Thursday 12 September 2019

#Curling S1920 W8

#BetweenTheSheets: A No-Decision Decision In Mexico?
Summarizing outcomes from the WCF Congress AND #WCT Previews


All eyes were on Cancun, Mexico last week when the World Curling Federation held their annual congress meeting.

Wait....let that sink in for a second. Curling. Cancun. Mexico. This is a real thing rock heads. The host location alone is a slide down the right path for #growthesport, no? Those lucky attendees I am sure were not complaining either. Mexico at the beginning of September sure sounds nice. But we digress....

There were many hot topic issues on the agenda this year. The biggest being the proposal to shorten curling games to 8 ends from 10 ends. This sure has stirred the debate soup in the curling world throughout the summer. But it isn't really a new issue either. This has been talked about for quite some time. It only has been elevated now as the topic goes before the WCF Member Associations for discussion.

But there were also other agenda topics for discussion and up for vote. Here is your quick recap on what happened in Cancun.

The #8vs10 debate rages on. Some athletes are for it. Some are against. Some are neutral. Same goes for fans. And sponsors. And administrators. And organizers. And the list goes on and on and on. The WCF brought the topic to the table for discussion and the decision? A no-decision!

Ok technically a decision was made and a strategy was developed. The original ask of the member associations was to vote on reducing the number of ends in ten-end championships to eight. But the motion was met with mixed reviews and more questions than answers.

Who is asking for this reduction in length of games? And, ultimately, the BIG question should be what are we trying to solve? What is the issue here?

There are many opinions from various stakeholders. Players may want shorter games to reduce possible injuries and normal wear and tear on the body from competing. But players are also divided on this. Broadcasters may have seen the fast-pace of mixed doubles at the Olympics and may want to reduce TV time of games to be under 3 hours. But are they actually pushing for this and being super vocal? It would appear not as loud as some might think or want or speculate.

And is reduction of ends the true solution to whatever the bigger issue really is? Perhaps once the bigger more real concern is identified, could other feasible solutions make more sense? Could the reduction in ends discussion really be more reactionary to a vocal group calling for change when what we really need is a proactive discussion on what, if any, changes are really needed and why?

The no-decision decision created the Maximising the Value project. In short summary, key objectives and stakeholders were identified to help further this project. Objectives such as "identify what factors will maximize the value of curling as a sports property" and "analyse, consider and recommend potential enhancements to the game and to ensure decision are well informed."

The creation of a working group, consisting of WCF Board Members, Member Association representatives and elite athletes, will now move forward with a number of considerations and report back at the 2020 Congress next September in Russia. The topic may be open for further discussion at that time with a deadline on consultation being 2021. At the 2021 Congress, a final vote of recommendations will be made (assuming a final decision is not made at the 2020 meeting).

Some people are frustrated to not see a final decision made this year. But why? Is this not the response you want from your sport governing body? They have heard the feedback and it is mixed. They are asking the bigger questions and not pushing themselves into a silo situation. They have developed a process to seek out questions and answers and declared a time frame for the project. Great work I say!

As this blog has always stated, you can never let the inmates run the asylum. The curling asylum is home to various inmates, from athletes to broadcasters to Member Associations to coaches to sponsors to media to additional sport organizations like the IOC, GSOC and WCT. Everyone has a market share in the success of this sport. One group should not dictate the actions of the other but rather all inmates should come together for the collective well-being of the sport.

So that is what will happen. We will gather representatives from each of the cell blocks within the asylum, bring them together in the common area TV room and have a conversation. Welcome to curling's version of Orange is the New Black. Lets just hope we don't end up with a riot and accidental shootings and injuries.

A few other hot topic items came out of the General Assembly meeting, including:

