Tuesday, 13 December 2022

Champions Cup Change? + Power Rankings - W20

  #BetweenTheSheets: Champions Cup Changes?

The FINAL Power Rankings of 2022


What a week of curling we witnessed in Oakville at the WFG Masters.

A "surprise" men's champion emerged from Italy.

Two Canadian women's teams continue to add chapters to their on-going rivalry.

A new #TeamUpset waved their flag from Norway.

And the 2023 Champions Cup field continues to take shape.

Or does it?

Monday, 5 December 2022

Power Rankings - W19 + Masters Preview

 #BetweenTheSheets: WFG Masters Preview

Plus an update to the weekly Power Rankings



Last week the blog slid out of the hack with the BIGGEST preview blog post EVER.

This week, the blog brings you a special Power & Preview post.

The week always starts off with an update to the Power Rankings BUT with the #GSOC event, WFG Masters, hitting the ice on Tuesday, the blog will combine the event preview with the updated Power Rankings.

Bring on the #PowerAndPreview...

And I promise to try and make this post shorter than last week 😉😅

Thursday, 1 December 2022

WMDQE2022 + CSCC2022 + More Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Previews, Previews, Previews

Preview of the WMDQE2022, CSCC2022 plus major tour events


Previews?

Previews?

Are we talking about previews?

You better believe we are talking about previews....

Welcome to the BIGGEST, MOST COMPREHENSIVE Preview Post EVER!!

The opening weekend of December may be one of the biggest weekends of the curling season.

We have the World Mixed Doubles Qualification Event.

We have major tour events in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario.

We have a huge mixed doubles event starting today in Winnipeg.

Plus we have the 2022 Everest Canadian Senior Curling Championships starting Sunday in Nova Scotia.

You want event previews? We got event previews....

Tuesday, 29 November 2022

Power Rankings - W18

#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings

How did #ECC2022 results shake up the mountain?



The 2022 European Curling Championships wrapped up in Sweden last weekend with a dualistic finish.

On one hand we had a champion #DefendTheIce and continue to stake their claim as one of the best in the world.

On the other hand we saw a #TeamUpset champion emerge after dominating the field from their opening rocks.

Both are fan favourites. Both took a non-conventional path to the top of the podium.

And both are European Champions!

But was it enough to move atop the Power Rankings mountain?

Tuesday, 22 November 2022

ECC2022 Midterm Grades + Power Rankings W17

#BetweenTheSheets: Euro Midterm Grades

Plus an update to Power Rankings mountain



The European Curling Championships are underway in Sweden and we have seen a few "surprising" results.

Some main championship contenders have struggled early.

A few dark horse teams have emerged to challenge for the title.

And have we seen a #TeamUpset or two surprise the field?

Plus this past weekend saw one of the most stacked fields on tour compete in Red Deer with a men's and women's tour event.

We have A LOT to break down in this post folks.

Monday, 14 November 2022

Power Rankings - W16

#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings

Paying respect to Remembrance Day


The Remembrance Day holiday weekend was a relatively quiet one on the tour front.

With many players and teams taking time to reflect and thank those who serve our country and protect it, both internally and externally, it almost feels like there should be no curling on such a national holiday.

On the flip side, there are many veterans who curl. Who love to curl. Who love the sport. Who are champions in the sport, on and off the ice.

So the rocks continued to spin but with an extra spin towards respect.

THANK YOU to all our members of the military, including those supporting family members not serving but still protecting in a different way.

#LestWeForget

Tuesday, 8 November 2022

Power Rankings - W15

 #BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings

Can #PCCC2022 and tour events shake up the rankings?


The inaugural Pan Continental Curling Championships wrapped up at Winsport Arena in Calgary over the weekend.

Canada (men) and Japan (women) became the first nations to hoist the new PCCC trophy and stand atop the podium.

On top of winning medals, nations were also competing for spots in the 2023 World Men's and World Women's Curling Championships.

When the last rock settled into the house to conclude the RR, we were left with the same nations securing those coveted tickets.

Korea, USA, Japan and New Zealand will head to Ottawa for the #WMCC2023.

Japan, Korea, Canada, USA and New Zealand will head to Sweden for the #WWCC2023.

Historic results for the Kiwi's as New Zealand's men will return to world championship ice for the first time since 2012 while the women created #HERstory by qualifying for the world championships for the first time.

We also saw tears of joy for the #PCCC2022 B-Division with Guyana's men and Chinese Taipei's women earning promotion to next year's A-Division.

