</p><p>The Thanksgiving holiday tradition returns this year with the Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic.</p><p>You may remember last year the event was moved due to a scheduling conflict with the Grand Slam of Curling.</p><p>We can be thankful those scheduling conflicts are no more.</p><p>When we speak of tradition in curling, it is hard to find an event steeped in more tradition than the Autumn Gold Curling Classic.</p><p>The event started in 1978 and was once a part of the #gsoc calendar (2006-2014).</p><p>When the event first hit the ice at the Calgary Curling Club, the total purse was $10,000 with the winning team receiving $4,000.</p><p>Fast forward to today's offering and the total prize purse has increased to $45,000 in 2023, up from $44,000 the past 3 years.</p><p>Not only is this event steeped in long history but also #HERstory as being an event dedicated solely to the women's tour.</p><p>And not just for Canadian teams either. International teams have been competing since 1987, with the first non-Canadian team winning the title in 1995 (Sweden's Team Elisabet Gustafson).</p><p>The event is also notable for producing the first non-Canadian #gsoc champion in 2000 (China's Team Bingyu Wang).</p><p>The 1996 (won by Team Shannon Kleibrink) and 2000 (won by Team Amber Holland) editions also served as qualifier events for the 1997 and 2001 Canadian Olympic Curling Trials.</p><p>Additional notable Autumn Gold Curling Classic champions include: Marilyn Bodogh, Michelle Englot, Cheryl Bernard, Sandra Schmirler, Sherry Middaugh, Cathy King, Sherry Anderson, Stefanie Lawton, Kelly Scott, Jennifer Jones, Cathy Overton-Clapham, Eve Muirhead, Rachel Homan, Casey Scheidegger, Kerri Einarson, Tabitha Peterson and last year's champion Eun-ji Gim.</p><p>And those are just the names of the champions. You can imagine the names of competitors who have graced the ice at Calgary Curling Club over the years.</p><p>This is one of the most competitive and high-profile events on tour every season, often attracting the best of the best around the world.</p><p>If you are in or around the Calgary area this holiday weekend, stop by and check out the action live. It is an event not to be missed.</p><p>As we give thanks, we say Thank You to Curlers Corner for being an on-going main sponsor and to Calgary Curling Club for continuing to offer the Autumn Gold Curling Classic every year.</p><p>The blog will be there this weekend...and you may just hear the #TwineTime voice on live commentary duty, starting with the two evening draws on Friday. #YowieWowie</p><p>Of course, the Autumn Gold Curling Classic is not the only event happening this weekend. Lets give thanks to all the tour events hitting the ice and special thanks to those event coordinators, board members, ice crew members and volunteers who will work during the holiday weekend to bring us great curling action. THANK YOU!</p><h3><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></h3><p>ICYMI, the updated #PowerRankings were released earlier this week. Check out the new Top 10 <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w11.html#more" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p>It is preview and prediction time.</p><p><b>WOMEN</b></p><p><b><i>Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic</i></b></p><p>Calgary, AB</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Gim</p><p>Format: 32 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Fujisawa</b></p><p>To say Team Fujisawa enjoys competing at this event might be an understatement. When they are here, they are usually thriving.</p><p>And being a huge fan favourite.</p><p>Last season Fujisawa had to skip this event due to competing (and eventually winning) the Pan Continental Curling Championship just down the road at WinSport.</p><p>But the 3 events prior to last year (2021, 2019, 2018) have seen the Japanese team find great success.</p><p>Just look at the results: 2021 - Finalist, 2019 - SF, 2018 - QF.</p><p>Improvement every time. And look at the one result missing from their resume: Champion.</p><p>Is this the year? They already have 1 title to their credit this season, could this be #2?</p><p>The draw sets up nicely for them, from a ranking comparison standpoint at least. Anything short of another playoff bracket appearance would be surprising for how talented this team is and how deep the tradition of success has been here.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Abbes</b></p><p>This is a transition year for German women's curling. With the Jentsch sisters stepping away from the game during the offseason, former vice Emira Abbes has stepped in to lead the team.</p><p>The 27-year old has a strong international resume, from 2 European bronze medals (2018, 2021) to 5 world championship appearances.</p><p>But now she is in the house and skipping the team. The pressure hits different.</p><p>Going into the season, the question surrounding the national team was how Abbes would handle the pressure. And, how the rest of the team, also new, would respond.</p><p>They failed to qualify at their 2 opening events of the season, posting a 3-5 record overall in Stirling and Basel.</p><p>But last weekend they seemed to find their momentum and confidence, going 5-2 and winning bronze at the tour event in Prague.</p><p>Abbes will be familiar with this venue as well as Team Jentsch was a regular attendee of this event over the years.</p><p>The opening game will be tough, drawing Team Marks fresh off a Sweep16 appearance last weekend as well.</p><p>And, should they win, they could see Fujisawa in R2.</p><p>Do not sleep on them either though. </p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>The Asian Sensation sweeping the sport!</p><p>The blog has noted in past posts this season how strong Asian teams are competing, and contending, for tour titles.</p><p>Team Fujisawa. Team Yoshimura. Team Ha. Team Han. Team Wang.</p><p>These teams have already picked up titles this season. And Fujisawa and Ha will be in Calgary.</p><p>Not to mention Korea's Team Gim trying to #DefendTheIce and proving to always be a threat.</p><p>Japan's Team Kanai and Team Tabata have also been consistent this season and could be flying under the radar here.</p><p>Canada has not produced a champion at this event since Team Einarson went back-to-back in 2018/2019.</p><p>To reclaim the title on home soil, the Canadian teams will likely have to take down Asia. But can they do it?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Ha vs. Team Kim - Draw 1: Anytime we see an all-Korean battle on the ice, expect a good game.</p><p>Team Galusha vs. Team Englot - Draw 1: The #PolarPower is coming to Calgary! You can bet they will be a fan favourite as well. And Galusha may just have some home ice advantage with family in the crowd.</p><p>Team Martin vs. Team Holland - Draw 2: What an opener for two of the top teams from Saskatchewan. And we have already seen these teams face off at a tour event a few weeks ago. Holland won the game. Does Martin get revenge or does Holland have her number?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Fujisawa, Team Gim, Team Cameron, Team Skrlik, Team T. Peterson, Team Ha, Team Jaeggi, Team Brown</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Fujisawa def. Team Skrlik</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Stu Sells Tankard</i></b></p><p>Barrie, ONT</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Tirinzoni</p><p>Format: 24 team RR with 4 pools of 6. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Yoshimura</b></p><p>The #PowerRankings have been high on Japan's Yoshimura this season...and for obvious reasons.</p><p>6 events. 6 qualifiers. 3 finals. 2 titles.</p><p>What more does the blog need to say? </p><p>World rankings be damned, as Yoshimura sits #21. At least they earned a #gsoc invite to the Tour Challenge Tier II.</p><p>This is a very strong team. And they are coming off a finals appearance at the Shorty Jenkins a few weeks ago.</p><p>They were drawn into Group D, a favourable draw for them.</p><p>But that RR clash with Team McCarville should be fun!</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Han</b></p><p>The blog went in on buying Team Han stock during the pre-season, listing the Chinese team as a #TeamUpset in the <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/s2324-w-preview.html" target="_blank"><b>preview post</b></a>.</p><p>Well, look what they have done!</p><p>2 events under the slider. 1 tour title. 1 SF finish. An impressive 12-1 record on the season.</p><p>And don't say they have not played anyone. A few notables who have fallen victim to Han this season: Team Fujisawa, Team Jaeggi, Team Brown, Team Cameron.</p><p>They started the season ranked #116 in the world. Fast forward to the world rankings this week and Team Han is up to #50. </p><p>So yes, the blog will continue to toot its own horn on calling Team Han a #TeamUpset to watch this season.</p><p>This will be a fun draw to watch with Han competing in Group C. And the schedule gods obviously favour the Asian combo of Han and Japan's Team Kitazawa. While being drawn into the same group, they avoid playing one another as each team plays 4 RR games yet there are 6 teams per pool. </p><p>Hmmm....</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Can the blog use the same answer here as above with the Autumn Gold Curling Classic?</p><p>There are top contending Asian nations in Barrie this weekend, similar to Calgary.</p><p>Korea's Team E. Kim is always a threat. Japan will have the dangerous duo of Yoshimura and Kitazawa.</p><p>And we already discussed China's Han. China will have another rising team competing too with Team Wang, who just won a tour title last weekend.</p><p>But do not undersell Canada either, led by Team McCarville. Remember, McCarville won their opening tour event of the season last month so they have momentum and confidence with the new line up.</p><p>And pay attention to Group A. It is wide open.</p><p>Team Burns. Team Mann. Team Hardy. Team Walsh. Team Zemmelink. All 5 have the opportunity to make a statement this weekend.</p><p>And Switzerland's Team Huerlimann will be one tough team to get through to qualify. They currently sit #19 on the world rankings and also booked a ticket to the Tour Challenge Tier II.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Duncan vs. Team Wang - Draw 3: Winner should have the inside track to the playoffs from Pool C.</p><p>Team McCarville vs. Team Yoshimura - Draw 16: Blockbuster RR game between 2 teams favoured to take home the title this weekend. A finals preview perhaps?</p><p>Team E. Kim vs. Team Duncan - Draw 17: If either slips up earlier in the RR, this game could become a de facto playoff eliminator.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Huerlimann, Team Kitazawa, Team E. Kim, Team Yoshimura, Team McCarville, Team Han, Team Wang, Team Burns</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Yoshimura def. Team McCarville</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>New Scotland Brewing Co. Women's Cashspiel</i></b></p><p>Halifax, NS</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Black</p><p>Format: 6 team RR with 3 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Black</b></p><p>Bet on Black!</p><p>The blog said to bet on Team Black at the #Sweep16 last weekend in the <a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-sweep16-bracket-preview-with-felix-asselin" target="_blank"><b>podcast preview</b></a> with Felix Asselin.</p><p>Asselin didn't agree. Others didn't agree.</p><p>And look who was laughing loudest!</p><p>Black proved to be a Bracket Buster by reaching the Final Four and reminding curling fans just how good this team is. And they are making a move up the <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/10/power-rankings-w11.html" target="_blank"><b>Power Rankings</b></a> mountain.</p><p>Now they head back home and look to #DefendTheIce in Halifax.</p><p>Do you want to Bet against Black now?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Godsland</b></p><p>They may be ranked #135 on the world rankings but how many sub-100 teams have played an event this season and won a tour title?</p><p>Godsland made their season debut a few weekends ago at the Rick Rowsell and, after posting a 4-2 RR record to reach the final, they surprised favourites (and defending #TeamRock champions) Team Curtis in the final.</p><p>And after dropping both RR games to Curtis, they pulled the ultimate #TeamUpset winning the biggest game of the trio in the finale.</p><p>Could they do the same in Halifax?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This will be a classic Atlantic bragging rights event.</p><p>We have Nova Scotia represented.</p><p>We have New Brunswick represented.</p><p>We have Newfoundland and Labrador represented.</p><p>If only PEI was making the trip off the island to have a team in the field.</p><p>Regardless, the Atlantic provinces are like a family. They love to compete against one another and prove which is the best. But they also support one another and cheer one another on.</p><p>One province will end up with early season bragging rights here.</p><p>And keep one eye on Nova Scotia's Team Christenson. Marie Christenson has joined forces with a powerhouse team out of Halifax: Jill Brothers, Heather Smith and Erin Carmody.</p><p>Very, very dangerous and talented foursome right there.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Black vs. Team Christenson: A NS Scotties final preview in October?</p><p>Team Adams vs. Team Black: A 2024 STOH RR preview in October? </p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Black, Team Christenson, Team Hilliard</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Black def. Team Christenson</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Regina Highland Rocktoberfest</i></b></p><p>Regina, SK</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Barker</p><p>Format: 18 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Barker</b></p><p>The champs are back to #DefendTheIce in Regina.</p><p>And is there a team perhaps flying more under the radar out of Saskatchewan right now?</p><p>Lets remember Barker is a past Saskatchewan champion. And the team is ranked #36 in the world, just missing the cut line for the Tour Challenge Tier II.</p><p>They have already played 2 events this season, reaching the SF in Winnipeg and the QF in Saskatoon.</p><p>With all the focus being on Team Martin in Saskatchewan, is the pressure off the shoulders of Barker?</p><p>And, if so, does that actually make them more dangerous now then when they were considered a major SK Scotties threat?</p><p>This will be a good weekend to find out against other top Sask challengers.</p><p>The draw is interesting as they receive an opening round bye and only need to 1 game to reach an A-qualifier and 2 wins to reach the playoffs.</p><p>But that opening game may be more tricky than meets the eye as they draw....</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Orsted</b></p><p>Sherrilee Orsted from Moose Jaw may not be the most well-recognized name to casual curling fans but do not turn your head away from this team.</p><p>We saw Orsted compete in Saskatoon a few weeks ago, knocking off higher ranked Team Martin in the QF and reaching the SF (lost to Sherry Anderson).</p><p>A 4-1 start to the season with a SF appearance is a strong opener for any team.</p><p>Moreso for a team currently ranked #97 in the world.</p><p>In Saskatoon, they were the lower ranked team in 4 of their 5 games. And they won 3 of them.</p><p>The opening game against defending champs Team Barker should be one to watch.</p><p>If the Saskatoon results were not a "fluke" and Orsted is to be taken serious as a SK Scotties challenger this season, a strong game against Barker is needed (win or lose). </p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>With Martin, Amber Holland and Michelle Englot deciding to compete in Calgary this weekend, this field is scattered with SK Scotties challengers.</p><p>Yes, Barker is a main SK Scotties contender. As is Sherry Anderson.</p><p>But who else can step up and challenge the "big names" in Sask curling this season?</p><p>This weekend can be a massive slide in the right direction for those teams who are successful in surviving the triple knockout bracket and qualifying for the playoffs.</p><p>Plus picking up valuable Sask Tour points (and money) is always something to be thankful for!</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Barker vs. Team Orsted - Draw 2: As noted above with #Fav vs. #TeamUpset</p><p>Team Anderson vs. Team Tisdale - Draw 2: Similar to the other Draw 2 battle, we have a #Fav vs. a team who could be a future Sask #TeamUpset flag bearer.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Barker, Team Anderson, Team Mitchell, Team Selzer, Team Just, Team Pomedli, Team Stevenson, Team Tisdale</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Anderson def. Team Barker</b></p><p><br /></p><p><b>MEN</b></p><p><b><i>McKee Homes Fall Curling Classic</i></b></p><p>Airdrie, AB</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Sturmay</p><p>Format: </p><p><b>#Fav: Team Hirata</b></p><p>Japan's Team Hirata may not be getting all the buzz and excitement in the early part of the season but one should not be overlooking them either.</p><p>Currently ranked #42 in the world, they sit as the #4 ranked Japanese team in the world behind Team Yanagisawa (#17), Team Morozumi (#30) and Team Sato (#41).</p><p>But Hirata has had a great season thus far too.</p><p>They won their season opener in Hokkaido. They reached another final in Kitami. And a QF in Tokoro.</p><p>Now we will see how they handle competing in Canada, away from the friendly and familiar ice of Japan.</p><p>Their advantage could be unfamiliarity from other teams. Teams may not know them or seen them play so you are stepping on the ice with an unknown.</p><p>This is a sneaky dangerous team. Watch out Alberta!</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Hood</b></p><p>Ok, maybe some blog bias here as anyone who follows #TwineTime knows the love the blog has towards the Kiwi Curlers.</p><p>But there is validity in this #TeamUpset mention.</p><p>For one, the team welcomed lead Hunter Walker to Calgary this week.</p><p>With Walker joining his team, the New Zealand champs are back to 3/4 strength. And vice Ben Smith is closing in with a positive recovery from his <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w8-get-well-soon-ben-smith.html" target="_blank"><b>surgery</b></a>.</p><p>It has been a mixed bag of emotions for Team Hood since arriving in Canada.</p><p>On the positive, they are rock stars. Media outlets covering their arrival. Fans gravitating towards them. These boys are more popular than most Canadian teams right now.</p><p>On the flip side, Smith went down with a surgery. Walker was not able to join them right away. They have been competing with a 50% team while picking up Super Spares. And after competing in 2 events, they sit with a season record of 1-6.</p><p>But things are looking up and as the team gets closer to being at full strength, the positive results should start pouring in. Remember, they are preparing for the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championships in a few weeks, trying to replicate their performance of last year and earn a ticket to the 2024 world championship.</p><p>The triple knockout draw won't be easy. They get veteran, and last year quarter-finalist, Rob Johnson to open and, should they win, could find themselves up against Johnson Tao.</p><p>Hmmm, Tao is a recently announced Men of Curling calendar model. Where is Anton Hood's invite and/or announcement?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Alberta vs. The World.</p><p>Since 2013, this event has crowned an Alberta champion every year.</p><p>Past winners include Karsten Sturmay (2022), Aaron Sluchinski (2015, 2014), Jeremy Harty (2019, 2018) and Ryan Jacques (2020) to name a few.</p><p>Airdrie, Alberta has been very kind to home province teams.</p><p>Can the trend continue in 2023?</p><p>Alberta will be represented by 12 of the 16 teams in the field. The odds are in their favour to continue the streak.</p><p>Trying to stop them? 2023 world junior champ Team Fei from China. 2022 Olympic Zou Qiang from China. And of course Japan's Hirata and New Zealand's Team Hood.</p><p>This is the strongest international competition this event has seen since 2019 when Russia's Team Glukhov lost the final to Harty.</p><p>Alberta has the advantage. But it won't come easy to defend the streak.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Hood vs. Team Johnson - Draw 1: Welcome back Hunter! With the front end pairing of Walker-Sargon back together, could that help Hood pick up a much needed W?</p><p>Team Fei vs. Team Konschuh - Draw 1: Fei may not be getting a ton of coverage but the world junior champs are a dangerous team. Remember their names now.</p><p>Team Parent vs. Team Zou - Draw 1: Parent defeated Zou in Okotoks for their only win of the event. Rematch!</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Jacques, Team Tao, Team Hirata, Team Zou, Team Fei, Team Libbus, Team Adams, Team Hood</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Jacques def Team Hirata</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Stu Sells Tankard</i></b></p><p>Barrie, ONT</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Edin</p><p>Format: 24 team RR with 4 pools of 6. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Kleiter</b></p><p>Ok, this may be a bit of a "surprise" pick to list Rylan Kleiter as the #Fav but hear me out.</p><p>The #NextGen stud is having a tremendous start to the season...and with a slightly altered lineup in bringing in Matt Hall from Ontario.</p><p>They won the U25 #NextGen Classic. They reached a SF in Leduc. They went 3-3 in Okotoks, losing the B and C-qualifier games.</p><p>And lets not forget what they did last weekend at the PointsBet Invitational. They were huge underdogs in their opener vs. Team Koe and pulled off the Bracket Buster upset of the event. Kleiter looked to be in control of the QF game vs. Team Carruthers, having hammer in 8 of a tie game.</p><p>He elected to make a runback double rather than the tap and missed it. Carruthers won...and won the title.</p><p>But Kleiter has to take some confidence out of that...and a learning experience as well perhaps?</p><p>If this team walks into Barrie with a much deserved swagger and finds the positive momentum, why can't they be considered a #Fav to stand tall in the winner's circle? </p><p>They have a fun draw, being placed in Pool A with USA's Shuster, Korea's Park, Brier-experienced Mike Fournier and fellow #NextGen stud Tanner Horgan.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Arsenault</b></p><p>Outside of Team Asselin, we do not often get to discuss Quebec men's curling. But could Team Arsenault be the next team to watch out for out of La belle province?</p><p>They won a tour title last weekend in Valleyfield, knocking off Asselin in the final. And they arrive in Barrie on a 6-match winning streak.</p><p>While they may have opened their season in August at the Summer Series event in St-Felicien with a 2-2 record, failing to qualify, they now sit with a 8-2 record on the season and a tour title.</p><p>Besides, how much stock do we really put in August curling in Canada? Most curling clubs do not even have ice yet, right?</p><p>Arsenault will be tested in Barrie, being placed in perhaps the #GroupOfDeath in Pool C.</p><p>If they want to qualify and keep the winning streak alive, they are going to have to get through some familiar names like Owen Purcell, Andrin Schnider, John Epping and Rich Ruohonen.</p><p>Pool C is going to a dog fight!</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>With respect to those competing this weekend, this year's edition of the Tankard is missing some star power.