#BoostNational Preview + #PowerRankings W20

#BetweenTheSheets: Purple Power

Preview the upcoming Boost National PLUS updated Power Rankings

This is an action-packed blog post rock heads. We have some #INturns and #OUTturns to highlight. We have an update on the #PowerRankings, including the Nation rankings. Plus we have the preview for the upcoming Boost National grand slam event.

Lots of rocks in play. A messy house. All the drama. No time for pleasantries. Brooms down, lets go!

This past weekend was fairly quiet on the World Curling Tour front. The women had one #wct event, a #Tour250 event, while the men had a #Tour500 and #Tour250 event.

Oh the weekend before a slam, always a bit quieter in the house. Plus it is December. We should let these curling have SOME sort of holiday break eventually right?

Plus there was a world qualification event for mixed doubles and in Year 1 of the Olympic points cycle, if nations have any aspirations of possibly qualifying in the discipline at the next Olympics, they NEED to compete at the world championships.

Here were the high's (#INturn) and low's (#OUTturn) of the week:

#INturn

• Jimmy "The Kid" Grattan continues to be a contender in New Brunswick. Team Grattan claimed the Jim Sullivan Curling Classic this past weekend in St. John, NB defeating Team Jones in the final. Grattan went 6-1 overall in claiming the title. For Jones, the team was seeking their third #wct title in 5 events this season.
• The women also hit the ice in St. John at the Jim Sullivan Curling Classic with a familiar international team claiming the title. Korea's Team Gim defeated defending champion Team Birt in the championship final. Team Gim claimed their second title of the season and appeared in their third championship final. The team also won the #PACC2019 bronze medal last month and has already played 57 games this season (36-21).
• At the Farmers Edge Sask Curling Tour event in Wadena, SK, a former provincial champ stood atop the podium. Shawn Meachem and his new rink out of Saskatoon defeated Scotland's Team Muirhead to claim the title. The victory was the second of the season for the new-look team, possibly moving them into dark horse consideration for the provincial tankard.
• #QRollCall: Props to the following teams who reached the playoff brackets in St. John and Wadena this past weekend. Reaching the Final Four: Team Murphy, Team Roach, Team Crawford, Team Hilliard (St. John), Team Armstrong, Team Deis (Wadena). Reaching the QF stage: Team S. Thompson, Team J. Park, Team Comeau, Team Cooper, Team Mallais, Team Comeau, Team Robichaud, Team C. Wang (St. John), Team Carss, Team Jacobson, Team Wills, Team Comfort (Wadena).
• At the #WMDQE in Scotland, the final four nations punched their ticket into the 2020 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship draw. Germany and Italy were flawless throughout the event and won the first two tickets through the A-side. South Korea (def. Austria) and China (def. Turkey) claimed the final two spots through the B-side. This is a key year in curling remember as world championship appearances equal Olympic qualification points. Of course China already earns an Olympic spot as host so you have to feel for Turkey.