Guyana played their final 3 games, including both playoff games, with only 3 players. Is 3 the new 4?

Chinese Taipei went undefeated in earning the gold medal, including defeating Mexico three times in three equally close games.

Having attended the event throughout the week and speaking to numerous athletes competing in both the A and B-division, there seemed to be unanimous agreement on the importance of this event.

Whether from the #growthesport lens to building a stronger sense of community among the two regions (Pacific-Asia, Americas) to having a set world qualification system in place, athletes were supportive of the new event and hoped to see it thrive in the future.

Could attendance have been better? Of course! But this is a new event and it takes baby steps before we can start walking and sliding down the ice remember.

An increased marketing plan and ticket price review could assist with the attendance in the future. Of course it also will depend on the host location. Hopefully, for at least one more year, the event can remain in Canada to build the event and set it up for future success with athletes and fans alike.

And for those "critiquing" the need for Canada or the USA to compete in this event, silence those thoughts. No nation is above the sport folks. All nations should have to qualify for a world championship spot.

Sure the host nation earns the auto qualifier but after that, if you want to be there, earn it!

It is no different from world championships in other sports. FIFA World Cup. FIBA World Championships. FIVB World Championships. Figure Skating World Championships.

There is a set qualification system in place for all those nations wanting to compete for a world championship. Even the best need to qualify.

Have you ever heard Sweden's Niklas Edin complain about having to qualify for the world championships via his results at the European Curling Championships? Nope! And if anyone would have an argument for a direct berth in the field, it would be the 6-time world champion.

But he gets it. The athletes get it. The sport needs it.

Plus, under this new system, we eliminate the old system of the last place nation at the world championships losing a direct qualifier spot for their region the following year. We can all agree that is a plus, no?

Remember, this is only year one of a new event. Give it time to grow before being hyper-critical of it. And look at it through not only the lens of your favourite nation but the macro lens of all nations competing. This is a win for both regions moving forward.

Besides, how cool is it to see nations like Brazil, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Guyana, India, Kenya, Nigeria, Qatar and others competing on international competitive ice?

If we want the sport to truly be global and we want to #growthesport, this event is a must to achieve those aspirations.

One slide at a time folks....give it time to grow on you before making haste judgements and remarks.

Before we dive into the results and update the Power Rankings, we need to celebrate those who picked up tour wins this past weekend.

Here is your weekend runback.

#TheRunback

Nations - Men

🥌 Pan Continental Curling Championships A-Division - Canada (Team Gushue) def. Korea (Team Jeong). Canada concluded the RR with a 6-1 record (lone loss vs. USA), tied for first with Korea and USA. Canada earned the #1 seed due to lowest DSC score. Canada defeated #4 Japan while #3 seed Korea defeated #2 seed USA in the SF. Canada defeated Korea in the RR as well. USA (Team Dropkin) defeated Japan (Team Yanagisawa) for bronze.

🥌 Pan Continental Curling Championships B-Division - Guyana (Team Husain) def. India (Team Raju). Guyana finished the RR with a 5-2 record, tied for second with India and Kazakhstan. Guyana earned the #4 seed based on DSC score. Guyana defeated #1 Hong Kong and #2 India defeated #3 Kazakhstan in the SF. Guyana defeated India in the RR. Hong Kong (Team Chang) defeated Kazakhstan (Team Zhumagozha) for bronze.

Nations - Women

🥌 Pan Continental Curling Championships A-Division - Japan (Team Fujisawa) def. Korea (Team Ha). Japan wrapped up the RR with a 6-2 record, tied for third with Korea. Japan earned the #3 seed based on their RR win over Korea. Japan defeated #2 seed Canada and Korea defeated #1 seed USA in the SF. Canada (Team Einarson) defeated USA (Team Peterson) for bronze.

🥌 Pan Continental Curling Championships B-Division - Chinese Taipei (Team Lin) def. Mexico (Team Camarena) in an extra end. Chinese Taipei went undefeated in the RR with a 6-0 record to earn the bye to the final. #2 Mexico (4-2) defeated #3 Kenya (2-4) in the SF. Kenya (Team Njuguna) made #HERstory by winning the bronze medal, the first WCF medal for the nation.