</p><p>Defending champ Team Edin is not here. Last year's runner-up Team Ramsfjell is not here. Last year's semi-finalist Team Schwaller is not here. Last year's quarter-finalist Team Retornaz is not here.</p><p>Past champions Brad Gushue (2021, 2017), Reid Carruthers (2018, 2014) and Mike McEwen (2015) are not here.</p><p>So who will step up and be the star of the 2023 event?</p><p>Past champ Glenn Howard (2013, 2010) is here. As is John Epping (2020).</p><p>And there is still strong international representation from USA (Shuster, Casper, Dunnam and Ruohonen), Korea (Park, Jeong), Switzerland (Hoesli, Schnider) and Japan (Morozumi).</p><p>Do not overlook the #NextGen teams as well. There are a number of them who could make this event their coming out party this season. Watch out for Kleiter, Purcell, Mooibroek, Manuel and Horgan.</p><p>Yes, the "star power" may look different than year's past but it does not mean the stars are not still shining.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Draw 1: All 4 games are CRITICAL for the 8 teams playing. Wins will give the inside track to the playoff path. Loses will leave those teams facing a long road ahead.</p><p>Team Kleiter vs. Team Shuster - Draw 4: If Kleiter is to truly establish himself as a #Fav, knocking off an Olympic champion is a great statement win.</p><p>Team Howard vs. Team Morozumi - Draw 6: Name recognition alone makes this a Must Watch game.</p><p>Team Hoesli vs. Team Manuel - Draw 8: A great battle of up and coming teams to watch out for.</p><p>Team Kleiter vs. Team Horgan - Draw 13: Here are two skips with a ton of junior experience, both looking to make their name in the men's game now. Could this be a future Brier final pairing between Rylan and Tanner?</p><p>Team Mooibroek vs. Team Purcell - Draw 17: What a final RR game for both teams. Consider this a de facto elimination/qualification game. The winner should be in position for a playoff spot. The loser is probably going home early.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Kleiter, Team Hoesli, Team Epping, Team Morozumi, Team Shuster, Team Jeong, Team Purcell, Team Howard</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Epping def. Team Morozumi</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>New Scotland Brewing Co. Men's Cashspiel</i></b></p><p>Halifax, NS</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Purcell</p><p>Format: 8 team RR. Top 4 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Grattan</b></p><p>James Grattan should always be considered a dangerous skip to play against.</p><p>With 14 Brier appearances under his slider, including 2 bronze medal wins (2002, 1997), his resume speaks for itself.</p><p>Grattan will have a slightly new look to his team this year though, joining forces with #NextGen athlete Joel Krats.</p><p>You may remember Krats being a member of the junior Super Team out of Nova Scotia, skipped by Owen Purcell, in 2022. The team would win the Canadian junior qualifier and win a bronze medal at the 2022 World Junior Curling Championships representing Canada.</p><p>The Grattan-Krats pairing could be a wise one for both players.</p><p>Grattan gets a young buck behind him with lots of experience and a willingness to learn from experience.</p><p>Krats gets the opportunity to curl with a New Brunswick legend and Brier fan fav.</p><p>Plus, for Krats, this is his 3rd province to represent as he previously curled out of his home province of Newfoundland and Labrador and then out of Nova Scotia with Team Purcell.</p><p>Maybe New Brunswick will be his lucky province to secure his first Brier appearance with Jimmy the Kid?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Everist</b></p><p>Bryce Everist has been a Nova Scotia curler the blog has been keeping an eye for a number of years.</p><p>Perhaps more known for his mixed doubles success, being a provincial champion and competing at 4 Canadian Mixed Doubles Curling Championships (2023, 2021, 2019, 2018) with wife Karlee Everist.</p><p>But the success on the men's game has still been waiting in the wings, while wife Karlee is finding great success playing second with Team Black.</p><p>His best men's season was playing with Team Kendal Thompson in 2020 and finishing runner-up at the Nova Scotia Tankard.</p><p>Last season, Everist was playing vice. This season he has moved up to skip.</p><p>It is the same team as last year though, with Everist and Paul Dexter swapping backend positions.</p><p>Could this be the breakout year many have been expecting to see out of Everist?</p><p>This will be their first event of the season so there could be a little dust on those sliders. But if they can pick up some wins early, they could be the perfect #TeamUpset flag bearer in Halifax. </p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Similar to the women's preview, we get a Battle of the Atlanic.</p><p>And similar to the women's #W2W4, we see 3 of the 4 provinces represented.</p><p>Where the men differ from the women is the men will welcome PEI representation (Team Smith) while not seeing a team from The Rock in the field.</p><p>Either way, the storylines remain the same in both fields.</p><p>This is a great opportunity to showcase strong Atlantic Canada curling.</p><p>Teams who may be friendly and supportive off the ice but have a rivalry build on tradition on the ice.</p><p>Nova Scotia has the home ice advantage with half the field representing the Bluenose.</p><p>New Brunswick will have 3 teams in the field though. </p><p>And PEI, as mentioned, will send their champions as The Little Island That Could.</p><p>Which province will earn early season Atlantic bragging rights?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Grattan vs. Team Smith - Draw 2: Experience vs. #NextGen...and both with Brier experience.</p><p>Team Grattan vs. Team Everist - Draw 4: If Everist is going to make a playoff push, this would a game to show they are ready.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Grattan, Team Smith, Team MacDougall, Team Everist</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Grattan def. Team Smith</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Regina Highland SaskTour Spiel</i></b></p><p>Regina, SK</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Carss</p><p>Format: 18 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Jacobson</b></p><p>They may not be the highest ranked team in the field, sitting #58 in the world, but when you open your season with a tour title and a perfect 4-0 record you deserve the accolaids.</p><p>Not only did Jacobson win the title in Saskatoon last month, in doing so they knocked off 2 of the biggest SK Tankard names: Team Knapp (defending provincial champs) and Team Hartung.</p><p>Oh, and they beat them both...TWICE! One each to qualify and one each again in the playoffs.</p><p>Talk about a confidence boost to start a season.</p><p>Now we will see if they can continue their momentum.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Carss</b></p><p>Can the defending champs be considered #TeamUpset flag bearers?</p><p>Well when the defending champs are ranked #82 in the world, yup I think that meets the qualification standard.</p><p>Not to mention, in comparison to the teams in this field, they fall below 5 other teams.</p><p>But lets not undersell them either. They are here to #DefendTheIce after all.</p><p>Last season they surprised a few teams winning this title, qualifying A-side and going 6-0 overall. Along the way they knocked off eventual SK Tankard champ Team Knapp (SF) and a familiar name in Dallan Muyres (A-SF).</p><p>We saw them hit the ice in Saskatoon a few weeks ago for their season opener, posting a 2-2 record and making the QF.</p><p>The 2 losses: Team Knapp (A-QF) and Team Hartung (QF). Nothing to hang your head about.</p><p>They are the hunted this weekend though so that may be a bit new.</p><p>Can they replicate the feat in 2023?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>You gotta love these provincial tour battleground events.</p><p>Load up the best of the best in a single province for an event and see who emerges victorious.</p><p>Outside of Team McEwen, Team Kleiter and Team Hartun, all the big names in SK curling are here competing.</p><p>Knapp. Laycock. Jacobson. Kalthoff. Springer. Carss. Bernath. Heidt (x2). Drewitz. Gamble. Bryden.</p><p>This event will be a mini SK Tankard.</p><p>Jacobson took bragging rights to open the season in Saskatchewan.</p><p>Can he do it again or will another team step up and show they are to be considered a main contender for #TeamGreen status this season?</p><p>Who can pulverize the opposition with a Sask Slam? Score the Slaying of The Sheaf? A Prairie Piledriver to the opposition?</p><p>Ok...you get the point.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Jacobson vs. Team Gamble - Draw 1: The rankings did not hand Jacobson the opening round bye so it will be a slightly longer road to the playoffs. And Gamble is not to be overlooked.</p><p>Team Laycock vs. Team Knapp - Possible Draw 2: If both win their opener games, this would be a huge A-SF. Imagine a draw where these two names are placed right beside one another this early? Wow!</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Kalthoff, Team Laycock, Team Jacobson, Team Knapp, Team Bernath, Team J. Heidt, Team Carss, Team Springer</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Laycock def. Team Knapp</b></p><p><br /></p><p>There is a BLOCKBUSTER Mixed Doubles event this weekend in Sherwood Park, AB as well.</p><p>Just look at this entry list: </p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Shannon Birchard/John Morris.</li><li>Tahli Gill/Dean Hewitt.</li><li>Rachel Homan/Tyler Tardi.</li><li>Jennifer Jones/Brent Laing.</li><li>Marie Kaldvee/Harri Lill.</li><li>Chiaki Matsumura/Yasumasa Tanida.</li><li>Jenny Peret/Martin Rios.</li><li>Jocelyn Peterman/Brett Gallant.</li><li>Laura Walker/Kirk Muyres.</li><li>Therese Westman/Robin Ahlberg.</li></ul><p></p><p>And that is just 10 of the 18 teams entered in the RR format event.</p><p>Only EIGHT (8!!) are going to reach the playoffs, meaning VERY GOOD teams will not have a MD weekend to be thankful for.</p><p>4 of the 10 teams listed above find themselves in Pool C together! Yikes!</p><p>Keep your eyes on that event as well rockheads. It should be a fun one.</p><p>Note, we also have another Euro Qualifier to keep our eyes on this weekend.</p><p>This time the focus will be on Germany with Team Kapp (#39) vs. Team Totzek (#88) in a Best-of-5 format in Fuessen. The winner will head to Aberdeen, Scotland for the 2023 European Curling Championships to represent <i>Bundesrepublik Deutschland</i>.</p><p>Good luck to both teams.</p><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><p>The blog will be at the Calgary Curling Club this weekend, providing live commentary during the Autumn Gold Curling Classic.</p><p>Check it out on YouTube if you want to hear how I do in my commentary debut.</p><p>For those competing this weekend, good luck and good curling.</p><p>Always remember the #PowerRankings are watching. ๐๐ </p><p>Hmmm, should the Power Rankings start including Mixed Doubles? Thoughts?</p><p>(Also a test to see if you even read to the end of this blog post ๐๐)</p>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-59328821588324133922023-10-02T16:59:00.000-06:002023-10-02T16:59:10.594-06:00Power Rankings - W11<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - W11</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Tour Challenge field is set</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXJkUpxZINfHU0be4KTkiCYWUk4RGJ48GOdgwsfilKGzo_l9kPZuDH8bjX4YZfBB_aT8IqPB15-u25E_zKXSd8PT0V_muovKUSf1DRR1i1ZNf6qQlttl7vWNCrm25x6vYbSvlhUvk4m4i7GGWo9551DzPUleTVxcG7qzqFHG84XPdMxO6MjNoJG_FHn_4/s750/Rankings_UpDown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="750" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUXJkUpxZINfHU0be4KTkiCYWUk4RGJ48GOdgwsfilKGzo_l9kPZuDH8bjX4YZfBB_aT8IqPB15-u25E_zKXSd8PT0V_muovKUSf1DRR1i1ZNf6qQlttl7vWNCrm25x6vYbSvlhUvk4m4i7GGWo9551DzPUleTVxcG7qzqFHG84XPdMxO6MjNoJG_FHn_4/s320/Rankings_UpDown.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From a blockbuster PointsBet Invitational #Sweep16 bracket event to teams confirming their tickets to the first #gsoc of the season, the final weekend of September had the curling community talking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The top women's rivalry in Canada wrote another chapter in the #PBInvitational finale.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A men's team who looked ready for a flight home in the QF (and SF) survived and were able to #DefendTheIce in improbable fashion.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Tour Challenge revealed the Tier I and Tier II teams heading to Niagara Falls in a few weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, on the World Curling Tour scene, Asian nations continue to show up and show off their talents against their Canadian counterparts...almost sweeping a playoff bracket in Vernon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Plus, what do we think of the #PowerRankings double arrow graphic? I kind of like it, no?</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Ok so there was no #TourLifePredictions blog post last weekend rockheads. My bad! ๐</div><div><br /></div><div>The #Sweep16 (plus this place I go to Monday - Friday to make money) took up most of my time. But hey, the #TwineTime podcast released its <a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-sweep16-bracket-preview-with-felix-asselin" target="_blank"><b>first episode of the season</b></a> with Special Guest Felix Asselin, so that was exciting at least, right?</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets give a shoutout to all the teams who received invites to the opening Grand Slam of Curling event of the season: The Tour Challenge.</div><div><br /></div><div>Qualifying for a slam is always a goal for any team during a curling season. The opportunity for TV coverage and competing against the best in the world can only make you better.</div><div><br /></div><div>And this Tier II field is going to be a battle as well with the winners earning a future #gsoc ticket.</div><div><br /></div><div>Congratulations to the following teams:</div><div><br /></div><div><b>TIER I</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Men</i></b></div><div>Team Mouat</div><div>Team Bottcher</div><div>Team Gushue</div><div>Team Retornaz</div><div>Team Edin</div><div>Team Schwaller</div><div>Team Dunstone</div><div>Team Koe</div><div>Team Whyte</div><div>Team Dropkin</div><div>Team Ramsfjell</div><div>Team Carruthers</div><div>Team Shuster</div><div>Team Gosgens</div><div>Team Sluchinski</div><div>Team Yanagisawa</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Women</i></b></div><div>Team Tirinzoni</div><div>Team Einarson</div><div>Team Homan</div><div>Team Fujisawa</div><div>Team Gim</div><div>Team Jones</div><div>Team Hasselborg</div><div>Team Wrana</div><div>Team Peterson</div><div>Team Grandy</div><div>Team Cameron</div><div>Team Lawes</div><div>Team Rorvik</div><div>Team Ha</div><div>Team Constantini</div><div>Team Morrison</div><div><br /></div><div><b>TIER II</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Men</i></b></div><div>Team Bryce</div><div>Team Sturmay</div><div>Team Craik</div><div>Team McEwen</div><div>Team Hosli</div><div>Team Epping</div><div>Team Brunner</div><div>Team Wiebe</div><div>Team Casper</div><div>Team Hostmaelingen</div><div>Team Nyman</div><div>Team Schneider</div><div>Team Morozumi</div><div>Team Mooibroek</div><div>Team Jeong</div><div>Team Kleiter</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Women</i></b></div><div>Team Black</div><div>Team Hurlimann</div><div>Team Kitazawa</div><div>Team Strouse</div><div>Team Yoshimura</div><div>Team Ladouceur</div><div>Team E. Kim</div><div>Team Skrlik</div><div>Team Hunkin</div><div>Team Dupont</div><div>Team Gray-Withers</div><div>Team Inglis</div><div>Team Jaeggi</div><div>Team Campbell</div><div>Team Martin</div><div>Team Sarah Anderson</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember, the invites to participate (and whether in Tier I or Tier II) were based on the World Curling Tour rankings on Sept. 18, which included the finalization of points awarded at events wrapping up on Sept. 17.</div><div><br /></div><div>Canadian provinces will be well represented at the Tour Challenge: B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.</div><div><br /></div><div>Besides the strong Canadian representation, Niagara Falls will also welcome international competition from Scotland, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, USA, Norway, Netherlands, Japan, Korea and Denmark.</div><div><br /></div><div>Any pre-event favourites you are excited to watch compete? How could be the dangerous #TeamUpset teams lurking in the field?</div><div><br /></div><div>All the attention was on the PointsBet Invitational last weekend, for valid reason. But there were also tour events taking place. Lets toss the runback to summarize the weekend action.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>PointsBet Invitational (W)</i></b> - Team Homan (ON) def. Team Einarson (MB): The rivalry is heating up folks. Consider this just one of many games we will see between these two teams yet again this year...and probably in more finals. Homan returned to the ice victorious, new baby in hand. Homan defeated Team Park (S16), Team Ladourceur (QF) and Team Black (SF) to reach the final. For Einarson, her path to the final included victories over Team Zimmerman (S16), Team Skrlik (QF) and Team Lawes (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>PointsBet Invitational (M)</i></b> - Team Carruthers (MB) def. Team Dunstone (MB): Reid Carruthers is the PointsBet King! An event in its second year of existence has only seen one champion sit atop the rest: Reid Carruthers. But it was not as easy this year as it was last year. After a Sweep16 victory over Team Tao, Carruthers survived a 10th end miss vs. Team Kleiter (QF) and back-to-back draw to the button "extra ends" vs. Team Gushue (SF) and Team Dunstone (F) to retain the title. Hope he bought a lottery ticket because Rama has to be feeling extra lucky right now (plus he has the money to spare!). Dunstone reached the final with victories over Team Mooibroek (S16), Team Sturmay (QF) and Team McEwen (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Prestige Hotels & Resorts Curling Classic (W)</i></b> - Team Wang (CHN) def. Team Brown (BC): Last weekend Team Han represented China with a tour win. This weekend Team Wang followed the same path down the ice to take a tour title. Wang went 3-1 in the RR before picking up playoff wins over Japan's Team Kanai (QF) and compatriot Han (SF) to reach the final. Brown was trying to give the home province fans something to cheer for, reaching the final as the last Canadian standing. Brown qualified for the playoffs with a similar 3-1 RR record and scored playoff wins over Korea's Team Ha (QF) and Team E. Kim (SF). Worth noting, of the 8 qualifiers, 5 represented the Asian continent (China, Korea, Japan).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Prestige Hotels & Resorts Curling Classic (M) </i>- Team Pierce (BC) def. Team Schneider (BC): They may have entered the event ranked #105 in the world but #TeamUpset reigned supreme over the weekend, going 7-0 to claim the title. Pierce went 4-0 in the RR and reached the final with playoff victories over Korea's Team Park (QF) and Japan's Team Morozumi (SF). For Schneider, it was the long path to the final. After posting a 2-2 RR record, Schneider needed to survive a TB game (def. Team Fenton) to reach the playoff bracket. Once there, the team secured wins over Japan's Team Yanagisawa (QF) and B.C.'s Team Richard (SF) before running out of gas in the final.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Prague Ladies International (W) </i>- Team Synackova (CZE) def. Team Kubeskova (CZE): An all-Czechia finale in front of home nation fans in Prague. And a #TeamUpset final result to boot with Synackova scoring 3 in 8 to tie the game and wearing the #StealPants in the extra to take the title. Synackova also earned revenge for the RR lose to their compatriots in the finale. Synackova squeaked into the playoff bracket with a 3-2 RR record but then posted playoffs wins over Czechia's Team Farkova (QF) and Germany's Team Abbes (SF) to make the final. For Kubeskova, they reached the final undefeated after posting a 5-0 RR record and a SF victory over Czechia's Team Hronova. Abbes defeated Hronova to claim 3rd place.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Tallinn Men's International Challenger (M) </i>- Team Stocker (SUI) def. Team Nyman (SWE): The young new look team from Switzerland continues their strong start to the season, collecting their 1st tour title together. And going 8-0 over the weekend to do so. After posting a 5-0 RR record, Stocker defeated Norway's Team Hostmaelingen (QF) and fellow Swiss Team Brunner (SF) to make the final. For Sweden's Nyman, they went 4-1 in the RR and secured their berth in the final with a SF win over Switzerland's Team Schnider.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Invitation Valleyfield (M) </i>- Team Arsenault (QC) def. Team Asselin (QC): An all-Quebec finale in Valleyfield went to the team from Levis knocking off the defending provincial champs from Montreal, with both teams entering the final undefeated. Arsenault and Asselin qualified with identical 3-0 RR records with Arsenault defeating Team Munroe (QF) and Team Desjardins (SF) en route to the final while Asselin knocked off Team Lawton (QF) and Team Wise (SF). </div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>As already noted, there were no #TourLifePredictions last week.</div><div><br /></div><div>But the blog can report on how the #Sweep16 bracket challenge went. It went...not well.</div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the #TwineTime brackets finished with 720 points, good enough to finish T-186 overall. Yikes!</div><div><br /></div><div>Hey, at least I predicted Homan to win though, right? And predicted Einarson in the final too.</div><div><br /></div><div>There were a few bright spots as well, like Team Wiebe winning the S16 opening game vs. Team Epping and Team Black making it to the women's SF.</div><div><br /></div><div>Not my best bracket challenge though....</div><div><br /></div><div>And, for complete transparency, the blog will show a summary of the grades received for the predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w5.html">W4 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w6.html" target="_blank">W5 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank">W6 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html" target="_blank">W7 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w9.html" target="_blank">W8 - C+</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w10.html#more" target="_blank">W9 - B+</a></div><div>W10 - No Picks (T-186 - Sweep16)</div><div><br /></div><div>The #TourLifePredictions will return later this week though rockheads.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets go Mountain Climbing!</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w10.html#more" target="_blank">last week's Power Rankings</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>1. Team Mouat (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)</div><div><br /></div><div>The Scots got to watch their top Canadian competitors fight it out for some money in Oakville...while looking down from atop the mountain of course.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Whyte (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The "Other Scots" did the same...albeit from a slightly lower viewpoint.