  • New World Team Ranking System - A new ranking system? Imagine my surprise?! This has been a hot topic at this blog since its inception. Now what this new system looks like and how it will implemented is still up for discussion but a new system is coming. Discussions will continue throughout the current season and the new system will be adopted before the 2020/21 season.
  • Finalized Formats - The World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship (WMDCC) format has been finalized. 20 teams qualify. Top 16 from the previous edition and 4 from the Pre-Qualifying Event (WMDQE). At the WMDCC, there will be 2 groups of 10 teams competing in a round robin. The top three teams in each group advance to the playoff round where each first-place team receives a bye to the SF. The SF pairings will depend on who wins the QF games with the lowest-remaining team playing the top seeded team. The bottom teams in each group will be automatically relegated to the WMDQE. The 8th and 9th place teams will play-off against one another (A8 vs. B9, A9 vs. B8) with the losers also being relegated to the WMDQE. At the WMDQE, it is an open-event meaning any non-qualified Member Association can enter. If more than 16 teams, 8 teams qualify for the double-knockout playoff bracket to finalize the 4 promoted teams. If fewer than 16 teams, no playoff bracket and Top 4 automatically are promoted.
  • Seeding Teams - Clarity was made on how teams are seeded into pools at events. The final decision made was seeding will be based on the cumulative ranking over the past 3 years. For participating Members Associations who have not played in the event, they will be ranked at the end of the list and according to their official WCF World Ranking.
  • Curling Canada Partnership - To the surprise of nobody, the WCF and Curling Canada extended their partnership agreement for additional eight years. The agreement states Curling Canada will host World Women's and World Men's championships in alternating years through to 2028.
  • Welcome New Member Associations - The total number of Member Associations now sits at 64 after the additional of 3 new conditional memberships. Dominican Republic, India and Kuwait were approved and welcomed into the curling family. Dominican Republic will be part of the America's zone while India and Kuwait join the Pacific-Asia zone.

For those interested in reading the entire list of resolutions discussed and voted on, you can find the full details HERE. Resolutions highlighted above are included but also additional resolutions relating to updates on the Anti-Doping Rules, Team Ranking Procedure, Scoring due to delayed start, Game Timing and more.

Enough of the office work and suit and tie stuff. Time to throw on the curling pants, toss on the jersey and slip on the slider. Back to the club and back on the ice. Ok we have A LOT of #wct events to preview this week. The women have 4 events, 2 #Tour500 and 2 #Tour250, while the men also have 4 events, 1 #Tour1000 and 3 #Tour250. Lets slide out of the hack and get to this week's preview and predictions.

#TourLifePredictions


WOMEN

#ShortyJenkins Classic (Tour 500)

Cornwall, ON.

2018 Champion: Team Wrana

Format: 25 team RR with 5 pools of 5. Top 8 qualify.

Top Teams Entered: Team Homan, Team Hasselborg, Team Tirinzoni, Team J. Jones, Team Muirhead

#Fav:

4 of the Top 5 in the updated #PowerRankings and 5 of the Top 10 will be competing in Cornwall this weekend. An argument could be made for any of these teams to be considered the favourite. Sweden's Team Hasselborg will be looking for the back-to-back tour titles after picking up the victory last weekend at the Stu Sells. World champs Team Tirinzoni have a final and SF under their belt already this season. Team Muirhead rejoined the Top 10 and has a tour victory.

But most eyes may be on the season debuts of Canadian juggernauts Team Homan and Team Jennifer Jones. Last year we did not see Team Homan hit tour ice until the (now defunct) Elite X. Although they did compete, and win, the opening leg of the (also defunct) Curling World Cup. Homan has had success at this event in the past, being a 3-time champion (2016, 2010, 2009). Worth noting second Joanne Courtney will not be with this team weekend. She will be replaced by spare Lindsay Dubue.

Team Jones did not play the Shorty Jenkins last season, opting to instead compete at the Colonial Square event in Saskatoon. With that event being moved to Week 10, an opening appeared on the schedule and Jones is able to compete here, an event she has never won. When you have the resume of Jennifer Jones you sometimes wonder what is there left to do? Why not go out and win a few big name tour events you have yet to add to your winning resume and continue solidifying your run to #GOAT status.

#TeamUpset:

If we were to assume the 5 teams named above are penciled into the playoff bracket (not a for sure bet but lets play the odds), this means only 3 playoff spots remain for 20 eligible teams. A 15% playoff chance for the field. Yikes! There are a few dangerous contenders though. Korea's Team Gim and Ontario's Team Duncan could surprise here. Gim has yet to qualify this season in two events but has been 1 win away each time. Duncan reached the QF in her only event thus far this season (Oakville Fall Classic) and is a former Ontario Scotties champ.

But the team most people should be watching is PEI's Suzanne Birt. Birt went undefeated in the RR last weekend en route to a QF finish at Stu Sells. We know Birt is a regular fixture at the Scotties, a former finalist too, but for some reason she still does not get the full respect she deserves when competing on tour. Maybe because she comes from Atlantic Canada and we don't see teams from that region compete as often? Last season the team entered 4 tour events, qualified in each one and picked up one title. Plus here she is placed in a winnable pool, avoiding the Big 5. She does draw tough competition in Team Fleury and Team Yoshimura plus the new look Team K. Jones (who are still looking to find their sliders together) but it is very feasible to go 3-1 here and qualify.