Men

🥌 Nufloors Penticton Curling Classic - Team Shuster (USA) def. Team Dunstone (MB). Shuster went 3-2 in the RR, needing to survive one of four TB games to qualify for the playoffs after winning their first 3 games and losing their final 2. They would not lose again, defeating Flasch (PO), Koe (QF), Gauthier (SF) and Dunstone (F) to claim the title. Dunstone also went 3-2 in the RR and survived the TB round to reach the playoffs. They defeated Bottcher (PO), Howard (QF) and Edin (SF) to reach the final.

🥌 Swiss Cup Basel - Team Whyte (SCO) def. Team Ramsfjell (NOR). Whyte went a perfect 6-0 over the weekend, qualifying for the playoffs via the A-side. Ramsfjell also qualified via the A-side, creating a battle of 5-0 teams in the final.

🥌 Curling Stadium Alberta Curling Series - Team Libbus (AB) def. Team Vavrek (AB). Libbus went 2-1 in the RR to qualify for the playoff round. They avenged their lone loss to Vavrek from the RR in the championship final. Vavrek was undefeated entering the final. 

🥌 Bally Haly Cash Spiel - Team Symonds (NL) def. Team Thomas (NL). Symonds lost their opening RR game before reeling off 5 straight wins to claim the title. Thomas finished as runner-up with an overall record of 5-2.

🥌 Dave Jones Mayflower Cashspiel - Team Casey (PEI) def. Team Grattan (NB). Casey went undefeated in Halifax, qualifying out of the A-side and finishing with a record of 5-0. Grattan took the long road to the final, qualifying out of the #CSideGrind and finishing the weekend with an overall record of 5-3.

Women

🥌 Curling Stadium Alberta Curling Series - Team Kaufman (AB) def. Team Kitazawa (JPN). Kaufman went 5-1 to claim the title in Leduc, including avenging a RR loss to Kitazawa in the final. Kitazawa was 5-0 entering the final before taking their first loss of the event in the finale.

🥌 Bally Haly Cash Spiel - Team Strong (NL) def. Team Mitchell (NL). Strong went 5-1 in the double RR, splitting their games against fellow finalist Mitchell before taking the rubber match to win the championship. Mitchell advanced to the final with a 4-2 RR record.

🥌 Dave Jones Mayflower Cashspiel - Team Murphy (NS) def. Team Stevens (NS). Murphy went undefeated in Halifax, finishing the RR with a perfect 5-0 record to earn the bye to the final. Stevens was 4-1 in the RR and won the lone SF game (vs. Breen) to reach the final.

🥌 Tallinn Ladies International Challenger - Team Kaldvee (EST) def. Team Sutor (GER). Kaldvee went 2-2 in the RR to just reach the playoff round before knocking off Constantini (QF), Rorvik (SF) and Sutor (F) to win the title on home ice. #NextGen German juniors Sutor went 3-1 in the RR before knocking off back-to-back Swiss teams (Wuest, Hurlimann) to reach the final. Team Hurlimann (SUI) defeated Team Rorvik (NOR) for bronze.

Mixed Doubles

🥌 Aly Jenkins Memorial - Team Martin / Griffith (SK/BC) def. Team Walker / Muyres (AB/SK). Martin/Griffith went 3-1 in the RR, reaching the playoffs but needing to take the long path to the final. After losing their opening RR game, they won 7 straight games, including 4 straight playoff games, to win the title. Walker/Muyres entered the final undefeated, having wrapped up the RR with a 4-0 record and winning both playoff games to reach the final.


The Power Rankings took last week off due to scheduling so there are two weeks worth of results to take into consideration this week. Here is how the updated mountain looks heading into mid-November.

#PowerRankings

Women

1. Team Tirinzoni (1) - When you play 7 events, qualify each time, reach 5 finals and win 4 titles, is there really any other spot on the mountain for you other than on top? Can anyone stop them from winning the Euro title?

2. Team Gim (2) - They followed up their SF showing at the Tour Challenge by winning the Autumn Gold a few weeks ago in Calgary. They have played 9 events this season (not counting Korean Championships in June). They have qualified every time and have 2 titles to their credit.

3. Team Einarson (3) - They may be slightly disappointed to only leave Calgary with a bronze medal from #PCCC2023 but they accomplished the bigger picture goal of securing a world championship spot for Canada. And losing to Fujisawa is hardly a "bad loss" given their resume.

4. Team Fujisawa (HM) - Welcome back to the Top 10...except make it a Top 4! The new Pan Continental champions shoot up their rankings with their win. And while it did not always look pretty or dominating, great teams find ways to win. This team did just that. With all the talk about their struggles to win the "big one", this is a huge slide in the right direction. And, based on their reactions from winning the SF and final, you could tell this meant so much to the team.