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Retornaz (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>ICYMI - The Italian Stallions added a coach to their herd, welcoming Ryan Fry.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Dunstone (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: PointsBet Invitational - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sheriff gets taken out by his main Manitoba rival in the final...again. A QF and F result to open your season is still a positive I suppose. Last year's finals loss here propelled Dunny to the Brier final. Repeat result this season?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Gushue (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: PointsBet Invitational - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>Another PB Invitational, another SF finish. It has been a bit of a "meh" start to the season for the reigning Canadian champs. On the flip side, SF result last year ended with another Brier title so maybe this is their plan all along?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Carruthers (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: PointsBet Invitational - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>They did #DefendTheIce but it wasn't pretty. Easily could have been eliminated in the QF and/or SF round as well. But you sweat it out, sweep it out and keep rolling. Now lets see how this year's title shapes the season for Rama and the boys.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Edin (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on slam season for the Swedish Vikings to tune up for the big European Curling Championships next month in Aberdeen, Scotland.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>8. Team Bottcher (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: PointsBet Invitational - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>Entering the Sweep16 with a 13-1 record to the season and back-to-back tour titles, who would have seen Bottcher eliminated in the QF round? Of course, remember, McEwen did reach the SF in Okotoks too so maybe we underestimated the wrong team. And maybe Bottcher did as well?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>9. Team Brunner (9)</i></b></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Tallinn Men's International Challenger - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>While all the curling eyes were on Oakville, Switzerland's Team Brunner continued their hot start to the season. They reached their 3rd straight SF this past weekend in Estonia. Strength of field and all that nonsense be gone. This mountain rewards consistency, consistency, consistency. And Brunner is showing it!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team McEwen (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: PointsBet Invitational - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sasky boys follow up their SF run in Okotoks with a SF run in Oakville....as the #10 seed. Knocking off two red hot teams in the process in Sluchinski and Bottcher. Is the new lineup proving to be successful? Is Team McEwen flying under the radar this season?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Craik, Team Schwaller, Team Kleiter, Team Sluchinski, Team Stocker</span></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Homan (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: PointsBet Invitational - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes the mountain knows what it is talking about. They may have been seeded #2 in Oakville, but they left as #1...right where the Power Rankings has had them for a few weeks!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Tirinzoni (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Had Homan slipped up at all over the weekend, Tirinzoni was ready to climb into the top spot. Homan didn't. Tirinzoni stays one step behind. But they are lurking and climbing fast.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Einarson (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: PointsBet Invitational - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>There was the Einarson we were waiting to see. Sure a loss in the final will be tough but they lost to the #2 seed so it wasn't a "bad loss". Plus, maybe this is the extra fire they need going into the season. Perhaps they are now considering themselves the hunters once again. And we know how dangerous they are when they go hunting.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Wrana (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The Ice Queens from Sweden enjoyed some time off to still celebrate their Euro Challenger win over rivals Hasselborg. They only take a slight step down the mountain because of the Homan - Einarson final in Oakville.</div></div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>5. Team Morrison (5)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Morrison squeaks into the Tour Challenge Tier I field and, considering how they have played this season, this is very deserving. They could be a very dangerous teams in that #gsoc field.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Yoshimura (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>They may only be in the Tier II field but 3 finals and 2 titles to the season still has Japan's Yoshimura as one of the best on tour right now. Lets also remember Yoshimura reached the Tier II final in 2018 and followed it up with a run to the Masters final in 2019. The rankings may undersell them but the Power Rankings do not.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Black (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: PointsBet Invitational - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog was confident in the podcast preview, suggesting to Bet on Black in your bracket. The Nova Scotia foursome did not disappoint, picking up big wins over Team Martin and defending champs Team Jones to reach the SF. It still feels like this team is underappreciated for the talent they have...and the results they put up. But hey, they don't seem to mind being the dark horse either.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><b><i>8. Team Hasselborg (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the slams so we can see the motivation factor for Team Hasselborg. Without the need to prepare for the upcoming Euro's, which must still be a shock and disappointment to them, how do they refocus their season now? And can they start preparing for the world championship challenger against Wrana again?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>9. Team Strouse (8)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>This mountain is not going to punish the young #NextGen team from America because they finally enjoyed some time off. Watch out for them in that Tier II field folks.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Cameron (9)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The upstart Manitoba foursome keeps their footing in the Top 10 due to their strong play in September. Booking their ticket into the Tier I was Step 1. Now we wait and see how they perform against the best of the best.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Han, Team Fujisawa, Team Lawes, Team Gim, Team Jones</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Agree? Disagree? What would YOUR Top 10 look like?</div><div><br /></div><div>Share your thoughts with the #PowerRankings and reveal your Top 10 mountain on social media or in the comment section below.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>The blog will return later in the week to preview all the upcoming weekend action.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a pre-preview, #TwineTime will be a Guest Commentator this upcoming weekend at the Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic in Calgary.</div><div><br /></div><div>This will be a first for me so we will see how it goes. Wish me luck?</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-62731075252409787062023-09-25T21:13:00.003-06:002023-09-25T21:26:02.045-06:00Power Rankings - W10<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - W10</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Who survived the #FallFrenzy?</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg877XOtzIDC2NF4aNB1OlJq2hFTr2iikO3keA1jvc5ABt74xJUt0YI2CZ7lc1IwgrZ13NndRkFo7zKGVITe9jPotK1awf9mU7RkMdCdCTPr_1kxR-RNQ3zNWlbbazbz0B0F5e_BmfWwWjWYuAMJft4FCNFwre6pJsN23AAc-PjezsYGz827QhtEVBk7isU/s580/Power%20Rankings.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="580" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg877XOtzIDC2NF4aNB1OlJq2hFTr2iikO3keA1jvc5ABt74xJUt0YI2CZ7lc1IwgrZ13NndRkFo7zKGVITe9jPotK1awf9mU7RkMdCdCTPr_1kxR-RNQ3zNWlbbazbz0B0F5e_BmfWwWjWYuAMJft4FCNFwre6pJsN23AAc-PjezsYGz827QhtEVBk7isU/w320-h243/Power%20Rankings.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We welcomed the Fall season last weekend and survived (hopefully) some <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w9.html" target="_blank"><b>Fall Frenzy</b></a> on ice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What an action packed weekend of curling!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">From epic upsets to #DefendTheIce results to monumental comebacks to a changing of the guard, this weekend really saw everything and anything we could ask for out of the sport.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now we try to catch our breath and look back on the weekend that was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With so much curling to watch, and so many teams hitting the ice, the Power Rankings must be due for their first major shakeup of the season.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>For this week's Power Rankings post, we have no time to waste. Lets just dive right in to the content you all came for.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Shorty Jenkins Classic (W)</i></b> - Team Tirinzoni (SUI) def. Team Yoshimura (JPN): The world champs continue to roll, going 7-0 for the second straight event to claim the title. After the perfect 5-0 RR record, Tirinzoni earned a SF bye and scored a playoff wins over Team Morrison (SF). For Yoshimura, they also went 5-0 in the RR and entered the final undefeated after playoffs wins over Team Grandy (QF) and Team Schwaller (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Shorty Jenkins Classic (M)</i></b> - Team Whyte (SCO) def. Team Edin (SWE): After back-to-back championship final losses, Whyte was Right in Cornwall picking up their 1st title of the season. Going 4-1 in the RR (surviving a TB formula where 7 4-1 teams were tied for 6 playoff spots), Whyte put it all together in the playoff round with victories over Team Gushue (QF) and Team Asselin (SF). Edin, also going 4-1 in the RR, reached the final with playoff wins over Team Craik (QF) and Team Retornaz (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Alberta Curling Series Major (W)</i></b> - Team Han (CHN) def. Team Cameron (MB): The blog warned you about the return of Yu Han to the curling house as #TeamUpset in the <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/s2324-w-preview.html" target="_blank"><b>preseason</b></a> and <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w9.html" target="_blank"><b>last week's preview</b></a>...and she did not disappoint. Qualifying out of the A-side, Han went a perfect 7-0 to claim the title, including playoffs wins over Team Kanai (QF) and Team Sasaki (SF). Cameron put together another solid weekend of curling reaching the playoffs via the B-side and collecting playoff wins over Team Sturmay (QF) and defending champion Team Kitazawa (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">ATB Okotoks Classic (M) </i>- Team Bottcher (AB) def. Team Koe (AB): A perfect 6-0 weekend capped off with another tour title this season and a successful #DefendTheIce result for Team Bottcher in Okotoks. After qualifying A-side, Bottcher knocked off Team Park (QF) and Team Brunner (SF) to reach the final. Koe took the #CSideGrind road to the playoffs and reached a 3rd straight ATB Okotoks Classic final after playoffs wins over Team Dunstone (QF) and Team McEwen (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">US Open of Curling (W) </i>- Team Peterson (USA) def. Team Anderson (USA): Revenge was served in the championship final for Team Peterson. After losing the A-qualifier to Team Anderson, Peterson qualified for the playoffs via the B-side and secured a SF playoff bye. They defeated Team McMakin (SF) to reach the final and earn their revenge. For Anderson, they reached the final undefeated after securing a playoff win over Team Cousins (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">US Open of Curling (M) </i>- Team Casper (USA) def. Team Dropkin (USA): A battle of undefeated A-qualifiers headlined the final in Blaine, MN. The Young Guns knocked off The Young Bucks in the final, collecting their 1st title of the season. Casper picked up playoffs wins over Team Connolly (QF) and Team Ruohonen (SF) while Dropkin's path to the final included victories over Team Hebert (QF) and Team Sampson (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Great Western Brewing Bonspiel (W) </i>- Team Anderson (SK) def. Team Silvernagle (SK): Sherry Anderson was able to #DefendTheIce and remain the only team to capture this tour event title in its brief 2-year #HERstory. Anderson went a perfect 6-0 on the weekend, posting a 3-0 RR record and scoring playoff wins over Team Englot (QF) and Team Orsted (SF). For defending SK champs Silvernagle, they qualified for the playoffs with a 3-1 RR record and reached the final after playoff wins over Team Barker (QF) and Team Holland (SF). The final was a rematch of the final RR game, also won by Anderson.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Great Western Brewing Bonspiel (M) </i>- Team Jacobson (SK) def. Team Knapp (SK): The quickest path to a championship belongs to Team Jacobson! After needing 2 wins to qualify A-side, earning a bye to the SF, they knocked off Team Hartung before winning the final against Team Knapp. A perfect 4-0 record to open their season. For defending SK champs Knapp, they qualified via the #CSideGrind and secured playoffs wins over Team Kalthoff (QF) and Team Bernath (SF).</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rick Rowsell Classic (W) </i>- Team Godsland (NL) def. Team Curtis (NL): Full event results not available by date/time of blog post publishing.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rick Rowsell Classic (M) </i>- Team Young (NL) def. Team Symonds (NL): The defending champs win 3 straight games on playoff Sunday to #DefendTheIce in St. Johns. After taking a final RR loss to Symonds, forcing the team into the long playoff road, Young earned their revenge in the final to hold on to their title.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">The Curling Store Cashspiel (W) </i>- Team Daigle (NS) def. Team Black (NS): Team Daigle went a perfect 6-0 to claim the title in their season opener. After posted a 5-0 RR record, Daigle earned a bye to the final and rematch with Black, whom she defeated in the RR. For Black, she reached the playoffs with a 4-1 RR record and secured her spot in the final with a SF win over Team Christianson.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Tallinn Mixed Doubles International (MD) </i>- Team Skaslien / Nedregotten (NOR) def. Team Roenning / Braenden (NOR): An all-Norwegian final between last year's Norwegian champions and the 2022 Olympic silver medal winners. Skaslien/Nedregotten qualified for the playoffs with a 4-1 RR record and their path to the final included a SF win over another Norwegian duo Team Ramsfjell/Ramsfjell. Team Roenning/Braenden went 5-0 in the RR and picked up playoffs wins over Team Oestgaard/Eriksen (QF) and Team Kaldvee/Lill (SF). The Estonian duo denied the Norwegian podium sweep and sent the home fans home happy winning the bronze medal.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Sweden Euro Qualifier Series (W) </i>- Team Wrana def. Team Hasselborg: Wrana got off to a strong start, winning the opening 3 games and putting Hasselborg's back against the wall early. Hasselborg rebounded to win the next 2 games to close the gap but could not complete the comeback. Wrana took Game 6 to clinch the series win 4 games to 2 and book her ticket to Aberdeen to represent Sweden.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Time to check out how last week's <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w9.html#more" target="_blank">#TourLifePredictions</a></b> went and hand out the weekly grade. Here is the summary (and yes, I know this is a long one!):</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Shorty Jenkins Classic (W)</i></b> - 5 of 7 playoff qualifiers, including the champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Shorty Jenkins Classic (M)</i></b> - 8 for 8 on playoff qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Alberta Curling Series Major (W)</i></b> - 5 of 8 playoff qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">ATB Okotoks Classic (M) </i>- 6 of 8 playoff qualifiers, including both finalists and champion.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">US Open of Curling (W) </i>- 5 of 6 playoff qualifiers, including a finalist.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">US Open of Curling (M) </i>- 7 of 8 playoff qualifiers, including both finalists.</div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Great Western Brewing Bonspiel (W) </i>- 6 of 8 playoff qualifiers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Great Western Brewing Bonspiel (M) </i>- 3 of 6 playoff qualifiers, including the runner-up.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rick Rowsell Classic (W) </i>- 1 of 2 finalists.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Rick Rowsell Classic (M) </i>- 5 of 6 playoff qualifiers, including a finalist.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the predictions went 51 of 67 qualifiers, 8 finalists and 2 champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>This was a comeback here after the slide the blog has been on the past few weeks.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can we grade last week's predictions an "B+" rockheads?</div><div><br /></div><div>And, for complete transparency, the blog will show a summary of the grades received for the predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w5.html">W4 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w6.html" target="_blank">W5 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank">W6 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html" target="_blank">W7 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w9.html" target="_blank">W8 - C+</a></div><div>W9 - B+</div><div><br /></div><div>A much better week of #TourLifePredictions. The grading downward slide comes to a stop...finally.</div><div><br /></div><div>Pressure will be back this upcoming week though with the PointsBet Invitational, where the blog is the defending Media Champion!</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the mountain.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w9.html" target="_blank">last week's Power Rankings</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>1. Team Mouat (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>The world champs looked human, taking a playoff loss for the first time this season. But when you put together a 16-match winning streak and own an overall season record of 18-2, a QF loss is not going to knock you from the top.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Whyte (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - Champions</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Now that was a weekend of curling for Scotland's Team Whyte! Who can say they give up 5 to Brad Gushue in the opening end, of a playoff game to boot, and win 9-7 en route to a championship title? Yowie Wowie!</div></div><div><br /></div><div>From a Power Rankings perspective, it was a no-win situation for Whyte. The mountain recognizes this. It is tough to enter an event #2, needing to make a deep playoff run against a stellar field just to hold your position, and then win and still sit #2.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Power Rankings can be cruel sometimes. But still, what a weekend for Ross Whyte and the lads.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>3. Team Bottcher (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: ATB Okotoks Classic - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>A second straight tour title. They #DefendTheIce against their main rivals. And they are 13-1 on the season, including riding a 9-match winning streak into the PointsBet Invitational this week. Watch out!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Retornaz (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>They held their position in the Top 4 by going undefeated in the RR and reaching the Final Four in Cornwall. Another strong weekend of curling for the Italian Stallions.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>5. Team Gushue (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>An "ok" opening weekend of the season for the Canadian champs. They took a RR loss early but still reached the playoffs. Giving up a 5-0 lead, even if after only 1 end of play, in the QF will sting a bit though. Not what we are used to seeing from Team Gushue.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>6. Team Dunstone (5)</i></b></div></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: ATB Okotoks Classic - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>A solid opening season weekend for The Sheriff. They reached the playoffs via the A-side but ran into a red hot Team Koe in the QF. Nothing to lower the head on though when you lose to Koe in the playoffs. Plus Koe had played 2 games (elimination games!) already on Saturday before the QF battle while Dunstone had been off since Friday. A bit of schedule backfiring perhaps.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Edin (10)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>In a field full of teams ranked above him, The King still had the last laugh...for the most part. Another deep playoff run to the final brings Team Edin climbing back up the mountain. They are dangerous when they are in pursuit.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Sluchinski (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: ATB Okotoks Classic - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>They follow up their tour win the previous weekend with a QF appearance, via B-qualifier, in Okotoks. Solid back-to-back weekends of curling for the Alberta boys, securing their spot among the Tier I elite in the process.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Brunner (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: ATB Okotoks Classic - SF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Chalk up back-to-back SF appearances in Alberta for the young Swiss team. They have played 5 events this season. 1 tour title. 2 SF results. 2 QF finishes. Is there a more "flying under the radar" team in the men's game right now?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Jacobson (NR)</i></b></div><div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Great Western Brewing Bonspiel - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>The shortest way to a title possible, playing only 4 games and claiming the title. A bit of schedule advantage in how the event played out, yes. But knocking off fellow SK challengers en route to the undefeated weekend makes a statement heading into the season.