#W2W4:

Tour events will pool play formats are always fun. Once we see where teams are placed you can start analyzing who has the "easier" pool and who was placed in the #PoolOfDeath. There is certainly a Pool of Death in Corwall: Pool B. Hasselborg. Muirhead. Feltscher. Sophie Jackson. 4 strong international teams. Hasselborg and Muirhead each with a tour win already. Feltscher will not be with the team this weekend however, with Michelle Jaeggi taking over skipping duties. Jaeggi is no slouch or unknown though. She is half of the 2018 world mixed doubles champions (alongside Team De Cruz third Sven Michel). And Jackson has quickly established herself as not just the future of Scottish women's curling but competing to be the present as well. The wildcard will be Canada's Chrissy Cadorin. She is owed a future reward from the curling gods after being placed in this group. Last weekend she went 0-4. Can she somehow turn it around and shock the world this weekend against a stacked pool of contenders?

Muirhead - Feltscher Thursday afternoon. Muirhead - Jackson and Hasselborg - Feltscher Friday morning. Hasselborg - Muirhead Saturday afternoon. This will be fun!

Plus do not forget our #IceBubbleWatch this week. There are a few teams still looking for strong results this weekend to bump themselves into #gsoc Masters field. Japan's Team Nakajima and Sweden's Team Wrana (who are trying to #DefendTheIce) are on the outside looking in. Japan's Team Yoshimura and Switzerland's Team Stern are right on the bubble. All 4 teams need big results, preferably going one round better than the others, and will be doing some scoreboard watching.

Qualifiers: Team Homan, Team Hasselborg, Team Tirinzoni, Team J. Jones, Team Fleury, Team Muirhead, Team Birt, Team Gim

Championship: Team Hasselborg def. Team J. Jones


#BJShootOut (Tour 500)

Edmonton, AB.

2018 Champion: Team Scheidegger

Format: 28 team RR with 3 pools of 6 and 2 pools of 5. Top 8 qualify.

Top Teams Entered: Team Einarson, Team Kovaleva, Team Carey, Team Fujisawa, Team Scheidegger

#Fav:

With 5 of the Top 10 competing in Cornwall, can you guess where the remaining 5 are this week? Ok well actually only 4 are in Edmonton: Team Einarson, Team Kovaleva, Team Carey, Team Fujisawa. Russia's Team Sidorova is sitting this weekend out. But Team Scheidegger, trying to #DefendTheIce, just dropped outside the Power Rankings Top 10 last week and would like to climb back up the mountain.

Carey is best suited for a playoff run based on the pool she was placed in. Similar for Fujisawa. Einarson as well should have an advantage, although she could be pushed by Manitoba rival Beth Peterson or the new look Team Walker. The real fun will be in Pool A with Kovaleva and Scheidegger drawn together. Plus they play their final RR game against one another Saturday morning. If either, or both, falter earlier in the RR their RR game could be a de facto elimination game. All 5 should be considered qualifier favourites though.

#TeamUpset:

There are quite a few contenders for #TeamUpset flag bearer in this field. A strong group of Saskatchewan teams could make playoff runs, including past provincial champions Sherry Anderson and Michelle Englot (a #TwineTimeFam member remember). Kristen Streifel is always a dangerous contender as well, being a former Canadian junior champ and looking to make her mark on the women's game. But also keep an eye on young Ashley Howard, who has joined forces with the Kourtney and Krista Fesser (who won a provincial title with Anderson).

But the real dark horse who could ride ahead of the pack might just be B.C.'s Corryn Brown. The 24 year old skip seems poised to make a run to the B.C. Scotties title this year after a breakout season last year qualifying in 6 of 7 events and collecting 2 titles. She is the defending champ at the King Cash, also happening this weekend, but has made the decision to step into the house against a stronger field and push the team. You can only get better playing better competition. This is a dangerous team who could easily go 4-1 or 5-0 in the RR. Their final RR game will be against current Canadian champ Carey, which should be a fun one to watch.

#W2W4:

There are a few fun rivalries on the ice this weekend. Theresa Cannon vs. Darcy Robertson in a battle of former long-term teammates could headline Pool B. Michelle Englot vs. Ashley Howard vs. Robyn Silvernagle in a Pool C trifecta where we see possibly the Past vs. Present vs. Future of Saskatchewan curling with all three being contenders.