5. Team Homan (4) - The Tour Challenge champs only drop down the rankings due to taking some much deserved time off coupled with the success of those teams above them. Look for them to hit the ice in Red Deer next weekend against a very stacked field.

6. Team Lawes (6) - They followed up their Tour Challenge QF result with a QF result at the Autumn Gold a few weekends ago. Consistent, consistent, consistent. They will welcome Laura Walker into the fold as skipper Kaitlyn Lawes prepares to become a mother. Wishing her and family all the best!

7. Team Hasselborg (10) - Gotta love a team who returns home to compete at an event on their home ice. Sure the field wasn't super strong in comparison to an event they could have played in Canada BUT their dedication to giving back and playing in front of home fans and family and friends is what we love to see. Plus they did take home the title! Looking good heading into Euro's.

8. Team Ha (HM) - The #NextGen Korean champs continue to surprise some and amaze the rest with their results this season. The run to the PCCC final was amazing as the team made some great shots and secured some nice wins along the way. Sure they went 0-2 vs. rival Fujisawa but winning a silver medal at the event is worth holding your head high. Remember, the majority of this team just won a world junior silver medal in 2020 (skipped by Kim Min-ji). The results they have put together this season, fresh out of juniors, is remarkable. Take notice of them!

9. Team Kitazawa (HM) - Does this team ever get tired? They just competed in their 9th event of the season this past weekend, reaching yet another championship final. The only "knock" we can say against this team is the ability to close out those finals. They have 5 final appearances but only 2 titles. They have reached the final in 3 of their past 4 events, but also lost all 3. However, on the plus side to support their ranking here, the motto wins out: consistency, consistency, consistency!

10. Team Wrana (7) - The #NextGen Swedes seem to be making their mark this season. TB at the opening slam. SF at the previous slam. And reaching the championship final two weeks ago at the tour event in Sweden (losing to rival Hasselborg). If the results over the past month continue moving forward for the rest of the season, expect them to be a regular fixture on the #PowerRankings mountain.

Hon. Mention: Team Jones, Team Grandy, Team Peterson, Team Keiser


Men

1. Team Edin (1) - If you were Edin's competition and saw them continue to win and put up solid results with only 3, do you start second guessing yourself? Get frustrated? If so, who can blame you? They win the Tour Challenge with 3. They win in Swift Current with 3. And this past weekend reached the SF in Penticton with 3. The SF loss to Dunstone snapped a 19-game winning streak for the team overall and a 14-game winning streak for the threesome. Amazing! Plus, did you see the spin rock shot Eriksson tried against Dunstone on Monday? It almost worked! The team did announce Daniel Magnusson will join them for the upcoming Euro's at lead position.

2. Team Gushue (2) - Gushue was the class of the PCCC field last week. Winning the gold medal just solidified them once again as the top team in Canada and the biggest threat to the #SwedishViking throne. Sure they took the early loss to USA's Dropkin but they responded and dominated the rest of the way.

3. Team Dunstone (3) - Back to back finals show Team Dunstone could be ready to take the label as the main contender to Gushue's Canadian title. Of course critics could flip the script and ask "but can they actually win a final?" It is more a question of "when" this season and not "if" though. It will happen. And when it does, the big cheque presentation will support the idea of #DunnyIsMoney!

4. Team Dropkin (4) - The Young Bucks followed up their Tour Challenge Tier II title with a bronze medal win at PCCC. A good result but, my guess is, the team will also be left wondering what could have been. The SF loss to Korea might sting a bit as this team looked like the main challenger to Canada all week. They did knock them off in the RR after all. But, on the positive, they rebounded from the loss to win the bronze and reach the podium. These Young Bucks are very dangerous when they have confidence and swagger in their sliders.

5. Team Koe (6) - As this new team hits the ice week in, week out, they look more and more dangerous and confident. Two weeks ago they reached the final in Swift Current. This past weekend the QF in Penticton. And they continue to quietly (literally!) move up the rankings mountain. Watch out!

6. Team Schwaller (5) - QF at the Tour Challenge was followed up by a QF result this past weekend in Basel. We should all be used to seeing this team on a playoff bracket by now. In regards to Euro's, are they secretly the "under the radar" favourite? Edin will have a minor lineup change. Mouat is just starting to hit their stride now. But Schwaller has been consistent all season. #ECC2022 will be fun!

