#STOH2020 Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Ready for Heart Pounding Curling?

Welcome to the 2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts WITH FANTASY CURLING

The playdown parties are over. Everyone gathered across the country in their own province/territory to toss a few cold ones, dance the night away, survive some drama and ultimately celebrate victories.

But now we come together to host the big one. The collective national party known as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

Put on your dancing shoes....or is it fanciest slider? Come wearing your best garb from Anne of Green Gables hair to fisherman headgear to watermelon hats. And bring your best cheer from the moose calls to the buffalo hunt. And dress for success in cheering on your home province/territory.

Ready for some heart pounding curling action from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan?


Before we slide out of the hack with our annual preview post, how about a quick reminder on #FantasyCurling? Ready to get involved? Or maybe you already have been playing all season for the #gsoc events but are ready for the big dance party? Want to also give back to others?

It was mentioned in the Playdown After Party blog post last week but with the Scotties Fantasy Curling page now officially launched on Curlingzone, lets discuss how YOU can get involved.

For #STOH2020 the #TwineTime blog is running a SPECIAL 50/50 Fantasy Curling contest. I am hosting a fundraising campaign for Kids Up Front (KUF) Calgary as part of my participating in their upcoming Stranded:All Stars competition this summer. KUF vision is "A world in which ALL kids have access to enriching experiences". This is done through the non-profit organization distributing tickets to sports, recreation, arts & culture and educational experiences to kids and families throughout Southern Alberta. Last year alone KUF distributed over 34,000 tickets. In the past KUF has provided tickets to Grand Slam of Curling's Champions Cup and the World Curling Tour's Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Charity Classic.

Details are simple:

• Head to the Fantasy Curling page on Curlingzone 
• Register a fantasy team name
• Add the letters KUF to identify you are entered in the SPECIAL 50/50 contest
• Select up to four (4) teams 
• Connect with me directly (via social media or the comment section) to pay your $20 entrance fee
• 50% of the proceeds will go directly to Kids Up Front Calgary. 
• Remaining 50% will be distributed among the winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd)
• Deadline: NOON (MST) SATURDAY FEBRUARY 15

Got all that? Simple, yes? Sounds fun, yes?

And be sure to share this exciting Fantasy Curling opportunity with your friends, family, teammates and curling club. Lets try to generate as much of a donation as possible for Kids Up Front while adding some extra excitement to the upcoming Scotties Tournament of Hearts. On behalf of KUF, I personally thank you all for your participation and support.

Want a little insight on your Fantasy Curling competition? Well get ready for the blog preview, discussing the field and reveal some predictions.

For our preview below, each team will be seeded within their preliminary pool based on their current #PowerRanking placement. The seeding may differ a bit from the actual of course but the blog remains dedicated to the proposed ranking system being used and will continue to do so for continuity. Questions? No? Good!

This is an extra important year for the Scotties. The winner will not only win the title and represent Canada at the 2020 World Women's Curling Championship on home ice (Prince George, B.C.) and return next year to compete as Team Canada BUT the winner will also earn one of the coveted spots at the 2021 Roar of the Rings. Every teams wants to compete at the Olympic trials and one team will earn that ticket and be one spot closer to representing Canada at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

AND don't forget about the money. We all love the greenbacks right? This year's Scotties will operate with a $300,000 purse. The winning team will receive $100,500 with the runner-up receiving $65,000 and the bronze medal winner receiving $45,000. Non-podium teams will receive a share of the remaining $85,000 depending on final standings. "Money, money, money, money.....MONEY!!"

Time to bring the party to the big ice....

2020 Scotties Tournament of Hearts

Moose Jaw, SK

2019 Champion: Alberta (Team Carey)

Format: 16 teams with 2 pools of 8. Top 4 in each pool advance to Championship Pool. Top 4 advance to Page Playoff.

#TeamWildcard

Format: Team Fleury (#3) vs. Team J. Jones (#6)

We know the teams. They know one another. Fans in Moose Jaw have been provided a special Valentine's Day treat with this provincial rivalry battle on Friday February 14. Fleury vs. Jones.

What should we expect? Honestly, who knows?!

Fleury's teammates have been here before (2018). Fleury herself had to survive the ill-fitting Relegation Round in 2015. This team also may have some redemption on their minds after last year's Scotties. Remember they lost the TB to B.C. and were eliminated before the Championship Pool. One of the major shockers of the event.