What about Beth Peterson vs. Kerri Einarson in Pool D? Peterson leads the #NextGen movement in Manitoba women's curling and this is a great opportunity to stake her claim against a present powerhouse. Plus keep an eye on Peterson vs. Laura Walker. They met twice at the season opening Icebreaker with Walker winning the first battle but Peterson getting the last laugh in winning the B-qualifier.

And of course the B.C. Battle in Pool E between Brown and Sarah Wark. Brown was considered the favourite for the B.C. title last season, even finishing higher on the Power Rankings. But Wark was the one who won the title and competed at the Scotties. These two are quickly developing a great rivalry, something B.C. curling really needs to get back on the map. Luckily for curling fans they draw each other in their opening match Thursday afternoon.

Of course keep an eye on Cannon and Rocque results, you know they will be watching one another. Rocque currently sits just inside the bubble for the final ticket to The Masters. Cannon sits below the red line, right behind her. Just 3 points separate the two. They may be in different pools but they really are competing against one another for possibly the final spot in North Bay. Scoreboard watching? You better believe it! The schedule has them competing in the same draw each time this weekend.

Qualifiers: Team Scheidegger, Team Fujisawa, Team Rocque, Team Einarson, Team Carey, Team Kovaleva, Team Cannon, Team Brown

Championship: Team Scheidegger def. Team Einarson


#KingCashSpiel (Tour 250)

Maple Ridge, BC.

2018 Champion: Team Brown

Format: 8 team RR with 4 qualifiers.

Top Teams Entered: N/A

#Fav:

Based on the current Power Rankings mountain Team Gushulak would be consider the favourite. The team sits Top 50 and is the highest ranking team competing this weekend. Gushulak is a former B.C. Scotties champ (2009, Team Mallett) and Scotties runner-up. Since taking over her own team in 2015 however she has come up short chasing another provincial title. But Gushulak has proven to be a strong contender at tour events. Last season the team reached a final, SF and QF. Do not underestimate this team making a playoff run here.

#TeamUpset:

The field? Outside of Gushulak and Karla Thompson, the rest of the field is still looking to find their sliders on the #wct ice. Sarah Daniels has name recognition from her junior years but is still looking for the breakthrough on the women's tour. A wide-open field creates a house of advantage though for everyone competing. Sometimes you just need that one breakthrough event to really propel your season and build momentum. This could be that event for one of these teams.

#W2W4:

With the defending champ, Team Brown, electing to compete in Edmonton instead of trying to #DefendTheIce, this is a wide-open field of B.C. women's teams. Gushulak and Thompson are past provincial champs. Daniels is a former B.C. junior champ. Lindsay Hudyma reached the playoff round at last year's provincial championship. And all four of these teams could be contenders this weekend. This will also be the first event of the season for every team entered so who knows what will happen. Could we see a total surprise #wct winner emerge?

Qualifiers: Team Gushulak, Team Thompson, Team Daniels, Team Hudyma

Championship: Team Gushulak def. Team Daniels


MEN

#ShortyJenkins Classic (Tour 1000)

Cornwall, ON.

2018 Champion: Team Epping

Format: 24 team RR with 4 pools of 6. Top 8 qualify.

Top Teams Entered: Team Bottcher, Team Koe, Team Mouat, Team Epping, Team Paterson, Team De Cruz, Team Gushue, Team Howard, Team Jacobs

#Fav:

We can only pick one? How is that possible? Look at the Top Teams Entered this week folks! This is basically a #gsoc preview. 9 of the Top 10 teams on the Power Rankings are competing in Cornwall. The only team missing? The world champion #SwedishVikings.

Mouat, Epping, Paterson, De Cruz and Howard have all stepped on the ice already this season. Epping took home a championship win last weekend. Mouat has a SF and QF result already. Similar for De Cruz. While Paterson and Howard will look to rebound from a disappointing result last weekend at Stu Sells. Although, worth mentioning, Paterson did reach the QF at their season-opener in Baden and did post a strong 3-1 record last weekend. Crazy how 3-1 did not reach the playoffs right?

On the other side of the slider, Bottcher, Koe, Gushue and Jacobs will be making their season debuts this weekend. The first event of the year can sometimes be a wild card. Sure the teams have been practicing and hitting the gym but when you step on the ice for your first competitive game of the season, especially if drawing against a team who has played one or two events already, anything can really happen. Add in the new look for Team Jacobs, welcoming Marc Kennedy at vice, and there will be plenty to keep your eyes on among the favourites.