7. Team Mouat (9) - The real Team Mouat has stood up over the past two events. The start of the season was rocky and they had some injury woes to get through but now this team is looking confident and ready to strike once again. QF at the Tour Challenge. SF this past weekend at Swiss Cup. They are hitting their stride at the exact right moment, leading into their attempt to #DefendTheIce at Euro's starting next week. I would be nervous playing them right now.

8. Team Whyte (NR) - Sure Team Whyte has been a little quiet as of late, going a combined 2-6 at back-to-back #gsoc events, but they seemed to really hit their stride this weekend in Basel. When you go undefeated to claim the title, people should take notice. And look at the teams they knocked off: Schwaller, Stocker, Walstad, Ramsfjell. All four are ranked within the Top 25 on the world rankings. A strong weekend for the young Scottish lads, hopefully building confidence for the second half of the season.

9. Team Retornaz (8) - The fan fav of the season, Joel Retornaz is playing lights out right now and posting his best season to date. The team followed up their QF result at the Tour Challenge by winning the tour event in Bern and reaching the QF last weekend in Basel. Could they become the dark horse championship contender in Sweden at Euro's? A podium threat for sure but no longer just a "bronze" threat. This team is a legit threat for gold.

10. Team Shuster (NR) - Speaking of a much-needed confidence boost, did anyone need to more than USA's Team Shuster? Heading into Penticton, the team sported a sub-.500 record of 6-7. They went 1-3 at the Tour Challenge Tier II. And people were starting to talk. Silence those doubts now folks after the team took home the title this weekend and posted an impressive 8-2 record. Their results included wins over highly ranked teams like McEwen, Flasch, Koe and Dunstone. Are they officially back in the convo and ready to make a play at the Young Bucks?

Hon. Mention: Team Ramsfjell, Team Walstad, Team Flasch, Team Sturmay, Team Vavrek

#StayTuned

The Canadian Mixed Curling Championships are underway in Prince Albert, SK. Stay up to date with all the results on the #CMCC2022 event site HERE.

Again, THANK YOU to World Curling Federation for allowing the #TwineTime blog to attend and cover #PCCC2022. It was great to meet so many athletes from so many nations. And thank you to those who followed along on social media with daily updates. Liking and sharing posts and sending your comments was greatly appreciated. Hopefully you enjoyed! 

Until the rocks start spinning again over the weekend, stay warm as we welcome snow and winter weather.

Sunday, 30 October 2022

PCCC2022 Preview

 #BetweenTheSheets: Pan Continental Curling Championship Preview

New event brings together two regions and a new qualification system 


"Continuity gives us roots;
change gives us branches,
letting us stretch and 
grow and reach new heights."
- Pauline R. Kezer

Continuity in curling is to continue the #growthesport mantra. Increased representation from more countries around the world continues to showcase curling as a global, international sport.

The sport will sprout a new branch in Calgary from October 31 - November 6 when the inaugural Pan Continental Curling Championships hit the ice at Winsport Arena.

For some nations, they will grow and reach new heights just through their participation in this event.

For others, this event serves as a stepping stone to the world championships, which could be new or renewed heights for a few nations.

Change can foster positive growth in sport and we will see this come to fruition with this new event.

And, as Sheryl Crow famously sang, "A change can do you good."

Monday, 24 October 2022

Power Rankings - W13

#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings

Grande Prairie rocked the mountain


The second event on the Grand Slam of Curling calendar came to an end over the weekend. The Tour Challenge crowned its Tier I and Tier II champions.

And the results caused some movement on Power Rankings mountain.

A new #1 for the men?

Is the gap closing for the women?

And what about the Tier II champions? One is already a fixture on the mountain while the other makes a triumphant return.

Plus we celebrate our first world champions of the season.

Monday, 17 October 2022

Tour Challenge Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Tour Challenge Preview
Setting a record with 64 teams competing




Knock, Knock
Who's there?
Orange
Orange who?
Orange you glad it's Tour Challenge Time?!

The same joke was used back in the 2019 Tour Challenge preview so I thought it was time to bring it back from the dead.

Some of you may not have laughed and would prefer it stay dead.

Hey, you cannot please everyone all the time but the "little blog that could" will try.

The Tour Challenge is one of my favourite events of the curling season. I love the Tier I and Tier II concept. I love bringing together this many high-quality teams to one event.

Plus my favourite colour is orange so I love the orange rings. 🟠

Again, a comment made in 2019 I will resurrect here but these orange rings really do look like a Tide pod sometimes.