#OUTturn

• Okh Uzh Eti Russkiye: Russia, Russia, Russia! What will happen next? This week the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) handed out a four-year ban from all major sporting events for the European nation. What this equates to is the Russian flag and anthem will not be allowed at events, such as the 2020 Olympics / Paralympics in Tokyo or the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Note for the World Cup however that should Russia qualify, which they are still eligible to compete in the qualifying rounds, the team could compete but must do so under a different name with the word "Russia" not being used. This is a result of Russia's Anti-Doping Agency being declared non-compliant for manipulating lab data handed over to investigators back in January 2019. But haven't we been here before? Similar sanctions were handed down prior to the 2018 Winter Olympics. Russian athletes, clean athletes, were still allowed to compete under a neutral flag. Russia is also allowed to still compete at the Euro 2020 as UEFA is not defined as a "major event organization". OK?!? Interesting that St. Petersburg just happens to also be one of the multiple host cities for Euro 2020 as well as the host city for the UEFA 2021 Champions League final. But what does it mean for curling? Well the sanction does include a note stating the country COULD be stripped of hosting world championships in Olympic sports. The 2020 World Junior Curling Championships happen to be taking place in Krasnoyarsk, Russia in February. What will happen here? The World Curling Federation has yet to comment on the WADA decision. With other "Olympic sports" like football (soccer) still allowing Russian participation, would curling opt for a different strategy? It would appear the imposed sanctions would not trickle down to Russian participation at curling world championships nor is the hammer being brought down saying Russia cannot host the world junior championships. They COULD be stripped of hosting rights. They COULD be removed from world championship participation. But WILL they? Should they? This is a complete mess right now, lets be honest. There is a ban but not a real ban. The Russian flag will not fly at the Olympics or World Cup (as examples) but the field of play may still have Russian athletes. And this is after we already went through all this back in 2018. Is anything ever going to change? What is the point of these sanctions and bans? And what about those athletes who test clean on a continued basis? Should they be punished with a massive all-Russia paintbrush or should they be allowed to still compete (ie: Team Kovaleva)? It would appear, for the most part, each sport's own governing bodies are also at liberty to stand in support of the ban and follow suite or, in theory, ignore the ban and allow Russian athletes to continue to compete. It will be interesting to see the response from the World Curling Federation but it may only happen after the appeal stage, which you know Russia will appeal the decision. In the meantime, all we are left saying is "Oh those Russians!"

But let us not be derailed with off the ice issues like doping bans but rather focus back to the action on the ice and our love of curling. Everyone has an opinion on the Russian situation but until the appeal process is concluded and until the World Curling Federation makes an official statement, we are all left in the dark as to what happens next. And we are certainly all left with our own opinions on what should (or should not) happen. The debate rages on.....but back to ice level for actual rock talk.

With not a lot of action leading up to the second major on the Grand Slam of Curling calendar, did the Power Rankings mountain have a quiet weekend?

Not so fast, there were a few rumblings.

#PowerRankings

NATION

1. Canada - 4900 (LW: 1)
2. Sweden - 3595 (2)
3. Switzerland - 3490 (3)
4. Scotland - 2853 (4)
5. China - 2410 (5)
6. South Korea - 2215 (6)
7. Japan - 1620 (7)
8. Russia - 1575 (8)
9. Denmark - 1296 (9)
10. Norway - 1235 (10)

Hon. Mention: Germany, USA, Italy, Czech Republic, New Zealand, Australia, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, Turkey

No major changes among the Top 10 this week with the conclusion of the World Mixed Doubles Qualification Event in Scotland. South Korea and China picked up some points after claiming the final two entries into the 2020 world championship.

Germany does make a move with their undefeated run in Scotland however, moving up a spot to #11 and sitting only 45 points outside the Top 10. They passed USA, now leading them by only 50 points. The other A-qualifier in Scotland, Italy, also closed the gap on the US. The Italians trail USA by only 110 points now.

And props to Turkey, who continue to make a move up the Nations ranking mountain. Turkey just missed the last qualifying berth in Scotland but did pick up some points to crack the Top 20. Could Turkey be the #TeamUpset nation of the year?

Russia will be an interesting nation to keep eyes on. What does the World Curling Federation do with the current Russian athlete ban? Will Russia still host the 2020 world junior event? Will Russian curlers still be eligible/allowed to compete at world championships? No formal decision has been made and Russia is, of course, trying to overturn the WADA (World Anti-Doping Association) decision. All we can say for now is #StayTuned!

WOMEN

1. Team Homan - 7404 (1)
2. Team Tirinzoni - 6845 (3)
3. Team Einarson - 6454 (2)
4. Team Hasselborg - 5110 (4)
5. Team Fleury - 4788 (5)

Hon. Mention: Team Fujisawa, Team Carey, Team Walker, Team J. Jones, Team Muirhead

Ok you may be wondering, how did Tirinzoni pass Einarson this week when neither team hit the ice in preparation for the upcoming slam this week? Well rock heads the answer is simple. Remember when it was mentioned last week that the Canada Cup event was moved up a week this year compared to last year?