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Craik, Team Schwaller, Team McEwen, Team Maeda, Team Hoesli</span></div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Homan (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)</div><div><br /></div><div>Bring on the PointsBet Invitational this upcoming week for the #1 team on the mountain.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Tirinzoni (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>They may have had a delay in the start to their season but no slider rust for the world champions. Back-to-back tour titles. 14-0 record overall. When you go undefeated, TWICE, expect big gains up the mountain. They are coming for their #1 spot now!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Wrana (4)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Sweden Euro Qualifier - Winners</div><div><br /></div><div>Well that was a statement weekend for Team Wrana! They eliminate the monkey off the back, known as rivals Team Hasselborg, and secure their spot at the European Curling Championships. Is this the official changing of the guard in Sweden? For now, welcome the new Queens of the Ice!</div></div></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>4. Team Einarson (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>And Einarson will also pursue the PB Invitational title...and try to regain their spot atop the mountain in the process? And don't let the slight slip up on the mountain fool you rockheads. Einarson's drop is more about rewarding those who passed her rather than critiquing the team themselves.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>5. Team Morrison (9)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>When you take only 2 losses all weekend, both being to Tirinzoni, something is obviously going right. Scotland's Team Morrison has been a happy surprise to the early part of the season, building off their Euro bronze last year and looking like a top world challenger right now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Yoshimura (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>The Power Rankings mountain needs to give respect to Japan's Team Yoshimura. And after reaching their 3rd final of the season last weekend in Cornwall, welcome highest climbers of the week. Yoshimura has 3 finals, 2 titles and has qualified in every event they have entered this season. They may not be the Japanese champions but they sure are playing like it right now.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div><b><i>7. Team Hasselborg (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Sweden Euro Qualifier - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>Losing a Best-of-7 qualifier to a highly ranked team will not have too much of a punishment drop for Team Hasselborg on the mountain. But it is still going to be a bitter pill to swallow for the team, having been the face of Swedish women's curling for so many years. The big question will be how the respond for the rest of the season.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Strouse (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: US Open of Curling - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>A slight slip up against national competitors this weekend in Blaine, MN. But it could be a result of all the travel and curling this team has put in during the early part of the season. They still qualified though so they retain their spot in the Top 10.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Cameron (HM)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Alberta Curling Series Major - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Team Cameron continues to impress, week in and week out. They opened their season with a title in Winnipeg and since the calendar switched over to September, they have reached 2 SFs and this past weekend's final. Owning a 20-5 record on the season as well makes Team Cameron one of the fastest rising "Watch Out" teams on the mountain.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Fujisawa (5)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Shorty Jenkins Classic - Did Not Qualify</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Well that wasn't the weekend many expected from the Japanese champions. It is never easy losing the A-qualifier, B-qualifier and C-qualifier games but alas that was the end result for Team Fujisawa. Sometimes sports just go that way. The mountain allows them to hold their footing in the Top 10...even if only by a toe or two.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Han, Team Peterson, Team Jones, Team McCarville, Team Gim</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Agree? Disagree? What would YOUR Top 10 look like?</div><div><br /></div><div>Share your thoughts with the #PowerRankings and reveal your Top 10 mountain on social media or in the comment section below.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>Are you ready for the 2023 PointsBet Invitational? Got your brackets ready? Entered to win the $1M Bracket Challenge?</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember to sign up and enter soon at the <a href="https://www.curling.ca/2023pointsbetinvitational/" target="_blank"><b>#Sweep16 website</b></a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>It all goes down starting Wednesday with the single-elimination bracket event.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog will release the first #TwineTime Podcast of the season before the event, breaking down the field, discussing #Favs and #BracketBusters and revealing my final bracket prediction.</div><div><br /></div><div>PLUS a Special Guest will be joining the podcast to help preview all the action.</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-23573873636547184532023-09-21T11:33:00.001-06:002023-09-21T11:55:09.310-06:00S2324 W9 - Fall Frenzy<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Fall Frenzy</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>11 events hit tour ice this weekend</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJjDn2bh3ZSUhmZ5-MZPJhXJ50x51m6aTkXxsbsM-5yPewUGf9A9HDFzhE1hYtwIx8WsxMLAz6jOmGVb1q3PcntXSOpj1olFBlwFPgBZsyJKc6ihNjg0mcozTzXWmT4sFQW_d-34jKxSCL1sp-9TXh993qpiCJbz2jIQP45KoqQ6E5o9d_5faIUjY5GSn/s2500/fall+frenzy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1406" data-original-width="2500" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJjDn2bh3ZSUhmZ5-MZPJhXJ50x51m6aTkXxsbsM-5yPewUGf9A9HDFzhE1hYtwIx8WsxMLAz6jOmGVb1q3PcntXSOpj1olFBlwFPgBZsyJKc6ihNjg0mcozTzXWmT4sFQW_d-34jKxSCL1sp-9TXh993qpiCJbz2jIQP45KoqQ6E5o9d_5faIUjY5GSn/s320/fall+frenzy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first day of Fall occurs on Saturday September 23.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While the world prepares for a season of pumpkin spice lattes, Thanksgiving turkey, Halloween scares and the subtle colours of red, orange and brown, the curling world prepares for a frantic frenzy of curling tour action.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">DYK brown is actually not a colour but rather just a very, very, very dark shade of orange? No, seriously...check <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wh4aWZRtTwU" target="_blank"><b>THIS</b></a> out. #TheMoreYouKnow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There will be 6 men's events and 5 women's events hitting the ice this weekend, taking place across Canada and in the USA.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Top teams hit the ice, some making their season debuts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And others will look to build on early season success...or turnaround early season stumbles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Bring. It. On.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Plus...we are approaching slam season!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh...don't forget the social media flavour of the month for the sport too. What a debate going on...but more on that below (ATB Okotoks Classic preview, #W2W4 section if you want to jump ahead LOL)!!</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>Not only will there be a ton of rocks to watch this weekend, there are some fairly large events to focus on.</p><p>From tour events with deep curling tradition to newer events attracting some of the top teams in the world.</p><p>The Shorty Jenkins Classic will take place in Cornwall, Ontario.</p><p>This event has been held annually since 1996, minus 2002 and those pesky COVID-19 years.</p><p>A woman's field was added in 1997 and has also been held annually ever since (minus those same years).</p><p>The Classic is in honour of famous ice-maker Shorty Jenkins, who passed away in 2013. Jenkins was well-known for his pink cowboy hat, pink cowboy boots and pink leather jacket.</p><p>But besides his style, he was also known for his ice-making and studying of rocks. The concept of timing rocks to tell the quality of ice was something Jenkins took to heart.</p><p>He was a technician of the sport and a passionate supporter for the continued growth of curling.</p><p>And some of the biggest and best names in the sport have competed in and won the Shorty Jenkins Classic. Past champions include Glenn Howard, Kevin Martin, Jennifer Jones, Rachel Homan, Brad Gushue, Kevin Koe, Brad Jacobs, Jean-Michel Menard and John Epping, to name a few.</p><p>This event has become a staple on the curling tour scene and an event many players, and fans, look forward to every year.</p><p>On the flip side to an event steeped in tradition, we also welcome new events to the tour which draw world-class fields.</p><p>Enter the ATB Okotoks Classic in Okotoks, Alberta.</p><p>This event may only be in its infancy stage with 2023 being Year #3, but it already is building a reputation for being one of the best events on tour.</p><p>Kevin Koe (2021) and Brendan Bottcher (2022) are the past champions, showcasing Alberta home ice advantage. And swapping championship final wins over one another. 2023 being the TB?</p><p>And while this event does not have a women's field, if you head to Northern Alberta you will find the Alberta Curling Series Major event for the women in Beaumont, Alberta.</p><p>The men hit the ice at this "Major" last weekend. This weekend the women rule the ice at the Beaumont Curling Club. This will be the second edition of this new event but, similar to the men's event in Okotoks, is gaining momentum as a top tier tour event.</p><p>And of course we cannot forget the Rick Rowsell Classic and the US Open of Curling, two tour events also known to produce great champions from strong fields.</p><p>This year the Rick Rowsell Classic will add a women's field to the schedule as well.</p><p>Need more frenzy in your life? This is a very important weekend for Grand Slam of Curling qualification.</p><p>The Tour Challenge is right around the corner, scheduled to be played October 17 - 22 in Niagara Falls, Ontario.</p><p>The Top 16 teams based on the rankings released this past Monday September 18 qualify for the Tier I.</p><p>Teams ranked #17 - #32 will receive invites to the Tier II, once the Tier I invites are finalized.</p><p>For those teams sitting on the world rankings at #26 to #36, this could be a big weekend. If you want to get into Tier II consideration, a good weekend result might be your ticket. </p><p>Could we see a team play their way into the Tier II field this weekend?</p><p>Anything can happen remember. </p><p>Oh yes, we welcome Fall this weekend. And the frenzy that comes with it.</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></h3><p>ICYMI, the updated #PowerRankings were released earlier this week. Check out the new Top 10 <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w9.html#more" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p>Bring on the previews and predictions.</p><p><b>WOMEN</b></p><p><b><i>AMJ Campbell Shorty Jenkins Classic</i></b></p><p>Cornwall, ONT</p><p>2022 Champion: Not Held (Last Champion: Team Jones, 2019)</p><p>Format: 18 team RR with 3 pools of 6. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Tirinzoni</b></p><p>One event under the slider, one championship trophy on the mantle.</p><p>Solid way to kick off another season for the Swiss world champs.</p><p>They were the cream of the crop against European rivals last weekend, lets see how they do against some Pan Continental (and Scottish) opposition this weekend.</p><p>The RR game vs. Team Morrison should be a fun game as Morrison has been one of the strongest and most consistent teams in this early part of the season.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team St-Georges</b></p><p>We saw Laurie St-Georges on the ice last weekend, competing with her Canadian mixed championship squad at the KW Fall Classic.</p><p>The team reached the SF.</p><p>Now the focus is back on her women's game, reuniting with her Quebec women's team.</p><p>St-Georges is one of those teams chalk full of a high ceiling of potential but we are still waiting to see the full results to match.</p><p>Sitting at #60 in the world, this is a team more than capable of being Top 30 (or above) if they can enter a few more events, pick up a few more wins and start making deep playoff runs.</p><p>The talent is there.</p><p>It will not be an easy path to the playoffs though this weekend. They have 3 high ranked Asian teams standing in their pool: Korea's Team Gim and Team Ha and Japan's Team Yoshimura.</p><p>They are going to need to upset 1, if not 2, of those 3 teams to make the playoffs.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Welcome to Pool C. Also known as the #PoolOfDeath!</p><p>Look at this grouping: Team Auld, Team Grandy, Team Inglis, Team Jones, Team E. Kim, Team Mann.</p><p>Yikes!</p><p>4 of these teams are ranked in the Top 27 of the world. 2 in the Top 12.</p><p>It is quite possible we see one, or more, of these top ranked teams miss the playoffs or struggle to pick up wins.</p><p>In this field, 2 RR wins will not get you into the playoffs. 3 wins might not either.</p><p>If the potential playoff cut line is 4 wins, and you look at the teams entered in this pool, you tell me how any of those teams can be considered playoff locks?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Grandy vs. Team Inglis vs. Team Jones vs. Team E. Kim - RR: Any game combination from these 4 teams is going to be HUGE. Losses will be costly. Wins will be monumental. #YowieWowie</p><p>Team Tirinzoni vs. Team Morrison - Draw 2: A nice way to open the event for the 2 favourites out of Pool A. Luckily the loser still has ample opportunity to collect the wins needed to reach the playoffs. The winner should be comfortable for a playoff ticket.</p><p>Team Gim vs. Team Ha - Draw 15: The current Korean champ vs. The previous Korean champ. This should be a fun game...hopefully it will be streamed!</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Tirinzoni, Team Ha, Team E. Kim, Team Morrison, Team Gim, Team Jones, Team Yoshimura, Team Inglis</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Tirinzoni def. Team Morrison</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>US Open of Curling - Championship</i></b></p><p>Blaine, MN</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Ha</p><p>Format: 12 team triple knockout with 6 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Strouse</b></p><p>This may be debatable with many people probably assuming the higher ranked Team Peterson should be listed as the #Fav here but....have you been watching this season thus far?</p><p>Team Strouse is on a roll!</p><p>Moving up the world rankings. Moving up the Power Rankings.</p><p>Winning tour titles. Knocking off, basically, every team who steps on the ice against them.</p><p>4 events played. 3 finals. 2 titles. 1 SF finish. An overall record of 19-6.</p><p>And they enter play in Blaine riding a 7-match winning streak.</p><p>Plus they were a finalist here last year.</p><p>Any doubt on why they should be considered the #Fav?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Cousins</b></p><p>At first glance, you may not be familiar with the name Team Cousins.</p><p>What if I said the name Madison Bear? Sound a bit more familiar?</p><p>Three-quarters of this team competed last year as Team Bear and found success, including a playoff appearance at US Nationals.</p><p>With Bear no longer with the team, Elizabeth Cousins made the jump from second to skip, previous lead Allison Howell moved up to second and alternate Liz Janiak moved to lead.</p><p>And the new look Team Cousins was born.</p><p>They retain the majority of their ranking points from last year and find themselves sitting at #66 on the world rankings.</p><p>This will be their season opener event too.</p><p>They have alot of positives to build off last season, even with a lineup change.</p><p>And against an all-American field of contenders and challengers, this is a great opportunity to remind everyone they are here too!</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Team Peterson is the still the face that runs the place.</p><p>Team Strouse is gaining all the momentum and attention.</p><p>Team Anderson remains a dark horse #TeamUpset.</p><p>But then who? Who can step up and challenge these 3 teams? Is America only a 1 or 2 or 3 team nation for women's teams?</p><p>Or can another team in this field make a move and announce their arrival this season?</p><p>Sure the Big 3 will be favourites. But that still leaves 3 other playoff spots up for grabs.</p><p>The fun part will be seeing who answers when the opportunity door starts knocking this weekend.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Peterson vs. Team Cousins - Possible Draw 6: Both earn opening round byes so if they win their first games, they would meet in an A-SF.</p><p>Team Strouse vs. Team Anderson - Possible Draw 6: Similar to above, with the added attention of both teams being #TeamUpset contenders to start the season. One has moved past #TeamUpset consideration. The other would like to do the same now.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Peterson, Team Strouse, Team Cousins, Team Anderson, Team McMakin, Team Rhyme</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Strouse def. Team Peterson </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Alberta Curling Series Major</i></b></p><p>Beaumont, AB</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Kitazawa</p><p>Format: 22 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Fujisawa</b></p><p>Team Fujisawa has been patiently waiting 10 days to get back on the competitive ice after their QF loss at the Saville Shootout.</p><p>After winning their season opening event in Hokkaido back in August, the QF loss in Edmonton was not the end result they were hoping for.</p><p>We know how dangerous Fujisawa is. We also know how much more dangerous the team is after a loss.</p><p>This is a team who defines resiliency and turns short-term losses into long-term wins so anything less than a deep playoff run this weekend would be a surprise.</p><p>Plus, lets remember, this team is in Pan Continental tune-up mode right now with the 2023 PCCC next month.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Marks</b></p><p>The blog was big on Team Marks going into the U25 #NextGen Classic. And the team reached the final.</p><p>They missed qualification at the Saville Shootout but finished with a respectable 2-3 record, including victories over Team Einarson and Team Skrlik.</p><p>Do not let that #42 world ranking number fool you. This is a young team capable of making some noise this season against some of these higher ranked teams in the field.</p><p>We have already seen the success of Team Gray-Withers (also entered in this field).</p><p>Could we see the Double Knockout Punch from Alberta #NextGen teams with Marks and Gray-Withers making playoff runs this weekend?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>The blog has been taking note for the past few weeks about the Canada vs. The World storyline.</p><p>This weekend it really could be Canada vs. Asia.</p><p>Asian representation will be scattered all over this triple knockout draw.</p><p>Japan will have Fujisawa, defending champs Team Kitazawa, Team Kanai, Team Sasaki and Team Tabata.</p><p>And all 5 of these teams have shown strong results already this season.</p><p>Korea will be represented by Team Park, who finished 5th at a very competitive 2023 Korean Curling Championship.</p><p>And China will, hopefully, be back on the ice with Team Han and Team Wang.</p><p>You may remember from the women's <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/s2324-w-preview.html" target="_blank"><b>Season Preview post</b></a>, the blog believes Han could be a dangerous #TeamUpset this season.</p><p>The Canadian teams will be in tough to #DefendTheIce as the home nation.</p><p>Japan took the title last season. Can Canada regain the title this season or are we in for more Asian domination?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Tabata vs. Team Sasaki - Draw 2: A great all-Japanese battle from the start with the winner possibly getting Fujisawa in the A-SF game.</p><p>Team Cameron vs. Team Sturmay - Possible Draw 4: Should both win their opening games, this could be a great A-SF game for both teams.</p><p>Team Kitazawa vs. Team Marks - Possible Draw 4: The defending champs against the #TeamUpset flag bearers in an A-SF game, assuming both win their openers of course.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Fujisawa, Team Cameron, Team Tabata, Team Kitazawa, Team Gray-Withers, Team Marks, Team Hunkin, Team Sasaki</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Fujisawa def. Team Cameron</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Rick Rowsell Classic</i></b></p><p>St. Johns, NL</p><p>2022 Champion: New Event</p><p>Format: 4 team double RR with Top 2 advancing to the championship final.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Curtis</b></p><p>Stacie Curtis returned to the ice last season and it was a triumphant one. She led her team back to the Scotties, marking a 6th appearance for the skipper overall.</p><p>Team Curtis remains the favourite to #DefendTheIce in NL this season and get back to the Scotties next February.</p><p>This is a solid opening slide towards Calgary.</p><p>A small field but a field of fellow NL competitors who would love to knock off the reigning champs.</p><p>Curtis should find herself in the final. A win would give the team a ton of momentum and confidence.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: The Field</b></p><p>If teams in NL are going to become the best, they need to beat the best.</p><p>The other 3 teams in the field (Team Boland, Team Godsland, Team Taylor) will need to step up to the hack and give the champs a challenge.</p><p>For these 3 teams, it might not even be about winning the title this weekend. If one, or more, can take a W off Team Curtis and book a spot in the final, win or lose the championship, it will still be a successful weekend and a statement made.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>We get a mini-provincial preview. 4 teams from The Rock competing for a tour title.</p><p>An overwhelming favourite and defending provincial champion.</p><p>3 teams looking to step up and declare themselves a main provincial challenger.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Boland vs. Team Godland vs. Team Taylor - All Draws: If Curtis is the fav and none of the other 3 can beat her in the RR, the games among themselves will decide the final spot in the final.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Curtis, Team Boland </i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Curtis def. Team Boland</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Great Western Brewing Bonspiel</i></b></p><p>Saskatoon, SK</p><p>2022 Champion: Not Held (Last Champion: Team S. Anderson, 2021)</p><p>Format: 16 team RR with 4 pools of 4. </p><p><b>#Fav: Team Martin</b></p><p>While some teams are just getting set to make their season debuts, Team Martin is already playing into the second month of their season.