What can you do while watching the Tour Challenge? Laundry of course...

Sunday, 16 October 2022

Power Rankings - W12

#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings

Welcome to the "In Between"


Are you familiar with the term "The In Between"?

The In-Between is a metaphysical concept where spirits of the dead linger until their unfinished business is settled. The spirits are between worlds, not in the world of the living and not in the world of spirits.

Spooky, no?

But also a perfect description of what this past weekend was for World Curling Tour action.

We just wrapped up a slam. Next week starts another slam.

And for most teams who will compete in Grande Prairie next week, this was an in between week.

Most have unfinished business awaiting them at the Tour Challenge.

Some will be competing in the Tier II competition, believing they have unsettled business of making the leap onto Tier I ice.

Oh there is some unfinished business for a majority of the teams competing this week...but until then, the teams sit inside "The In Between".

Perfect Halloween theme too, right?

Thursday, 13 October 2022

#WMxCC2022 Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: World Mixed Curling Championship Preview

Ready to crown the first world champion of the season? 


The Season of Champions is upon us.

While the tour season has been underway for a number of weeks, the World Curling Federation Season of Champions is about to hit the ice for their first championship.

And this is a special one....namely because it has not been held since 2019 due to COVID.

We may have missed out on a 2020 and 2021 championship BUT curling fans can get excited for the 2022 World Mixed Curling Championship!

Wednesday, 12 October 2022

Power Rankings - W11

#BetweenTheSheet: Power Rankings

How did the BOOST National shake up the mountain?


The season is officially under way when we conclude a Grand Slam of Curling event, yes?

We certainly saw some great curling in North Bay over the past week.

We saw a few upsets. We see you Team Hoesli and Team Keiser!!

But in the end, we saw very familiar slam champions once again prevail over the competition.

New season, new teams, similar results?!

Tuesday, 27 September 2022

Power Rankings - W9

 #BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings

Fredericton, Basel, K-W, Blaine hosted a packed curling weekend


What a weekend of curling action!

Most eyes were focused on the PointsBet Canada Invitational with fans hoping to cash in a cool $1,000,000 with a perfect #Sweep16 bracket.

The money was safe as nobody completed a perfect bracket. March Madness always teaches us upsets WILL happen. And they did in Fredericton.

But #PBInvitational2022 was not the only competitive curling event hitting the ice this weekend.

We have results from Basel, Switzerland, Blaine, MN and Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario for the men's and women's tour events.

Plus some mixed doubles results from Leduc, Alberta and Tallinn, Estonia.

Wednesday, 21 September 2022

#PBInvitational2022 Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: PointsBet Canada Invitational Preview

The #Sweep16BracketChallenge Seed Report


March Madness meets curling. From the hardwood to the cool slippery ice, curling will be introduced to their first March Madness-style elimination event this week in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

16 women's and men's teams will hit the ice looking to become the sole surviving champion and head home with a nice amount of cash in their pockets.

Call it #MarchMadness.

Call it #Sweep16.

Call it #SeptemberSweeps.

Call it #PBInvitational2022.

Whatever you want to call it, the excitement factor is through the roof.

Plus we get a full on Fantasy Curling Bracket Challenge for fans.

And a cool ONE MILLION DOLLAR grand prize for anyone able to complete a perfect bracket! 🤑 

Monday, 19 September 2022

Power Rankings - W8

#BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings

ATB Okotoks, Mother Club and Gord Carroll rock the mountain


Alberta once again hosted two big tour events this past weekend alongside the staple Mother Club in Winnipeg and the men's edition of the Gord Carroll in Whitby (the women's edition was held the previous week remember).

For some reason I always truly define the start of the curling season when the Mother Club Fall Curling Classic hits the ice. Not sure why? Maybe I just like the name of the event?

Either way, the curling season is well under way.

Plus the blog includes mixed doubles results and will continue to do so moving forward.

Tuesday, 13 September 2022

Power Rankings - W7

 #BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings

Big tour events in Alberta shake up the mountain



The blog is making its return to pre-COVID days. 

Do we all remember pre-COVID?

2019?

Bueller?

Thursday, 8 September 2022

S2223 W6 - Rankings Slip Up

 #BetweenTheSheets: Rankings System Slip Up

New system, same problems?


If you are a regular #TwineTime blog/podcast follower, you are probably growing tired of reading/hearing this space talk about curling rankings over the years.