For Jones, this is new territory for her. We know this team and their accomplishments. The resume is unmatched. But in a winner takes all, who knows how the team will react. Jones has been a constant on the Scotties ice. Let this stat sink in. In the past 15 years Jones has played in 13 Scotties. Her only misses? 2014 due to the Olympics and 2017 when she lost in the Manitoba SF. 13 of the past 15 folks. Is this the changing of the guard or can the Queen regain her throne?

If we go strictly by season results, Fleury has the advantage here. They won the Masters, the opening #gsoc event of the season. They also reached the Canada Cup final in December. But they are coming off a SF loss at the Manitoba championships, which followed missing the playoffs at the Canadian Open in January. Are they on a slipper slope?

If Fleury is on a slide, Jones might be on the upswing. Sure they lost the Manitoba final but the game was within their grasp to win. If they can forget the final outcome and look at the positives, they can still enter this game with momentum and confidence. Plus they did beat Fleury in the SF.

This is a tough call. Anyone can win this game. My heart says Fleury. My head says Jones. Going with the experience factor of the overall resume here. Remember the last time the Scotties was in Moose Jaw? One of these skips won the title. The other finished just outside the playoffs. Going with the history factor here.

#TeamWildcard: Team J. Jones def. Team Fleury


Pool A

1. #BuffaloHunt (Team Einarson, #2) - Kerri Einarson is back and may just be the most dangerous team in the Scotties field. The Scotties/Einarson relationship has been an interesting one. Einarson reached her first Scotties in 2016, ending with a 4th place finish. She returned in 2018 after winning the wildcard play-in game (vs. Carey) and reached the final before losing to Manitoba rival Jones. Last year she lost the wildcard play-in game (vs. Scheidegger). And this year she needed to make arguably the draw of her career (thus far) to steal the Manitoba championship from Jones and book her spot in this field. Two Scotties appearances. Two playoff appearances. One podium finish. Solid record overall I would say. The team had a solid start to the season, winning their opening two events. They also reached the final of the Tour Challenge Tier I in November. But then they hit a rough patch of ice at the Canada Cup and National before the QF appearance at the Canadian Open. After dropping their opening at the MB Scotties, the team reeled off 7 straight wins to take the title. #TeamSkipper has the talent for a deep run here. And remember vice Val Sweeting is a two-time finalist (2014, 2015). And where was that 2015 Scotties held? Yup, Moose Jaw!

2. #TeamCanada (Team Carey, #9) - The Canada Conundrum! Is it an advantage to auto-berth into the field and bypass those stressful provincial playdowns? You basically sit on the bench for a month with no competitive curling games under your slider as a result. Does that leave you refreshed or full of ice rust? The last event we saw Team Carey at was just missing out on qualifying at the Canadian Open in early January and prior to that was the failing to qualify at the event in Karuizawa. Of course before those results was the QF at The National and SF at the Canada Cup. Which team shows up here? Team Canada has been able to #DefendTheIce 9 times and has landed on the podium 23 times overall. But Team Canada has not won the Scotties since 2014 (Team Homan) and has not reached the podium since 2017 (Team Carey). Over the past decade Team Canada only has 2 titles (2010, 2014) and reached the podium only 6 times. Is there a minor Canada Curse?

3. #ABStrong (Team Walker, #10) - The highest ranked debut team in the field could become the ultimate dark horse challenger. Laura Walker and her squad broke through at the AB Scotties, dominating play throughout the event en route to claiming the title undefeated. This team is having themselves a rookie season! They have already played 68 games this season, compiling an impressive 48-20 record. They own 2 tour titles. They have reached an additional tour final. And while they have failed to qualify in 5 events, 2 of those events they lost in the TB (including the Tour Challenge Tier II). This grouping will test them though as they draw some very experienced teams. It will not be easy. The wildcard for them may lie in the performance of vice Kate Cameron. Cameron has been here before. She has played a Scotties final (2017). She even wore the Team Canada jacket in 2018. She knows the pressure but also how to navigate it. If the team can rely on her early both on and off the ice they have a shot at the Championship Pool. The blessing? They open with Nunavut and Quebec. With all due respect to both of those teams, Walker could get on a roll early with winnable games and gain some Scotties confidence after the opening weekend. They need to sit 3-0 or 2-1 heading into their sole Monday night game against the hosts Saskatchewan to have a legit shot at advancing.