</p><p>This weekend will mark their 4th event of the year. And it has been a fairly successful early part of the season too.</p><p>A run to the finals in Leduc. A SF last weekend in Winnipeg. Sure those two events bookended the 0-5 result in Edmonton but feed off the successes and slide past the struggles.</p><p>Nancy Martin may be the sentimental favourite in Saskatchewan this season.</p><p>Martin was the team to beat last year. A team many picked to represent Team Green at the Scotties, this blog included.</p><p>And then came that provincial final. The tough loss to "Welcome Back" Silvernagle.</p><p>Martin has had her share of tough losses in her career but that one had to sting.</p><p>Could Martin be shifting her mentality this season from a "why not me?" mentality to a "Revenge Tour" mentality?</p><p>Maybe the killer edge is what is missing in her game.</p><p>If so, this weekend, against fellow SK competition, is the perfect time to release the beast.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Shumay</b></p><p>Saskatchewan curling fans may be familiar with the name Jill Shumay.</p><p>After all, she was the 2013 provincial champion who represented the province at the 2013 Scotties Tournament of Hearts.</p><p>But Shumay stepped away from the sport in 2015.</p><p>Fast forward 8 years and here she is back with a new team and ready to toss on the competitive slider.</p><p>Past provincial champions always earn respect in any field, regardless of how long away from the game.</p><p>This is will be fun to welcome Shumay back to the competitive ice and see how she stacks up against the "new" competition.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>This field really is the Who's Who of Saskatchewan women's curling.</p><p>Look at the names competing: Sherry Anderson, Amber Holland, Michelle Englot, Nancy Martin, Penny Barker, Robyn Silvernagle.</p><p>And that is just to name a few top contenders.</p><p>But also we weary of the dark horse challengers like Team Blais, Team Just, Team Selzer, Team Ackerman, Team Mitchell, Team Stevenson.</p><p>This really is an early season Saskatchewan Scotties Tournament of Hearts event.</p><p>The winner will earn early bragging rights as the SK frontrunner.</p><p>There are many great events on the curling calendar this weekend but do not less this event slip by your radar.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Barker vs. Team Englot vs. Team Shumay - Pool B: 3 past provincial champions all in the same pool. This should be fun to see who survives....and do not overlook Team Blais either here.</p><p>Team Holland vs. Team Martin - Draw 6: This game could decide who wins Pool A and the winner should book a ticket to the playoffs. Plus Amber Holland and Nancy Martin are two top contenders in the province this year.</p><p>Team Anderson vs. Team Silvernagle - Draw 8: The final RR game could have major playoff implications. This is a Sask Scotties rivalry if ever there was one in recent years. Silvernagle has the 3-1 H2H advantage since 2020 with all games played at the provincial championship. Overall Silvernagle leads the H2H over Anderson 12-8 as well.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Martin, Team Barker, Team Mitchell, Team Anderson, Team Holland, Team Silvernagle, Team Ackerman, Team Englot</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Martin def. Team Barker</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>MEN</b></p><p><b><i>AMJ Campbell Shorty Jenkins Classic</i></b></p><p>Cornwall, ONT</p><p>2022 Champion: Not Held (Last Champion: Team Epping, 2019)</p><p>Format: 24 team RR with 4 pools of 6. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Mouat</b></p><p>Ok, many Canadian curling fans may want to list Team Gushue here. And there is nothing wrong with that idea.</p><p>But, Gushue will be making their season debut this weekend.</p><p>Mouat has already been playing competitive curling...and has gone 2 for 2 on tour championships.</p><p>Plus, Mouat did ascend to the #1 world ranking recently.</p><p>All the rocks align for the Scottish lads to retain their #Fav status and continue to dominate.</p><p>The path to the playoffs is probably less bumpy compared to some of their fellow high-ranked competitors so expect to see the world champs in the playoff bracket chasing down another tour title on Sunday. </p><p>If Tiger wore red to chase championships on Sunday, maybe Team Mouat should start wearing lucky blue?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Asselin</b></p><p>In last week's <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w8-get-well-soon-ben-smith.html#more" target="_blank"><b>preview post</b></a>, Felix Asselin was listed in the #W2W4 section when competing at the KW Fall Classic.</p><p>But that was with his Canadian champion mixed team. And they reached the SF.</p><p>This week, Asselin is back on the ice but with his Quebec men's team. And they are making their season debut.</p><p>We have seen this team at the Brier, coming so close to knocking off those "big name" teams and closing in on playoff qualification.</p><p>Could this be their breakout year?</p><p>They enter the event ranked #35 in the world, so close to that Tier II cutoff ranking spot.</p><p>And the path to the playoffs will not be easy. Look at their final 3 RR games: Glenn Howard, John Shuster, Bruce Mouat.</p><p>On the positive note, they open with two games they can win. Their opener is against fellow Quebec competitors Team Desjardins.</p><p>If Asselin builds off the momentum he had last weekend with his mixed team and opens this competition with 2 wins, the team could have the season opening confidence to take down the bigger names later in the RR and make a playoff push.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>The Best vs. The Rest?</p><p>And we say this with complete respect to all teams competing this weekend.</p><p>There are top of the mountain teams in this field. In fact, the Top 4 teams on the blog Power Rankings are all here: Mouat, Team Whyte, Team Gushue, Team Retornaz. Add in fellow Top 10er Team Edin.</p><p>If just those teams alone make the playoffs, there are 5 of the 8 spots gone.</p><p>Then we have Team Carruthers. Two-time defending champ John Epping. Olympic champ John Shuster. World champ Glenn Howard.</p><p>The big names could dominate here.</p><p>OR...</p><p>Do we see the next best, rest of the field make some noise?</p><p>Scotland's Team Craik is making moves this season. Owen Purcell has proved to be a dangerous opponent. Switzerland's Team Stocker made a final last weekend. And #NextGen rising star Sam Mooibroek is always ready to take down a big name.</p><p>Will "The Best" dominate the Elite 8 playoff bracket?</p><p>Or "The Rest" show they are not to be overlooked and shock the system?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Retornaz vs. Team Whyte - Draw 1: Power Rankings #4 vs. Power Rankings #2 right off the start.</p><p>Team Mouat vs. Team Shuster - Draw 2: Winner could have the inside track to winning the pool.</p><p>Team Craik vs. Team Epping - Draw 6: Craik has been on fire this season. A win over the two-time defending champ would go a long way towards qualification.</p><p>Team Edin vs. Team Carruthers - Draw 8: Blockbuster matchup anytime, any place.</p><p>Team Gushue vs. Team Sato - Draw 10: A potential trap game for the Canadians? Sata has already played a lot of competitive curling this season.</p><p>Team Whyte vs. Team Mooibroek - Draw 10: The #NextGen potential is through the roof in this game.</p><p>Team Gushue vs. Team Epping - 13: Because why not? Big name battle.</p><p>Team Carruthers vs. Team Stocker - Draw 17: Depending how both to against Edin, this could be a de facto elimination game.</p><p>Team Mouat vs. Team Asselin - Draw 18: A #WinAndIn opportunity possibly for Asselin?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Gushue, Team Mouat, Team Edin, Team Whyte, Team Craik, Team Asselin, Team Carruthers, Team Retornaz</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Gushue def. Team Mouat</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>US Open of Curling</i></b></p><p>Blaine, MN</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Dropkin</p><p>Format: 16 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Dropkin</b></p><p>Why go against the champs?</p><p>The Young Bucks return to their home state to #DefendTheIce.</p><p>Sitting at #10 in the world, Dropkin has momentum heading into the US Open.</p><p>The boys reached the SF at their last event in Europe and reached the QF two weeks ago in Oakville.</p><p>They will be overwhelming favourites this weekend.</p><p>And lets give a shout out to them for entering the US event as the defending champs.</p><p>With events in Cornwall and Okotoks listing stronger fields, and a great chance to improve their ranking points, Dropkin comes back to US soil to face national opposition.</p><p>Sometimes it isn't all about rankings and money folks. National pride and competition matters too.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Sampson</b></p><p>Ethan Sampson's team from Chaska, MN will be an interesting one to watch this weekend.</p><p>The team is coming off a QF appearance last weekend at the Mother Club event in Winnipeg as their season opener.</p><p>And now them return to home state ice to tackle American opposition.</p><p>This is a good opportunity for them to build on their momentum and success from last weekend too.</p><p>The QF result moved them into the Top 80 in the world, now sitting #76.</p><p>We have seen similar "dark horse" American teams make moves over the years (Dunnam, Casper). Is Sampson next?</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>No Shuster, No Problem.</p><p>With Shuster deciding to compete in Cornwall, some may think this event lost some luster.</p><p>Hardly.</p><p>Dropkin is back. And there are a slew of up and coming American men's teams looking to make some noise on the world rankings.</p><p>Team Casper is up to #28 in the world after a QF run last weekend in Beaumont.</p><p>Team Dunnam is sitting at #48.</p><p>Rich Ruohonen, now ranked #97, has represented the Stars & Stripes at a world championship and would love to get back there.</p><p>We have also seen early season positive results from Team Brundidge and Team Wendling.</p><p>This field is a lot deeper in talent than meets the eye.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Connolly vs. Team Wendling - Draw 1: A tough opener in the triple knockout for two teams who are quite capable of making a playoff run.</p><p>Team Ruohonen vs. Team Sampson - Possible Draw 3: If both win their openers, this could be a fun A-SF game.</p><p>Team Dunnam vs. Team Casper - Possible Draw 8: Both avoided Dropkin in the top half of the bracket so a great opportunity for both, should they make it here, as an A-qualifier game.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Dropkin, Team Casper, Team Dunnam, Team Sampson, Team Ruohonen, Team Brundidge, Team Wendling, Team Connolly</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Dropkin def. Team Casper</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>ATB Okotoks Classic</i></b></p><p>Okotoks, AB</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Bottcher</p><p>Format: 24 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Bottcher</b></p><p>Well there is a theme building for the #Fav status this weekend I guess. #DefendTheIce</p><p>But do you really want to bet against Bottcher on Alberta ice?</p><p>They already opened their season with a championship performance in Edmonton.</p><p>They are the defending champions here.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Zou</b></p><p>Welcome back to international ice China!</p><p>Do not let the world rankings fool you rockheads. Zou Qiang and his team may be ranked #140 in the world but the talent, and possibility for wins, is far higher than their ranking.</p><p>You may remember Zou Qiang from the 2022 Winter Olympics, where he was part of the Chinese men's team who finished 5th overall with a 4-5 record. </p><p>Among those 4 wins were victories over Switzerland's Team De Cruz, Norway's Team Walstad and Italy's Team Retornaz.</p><p>The return of Chinese teams on the tour was an unknown this season. Would they return? How would they perform? Could this still contend after COVID?</p><p>This will be a great opening litmus test for this team. A team quite capable of making a deep run up the world rankings this year.</p><p>And remember, Zou is a former PACC champion too (2014).</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>EVERYTHING!</p><p>Seriously, this field is stacked full of top contenders and dark horse challengers.</p><p>Your contender list will include Bottcher, Koe, Dunstone, McEwen, Morozumi, Sluchinski, Sturmay.</p><p>Your dark horse challenger list will include Brunner, Gosgens, Kleiter, Maeda, Yanagisawa.</p><p>And there are dangerous international teams: Hood, Kapp, Lee, Park and Zou.</p><p>Plus, we all know we want to see Team Sluchinski vs. Team Yanagisawa after Aaron Sluchinski's X, formerly known as Twitter, <a href="https://twitter.com/Slybomb/status/1703591916145926386" target="_blank"><b>post</b></a> last weekend right?</p><p>Mike McEwen weighed in with some replies as well so a McEwen vs. Yanagisawa game could have fireworks too.</p><p>Of note, Team Brunner did come to defense of Yanagisawa through a <a href="https://twitter.com/brunnercurling/status/1704260791917031634" target="_blank"><b>post on X</b></a>. USA's Chris Plys and Alberta's Tyler Tardi have also weighed in on the social media platform defending Team Yanagisawa.</p><p>And The Curling News <a href="https://www.si.com/curling/news/coach-furious-at-curling-cheat-allegations" target="_blank"><b>posted a story</b></a> on Tuesday with quotes from Japanese coach Bob Ursel, calling the entire situation "bullshit".</p><p>Attack shots were made. Reputations were called into question. Feelings are being hurt. Posts were deleted. Apologies were made.</p><p>The overarching end result? Unknown in some ways.</p><p>But also a reminder, camera angles at local curling clubs may be playing a game of "Magic Eye" on the viewers more than we know.</p><p>The increase of viewing opportunities is great but these are not TSN cameras either. If a team does or does not cause an infraction, we best ensure there is hardcore fact based on more than just a stationary camera hanging somewhere in a local curling club.</p><p>This story is a social media trend building and building. Lets see what happens when the players/teams meet face to face?!</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Sluchinski vs. Team Zou - Draw 1: A possible trap game for a red hot Alberta team fresh off a win and facing a team who hasn't been on competitive ice in awhile but a strong #TeamUpset challenger.</p><p>Team Kleiter vs. Team Maeda - Draw 2: A tough opener for two teams very capable of making a run to the playoffs...and two teams who already have tour titles under the slider this season.</p><p>Team McEwen vs. Team Hood - Draw 2: A Battle of Smiling Skips?! ๐</p><p>Team Sluchinski vs. Team Sturmay - Possible Draw 3: If both win their openers, we get another page in the storied Alberta rivalry.</p><p>Team Brunner vs. Team Yanagisawa - Possible Draw 4: You know that post mentioned above? It was from the game last weekend between these two teams. Rematch?</p><p>Team Bottcher vs. Team Sluchinski/Sturmay - Possible Draw 6: No words needed. We all want to see it...and it would be an A-qualifier.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Bottcher, Team Dunstone, Team Koe, Team Sluchinski, Team Brunner, Team McEwen, Team Kapp, Team Kleiter</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Bottcher def. Team Koe</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Rick Rowsell Classic</i></b></p><p>St Johns, NL</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Young</p><p>Format: 12 team RR with 2 pools of 6. Top 6 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Young</b></p><p>They are the defending provincial champions. And they will attempt to #DefendTheIce at this event as slide in the right direction towards a repeat provincial championship.</p><p>The young team (get it?!) has already hit the ice this season, competing at the U25 #NextGen Classic at the end of last month.</p><p>The SF result in Edmonton should give them confidence and momentum against their fellow NL competitors, many of whom have yet to step on competitive ice this season.</p><p>A run to the playoffs should be expected but the path will not be a given either, especially when you have names like Colin Thomas and Andrew Symonds standing in your way.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Tipple</b></p><p>Here is an up and coming team from NL who could be ready to make some noise in the next few years.</p><p>If Team Young is still considered #NextGen, Team Tipple is the #NextNextGen.</p><p>They have dual athlete presence, playing baseball in the summer months and curling in the winter.</p><p>They have a relation to the most well-known curler coming out of #TheRock.</p><p>And they have a social media personality drawing in fans year after year.</p><p>Yes, they were the inaugural winners of the <a href="https://twine-time.blogspot.com/2020/04/2020-goldengranite-awards.html" target="_blank"><b>Grant Hopley Award</b></a> in 2020.</p><p>Get to know the name Tipple now folks. You will be hearing it more often in the future.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>What makes this event so great to watch is it feels like a NL Tankard preview...at the start of the season.</p><p>We have 12 teams from #TheRock entered to compete.</p><p>With Team Gushue already at the Brier as Team Canada, Newfoundland and Labrador remain open for the taking.</p><p>The winner will emerge as the early favourite to win the provincial title.</p><p>The losing teams will become the chase pack, looking to hunt down the champion for the rest of the season and knock them off.</p><p>Consider this lap one of a marathon race towards booking a ticket to Regina for the Brier next March.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team McNeil Lamswood vs. Team G. Smith - Draw 2: This is a huge opening game for two of the favs to emerge out of Pool B. Winner will have the inside track towards a possible bye to the SF.</p><p>Team Symonds vs. Team Thomas - Draw 3: If either of these teams in Pool A are going to challenge the defending champs, they need to get out of the gate with a W first.</p><p>Team G. Smith vs. Team Tipple - Draw 4: The Present vs. The Future.</p><p>Team Symonds vs. Team Young - Draw 8: The final RR game could decide the playoff bracket and, possibly, the winner earning a SF bye.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Young, Team Smith, Team Symonds, Team McNeil Lamswood, Team Thomas, Team Skanes</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team G. Smith def. Team Young</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Great Western Brewing Bonspiel</i></b></p><p>Saskatoon, SK</p><p>2022 Champion: Not Held (Last Champion: Team K. Hartung, 2021)</p><p>Format: 12 team triple knockout with 6 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Knapp</b></p><p>The defending #TeamGreen provincial champs make their season debut this weekend.</p><p>As the highest ranked team in the field, #33, the pressure will be on them.</p><p>They are Team Sask. They rank higher. They are the hunted.</p><p>What is interesting to watch this season is how the team transitions from a #TeamUpset mentality, chasing down the top teams in the province, to becoming the team everyone wants to knock off.</p><p>For some athletes, regardless of sport, that can factor into their psychological play more than anything.</p><p>If Team Knapp can embrace the #Fav role, they have the skills to make a run at another provincial championship this season.</p><p>But first they need to get on the ice and knock off some of their provincial counterparts and play the part of a provincial champ.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Bernath</b></p><p>Bring on another #NextGen team trying to wave the #TeamUpset flag.</p><p>This is a telling year for the young team from Saskatoon.</p><p>Back at the 2022 Canadian Junior Curling Championships, Bernath was the Saskatchewan champion and ended up winning a bronze medal.</p><p>With junior days behind them, they are under that always stressful (and sometimes difficult) transition into the men's game.</p><p>We have seen Rylan Kleiter battle his way through the transition, sometimes with success and sometimes with struggles. Now we will see how Bernath handles it.</p><p>Bernath hit the ice in Edmonton at the U25 #NextGen Classic to open their season but it will be an event they will want to forget, going 0-5 and being outscored 34-13.</p><p>Big test this weekend against Sasky men's teams.</p><p>And speaking of #NextGen and Sask junior teams, keep your eyes on Team Drewitz. Drewitz represented SK at last years Canadian Junior Curling Championships as Sask2, after losing in the junior provincial SF.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>There will be a few storylines to watch out for this weekend in Saskatoon.</p><p>Steve Laycock will be back on the ice with his team, also making their season debut.</p><p>Similar for Kody Hartung. The champs are back to #DefendTheIce...with some building pressure? Hartung has been one of the most consistently strong teams in the province for years but has yet to put all the pieces together at a provincial championship. Is this their year?</p><p>And this field is full of dark horse Saskatchewan teams.</p><p>Jason Jacobson. Michael Carss. Dustin Kalthoff. Garrett Springer. Ben Gamble.</p><p>With pre-season Sasky front-runner Team McEwen and #NextGen stud Rylan Kleiter playing in Okotoks this weekend, this is a great opportunity for the "rest" of the Sasky teams to gain some momentum heading into a Sask Tour season.</p><p>And lets not overlook the "one of these things is not like the other" team in the field.</p><p>Yup, it is not only Sasky teams playing this weekend. Manitoba will be represented by Team Riley Smith. We know what a dangerous team they can be as well. Can the Buffalo run over their prairie rivals and steal the trophy?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team R. Smith vs. Team Laycock - Draw 3: A good opening test for two teams who should be considered contenders for the playoffs and possibly the title.</p><p>Team Jacobson vs. Team Hartung - Draw 3: Blockbuster Sasky battle right here. Two teams who often push for playoff spots at the provincial Tankard but fall short in the big playoff games. Could this become a secret Sask rivalry we all need?</p><p>Team Knapp vs. Team Jacobson/Team Hartung - Draw 6: This could be a massive A-qualifier game involving teams who many consider to be the main contenders for the Sask tankard, alongside McEwen/Kleiter. Of course this assumes Knapp defeats Team Carss in their opener game, not a gimme game either.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Laycock, Team Knapp, Team Hartung, Team Jacobson, Team R. Smith, Team Springer</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Hartung def. Team Knapp </b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Note, there is also a tour event taking place in Ottawa this weekend called the Capital Curling Fall Men's. There are actually men's and women's teams entered in the 16 team field.</p><p>And there are mixed doubles tour events taking place in Saskatchewan, B.C. and Estonia.</p><p>Also worth noting, the Swedish women's Euro qualifier series will take place this weekend. The blockbuster rivalry continues: Team Hasselborg vs. Team Wrana.</p><p>The winner of the series will represent the <i>Tre Kronor</i> in Aberdeen, Scotland at the European Curling Championships in November.