Trust me loyal follower, you are not alone. I grow tiresome of this on-going topic as well.

It may seem like I don't because it is talked about so much but I really do.

Why can we not just figure this out, make it simple and move on already?

It REALLY is not that difficult!

Thursday, 1 September 2022

S2223 W5 - Popcorn Match

#BetweenTheSheets: Get Your Popcorn Ready

This season is about to POP off


Are you familiar with the phrase "Popcorn Match"?

If you are a tennis fan, you have probably heard this phrase used quite often. With the US Open underway in New York, you may hear it when analysts start breaking down the Order of Play for the day.

The term "Popcorn Match" actually came from former tennis player/coach and now ESPN analyst Brad Gilbert, who famously said "Get out a big bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show - movie style."

The match is usually one featuring high drama, high interest, high intensity and/or highly ranked opponents. And the winner...is usually the fans!

Curling is no exception to the #PopcornMatch concept. And with this being a season of change, there is quite a bit of intrigue (and unknowns) going into the season.

The whole Winter Olympic topic is put to rest this year but there is still a lot to be played for...and preparations made looking towards the next 4 years.

Popcorn on ice folks. Eat. It. Up!

Wednesday, 24 August 2022

S2223 M Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Men's Season Preview

Hot Topics, #TeamUpset, #PowerRankings and Predictions



New Season. New Look. Who Dis?

That may be what curling fans are saying when the men hit the ice to start the season.

To say there has been change among the men's game this offseason would be an understatement.

#FreeAgentFrenzy was loud and proud. And now we wait to see the results.

The women's season preview was released from the hack earlier this week.

As they say inside Chippendales, "Bring on the men!"

Monday, 22 August 2022

S2223 W Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Women's Season Preview

Hot Topics, #TeamUpset, #PowerRankings and Predictions


Are we finally here?

Are we actually ready to discuss a new curling season?

Are we excited?

The answer to all those questions is a resounding "YES!!"

Hopefully everyone has enjoyed the summer months, survived the extremely warm weather and is ready to cool down with some winter sport chatter.

We have A LOT to discuss rock heads.

Let's get the preview posts started with the women's season preview.

Monday, 2 May 2022

Champions Cup Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Champions Cup Preview

The final tour event of the season hits the ice in Olds, AB


The final slam of the 2021/22 season is upon us.

As the catch phrase for the event states, "The World's Best Battle" at the Champions Cup.

The Champions Cup began in 2016, taking place in Sherwood Park, Alberta. I was at this event and one thing I remember was the outstanding marketing job done by Heather Nedohin.

She had player cardboard cutouts scattered all over Sherwood Park promoting the event, handing out tickets and encouraging fans to take their picture with the cutout players and post on social media.

It was pure marketing genius. And something we need to see more of to #growthesport from an attendance and hype perspective.

The Champions Cup seems to have a home in Alberta over the years with the 2017, 2018 and 2021 versions all taking place in Calgary (Sidenote: Same women's champion each time, Team Homan, so #HERstory Repeating?).

Ok 2021 doesn't really count due to the #COVID19 pandemic and #IceBubble but still, it happened and it happened in Alberta.

The 2019 edition took place in Saskatoon and the 2023 edition will go back to Saskatchewan, this time in Regina. 

Hmmm, maybe we can get some #Nickisms for the 2023 Champions Cup and have my brother Nick do some guest interviews? Thoughts?

Ok, getting ahead of myself. Lets focus on the 2022 edition in Olds, Alberta.

Thursday, 21 April 2022

WMDCC2022 Preview

 #BetweenTheSheets: World Mixed Doubles Curling 

Championship Preview

20 nations compete for world championship glory

Before we even dive into the event itself, can we take a moment to admire the logo for the 2022 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship?

We have seen past WCF event logo's incorporate references to the host city and/or host nation but this is really upping the game.

For those unfamiliar, the logo is tying together the Flag and Coat of Arms of Geneva.

The Imperial Eagle is shown on both and now is making an appearance in the curling house.

Plus the colour combination, with the black rings offset with the red and yellow "coat of arms" look and the black Imperial Eagle just pop.

And look at that rock! 

Similar to an eagle's wing, it is flying through that house at a rapid speed.

Begs the question, which is faster? An Imperial Eagle or a Jason Gunnlaugson take out? 😆

Props to the organizing committee and WCF for building this logo and really using a historic piece of Geneva to market the event.

Don't you want to own a piece of merchandise from this event just because of this logo alone?