4. #TeamGreen (Team Silvernagle, #19) - Speaking of the hosts, Team Silvernagle is back after their breakout performance on Scotties ice last season. The team surprised many with their performance, reaching the Championship Pool and finishing with a bronze medal win. They get the extra motivation on playing on home ice...but also the extra pressure. Saskatchewan has not had a Scotties champion since 2011 (Amber Holland). They have hosted the Scotties once since, the 2015 event we have already discussed above. Vice Stef Lawton was the skip then, reached the playoff bracket but lost the bronze medal game. Sasky fans are salivating for a Scotties win on home ice right now. But it is not going to be easy. It has not been a banner season for the Sasky champs either, having only qualified in 3 events all season. Ok one event was the QF appearance at The National, their last event before the SK Scotties. So there is some momentum and confidence right now at least. They open with New Brunswick, Canada and Nunavut so if they can come out of the opening weekend 2-1 or 3-0 they will be right in the hunt. If they start slow however, it could get dicey. Skipper Robyn Silvernagle will have to find her groove and confidence early to have a chance in this experienced pool.

5. #FearTheMoose (Team McCarville, #34) - The most dangerous team in every Scotties field is Krista McCarville. McCarville has the ability to play 3 tour events during a season, barely comparable to those #gsoc competitors, yet arrive here and still knock them off on a regular basis. Before the Northern Ontario Scotties the team only competed in 3 events. They reached the final each time and won a title. They actually are on a solid 14-game winning streak right now too. They only play twice on opening weekend, the opening draw on Saturday (vs. Canada) and again Sunday afternoon (vs. New Brunswick). They started 1-2 last year before winning 4 straight to advance to the Championship Pool and, ultimately, finishing 4th overall. McCarville is also building a nice Scotties rivaly with Carey, albeit Carey owns the advantage. Carey defeated her in the 2016 Scotties final. Carey defeated her last year in the RR. And look who McCarville gets to open this year's event. Redemption and revenge? If she can start with the opening W, look out!

6. #TeamAcadia (Team Crawford, #59) - Full disclosure for those new to the blog, I am a huge Andrea Crawford fan. Every Scotties she has competed in, this year will be her 9th btw, I have cheered hard for her and #TeamAcadia to shock the world and make a playoff push. And oh does she get close. It seems every year she falls one game out of the playoff picture. In the past it was those 6-5 and 5-6 records. Last year she went 3-4 in the RR, one game short of a TB. The Heart Stop Lounge maybe got its name from Andrea Crawford and her fans' Scotties experiences. Could this be her year? They have had a solid tour season, qualifying in 3 of 4 events and winning 2 titles. The event they failed to qualify? They lost a TB game at the Tour Challenge Tier II. They went a perfect 6-0 at the NB Scotties and own a very solid 26-8 record on the season. The key will be Crawford calling the games. In the past she has been prone to getting in trouble with messy houses and lots of rocks in play. Think of it as the equivalent of NBA or NCAA basketball teams who live *or die* by the 3 point shot. All the rocks can bring big ends for her but can also go against her. If she shifts gears, bails out a bit early on ends looking like they are getting away from her and not leave herself such difficult final shots, this team could surprise and finally break through. On the flip side though, what fun would that be to see Crawford change her style? Remember the epic 13-12 extra end loss vs. PEI's Team Birt last year in the RR? She gave up 5 in the 2nd end but scored 3 in 8 and 10 to force the extra. Her game style is fun for fans, making her a crowd favourite.

7. #TeamArctic (Team Eddy, NR) - There is a lot of interest around Nunvut this year with the reps being skipped by 1997 Scotties runner-up Lori Eddy. Curling fans may also be salivating with excitement at her return given her success over the past few seasons as a member of the Two Girls and a Game podcast. This pool is stacked so wins may not come easy but fully expect to see a lot of Nunavut support in Moose Jaw next week. And hey, last year Nunavut knocked off Quebec for a W. This year they are grouped with Quebec again. Does the northernmost territory in Canada have the number of the largest province in Canada? Interesting fact, Nunavut is the largest administrative division in Canada.

8. #Labelleprovince (Team Verreault, NR) - The largest province has the lowest ranking? How is that possible? For Team Verreault, their Quebec Scotties win was a bit of a #TeamUpset result. They had not competed on tour this season yet, after starting the competition 1-2, reeled off six straight wins to claim the title. The question will be how they handle the big ice and big lights of the Scotties event. The curling gods certainly did them no favours with the draw however.


#W2W4

This is the ULTIMATE #PoolOfDeath folks. Three teams within the Top 10. Four teams within the Top 20. Plus dangerous experience factor of Krista McCarville and Andrea Crawford, who could easily surprise a few of the teams ranked above them. All 6 of those teams are legit Championship Pool contenders.