</p><p>A classic battle between two teams in the Top 10 of the world rankings (Hasselborg #7 vs. Wrana #8)...and two teams sitting near the top of the #TwineTime Power Rankings (Hasselborg #3 vs. Wrana #4).</p><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><p>The PointsBet Invitational hits the ice next week. Are you ready to try and win a cool $1M dollars?</p><p>The #Sweep16 is BACK! You can register your bracket at Sweep 16 <a href="https://sweep16.pointsbet.ca/" target="_blank"><b>HERE</b></a>.</p><p>As your 2022 Sweep 16 Media Champion, the blog will return early next week for a bracket preview podcast, breaking down all the action for the men's and women's brackets.</p><p>Who are the #Favs? Who could be a #BracketBuster? Plus the blog will do a full bracket reveal.</p><p>PLUS....a SPECIAL GUEST will join the podcast for the preview. WHO??? </p><p>For those competing this weekend, good luck and good curling.</p><p>And as the blog says every week, remember the #PowerRankings are watching. ๐๐ </p>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-9454238003515593052023-09-18T16:51:00.000-06:002023-09-18T16:51:44.588-06:00Power Rankings - W9<p style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - W9</span></u></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>The emergence of #TeamUpset?</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TRRx2Xf7xNJ8iAyUHiwCaPKErvi_I0OoDlQcw6dSgQLCKCkGwIDNzomen9T7lSQnnww40akPADTsF-_0lfUD52iQtRb5aOuFjCPoT6DkRHr2L0c_k75oJo0yifFr0Sa-jbjmQb3l9V00pJNqeqRLnRLK8LGS-GwvuZXbIgR4L5sp0IiEfQQhMvB7x6zu/s320/RankingsImage.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="70" data-original-width="320" height="88" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6TRRx2Xf7xNJ8iAyUHiwCaPKErvi_I0OoDlQcw6dSgQLCKCkGwIDNzomen9T7lSQnnww40akPADTsF-_0lfUD52iQtRb5aOuFjCPoT6DkRHr2L0c_k75oJo0yifFr0Sa-jbjmQb3l9V00pJNqeqRLnRLK8LGS-GwvuZXbIgR4L5sp0IiEfQQhMvB7x6zu/w400-h88/RankingsImage.PNG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are a loyal #TwineTime blog reader (and of course you are, right? ๐คฃ), you are familiar with the #TeamUpset term.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The blog started the #TeamUpset reference years ago, previously noted as the "Dark Horse" in the preview posts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A #TeamUpset is a team who is entered into an event, often ranked outside the Top 20 or 25, and is a team who may not be considered a title contender but a playoff challenger.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Fast forward to this past weekend and we are seeing those #TeamUpset challengers making deep playoffs runs and becoming tour title contenders.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>If we look at last week's <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w8-get-well-soon-ben-smith.html" target="_blank"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></a> post, there were some #TeamUpset identifiers who ended up turning some heads.</div><div><br /></div><div>The first team to look at is Germany's Team Kapp. The two-time world junior silver medalists entered the weekend ranked #58 in the world and made a run to the final at the Alberta Curling Series Major in Beaumont. The team qualified A-side and knocked off some higher ranked teams along the way, including Netherlands' Team Gosgens (#15) twice, USA's Team Casper (#28) and #NextGen Team Tao (#45).</div><div><br /></div><div>On the women's side, at the Mother Club Fall Curling Classic, Team Campbell made a similar run to the finals. While they may have come up short in the final vs. Team Strouse, it was still a "surprising" run for the new look team. Entering the weekend ranked #33 in the world, Campbell knocked off higher ranked Team Anderson (#30) twice and Team Martin (#32).</div><div><br /></div><div>The Mother Club produced a #TeamUpset winner on the men's side though with #88 ranked Team Maeda from Japan picking up the tour title with a finals win over fellow #TeamUpset challenger Team McDonald (#74).</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking of Team Strouse, they entered the season with a ton of #TeamUpset buzz. And look at them now. 2 tour titles to their credit. They opened the season ranked #28 in the world. They are now sitting at #20, moving up towards a future #gsoc invite perhaps? And they are climbing the #PowerRankings mountain, but more on that below.</div><div><br /></div><div>And what about the men's results at the KW Fall Classic? A final contested between #38 Team Stocker and #60 Team Champ, with the lower ranked Champ coming out on top to take their first title of the season. Who saw that coming?</div><div><br /></div><div>If the blog goes back one month to the Season Preview posts, 5 teams were identified as #TeamUpset teams to watch this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>For the <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/s2324-w-preview.html" target="_blank"><b>women's teams</b></a>, here is how they are looking:</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team Skrlik: #21 -> #22 - Won their opening event in Leduc, struggled in Edmonton. Consistency is what is needed this season to help them keep moving up.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team E. Kim: #26 -> #23 - A QF and SF finish in their 2 events thus far have them moving up. Watch out!</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team Anderson: #30 -> #30 - 2 qualifiers out of 3 events is a good start to retain their ranking.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team B. Peterson: #37 -> #36 - A tour title in their season opener but a tough TB loss this past weekend holds them from moving up the rankings more.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team Han: #116 -> #147 - They haven't hit the ice yet this season but are entered to compete this upcoming weekend at the Alberta Curling Series Major in Beaumont.</div><div><br /></div><div>On the <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/s2324-m-preview.html" target="_blank"><b>men's side</b></a>, the #TeamUpset teams were:</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team Knapp: #23 -> #32 - A drop in rankings only because they have yet to hit the ice this season.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team Schneider: #28 -> #27 - Tough season opener was followed up with a finals appearance in Edmonton. A team on the rise.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team Hartung: #37 -> #42 - Similar to Team Knapp, a drop not because of lack of results but rather waiting to see them hit the ice for the first time.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team Karagoz: #58 -> #64 - Similar to Knapp and Hartung. Waiting for that first event of the season.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ Team Park: #75 -> #53 - Korean champs reached a final in their first tour event at the beginning of August. They will be in Okotoks this upcoming weekend, opening against Team Koe.</div><div><br /></div><div>In the early part of the season, we are seeing more of those #TeamUpset results where teams in the 30's or lower are knocking off teams ranked above them.</div><div><br /></div><div>Thus far, we are seeing slightly more of those results in the women's game. Could this signal more parity?</div><div><br /></div><div>Or, for the men's and women's game, does this just mean the division line between the Top 10/15 teams and "the rest" is growing?</div><div><br /></div><div>We will have to see how the rest of the season plays out.</div><div><br />But if you love chaos and parity in sports, keep your eyes on those #TeamUpset challengers at tour events. You never know who the next "surprise" will be!</div><div><br /></div><div>Also, note the blog brought back the old school "Rankings" logo image. This was the image used for the very <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2017/09/powerrankings-w1.html" target="_blank"><b>first Power Rankings</b></a> blog post back in September 2017.</div><div><br /></div><div>Should the blog bring back an old classic?</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>KW Fall Classic (W)</i></b> - Team McCarville (NOnt) def. Team Morrison (SCO): The Krista McCarville - Andrea Kelly new partnership got off to winning start as the new look Team McCarville won their season opener. McCarville went 3-1 to qualify and picked up playoff wins over Team Froud (QF) and last week's tour winner Team Ha (SF) to reach the final. Morrison, last week's runner-up, also went 3-1 in the RR and scored playoffs win over Team Galusha (QF) and Team E. Kim (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>KW Fall Classic (M)</i></b> - Team Champ (ONT) def. Team Stocker (SUI): The #TeamUpset Battle for the Title! Sometimes the #CSideGrind life can make for a long weekend but yield a positive ending. For Alex Champ and his team from Toronto, that was the case. They needed to grind out back-to-back C-side games to reach the playoffs. Once there, they knocked off A-side qualifier Team Craik (QF) and B-side qualifier Team Dickie (SF) to make the final. The path was much shorter for Stocker, qualifying out of the A-side and winning playoffs games against Team MacEwan (QF) and Team Asselin (SF) to reach the final with an undefeated record.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Womens Masters Basel (W)</i></b> - Team Tirinzoni (SUI) def. Team Hasselborg (SWE): The delayed start to the season did not slow down the defending world champs, including score a 6 in the final to bring out handshakes and secure the win. Tirinzoni went perfect on their season opening weekend, scoring a 4-0 RR record before playoff victories over Norway's Team Roervik (QF, rematch of last year's world final) and Denmark's Team Dupont (SF, rematch of last year's Euro final won by Dupont). For Hasselborg, they also entered the final undefeated after posted an identical 4-0 RR record and playoff wins over Team Swedish rival Team Wrana (QF) and Italy's Team Constantini (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Alberta Curling Series Major (M) </i>- Team Sluchinski (AB) def. Team Kapp (GER): A final worthy of two A-qualifiers, entering with undefeated records. A game of two different ends with Kapp dominating early and Sluchinski owning the second half. The difference was the Alberta squad scoring 4 in 7 to take their first lead. Sluchinski poured it on in the second half of the game to take control and pick up the title. Qualifying A-side meant both teams had byes to Monday morning's SF round with Sluchinski defeated Switzerland's Team Brunner and Kapp knocking off Netherlands' Team Gosgens. Both teams entered their SF games on Monday morning with more than 24hrs off in between their A-qualifier wins Saturday afternoon. </div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mother Club Fall Curling Classic (W) </i>- Team Strouse (USA) def. Team Campbell (MB): Say goodbye to the #TeamUpset tag for Team Strouse as they pick up their 2nd tour title of the season. And they did so in undefeated fashion! They posted a 4-0 record in the RR and knocked off Japan's Team Tabata (QF) and #Fav Team Cameron (SF) in the playoffs. For new look Team Campbell, their first event of the season saw them post a 3-1 RR record, avoid any of the three TB round games, and playoffs wins over USA's Team Anderson (QF) and Team Martin (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mother Club Fall Curling Classic (M) </i>- Team Maeda (JPN) def. Team McDonald (MB): After a SF appearance last weekend, Japan's Team Maeda went one round deeper and picked up the big win to claim their 1st title of the season. The #86 ranked team in the world qualified for the playoffs via the B-side bracket and picked up playoff wins over fellow B-side qualifier Team Walter (QF) and A-side qualifier Team Wiebe (SF). For Team McDonald, they reached the playoffs via the A-side qualifier and scored playoff wins over C-side qualifier from USA Team Sampson (QF) and B-side qualifier Team Wendling (SF) to enter the final undefeated.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Time to check out how last week's <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w8-get-well-soon-ben-smith.html#more" target="_blank">#TourLifePredictions</a></b> went and hand out the weekly grade. Here is the summary:</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">KW Fall Classic (W) - </i><span>7 of 8</span> playoff qualifiers, including predicting the runner-up.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">KW Fall Classic (M) - </i>3 of 8 qualifiers. #Yikes</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Womens Masters Basel (W) - </i>7 of 8 qualifiers, including predicting a finalist.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Alberta Curling Series Major (M) - </i><span>5 of 6 qualifiers (although I did think this was an 8-team qualifier so my bad!), including predicting a finalist.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mother Club Fall Curling Classic (W) - </i>8 of 8 qualifiers (although I did think this was a 12-team qualifier).</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mother Club Fall Curling Classic (M) - </i><span>5 of 8 qualifiers, including predicting a finalist.</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the predictions went 35 of 46 qualifiers and 4 finalists.</div><div><br /></div><div>This is an average week of predictions and I should downgrade myself for incorrectly predicting how many qualifiers were allocated in 2 of the events.</div><div><br /></div><div>I think this is a C+ week rockheads. So far the worst week of the season. Ugh!</div><div><br /></div><div>And, for complete transparency, the blog will show a summary of the grades received for the predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w5.html">W4 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w6.html" target="_blank">W5 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank">W6 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html" target="_blank">W7 - B</a></div><div>W8 - C+</div><div><br /></div><div>Well, that was a rough week. Ouch!</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets head to the mountain and see if the results caused a shake up once again this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html" target="_blank">last week's Power Rankings</a></b> post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>1. Team Mouat (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)</div><div><br /></div><div>The only way a team can take over the top spot right now on the men's mountain is to be entered into the same event as Team Mouat and defeat them. Even then, if it is the playoffs, it might not be enough. Yes, their grip at #1 is that firm right now.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Whyte (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Scottish 1-2 Punch retains their spots atop the world curling mountain. Whyte could get another shot at their rivals this weekend at the Shorty Jenkins Classic.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>3. Team Gushue (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The Canadian champs finally make their season debut this upcoming weekend at the Shorty Jenkins Classic.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>4. Team Retornaz (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Similar to the Top 3 teams above them, the Italian Stallions will be back on the ice this weekend in Cornwall as well. The Top 4 teams on the mountain all competing at the same event? This could get interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>5. Team Dunstone (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The Sheriff will have his guns ablaze this weekend in Okotoks as the team kicks off their season.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Bottcher (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>After a tour title last weekend, Bottcher took the weekend off to clean some hardware and prepare for another trophy run this weekend in Okotoks.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Schwaller (7)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Swiss enjoy some time off...but will they retain their spot while their competition hits the ice?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Sluchinski (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Alberta Curling Series Major - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>3 tour events for the season. 3 qualifiers. 2 titles. Yup, about time the mountain acknowledges the Alberta boys and moves them into the Top 10. Are they the early favourites for the Boston Pizza Cup?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Hoesli (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>See above with Swiss counterparts Team Schwaller. Hoesli is not scheduled to compete again until the Stu Sells Tankard at the beginning of October.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>10. Team Edin (9)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The King makes his return to Canadian curling ice this upcoming weekend in Cornwall at the Shorty Jenkins. He may be from Sweden but you know he will be a huge crowd favourite.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Brunner, Team Schneider, Team Kleiter, </span>Team Bryce, Team Waddell </div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Homan (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)</div><div><br /></div><div>The team made their climb to #1 last week and are enjoying their stay atop the mountain. But for how long?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>2. Team Einarson (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>After losing top spot, the Canadian champs are plotting their revenge to overtake their main rivals.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>3. Team Hasselborg (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Womens Masters Basel - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>And the Swedish Vikings continue their climb, following up a tour win a few weeks ago with a run to the finals this past weekend. The "old" Team Hasselborg looks to be back on the ice. Competitors watch out!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Wrana (5)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Womens Masters Basel - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>Another strong weekend of curling play. Another playoff loss to rivals Hasselborg. But the results keep them moving up...yet still behind their Swedish counterparts.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>5. Team Fujisawa (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The Japanese champs enjoyed some time off. But watch out for them in Beaumont this upcoming weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Strouse (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Mother Club Fall Curling Classic - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>And the climb up the mountain continues for the young US team. Chalk up another tour title and they are pushing for a spot among the Top 5.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Tirinzoni (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Womens Masters Basel - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>Well that is how you kick start your new season, picking up huge wins over strong European rivals and taking home the title on home nation ice. Welcome back to the Top 10 for the world champions. The blog never forgot about you. ๐</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Jones (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Only a drop due to Team Strouse picking up their 2nd tour title and Tirinzoni picking up their 1st in their season opener against a strong European field. Jones is back on the ice this weekend at the Shorty Jenkins.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Morrison (HM)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: KW Fall Classic - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>Back-to-back tour finals and qualifying in all 3 tour events played this season earns Scotland's Team Morrison a much deserving spot in the Top 10. And no rest for the wicked either as they are entered in the Shorty Jenkins field this upcoming weekend. Their first game....vs. Tirinzoni!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Gray-Withers (8)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain is not ready to dust off the #NextGen champions. Their spot among the Top 10 is on loose gravel right now though as top teams are coming for their spot on the mountain as well.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Ha, Team McCarville, Team Roervik, Team Cameron, Team Gim</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Agree? Disagree? What would YOUR Top 10 look like?</div><div><br /></div><div>Share your thoughts with the #PowerRankings and reveal your Top 10 mountain on social media or in the comment section below.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>There are some big tour events hitting the schedule this week, including the Shorty Jenkins Classic, ATB Okotoks Classic, Rick Rowsell Classic, the women's Alberta Curling Series Major and many others.</div><div><br /></div><div>If the blog can survive the work week, it will return later in the week to break down all the action.</div><div><br /></div><div>Can #TeamUpset prevail once again?</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-86721361529592198912023-09-14T16:42:00.002-06:002023-09-14T17:05:39.695-06:00S2324 W8 - Get Well Soon Ben Smith<p style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red; text-align: center;"><u><span style="font-size: medium;">#BetweenTheSheets: Get Well Soon Ben Smith</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Plus the return of the world champs</i></b></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vIWpc5Npt4nSE4RFstbQKryS8Om-gDJFi17K7T3Zervc34BiOsRYn41eb3k62wisVGy4RbZquMVtIe0aY-hTEZwyV1mLBcyUme8af3F8uSGkyIHp36zA067xyAvBNHKBXW7AX-_-K9EiFcTb3UKb8D-W6JG_6HCrb-EzxpR01w1uvkh6iWPn9oERCamL/s730/TeamHood.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="730" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0vIWpc5Npt4nSE4RFstbQKryS8Om-gDJFi17K7T3Zervc34BiOsRYn41eb3k62wisVGy4RbZquMVtIe0aY-hTEZwyV1mLBcyUme8af3F8uSGkyIHp36zA067xyAvBNHKBXW7AX-_-K9EiFcTb3UKb8D-W6JG_6HCrb-EzxpR01w1uvkh6iWPn9oERCamL/w320-h314/TeamHood.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo Credit: Team Hood Facebook Account</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The curling season rolls on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This weekend we see the return of the women's world champions, Team Tirinzoni.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There is a stellar women's field ready to hit the ice in Basel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We also see a few international teams from New Zealand, Germany and Guyana making their tour debuts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A lot to get excited about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But, before we do so, we were also reminded this week that curling is not the be all, end all of life.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Curlers are humans after all. And this week we, as a curling community, shifted our fandom to positive vibes for one of our athletes.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><p>New Zealand's Team Hood has been on quite the ride over the past year.</p><p>From the epic world championship qualification at the 2022 Pan Continental Curling Championships to fundraising to Ottawa to competing on world championship ice to moving to Calgary as their "new" home for the season.</p><p>And the boys have become instant curling fan favourites along the way.