#TeamUpset:

9 of the Top 10. 8 qualifier spots. Simple math already tells us at least one of the contenders is not making the playoffs. But could more than one go down this weekend? Can anyone from the field step up? The regular batch of contenders just outside the Top 10 are here: Dunstone, McDonald, Gunnlaugson, Schwaller, Ulsrud. But could we see a dark horse upset emerge waving the flag here?

If we had to put money on one team it might be Braden Calvert. Calvert has an advantage of competing already this season, reaching the QF of the Icebreaker. And this is a strong team who worked their way into their first slam last season. Unfortunately for Calvert he was drawn into the #PoolOfDeath. Joining them in Pool A will be Team Koe, Team Gushue, Team Howard, Team Ulsrud and the ultimate upset in Team Cordick. But hey, if you want to be a #gsoc team, this is the kind of schedule you have to get used to right?

Keep your eyes on Quebec's Michael Fournier too. We saw these boys at the Brier in Regina back in 2018, turning some heads with their fun attitude, great curling and hockey hair (for some). #TeamFlow is back this season looking to avenge their Quebec Tankard loss last season (vs. Team Crete) and is looking to make some noise against a high-calibre field. They are drawn in Pool D alongside some power house teams like Epping/Jacobs/McDonald/Schwaller so it will not be easy. They also draw a provincial rival, Team Morissette.

And what about Steve Allen? Remember last year when the Ottawa native went 4-1 in the RR (including victories over McDonald and Schwaller), surprised many, waved the #TeamUpset flag and reached the QF? Could he find lightning in the bottle once again this year? He draws Pool C against the Scottish duo of Mouat/Paterson (Paterson beat him in that QF last year) along with McEwen, Matsumura and Netherlands' van Dorp. Quick note on van Dorp. Last week we talked about scheduling. How about the poor schedule for poor van Dorp? He will play two games in 24 hours (Tuesday and Wednesday night) before most teams even play one game. WTF???? However if he wins both to sit 2-0 early, he will have more time between games later in the event which could be advantageous if they make a playoff push.

#W2W4:

In the Season Preview, the blog discussed the need for curling to start developing on-ice rivalries to really build up the sport. Those rivalries we see in professional sports, like the Leafs-Bruins, Leafs-Habs, Flames-Oilers ect, need to find their way onto the curling ice. This could be the perfect weekend to really build those rivalries up even more.

Look at the draw. We talked about Pool A already. Koe/Gushue/Howard. A trifecta of Canadian curling royalty will face off. One of them could go 0-2, basically eliminating themselves from the playoffs. Toss in Norway's Thomas Ulsrud and playoff dreams could be shattered early for a few big name favourites.

But the real rivalry draw this weekend will come from Pool D: Team Epping vs. Team Jacobs. The Fry Battle. Ryan Fry, now with Team Epping, will face his former teammates on Friday afternoon. Friends off the ice, sure. But come on. These boys will have the testosterone flowing for this game. This is one circled on their calendars. Play it up! Add a little fuel to the fire? Who are the past two winners here? Epping last year, Jacobs the year prior. Who did Epping beat in the final last year? Jacobs. And both teams entered the final undefeated. Who are the most successful skips at this event over the past 8 years? Epping with 3 titles (2018, 2012, 2011) and Jacobs with 3 titles (2017, 2014, 2013). Epping defeated Jacobs in the 2011 QF. Jacobs defeated Epping in the 2014 SF.

A few other interesting battles to watch. Team McDonald is drawn into Pool D against provincial rival Epping and semi-provincial rival Jacobs. What about the Scottish rivalry continuing to brew between Team Mouat and Team Paterson? They draw one another Thursday night. And I am always up for a #TwineTimeFam rivalry so how about Jason Gunnlaugson vs. Matt Dunstone/Catlin Schneider in Pool B? They face off in their opening game Thursday morning. And of course lets hope we get the continued saga between Alberta rivals Koe and Bottcher. While they may be in different pools, lets hope we see them square off in an elimination playoff game. Perhaps the final?

Look we get it. You are all friends off the ice. Yay for all of you. We love the sportsmanship, we do. But come on guys. You know you like to beat Brad Gushue. You know you smile a bit bigger after knocking off Kevin Koe. You know you want to throw out an extra large fist pump after defeating Brad Jacobs. Make it happen. Toss in a celly after a big win. Build up those rivalries. Take it to social media after you knock off a strong contender. You can still build a rivalry with respect for one another as athletes. This is the perfect kick-off event to the season to make rivalries a reality.