Well this past weekend those teams who competed at the 2018 Canada Cup had their points removed from their overall total. And with those points removed teams like Einarson and Jones, who played in the championship last year, saw their point totals drop.

A nice welcome for Tirinzoni, who moves up to #2. But also a nice surprise for Fujisawa, Carey and Walker, who all bump up one spot while Jones drops 3. Of course all of these teams, minus Walker (as a team that is), will be Newfoundland chasing a #gsoc masters title so these rankings could shift next week.

MEN

1. Team Bottcher - 7285 (1)
2. Team Koe - 5585 (2)
3. Team Mouat - 5194 (3)
4. Team Paterson - 4930 (4)
5. Team Epping - 4517.5 (5)

Hon. Mention: Team Edin, Team De Cruz, Team Gushue, Team Jacobs, Team Matsumura

The Top 5 remain the same but some of the point values shifted. Again, see explanation above on the women's rankings as to why. And similar to Team Jones dropping 3 spots on the women's mountain, Team Gushue drops 2 spots. Edin and De Cruz become the winners of the Canada Cup point removal, moving up to #6 and #7 respectfully.

Edin and De Cruz are only separated by 60 points and trail Epping by just over 200 points. With the National being a major there are major points available on the ice so we could see some changes in the Top 10 next week.

Now speaking about the upcoming #gsoc event, lets settle into the hack for the preview and predictions.

It is also worth mentioning here the blog joined the Fantasy Curling podcast this weekend to discuss the men's and women's field along with how to pick your fantasy team with some favourites and sleepers and many other insightful details. Take a full listen HERE.

And special Thank You to Scott Chu for inviting me to chat curling with him as a special guest. My apologies for going longer than past podcast guests. I guess I just like to talk too much. #MyBad

#TourLifePredictions

BOOST National

Conception Bay South, NL

2018 Champions: Team Homan (women), Team Paterson (men)

Format: 15 team RR with 3 pools of 5 teams. Top 8 qualify.

Men

Pool A

This will be an interesting group to keep your eyes on. There are a few teams who feel they have something to prove after missing out on the European Championships last month. You have two Canadian teams trying to prove the still belong in the #gsoc picture. And you have a team coming off a huge emotional win who may suffer a Canada Cup hangover. Who emerges here?

Scotland's Team Mouat has reached the championship final the past two years, winning the title in 2017 and losing the final to Scottish rival Team Paterson last year. Can they make the championship final appearance #3peat? They sure are playing some good curling right now.

But don't count out Switzerland's Team De Cruz. Ok it has not been the best season for them, by their high standards, but they are still one of the top teams in the world and have found slam success over the past few years.

And all eyes will be on Team Epping to see how they respond to the Canada Cup win. You cannot blame them if they are a bit underwhelmed with a slam major after punching the first ticket to the Olympic trials a few weeks ago.

Projected Standings: 1. Team Mouat  2. Team De Cruz  3. Team Epping  4. Team McEwen  5. Team Howard

Pool B

A few story lines to watch in Pool B. Is Team Edin back after the big emotional win at European's where the #SwedishVikings dominated the competition and looked more in sync than they have all season? They are coming in with some much needed momentum and confidence, making them very dangerous.

Can Team Bottcher rebound from the SF loss at the Canada Cup? It was not a pretty SF game as Epping dominated Bottcher. Lets hope the new shoes for vice Darren Moulding are broken in and ready for the slam ice as well.

What about Team Jacobs? They were the defending Canada Cup champs and never found their rhythm in Leduc. Can they rebound here and take home another slam title to right the ship before the Christmas holidays? They did win the last one after all.

And be weary of the two #TeamUpset contenders in this grouping. Switzerland's Team Schwaller is fresh off a silver medal performance at #ECC2019 in Sweden. If you listened to the #FantasyCurling podcast previewing this event you will already know my thoughts on Japan's Team Matsumura and how high their stock really is, at a very low buy-in price.