</p><p>The process has been well documented too. From skipper Anton Hood's <a href="https://twinetime.libsyn.com/betweenthesheets-with-anton-hood" target="_blank"><b>#BetweenTheSheets podcast interview</b></a> to this week's <a href="https://worldcurling.org/2023/09/newzealand-community/?fbclid=IwAR3YijHN3dGiH5lvgbtnnIcfbDGhDetwWAZcf3nKV16-tH9dwPzxZQatmyU" target="_blank"><b>World Curling Tour article</b></a>, Team Hood has arrived.</p><p>To say it has been a whirlwind of emotion may be an understatement. </p><p>Check out the #TwineTime <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TwineTime" target="_blank"><b>YouTube page</b></a> for the post-game interview with Hood at the 2022 Pan Continental Curling Championships right after finding out his team qualified New Zealand a spot in the world championship field.</p><p>And as the team just started feeling at home in their new environment in Calgary, the curling gods threw them a bad stone.</p><p>Vice Ben Smith found himself detoured into a hospital this week with an appendicitis. As announced by Smith and on the team socials, Smith headed into surgery this week and will be out of action for 6 weeks.</p><p>Luckily, as announced on team socials only a few hours later, Smith's surgery went well and he is in full recovery mode...with his teammates by his side. How can you not smile and love the team picture above? ๐</p><p>Luckily the health concern was minimal and the surgery was a huge success. And curling fans have been outpouring positive vibes and get well wishes for Smith on social media. The curling community really comes together to support one another.</p><p>It is also a reminder curling athletes are people first. Health and well-being of each athlete as a person is priority #1. And none of us are invincible, even athletes.</p><p>I can also imagine the stress placed on Smith. You just move to a new country, starting to prepare for a historic curling season and opportunity and now you are not feeling great all of a sudden and find yourself in a hospital.</p><p>In a land not your home. And without your family around you. Imagine the situation for yourself. How would you be feeling?</p><p>Luckily, of course, Smith wasn't "alone" as he had his friends and teammates right by his side the entire time, providing positivity and comfort.</p><p>But it would still be a little scary. For anyone.</p><p>Having been in a hospital once in my life, it happened to be in Phoenix, AZ while on vacation. Sure I was with good friends who were reassuring and helpful, but it is still a little scary and unnerving to be in a hospital in a foreign country. Especially if you had never been in one as a patient before.</p><p>But we are resilient people. And we fight through our battles when life throws us a curveball.</p><p>Anton Hood and Brett Sargon will play on this weekend in Beaumont, thinking of their recovering teammate and looking to do him proud with a strong Kiwi performance.</p><p>#TwineTime and the entire curling community continue to wish Smith all the best in his recovery. If you want to send him positive messages, head to his <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ben.smith.216/?hl=en" target="_blank"><b>IG account</b></a> or the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CxHtUS-OvHb/?img_index=1" target="_blank"><b>team IG</b></a> and/or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/teamhoodnz" target="_blank"><b>FB account</b></a> and send well wishes.</p><p>When you are resting and recovering, what better motivation to keep your mind positive then seeing positive well wishes from others?</p><p>On the plus side, Smith can watch his All Blacks compete at the Rugby World Cup in France. Perhaps they can score a victory this weekend to help ease his recovery?!</p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#TourLifePredictions</b></h3><p>ICYMI, the updated #PowerRankings were released earlier this week. The mountain welcomed to news and some big climbers last week. Check out the new Top 10 <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w8.html#more" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</p><p>Bring on the previews and predictions.</p><p><b>WOMEN</b></p><p><b><i>KW Fall Classic</i></b></p><p>Kitchener-Waterloo, ONT</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Kitazawa</p><p>Format: 18 team RR with 2 pools of 5 and 2 pools of 4. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Ha</b></p><p>Ride the hot hand as the fav.</p><p>Korea's Team Ha is coming off a tour win last weekend in Oakville and will have a ton of momentum in their favour when they arrive in Kitchener-Waterloo.</p><p>Their victory last weekend moved them up the rankings, now sitting #14 when previously at #18.</p><p>They are on the cusp on earning that coveted #GSOC ticket in the future.</p><p>This is the Ontario section of their season, from Oakville last weekend to Kitchener-Waterloo this weekend and in Cornwall next weekend. Can they complete the trifecta?</p><p>The path to the playoffs will see them go through 4 Ontario teams but it is manageable, especially given how they played last weekend.</p><p>Don't tell this team they are no longer the Korea champions. They are playing like they still are.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Kiemele</b></p><p>Mackenzie Kiemele and her Toronto #NextGen team should be one to watch this weekend.</p><p>When we last saw Kiemele on the ice, they were making a playoff run at the U25 #NextGen Classic in Edmonton. A SF result can yield a ton of momentum heading into this women's tour event.</p><p>The draw will be a good litmus test for them as they find themselves in Pool A with #Fav Ha and past Ontario champ Hollie Duncan.</p><p>We often assume #NextGen teams are entered in these tour events for experience...and yes, that is the case.</p><p>But we should stop assuming #NextGen teams cannot compete for women's tour titles as well. We have seen it happen in the past, we will see it happen in the future.</p><p>Can Team Kiemele turn some heads this weekend and continue their strong start to the season?</p><p>The team currently sits just outside the Top 100 at #101. A good result, with a few wins, could move them into the Top 100 next week. Check off those milestone moments and build towards the next.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>All eyes will be on the new look Team McCarville. Andrea Kelly has left her home province of New Brunswick to join forces with former Scotties rival Krista McCarville and form a new look #SuperTeam.</p><p>But will it be successful? This is their season opening event. And the results this weekend will be key to long-term possible success.</p><p>We have seen this move from Kelly in the past. Remember when she went cross-country to join Val Sweeting? That was a cup of coffee moment.</p><p>Kelly and McCarville are fan favourites and rockheads are hoping this new formation will yield positive results. You can believe people are watching their games closely this weekend.</p><p>Let us also give a shout out to #PolarPower skip Kerry Galusha. Galusha was inducted into the Governor's General Curling Club this week. This is a prestigious honour as there are only 150 members of this club. Galusha is also the first woman from NWT to receive this special achievement.</p><p>Those who have met Galusha know she is not only a great ambassador for the sport but also a great human being. Her smile and positive outlook is contagious. And we all know she is an ultimate Fan Fav.</p><p>Team Galusha reached the SF in their season opener but missed the playoffs last weekend in Edmonton. They are a previous champion here, winning the title in 2021. Can they reclaim their title?</p><p>And, from a draw perspective, pay attention to the Pool C vs. Pool D battle. With an uneven pool distribution due to 18 teams registered, Pool A and Pool B teams will play their fellow pool members.</p><p>Pool C teams will play Pool D teams for the RR. Could one pool reign supreme and eliminate the other?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team McCarville vs. Team E. Kim - Draw 1: What a season opener for the McCarville/Kelly pairing.</p><p>Team Ha vs. Team Kiemele - Draw 5: The #Fav vs. #TeamUpset.</p><p>Team Ladouceur vs. Team E. Kim - Draw 7: A great test for Ladouceur and possibly a "must win" to reach the playoffs?</p><p>Team Ha vs. Team Duncan - Draw 11: Could decide the Pool A winner and a great test for two of the championship favourites.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Ha, Team Morrison, Team McCarville, Team E. Kim, Team Duncan, Team Galusha, Team Ladourceur, Team Armstrong</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team E. Kim def. Team Morrison</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Womens Masters Basel</i></b></p><p>Basel, SUI</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Keiser</p><p>Format: 20 team RR with 4 pools of 5. Top 8 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Hasselborg</b></p><p>One event in. One tournament win. Why not assume the momentum continues in Basel?</p><p>Hasselborg is playing with heat under their sliders this season. Swedish rivals Team Wrana continue to be ahead of them in the world rankings and if Hasselborg wants to continue to be the #SwedishVikings at major events, like Euro's and world championships, they need to step up their game to better, and beat, Wrana.</p><p>And that motivation, and challenge, could be exactly what Hasselborg needs to reestablish themselves as a fierce team on tour.</p><p>The draw in Basel should see them reach the playoffs, with their main RR challenge coming from Italy's Team Constantini.</p><p>Once in the playoff bracket though, could we get another chapter of the Hasselborg vs. Wrana rivalry?</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Switzerland</b></p><p>We know the "big name" team out of Switzerland. And more on their return in a moment.</p><p>But do not underestimate the "other" Swiss teams in this field.</p><p>Team Jaeggi is no longer a #TeamUpset contender, they proved their might last season and are a regular playoff threat.</p><p>Keep your eyes on teams like Team Schwaller, Team Heurlimann, Team Heinimann, Team Blackham and Team Einspieler.</p><p>Schwaller and Heurlimann have shown their capable ways of pushing for playoffs in the past and could fly the #TeamUpset flag for the home nation into the weekend.</p><p>Lets remember, Heurlimann reached the SF a few weeks ago in Oslo and now is sitting #16 on the world rankings.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>The Return of Team Tirinzoni!</p><p>After a long wait, curling fans are ready to see the world champs back on the ice this weekend.</p><p>And it will be a new look as Selina Witschonke has joined the team in the offseason. And we all know the end of last season storyline about how that happened.</p><p>Will the end of season lineup shake up decision prove to be the "right" decision this season?</p><p>And, after how last season ended, will Team Tirinzoni remain a fan fav? The lineup change certainly brought out polarizing responses to the team. Can the team block out those off ice distractions and comments?</p><p>The Return of Jentsch!</p><p>Dani Jentsch retired at the end of last season but will make a #SuperSpare return this weekend, playing with Team Jaeggi.</p><p>Jentsch has been a fan fav in the sport for years and it will be great to see her return to the ice for a weekend of curling action.</p><p>Worth noting, Jentsch's <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2017/11/daniella-jentsch.html" target="_blank"><b>#BetweenTheSheets blog interview</b></a> remains one of the most popular #TwineTimeFam posts in the #HERstory of the blog, with over 2,500 unique views to date.</p><p>Plus we get Jentsch against her former teammates, Team Abbes, in the RR. That will be fun!</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Jaeggi vs. Team Abbes - Draw 4: #SuperSpare vs. Former Teammates. And this could be an important game towards booking a spot in the playoffs.</p><p>Team Tirinzoni vs. Team Jaeggi - Draw 7: The Battle of Swizerland! These are the leaders of Swiss women's curling and the first game of the season between both.</p><p>Team Hasselborg vs. Team Constantini - Draw 7: Both should make the playoffs but the winner could enter the playoff undefeated and with momentum towards the title.</p><p>Team Wrana vs. Team Dupont - Draw 8: HUGE game for both teams. This is the final RR game, in the final RR draw, so the winner will have playoff momentum. But, should either or both slip up earlier in the RR, this could have major playoff implications.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Tirinzoni, Team Wrana, Team Hasselborg, Team Roervik, Team Jaeggi, Team Dupont, Team Constantini, Team Huerlimann</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Hasselborg def. Team Wrana</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Mother Club Fall Curling Classic</i></b></p><p>Winnipeg, MB</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Lawes</p><p>Format: 25 team RR with 5 pools of 5. Top 12 qualify.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Cameron</b></p><p>If there were any questions heading into the season on the new look Team Cameron, Kate Cameron moving to skip and the combination of Cameron/Meghan Walter has been silenced.</p><p>The team opened the season with a championship win at the Icebreaker and followed up with a SF run last weekend at the Saville Shootout.</p><p>In fact, the team opened their season with a 9-match winning streak. When your only 2 losses on the season are to Team Einarson and Team Homan, you cannot hang your head as a new team.</p><p>This is another opportunity for Cameron to claim their seat as a main contender this season.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Campbell</b></p><p>Meghan Walter bolted for a new team with Team Cameron, as noted above.</p><p>But what about her teammate from last year, Abby Ackland?</p><p>Last season Walter/Ackland had a breakout year, reaching the Scotties as #WC3. And then the team imploded itself.</p><p>Ackland landed with a new skip, teaming up with Saskatchewan's Jolene Campbell.</p><p>Now we will see how the new Team Campbell holds up in their season opening event.</p><p>Campbell is a familiar name in the sport of course, having played the past two seasons as vice with Chelsea Carey. But she also has 5 Scotties appearances.</p><p>Manitoba is a stacked province, as we know. If Team Campbell wants to be considered one of the main contenders for the Buffalo this season, this season opening event will go a long way towards creating that narrative.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Last week's blog post discussed the <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w7-coming-to-canada.html#more" target="_blank"><b>Canada vs. The World</b></a> theme, this event will really showcase that on-going battle.</p><p>16 Canadian teams are registered to compete, with representation from B.C. to Manitoba.</p><p>5 U.S. teams are registered, including rising stars Team Strouse and fellow #TeamUpset challenger Team Anderson</p><p>4 Japanese teams are registered, including always a threat Team Yoshimura.</p><p>The Canadian teams have the statistical advantage for the playoff bracket but do not be surprised to see the teams from USA and Japan make a deep threat to "steal" those playoff spots.</p><p>This should be fun to watch.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Kanai vs. Team Tabata - Draw 1: An all-Japanese battle right from opening rock and could play into playoff qualification.</p><p>Team Martin vs. Team Brown - Draw 5: Could decide the winner of Pool 4?</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Cameron, Team Brown, Team Strouse, Team Yoshimura, Team Martin, Team B. Peterson, Team Tabata, Team Sasaki, Team Anderson, Team Campbell, Team Kanai, Team Englot</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Cameron def. Team Yoshimura</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>MEN</b></p><p><b><i>KW Fall Classic</i></b></p><p>Kitchener-Waterloo, ONT</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Fournier</p><p>Format: 19 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Craik</b></p><p>Remember the on-going conversations around #NextGen athletes making the transition into the men's and women's game. How it can take time for some. And how some never really find equal success.</p><p>Well, say hello to Scotland's James Craik.</p><p>The 2022 world junior champion (and 2020 world junior bronze medal winner) is making noise this season.</p><p>A SF run at their season opener in Baden was followed by a QF result Stirling. Losses to teams like Mouat and Retornaz certainly are not "bad losses". And wins over Schwaller, Brunner and Dropkin are impressive.</p><p>Sure, the team struggled at the Oslo Cup with an 0-4 result but that could be chalked up to 3 straight weeks of competition and travel. #NextGen teams often have to get used to that type of schedule and sometimes a slip up happens. It happens to even the best top teams in the world.</p><p>Team Craik is now sitting at #18 in the world. This is an opportunity to build on their continued rise up the rankings mountain.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Husain</b></p><p>Welcome Guyana! The South American nation is here and ready to make their mark on the World Curling Tour.</p><p>Guyana's representation on tour ups South American representation, joining Brazil.</p><p>For Ray Husain and his team, this weekend is a huge tune up in their preparations for the upcoming 2023 Pan Continental Curling Championships.</p><p>As we saw in 2022, Guyana won the B-Division to earn A-Division promotion. This result was considered a bit of a "surprise" and a true #TeamUpset.</p><p>Now the team needs to prepare for A-Division, where they will face off against top nations like Canada, USA, Japan, Korea, New Zealand and Australia.</p><p>Can Husain make a run to the championship trophy this weekend? Possibly not.</p><p>But that may not be the big picture intent of competing this weekend either. If the team can get some competitive rocks under their sliders and gain confidence and momentum towards #PCCC2023, the weekend will be a success regardless of the W/L record.</p><p>For a #growthesport perspective, get your eyes on Team Husain and support Guyana.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Canadian curling fans may want to pay attention to Team Asselin.</p><p>No, not the men's version of Team Asselin.</p><p>This weekend we will see the mixed version of Team Asselin. Also known as current Team Canada.</p><p>The Quebec foursome won the Canadian Mixed Curling Championship last November.</p><p>In doing so, they will represent Canada at the World Mixed Curling Championship this October in Scotland, where Canada is the defending champion (won in 2022 by fellow Quebecers Team Menard).</p><p>Entering the KW Classic this weekend will prove to be a great training and preparation opportunity for Team Canada.</p><p>Sure, this is a men's tour event but Asselin brothers Felix and Emile will be joined by teammates vice Laurie St-Georges and lead Emily Riley.</p><p>Can we see a mixed team compete for a playoff spot in a men's tour event? Do not underestimate Team Canada!</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Ainsley vs. Team Husain - Draw 2: A great opportunity for Husain against an experienced Ainsley.</p><p>Triple knockout formats means we are unsure what #PopcornMatch pairings we could see, which can be exciting. Imagine the possibilities:</p><p>Team Asselin vs. Team Craik. Team Fournier vs. Team Kean. Team Asselin vs. Team Fournier.</p><p>And so many possible others.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Craik, Team Fournier, Team Kean, Team Dunnam, Team Ferris, Team Sato, Team Stocker, Team Asselin</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Craik def. Team Ferris</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Alberta Curling Series Major</i></b></p><p>Beaumont, AB</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Schwaller</p><p>Format: 17 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Sluchinski</b></p><p>We know Team Sluchinski loves competing on Alberta ice. And, when doing so, often find success with deep playoff runs and tour titles.</p><p>We have seen Sluchinski compete in Leduc and Edmonton already this season, resulting in a tour title and QF finish.</p><p>The continued strong tour results can lead Sluchinski onto #gsoc ice in the near future. And we already knew, going into this season, they would be a dark horse challenger for the AB men's title.</p><p>The field this weekend has fellow Top 20 teams, top international teams and strong challengers. Another good result in Beaumont should be expected.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Kapp</b></p><p>A #NextGen team ready to make moves on the men's game...hmmm, sound familiar?</p><p>As mentioned with James Craik in the KW Classic preview, how about Benny Kapp in Beaumont?</p><p>Kapp has been the back-to-back world junior silver medal winner, reaching the finals in 2022 and 2023.</p><p>This season the team welcomes experience into the lineup with Marc Muskatewitz. Muskatewitz, or "Mukki" as some of us refer to him, has been to European and world championships.</p><p>This could be a match made in heaven, as shown with the team winning the German championship last season.</p><p>The still junior-eligible members of Team Kapp actually competed in a junior tour event last weekend in Switzerland and claimed the title. The boys arrived in Canada with some momentum.</p><p>And the schedule decision to compete in Canada is part of the bigger picture for the German team, as they prepare for their upcoming Euro Challenger Best-of-5 series against Team Totzek.</p><p>And special shout out again to New Zealand's Team Hood, who will still be competing this weekend.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>Here is another tour event where Canada vs. The World could be worth keeping an eye on.</p><p>9 Canadian teams.</p><p>5 Pan Continental teams (2 Japan, 1 Korea, 1 New Zealand, 1 USA).</p><p>3 European teams (Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland).</p><p>Statistical advantage Canada.</p><p>Rankings advantage Europe.</p><p>This season tour advantage Pan Continental.</p><p>Who takes the advantage and win in Beaumont?</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>Team Kapp vs. Team Tao - Draw 1: Tao reached the SF last weekend. Kapp's junior boys won a junior tour title last weekend. This should be a fun opener.</p><p>Again, with a triple knockout we can only speculate on possible #PopcornMatch games. But imagine these possibilities, among many others:</p><p>Team Sluchinski vs. Team Morozumi. Team Kapp vs. Team Gosgens. Team Purcell vs. Team Sluchinski. Team Morozumi vs. Team Yanagisawa. Team Hood vs. Team Purcell. Team Brunner vs. Team Purcell. Team Sluchinski vs. Team Brunner.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Sluchinski, Team Purcell, Team Morozumi, Team Yanagisawa, Team Gosgens, Team Tao, Team Brunner, Team Kapp</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Morozumi def. Team Sluchinski</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p><b><i>Mother Club Fall Curling Classic</i></b></p><p>Winnipeg, MB</p><p>2022 Champion: Team Wiebe</p><p>Format: 16 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers.</p><p><b>#Fav: Team Wiebe</b></p><p>Currently ranked #22 in the world, Winnipeg's Team Wiebe continues to make a move up the world rankings and make their push to future #gsoc ticket invite,</p><p>This will be their 3rd event of the season, having reached the SF at the U25 #NextGen Classic and the QF in Saville last weekend.</p><p>The blog had a keen eye on Wiebe last season, often being listed as a #TeamUpset flag bearer.