If you build it, they will come. We want to join the party as fans. Build it. We are waiting....

Oh, and how can we forget our #IceBubbleWatch when looking at this field? Howard, McDonald and Mike McEwen (who is still out recovering from the knee surgery and the team is once again joined by Daley Peters this weekend) are above the cut line...for now. Teams Matsumura, Gunnlaugson and Ulsrud are just outside needing a playoff run here to try and steal a Masters ticket. Howard and Ulsrud are in the same pool. As are Matsumura and McEwen. As we say, #StayTuned!

Qualifiers: Team Koe, Team Bottcher, Team Mouat, Team Epping, Team Gushue, Team Dunstone, Team Jacobs, Team De Cruz

Championship: Team Koe def. Team Bottcher


#KingCashSpiel (Tour 250)

Maple Ridge, BC.

2018 Champion: Team Tardi

Format: 12 team RR with 6 qualifiers.

Top Teams Entered: Team Tardi, Team Cotter

#Fav:

Is this #TardiParty season? Tyler Tardi and his boys certainly made a statement last weekend in their season opener, reaching the playoff round and proving anyone who thinks they are still a junior team will be regretting those sentiments this year. We know the Tardi resume. We know it is not a matter of if Tardi will compete at the Brier but when. Could 2020 be the year? To go from winning 3 straight Canadian junior titles and the defending World junior champ to stepping on your first Brier ice within a span of 12 months? Don't tell them it cannot be done! This is the perfect event for the team. They are defending champs wanting to #DefendTheIce. They are competing against, mostly, all provincial competition. They are one of only two teams in the field who have already had competitive ice under their sliders this season. Add it all up and we could be having another Tardi Party Sunday night.

#TeamUpset:

Outside of defending champ Tardi and perennial contender Jim Cotter, the rest of the field could be considered the Team Upset contenders. But don't write off the field quite yet. There really are some contenders here. Sean Geall may have a new team in front of him but they are experienced. Adding vice Jared Kolomaya and lead Nicholas Meister (with Team Wenzek last season) and second Sebastien Robillard (with Josh Barry last season) forms a fairly strong combination. Plus Geall is a two-time B.C. provincial champ (2009, 2018).

And speaking of Daniel Wenzek, he joined up with former B.C. junior contender Cody Tanaka this season to form a new team. Wenzek had a mildly successful tour season last year, qualifying in 3 of 6 events. This new team, if they come together quick, could be a dangerous dark horse.

#W2W4:

With all the build-up and excitement around Tardi, could the face of B.C. curling for the past 10 years be left asking "What about me?" Jim Cotter has been the face that runs the place out West. He has won 7 of the past 9 provincial titles. He is a Brier runner-up (2014). He is an Olympic trials runner-up (2013). Cotter is curling pedigree at its finest and is still one of the best guys on and off the ice. But is his team now flying a bit under the radar due to Tardi's emergence? If so, it could be exactly what the teams wants. Cotter and vice Steve Laycock are not flashy, centre of attention guys. They are quiet. They are calm. They are more reserved in compared to some of their competitors. They go about their business and if the bright lights are shining on Tardi more this season, it could just be what the doctor ordered for Cotter and company to once again slide right into another Brier. This is a great tune-up event for their season. Expect a deep playoff run and, hopefully, a battle with Tardi come playoff time.

Qualifiers: Team Tardi, Team Cotter, Team Geall, Team Kamada, Team Wenzek, Team Richard

Championship: Team Tardi def. Team Cotter


Yowzers that is a full house of previews and predictions. It should be noted there are also #USOpen of Curling - Contender Round events for the men and women as well as the #ICEGoldCup in Japan for the men. All of these events are #Tour250 events. While they were not included in the preview, the results will be added to the #PowerRankings and will be included in the #GunnerRunback section next week.

If you are in or around Cornwall, Edmonton or Maple Ridge this weekend, go to the local curling rink and check out the action live. Attending #wct events in person is a great way to meet fellow curling fans and often participating teams are hanging around the club. You can chat up your favourite team(s), score a few autographs and take a few pictures. And, if you do, post them on social media to share with your fellow rock heads around the world. We need to continue promoting the sport to #growthesport.

#StayTuned


The blog returns next week to break down the results of the weekend, update the Power Rankings and give our first look into how the piloted #TwineTime rankings compare to the actual OOM rankings when finalizing our first #gsoc slam field of the season.

Happy Weekend Rock Heads!

No comments:

Post a Comment