Projected Standings: 1. Team Edin  2. Team Bottcher  3. Team Matsumura  4. Team Jacobs  5. Team Schwaller

Pool C

4 #gsoc champions in one pool. A dark horse contender looking to hold their position in Tier I company. This is a tough pool to predict (aren't they all?).

Team Koe and Team Gushue reached the finals of the last big events, the Canada Cup and Tour Challenge, and came up short in claiming the titles. Both will be looking to rebound here and both are searching for that first big title of the 2019-2020 season. For Gushue, remember they also lost the Masters and Tour Challenge final. Plus they have home ice advantage here.

And speaking of the Masters, the debut slam winners Team Dunstone are also in this pool. They may have some anger to take out on the rocks in Newfoundland though after their disappointing 0-for result at the Canada Cup. Curling memories can be short and you are only as good as your last event sometimes. Is Dunny back in the #TeamUpset category here or can they prove they are regular slam contenders?

What about the defending champs? Paterson won Euro bronze last month and, overall, had a very solid week in Sweden. But now they come here as defending champs with a target on their back in a very tough pool. It will be interesting to see how they react.

Projected Standings: 1. Team Gushue  2. Team Koe  3. Team Dunstone  4. Team Paterson  5. Team McDonald

Qualifiers: Team Mouat, Team Edin, Team Gushue, Team De Cruz, Team Bottcher, Team Koe, Team Epping, Team Matsumura

Championship: Team Gushue def. Team Edin


Women

Pool A

This pool has big names with disarray. Team Jones will have Laura Walker subbing in at lead. Team Fujisawa is only playing with 3, down lead Yurika Yoshida due to illness. And Team Scheidegger is still missing their skip due to a new born baby (Congrats again Casey!!) and will have local Julie Devereaux stepping in at lead while regular lead (and former skip) Kristie Moore takes over skipping duties.

What will give in this grouping with so many super spares and missing players in action?

Perhaps advantage to leading Comeback Player of the Year candidate Eve Muirhead and her Scottish rink. Muirhead won the silver medal at the European Championships and looks healthy, happy and ready to retake on her spot as one of the leading slam contenders. Remember Muirhead is a 6-time #gsoc champion.

Or maybe advantage to Kerri Einarson? The National holds a special place in the heart of Einarson as she won her first slam title at this event back in 2016. Ok with a different team of course but #TeamSkipper looks quite ready to pick up another slam together as well after winning the Players' Championship last season.

Projected Standings: 1. Team Muirhead  2. Team Einarson  3. Team Fujisawa  4. Team Jones  5. Team Scheidegger

Pool B

The two hottest teams on the curling ice find themselves in the same grouping here and headline not only Pool B but could be considered co-favourites. Could we see them meet in the RR stage and championship final? You might not want to bet against it.

Team Homan is coming off a Canada Cup victory in Leduc but, similar to Epping, will they have a bit of a celebration emotional hangover after punching their Olympic trials ticket?

Team Hasselborg was able to #DefendTheIce at home at the European Championships but maybe they also will be suffering a slight emotional hangover. Remember they also won the Tour Challenge prior to the Euro win so back-to-back big victories can either keep your momentum going or make you vulnerable.

And then we have three teams all looking to build on something heading into the holidays. Team Yoshimura reached a major final already this season, The Masters, can they do it again? Team Stern finally reached the playoff bracket at the same event but then stumbled at the Tour Challenge. And Team Silvernagle has looked a bit out of sorts this season, struggling at the slams and going 1-5 at the Canada Cup.

Homan and Hasselborg will be the overwhelming favourites but that could be a hidden advantage for one (or two) of those remaining three teams. If one of them even picks up the 2 wins over the others, regardless how they perform against the favourites, they are right in the TB discussion as least. And anything can happen at that point. We could see a surprise deep playoff run for a #TeamUpset in Pool B this weekend.

Projected Standings: 1. Team Hasselborg  2. Team Homan  3. Team Yoshimura  4. Team Stern  5. Team Silvernagle

Pool C

Team Fleury. Team Carey. We meet again.