Do you go with the hot hands of Walker? The experience of McCarville/Crawford? The home ice advantage for Silvernagle? The defending champs in Carey? Or the highest ranked team in the entire competition in Einarson?

The interesting thing is all of these teams have pluses to help make the argument why they should be considered a team to advance out of this Pool of Death. On the flip, each have minuses on why they could be prone to losses or upsets along the way. We saw Fleury fail to advance last year. Two quality teams will fail to advance here. The question is which ones?

And can Team Eddy and/or Team Verreault shock a few of these teams and become the difference makers? Neither is expected to challenge for a Championship Pool spot BUT never underestimate a team on Scotties ice. We have seen upsets in the past (hello Kerry Galusha vs. Team Canada). If either or both of these teams can steal a few wins from the Big 6, it could really shake up this pool.

Projected Standings: 1. #BuffaloHunt  2. #FearTheMoose  3. #TeamGreen  4. #ABStrong  5. #TeamCanada  6. #TeamAcadia  7. #TeamArctic  8. #Labelleprovince


Pool B

1. #TeamWildcard (TBA, #3/#6) - See above. Tough to call here without actually knowing the team but both competing in the play-in game are ranked higher than any of the other 7 teams in this pool so, regardless the winner on Friday, this team would be the top seed of Pool B.

2. #CurlON (Team Homan, #7) - No #gsoc playoff appearances this year. A Canada Cup title. What do we make out of the season thus far for Team Homan? Tough to call really. But it would appear Homan and company are maybe becoming one of those teams who truly has their highest priorities set on winning a Canadian title and viewing the slams as just mild tune-up events. Homan is a three-time champion and has landed on the podium in 5 of her previous 6 appearances. The only miss? Her debut in 2011, where she finished 4th. Consider her a playoff lock.

3. #TeamPacific (Team Brown, #25) - A Scotties rookie team with a #3 seed? Do not underestimate Team Brown just because they are making their debut folks. This team has collected two tour titles this season. They reached the SF of the Tour Challenge Tier II. And they have been knocking on the B.C. door for a few seasons. Oh and they are only 3 years removed from competing on the junior scene. They will be waving the #NextGen flag with pride and are a real threat for the Championship Pool.

4. #TheIslanders (Team Birt, #38) - Birt is Back! The face of PEI curling will make her 11th Scotties appearance. Last year Birt was one of the #TeamUpset results from the Round Robin pool, going 5-2 and advancing to the Championship Pool. Unfortunately the momentum did not continue as they went 1-3 to finish 6-5. The finish may not have been what they were hoping for but the 6th place finish overall is still a very solid result. Not to mention finishing above .500. The team has qualified in 6 of 7 events this season, including a QF result at the Tour Challenge Tier II. They also won a tour event and reached another tour final right before winning the PEI Scotties. This team will come to Moose Jaw full of confidence and momentum.

5. #PolarPower (Team Galusha, #61) - Could this be the year? Remember back in "dark ages" of relegation where Galusha lost those qualification games? She may not have the best feelings arriving in Moose Jaw after the heartbreaking loss in the 2015 pre-qualification game either. Ok 2017 was a highlight when she emerged from the qualification pool and posted a solid 5-6 record overall. But this feels like the year of the Polar Power. At first glance on results one may ask why this year would be different? The team may not have qualified in all their events played and have a sub-.500 record on qualification BUT the growth of the team overall is there. The addition of Rizzo throwing the fourth stones is a positive and perhaps takes the extra pressure off Galusha to focus more on calling the game overall. Last year Galusha just needed a win vs. territorial rival Yukon to force a TB vs. Team Canada (J. Jones). She lost the game and was eliminated. This could be redemption. The team is placed in the more balanced pool and has a legit shot at making history and qualifying for the Championship Pool. This is the blog's official #TeamUpset pick to make some noise in Moose Jaw.

6. #TeamBluenose (Team Arsenault, #69) - When you have won this event 5 times and reached the podium 7 of 13 appearances, can you ever be underestimated? Arsenault missed competing here last year but the year prior won a bronze medal. Can she rediscover that 2018 magical run in 2020? The team picked up a tour title in the season opening event but since has qualified in 1 of their 4 tour events played. They were the best team at the NS Scotties this season so the defining win will be a confidence booster. This is a true question mark team. They could finish anywhere from 5-2 to 2-5 and it wouldn't be a huge surprise. Expect the unexpected here?