</p><p>The results of last season, continued early into this season, have them now officially making the move from #TeamUpset to #Fav.</p><p>But the move also brings pressure. You are now a team being hunted as the team is on the cusp of the Top 20.</p><p>This weekend is a great opportunity for the boys to show they are a dark horse Manitoba #BuffaloHunt threat.</p><p><b>#TeamUpset: Team Brundidge</b></p><p>Don't tell the team from Minnesota they are ranked #133 on the world rankings.</p><p>If you go by the results this season, they are coming off a finals appearance last weekend at the MCT Challenge.</p><p>Rankings be damned, any time a team makes a run to a tour final is impressive and representative of a strong team.</p><p>The question now will be how Team Brundidge follows up last weekend's finals run?</p><p>The back-to-back weekend events in Winnipeg was smart scheduling. The first half was successful. Now the team will attempt the Winnipeg Double with another deep playoff run.</p><p>There is much discussion around Team Shuster and Team Dropkin leading USA curling. But Brundidge's results last weekend show there are more than 2 teams leading the Stars and Stripes movement.</p><p><b>#W2W4</b></p><p>There are 4 Winnipeg teams in this field who all believe they can be the true dark horse threat for a Manitoba title this season.</p><p>Team Calvert. Team McDonald. Team Smith. Team Wiebe.</p><p>While there are 10 teams in this field, these 4 teams may have a subplot brewing amongst them. Which team can take the early lead among their competitors?</p><p>Wiebe beat McDonald at the U25 event.</p><p>But this is the first time all 4 of these "next group" of Manitoba challengers are entered in the same event so eyes should be watching them to see which can outperform the others and make a deep run to the playoffs...and possibly the title.</p><p><b>#PopcornMatch</b></p><p>With a triple knockout format, we can speculate on possible exciting #PopcornMatch games:</p><p>Team Calvert vs. Team McDonald vs. Team Smith vs. Team Wiebe. Team Brundidge vs. Team Maeda. Team Maeda vs. Team Wiebe. Team Brundidge vs. Team Sampson.</p><p><b><i>Qualifiers: Team Calvert, Team Wiebe, Team McDonald, Team Maeda, Team Grassie, Team Brundidge, Team R. Smith, Team Sampson</i></b></p><p><b>Championship: Team Wiebe def. Team Maeda</b></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><p>For those competing this weekend, good luck and good curling.</p><p>Always remember, the blog, and the #PowerRankings, are watching. ๐๐ </p>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3264485392315078674.post-89060021518905640692023-09-12T11:30:00.000-06:002023-09-12T11:30:07.286-06:00Power Rankings - W8<p style="text-align: center;"> <b><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><u>#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - Week 8</u></span></b></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b><i>Canada vs. The World: Who is Winning?</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu_-1DHV15hnoJhvZpeAfsUDZ0E0frYl7HFKWy7f845f4WKt_3X82jBeCO39KUDlKrqxytaEwuvhMxTiuECRh4QtxZpfFG4pSWiEJQMmQ5K_zVMEFlbHKOJyB_Pcn9BbpCi1pbqfuetTsJV46ixxxREXiP1Pm0wFMCnql0f7VAcbNIXSggi4nVFHrrlLy/s413/UporDown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="413" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGu_-1DHV15hnoJhvZpeAfsUDZ0E0frYl7HFKWy7f845f4WKt_3X82jBeCO39KUDlKrqxytaEwuvhMxTiuECRh4QtxZpfFG4pSWiEJQMmQ5K_zVMEFlbHKOJyB_Pcn9BbpCi1pbqfuetTsJV46ixxxREXiP1Pm0wFMCnql0f7VAcbNIXSggi4nVFHrrlLy/w200-h159/UporDown.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Last week's <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w7-coming-to-canada.html" target="_blank"><b>#TourLifePredictions blog post</b></a> previewed a full slate of World Curling Tour events across Canada.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The focus was on the emerging Canada vs. The World theme we are seeing in the sport.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">International teams are not only competing in more tour stops in Canada (due to Canada offering more tour events perhaps but that is a whole other discussion) but are they also winning more compared to the home nation teams?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And, we are not only seeing an increase in international teams but also international representation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This past weekend saw teams from Scotland, Korea, Japan, USA, Mexico and Portugal compete.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We will be seeing more representation at tour events later this month with Sweden, Germany, New Zealand and Guyana for example.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Open those welcoming arms Canadian curling fans...the world is coming!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So when the last rock stopped spinning on weekend action, who did come out on top: Canada or The World?</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div><br /></div><div>Perhaps it isn't entirely fair to just categorize all non-Canadian teams as "The World".</div><div><br /></div><div>Maybe we need to break it down by World Curling Tour classification: Europe and Pan Continental.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course Pan Continental, for sake of this discussion, would then be separated by Canada vs. Pan Continental. But you get the point, right?</div><div><br /></div><div><div>We need to note there were more Canadian teams competing overall so the statistical advantage will always be in Canada's favour.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>For ease of comparison, lets just look at playoff brackets. Which region had the most qualifiers? Most finalists? Hoisted the most trophies?</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets see how this weekend's action compared.</div><div><br /></div><div>Canada: 14 (Saville) + 14 (Oakville) + 4 (Winnipeg) = 32</div><div><br /></div><div>Europe: 3 (Oakville) = 3</div><div><br /></div><div>Pan Continental: 2 (Saville) + 7 (Oakville) + 4 (Winnipeg) = 13</div><div><br /></div><div>When we look at finals appearances, Canada had 6, Europe had 3 and Pan Continental had 3.</div><div><br /></div><div>When we look at the champions numbers, Canada produced 4 champions, Europe and Pan Continental each had 1.</div><div><br /></div><div>Of course we take this argument with a slight grain of salt given most European teams were not competing this week, having been on the ice in their home continent for events in August and beginning of September. </div><div><br /></div><div>This was a solid weekend of results for the Pan Continental region. USA, Korea and Japan all had teams excel and make deep playoff runs.</div><div><br /></div><div>And Europe, represented by Scotland, had 3 final appearances and 1 title. Almost perfection really.</div><div><br /></div><div>But of course Canada reigns supreme with the overall numbers. Yes, more teams competing yields higher probability of success, but you still need to go out and win those games.</div><div><br /></div><div>It will be interesting to keep a watchful eye on the Canada vs. Europe vs. Pan Continental results unfold this season, especially as we get into grand slam season.</div><div><br /></div><div>Which "region" do you think will produce the most champions this year?</div><div><br /></div><div>BTW, does anyone like this week's Power Rankings logo? ๐คฃ</div><div><br /></div><div>The search continues...</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#TheRunback</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Stu Sells Oakville Tankard (W)</i></b> - Team Ha (KOR) def. Team Morrison (SCO): It took an extra end in a close back and forth battle for the Koreans to take home the title. Ha goes 6-1 on the weekend to claim the title, including a 3-1 RR record and playoff wins over Team Black (QF) and Team Strouse (SF) to reach the final. Morrison posted an identical 3-1 RR record to earn a QF bye in the playoff bracket where they defeated Team Yoshimura (QF) and Team Peterson (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Stu Sells Oakville Tankard (M)</i></b> - Team Mouat (SCO) def. Team Whyte (SCO): The All-Scot finale went to the world champs, defeating their rivals to claim the title. Mouat went a perfect 7-0 in claiming the championship, including a 4-0 RR record and playoff wins over Team Dropkin (QF) and Team Shuster (SF). Whyte also went 4-0 in the RR and reached the final equally undefeated after playoff victories over Team Purcell (QF) and Team Epping (SF).</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <b><i>Saville Shootout (W)</i></b> - Team Homan (ON) def. Team Jones (MB): The Battle of #SuperSpare Skips in the finale! Heather Nedohin with Team Homan vs. Chelsea Carey with Team Jones. In a rematch of last year's final, the roles would be reversed. Last year went down to a final rock in 8, this year's final went to an extra end with Nedohin making the hit and stick FTW. Team Homan went 8-0 on the weekend, including a 5-0 RR record and playoff wins over Team Hunkin (QF) and Team Cameron (SF). Team Jones went 4-1 in the RR and picked up playoff victories over Team Fujisawa and Team Gray-Withers.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Saville Shootout (M) </i>- Team Bottcher (AB) def. Team Schneider (BC): A final battle between the last 2 champions of this event: Brendan Bottcher (2014) and Catlin Schneider (2015 with Team Meachem). Bottcher reached the playoffs with a 4-1 RR record and made the final with playoff wins over Team Sluchinski (QF) and Team Tao (SF). Schneider had an identical record heading into the final, posting a 4-1 RR record and playoff wins over Team Wiebe (QF) and Team McEwen (SF). The final ended up being a RR rematch with a similar result as Bottcher defeated Schneider in Draw 9 action.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">MCT Challenge (W) </i>- Team Peterson (MB) def. Team Sasaki (JPN): Peterson sent the home province fans home happy after knocking off their Japanese opponents in the final, including coming back from a 2-5 deficit after 5 and picking up #StealPants in 7 and 8 to secure the title. Peterson went 2-1 in the RR and secured a spot in the final after a victory over Japan's Team Kanai in the SF. For Sasaki, they were a perfect 3-0 in the RR and posted a SF win over TB survivor Team Barker.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">MCT Challenge (M) </i>- Team Grassie (MB) def. Team Brundidge (USA): Grassie ensured a Manitoba Double in Winnipeg by defeating their US counterparts, which included scoring 4 in 6 to bring out the handshakes. Grassie barely survived the RR to reach the playoffs with a 1-2 record but #TeamUpset knocked off previously undefeated Team Calvert in the SF. Brundidge went 2-1 in the RR and also knocked off an undefeated opponent, Japan's Team Maeda, to reach the final. Brundidge's SF win avenged an earlier RR loss to Maeda.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Goldline Boucherville Mixed Doubles (MD) </i>- Team St-Georges / Asselin (QC) def. Team Zheng / Pietrangelo (ONT): Chalk up a perfect weekend for the Quebec couple of Laurie St-Georges and Felix Asselin in claiming the MD title in Boucherville. The duo went 3-0 in the RR and secured playoff wins over Team Boyd/Wise (QF) and Team Laplante/Gibeau (SF) before winning the championship. Jessica Zheng / Victor Pietrangelo reached the playoffs with a 2-1 RR record and secured playoff wins over Team Gionest/Desjardins (QF) and Team Cheal/Cheal (SF). For Zheng/Pietrangelo, it is their second straight MD final in as many weeks. Another dangerous #TeamUpset MD duo to watch out for?!?! </div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Mixed Doubles Prague Open (MD) </i>- Team Engler / Wunderlin (SUI) def. Team Abbes / Harsch (GER): The Swiss duo went a perfect 6-0 to claim the title in Prague, including a 10-0 victory in the championship final. After a 4-0 RR record, the Swiss knocked off Team Walczak/Augustyniak in the SF. For the Germans, they reached the playoffs with a 3-1 RR record and needed the long way to the final, picking up playoff wins over Team Udvardi-Palancsa/Nagy (QF) and Team Paulova/Paul (SF). Walczak/Augustyniak (POL) defeated Paulova/Paul (CZE) to capture the bronze medal. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>How did last week's <b><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/s2324-w7-coming-to-canada.html" target="_blank">#TourLifePredictions</a></b> go? Here is the summary:</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Stu Sells Oakville Tankard (W) - </i><span>10</span><span> </span>of 12 playoff qualifiers.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Stu Sells Oakville Tankard (M) - </i><span>9</span> of 12 qualifiers, including predicting the winner.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Saville Shootout (W) - </i><span>4</span> of 8 qualifiers.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">Saville Shootout (M) - </i><span>7</span><i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i><span>of 8 qualifiers, including predicting the winner.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">MCT Challenge (W) - </i><span>4</span> of 4 qualifiers, including predicting the winner.</div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div>๐ฅ <i style="font-weight: bold;">MCT Challenge (M) - </i><span>2</span><span> of 4 qualifiers.</span></div></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Overall, the predictions went 36 of 48 qualifiers and 3 tour winners.</div><div><br /></div><div>The streak of scoring an "A" grade comes to an end this week. Still a solid weekend of predictions though with 75% qualifiers predicted and 50% champions.</div><div><br /></div><div>How about a "B" grade this week?</div><div><br /></div><div>And, for complete transparency, the blog will show a summary of the grades received for the predictions.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w5.html">W4 - B</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/08/power-rankings-w6.html" target="_blank">W5 - A</a></div><div><a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank">W6 - A</a></div><div>W7 - B</div><div><br /></div><div>With the "A" streak broken after back-to-back weeks, the pressure will be on with next weekend's predictions to try and get back on track.</div><div><br /></div><div>Lets head to the mountain and see if a busy weekend caused a shake up this week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Remember the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in <a href="http://twine-time.blogspot.com/2023/09/power-rankings-w7.html" target="_blank"><b>last week's Power Rankings</b> </a>post.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#PowerRankings</b></h3><div><b><br /></b></div><div><div><b>MEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>1. Team Mouat (LW: 1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Stu Sells Oakville Tankard - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>The world champs are 2 for 2 on tour this season, picking up another title in Oakville. The lads also are 13-1 on the season and riding an 11 game winning streak. Oh, and they finally ascended to the #1 spot on the world rankings. Note the blog Power Rankings has had them here for awhile though. ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><div><b><i>2. Team Whyte (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Stu Sells Oakville Tankard - Finalist</div></div><div><br /></div><div>Why not make it a Scottish double atop the mountain? Back-to-back final appearances, and a SF result at their season opener, has the "other" Scottish lads sitting at 17-3 on the season. Now if only they can knock off their rivals Mouat in a final. Back-to-back finals is nice. Back-to-back final losses to Mouat still stings a bit. But when you can beat the rest and only lose to the best, it can be considered an early season success for sure.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>3. Team Gushue (2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)</div><div><br /></div><div>Their spot near the top is beginning to crumble. Not due to results but rather lack of in comparison to the competition. When you don't hit the ice early in the season, teams who do will eventually pass you.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>4. Team Retornaz (3)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>The early season tour win still holds value but the Italians will need to get back on the ice to hold their spot.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>5. Team Dunstone (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Still waiting for The Sheriff to arrive...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Bottcher (10)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Saville Shootout - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>A solid season opening result for Team Bottcher. They start the season the same way they ended last season, with a winner's cheque to the bank.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Schwaller (6)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A nice weekend off after a deep playoff run the previous weekend. Schwaller has momentum in September, something we saw last year as well.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Hoesli (7)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain is not going to punish young Hoesli for taking a weekend off, especially after the deep run they made at their last event. Can they maintain their Top 10 ranking though as more teams hit the ice and put together solid results as well?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Edin (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>While Team Edin did not hit competitive ice this weekend, they did step on the ice for a junior camp in Sweden. The best way to #growthesport is to give back to the sport.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>10. Team Schneider (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Saville Shootout - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>Catlin Schneider knew all eyes would be on him this season, stepping into the skip role of a provincial champion team. After a tough start to the season (going 1-2 in Leduc), Schneider seemed more comfortable in the role this past weekend and the winning results came to be. A run to the finals and 6-2 record is a slide in the right direction. Now the big question...what do we think about that facial hair look? ๐คจ ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div><div><i style="font-weight: bold;">Honourable Mention: </i><span>Team Kleiter, </span>Team Bryce, Team Brunner, Team Ramsfjell, Team Waddell </div></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>WOMEN</b></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>1. Team Homan (LW: 2)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Saville Shootout - Champions</div><div><br /></div><div>When the Top 3 teams on the mountain all enter the same event on the same weekend, the team who goes the furthest will likely emerge on top. Team Homan, with Heather Nedohin, did exactly that. And they are rewarded for the championship result. Welcome to the #1 spot!</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>2. Team Einarson (1)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Saville Shootout - QF</div><div><br /></div><div>A solid opening weekend of action for the Canadian champs. It wasn't perfect but they got the job done in qualifying for the playoffs and getting the slider moving. I don't see this team falling down the mountain very often...or very far.</div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>3. Team Fujisawa (3)</i></b></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Saville Shootout - QF</div></div><div><br /></div><div>A tour event win and a QF appearance to open the season is a solid start...and a nice buildup to defending the Pan Continental title in October.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>4. Team Hasselborg (4)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>The Swedish Vikings enjoyed some family/mommy time...in the wake of still celebrating their Oslo Cup win from a weekend ago.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>5. Team Wrana (5)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: DNC</div><div><br /></div><div>Team Wrana plotted a plan to knock off rival Hasselborg and retake their spot ahead of them on the Power Rankings. Maybe? Probably not. But still fun to guess...</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>6. Team Jones (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Saville Shootout - Finalist</div><div><br /></div><div>After slowing dropping down the mountain while their opposition was competing, Team Jones made a statement in their season opener. Sure, they were unable to #DefendTheIce in Edmonton but reaching the final with Super Spare Chelsea Carey is still a solid start to the year.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>7. Team Strouse (8)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Stu Sells Oakville Tankard - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>The mountain loves a good #TeamUpset story and USA's Team Strouse continues to make moves. Another playoff appearance this past weekend continues to showcase how good this team is. Should we buy stock in this team now? You probably should have already.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>8. Team Gray-Withers (9)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Saville Shootout - SF</div><div><br /></div><div>Speaking about a good #TeamUpset story, how about Alberta's Team Gray-Withers?! They sure love that Saville ice. From defending the title at the U25 #NextGen Classic to a SF run at the Saville Shootout. The question will be how they respond to their "dark horse" status now...and can they produce similar results away from the friendly confines of Saville?</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><b><i>9. Team Ha (NR)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Stu Sells Oakville Tankard - Champions </div><div><br /></div><div>They may have lost their Korean title in June but the motivation to compete, and win, remains high for Ha. When you know you aren't going to represent your nation at a continental championship and world championship, many might find that demoralizing to play a season. But Ha is making a push for that Grand Slam of Curling ticket and moving up the rankings, sitting #18 and on the cusp of #gsoc qualification.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b><i>10. Team Gim (6)</i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Last Week: Saville Shootout - RR</div><div><br /></div><div>Not the start to the season many expected from the new Korean champs. A slow start in Edmonton hurt them as they just missed the playoffs. And, to add insult to injury, they watched their Korean counterparts take home a title in their season opener.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b><i>Honourable Mention:</i></b> Team Morrison, Team Roervik, Team Inglis, Team Cameron, Team Black</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Agree? Disagree? What would YOUR Top 10 look like?</div><div><br /></div><div>Share your thoughts with the #PowerRankings and reveal your Top 10 mountain on social media or in the comment section below.</div><div><br /></div><h3><b>#StayTuned</b></h3><div><br /></div><div>You know the routine. The blog will be back later in the week to preview all the tour events happening this upcoming weekend.</div><div><br /></div><div>The blog also hit the ice last weekend for a curling practice session. It might be time to join a league??</div>TwineTimehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05302992503551537913noreply@blogger.com0