These teams will kick off their National appearance against one another Wednesday morning (well lunch time in Newfoundland) after last stepping on the ice as opposition in Leduc. Fleury emerged victorious to advance to the Canada Cup final in a game where she looked unstoppable.

Carey wants revenge. Fleury wants to continue to building the resume as Team of the Year candidate. Neither wants to start the event with a loss. That should be a fun game to watch (if we could of course).

If eyes stay focused on those two big Canadian names, you know what that means? Once again world champion Team Tirinzoni and her Swiss foursome could be flying under the radar. As Scott Chu pointed out in the #FantasyCurling podcast, for some reason fans continue to shy away from picking Tirinzoni at the slams. Why? Over the past 4 seasons (including this season) Tirinzoni has qualified in 16 of 19 #gsoc events, including 1 title (2019 Champions Cup) and 3 finals (2016 National, 2017 Canadian Open, 2019 Canadian Open). Pencil them in for a playoff run here as well as they arrive looking for something to prove after the bronze medal win at Euro's last month.

And then we have our #TeamUpset contenders. As I mentioned in the podcast, I am waiting for Sweden's Team Wrana to finally have her slam breakthrough and reach the playoff round. Will it happen here? Maybe. Maybe not. But it is going to happen soon. The question is when not if!

Kelsey Rocque and her team from Edmonton reached the QF at the last slam, The Tour Challenge, and will look to continue building momentum towards becoming a regular #gsoc threat.

Projected Standings: 1. Team Tirinzoni  2. Team Fleury  3. Team Wrana  4. Team Carey  5. Team Rocque

Qualifiers: Team Muirhead, Team Hasselborg, Team Tirinzoni, Team Einarson, Team Homan, Team Fleury, Team Yoshimura, Team Wrana

Championship: Team Muirhead def. Team Tirinzoni


What say you rock heads? Agree with the predictions? Disagree? Who are you cheering for this weekend? Who do you think will pose in the house with the next slam trophy? And do you think we could see another #TeamUpset emerge?

Share your thoughts and opinions via social media or in the comment section below. And remember, always feel free to tag your favourite team in your predictions and let them know you are cheering for them. Don't forget to use the event hashtag either: #BOOSTNational.

#StayTuned

The blog will return next week with a slam recap and a Power Rankings update. Can anyone close the gap on Team Homan and Team Bottcher? Or will either, or both, create more distance between themselves and the competition atop the mountain?

And there is one additional #wct event happening this weekend. The men have the Dumfries Challenger in Dumfries, Scotland, a #Tour250 event. The women have the weekend off, outside of the slam of course.

The world qualification events continue as well. The World Junior-B Curling Championships kick off this weekend in Finland. 24 junior men's teams and 19 junior women's teams will hit the ice looking to claim 3 spots in the 2020 World Junior Curling Championships next February in Russia. Some big contending nations will be in Finland too, including Japan/Scotland/USA for the junior women and China/Japan/Sweden for the men. All 6 will be looking to return to the world championship after being relegated based on last year's results.

Worth noting the Danish junior women's team competing in Finland is the same team who represented Denmark at the European Curling Championships last month in Sweden, where they finished 2-7 for 7th place and booked Denmark a spot at the upcoming World Women's Curling Championship. Quite a season already for Team Halse but imagine if they can solidify a spot at the world's and world juniors within a month time time span for Denmark?!

On the junior men's side, Germany will be skipped by Sixten Totzek, who played vice for Germany's Team Muskatewitz at the European's. Japan vice-skip is Go Aoki, who some may remember from throwing fourth stones on the young Japanese team at the 2018 World Men's Curling Championships in Las Vegas. And Sweden will be skipped by Daniel Magnusson, who has been the alternate with Team Edin at the past two European Curling Championships and last year's World Championship.

For more info and stay up to date on all the scores throughout the upcoming week visit the event homepage HERE.

Happy curling everyone....