7. #TheRock (Team Curtis, #101) - What to expect out of the team from The Rock? Who knows really. This is a bit of an unknown team as they did not compete at any tour event this season. Overall they went 6-2 at the NL Scotties, surviving the double TB just to make the final and then defeating previously undefeated Team Mitchell for the title. They got on a roll at the right time to claim the spot in Moose Jaw. But can they do it again against a very competitive field? Curtis has been to the Scotties before as a lead in 2017 and 2018. This will be her first trip driving #TheRock bus. Being the unknown can be a blessing and a curse at times.

8. #PurplePower (Team Birnie, NR) - Speaking on the unknown, Team Birnie has also not competed at a tour event this season. Nobody really knows what to expect out of the Yukon team. Skipper Hailey Birnie was here last year though as vice for Team Baldwin and did pick up a solo win, the win that eliminated territorial rival NWT. They draw one another again this year. Can lightning strike twice? Plus you may not instantly recognize the Yukon skip from the curling ice but perhaps from your TV screen. Birnie is an actress having parts in well-known shows like Smallville and Supernatural. Kind of cool.


#W2W4

While Pool A seems to be a full on dog fight, it would appear Pool B is a runaway train for two teams. Whomever emerges from the wildcard game will instantly be considered co-favourites in this pool with Team Homan. Both should comfortably advance.

But that leaves two spots in the Championship Pool up for grabs. Who seizes the opportunity?

Arsenault won bronze the last time we saw her on Scotties ice. Birt has been a regular challenger. Galusha seems to have her strongest team ever. And Brown, although a rookie, is actually ranked higher than all of them. Two teams from this Group of Four will advance. But who?

And, similar to Pool A, what role will Team Curtis and Team Birnie play in the overall standings? Can either of them steal a victory or two off the favourites ahead of them?

Pool A will prove to be the downfall for two strong teams while Pool B is opportunity knocking for two others. Will experience win out or could the rookie team from out west surprise them all? 4 wins should get you a ticket to stick around the rest of the week...or at least buy you an extra game Thursday morning. Expect a TB here folks.

Projected Standings: 1. #CurlON  2. #TeamWildcard  3. #TeamPacific  4. #PolarPower  5. #TheIslanders  6. #TeamBluenose  7. #TheRock  8. #PurplePower


Championship Pool Qualifiers: Manitoba, Ontario, Northern Ontario, Wildcard, Saskatchewan, B.C., Alberta, NWT

Page Playoff Qualifiers: Ontario, Manitoba, Wildcard, Saskatchewan


#STOH2020 Bronze Medal: Manitoba #BuffaloHunt (Team Einarson)

#STOH2020 Championship: Ontario #CurlON (Team Homan) def. #TeamWildcard (Team J. Jones)


What say you rock heads? Agree with the predictions above? Disagree?

Who do you think becomes the next #TeamCanada? Who is your #TeamUpset flag bearer?

Join the conversation via social media or in the comment section below and remember to tag your favourite teams in your comments. Let them know you are cheering loud and proud for them.

Time to wave those provincial flags.

#StayTuned

Remember this Sunday (Feb. 16) is the annual Sandra Schmirler Day at the Scotties. There are numerous ways to support this outstanding organization, through personal donations, employer gift matching, the club challenge and more. To find out more about the Sandra Schmirler Foundation and how to give, visit the website HERE. Remember, "Every baby has the chance to grow up and be a champion."

The #TwineTime blog made a donation every year and will continue to do so this year. This blog once again challenges every one of you to share the message of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation through your social media channels on Sunday. Spread the word of the outstanding work the foundation is doing. AND, the big part of the challenge folks, DONATE!!

I personally challenge YOU to make a donation on Sunday. Be it $5 or $20 or $50 or whatever monetary value you can give, go online or call the telethon number (1.866.210.6011) on Sunday and maybe speak to a competing athlete or legendary curler directly. And, should you take me up on my challenge, hit up social media and share with your followers your support. Challenge your club members, teammates and fellow curling fans to do the same. Let's break some records!

The #TwineTime blog will be in Moose Jaw starting on Wednesday through to the championship final on Sunday. For comprehensive draw by draw coverage, perhaps a few post-game interviews and who knows what else, check out my twitter feed. And feel free to engage throughout the event with your comments and even a few player questions. You never know when #AskACurler will appear!

And do not forget the World Junior Curling Championships kick off this weekend in Russia. The blog will return later in the week with your preview of the men's and women's competition.

Plus don't forget to sign up for #FantasyCurling!! Remember participation in the #STOH2020 fantasy curling pool helps raise funds for Kids Up Front Calgary. Lets come together as a community and create lasting memories for kids and families. Connect with me directly for details and/or to arrange for payment.

Good luck and good curling!