WCF needs to get on top of online merchandise and marketing. They could make some money with event logo's like this on popular merchandise items like shirts, hats and drinkware.

Anyway, bring on another world championship event of the season.

Monday, 11 April 2022

Players' Championship Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Players' Championship Preview

Plus WMCC2022 FINAL Power Rankings


Ready to rock indeed!

Curling fans have no break in the action this week as the World Men's Curling Championship just threw its final rock in Las Vegas and two days later we will see opening rocks tossed at the GSOC Players' Championship.

This schedule...yikes!

Gotta feel for those men's teams who are coming from Vegas to Toronto to compete. We will be watching you Team Edin, Team Gushue, Team Retornaz and Team Schwaller.

Hmmm, interesting how all of those teams made the playoffs in Vegas.

Hmmmm, double interesting how the 3 podium teams in Vegas will be in Toronto.

Guess no time for Vegas celebrations. That sucks, straight up. Where else would you like to celebrate your world championship medal than The Strip in Las Vegas?!?!

Hopefully the crowd in Toronto can give those teams a celebratory welcome at least.

It will not just be the men's world championship teams we will see though.

We will also see podium, playoff and contending teams from the World Women's Curling Championship.

Is it an advantage to play events so close together? Or will we see one of the teams who has had a bit of a break these past few months emerge fresh, full of energy and ready to take the trophy?

And don't forget those teams who also competed at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

What a schedule. What a season.

Friday, 18 March 2022

#WWCC2022 Preview

  #BetweenTheSheets: WWCC 2022 Preview

Prince George FINALLY gets to host the women's world championship



Prince George, Are. You. Ready?

You have been waiting a few years to open your doors to the best world women's curling teams and now the time to take centre ice is yours.

As we all remember, Prince George was originally slated to host the world championship in 2020.

Then COVID-19 hit the world and cleared the slate on everything, sporting events included.

Two years later, here we are with Prince George finally getting their opportunity to shine.

To all those involved in the planning and organizing of this event, whether back in 2020 or in 2022 or both, THANK YOU for your dedication to the event and to the sport.

While the world will be watching, know we are all hoping for a great event for all of you as well.

We know the athletes are excited, especially those who originally were scheduled to compete in 2020 and now CAN compete in 2022.

Prince George, the ice is yours!

Friday, 4 March 2022

#Brier2022 Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Brier 2022 Preview

March Madness comes to Lethbridge



I love March Madness!

The March Madness tournament may be the best tournament in all of sports.

From Bubble Life to Bracket Busters, there is something for everyone.

We see #TeamUpset results. We see blowouts. We see close games. We see OT games.

We get the drama, excitement, heartbreak and elation all at the same time.

The NCAA basketball tournament brings it all to every sports fan, whether casual or hardcore.

We need to bring this same style of energy from the hardcourt onto the ice.

Bring on March Madness...Curling Edition!

Ready to crown our next national champion?

Wednesday, 2 March 2022

#Beijing2022 Wheelchair Curling Preview

#BetweenTheRings: Wheelchair Curling Preview

Paralympians are ready to roll into the #IceCube 


Have you been suffering from curling withdraw?

Are you feeling lost with no late night Olympic coverage?

Perhaps you are staying up late into the night decked out in your nation's gear wanting to cheer on your national athletes?

Well have no fear rockheads. The time has come to dust off those jerseys, discover new flavours of coffee and redefine your nighttime routine once again.

Bring on the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Bring on wheelchair curling inside the #IceCube.

Monday, 14 February 2022

Beijing2022 Curling Midterm Grades

#BetweenTheRings: Team Midterm Report Card

Are the Keys To Success actually working?


The curling team event has passed the midway point of the competition.

If we thought teams were feeling the stress before, imagine how they are feeling now?!

With 6 RR games in the record books, each team has 3 RR games remaining.

For most, they are battling for playoff spots.

For a few, they are looking to play spoiler.

And for one, they are looking to continue the momentum into the playoffs having clinched a spot after the last draw.

Are the Keys To Success actually leading to success on the ice?

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

#Beijing2022 Men's Team Preview

 #BetweenTheRings: Men's Team Preview

Big 3 domination or #TeamUpset surprise?



The Big 3 vs. The World.

This seems to be the narrative everyone wants to talk about when dissecting the men's team event in Beijing.

Canada. Great Britain. Sweden.

For many, it appears a foregone conclusion these will be the 3 teams standing on the podium when the competition end on February 19.

But is this accurate?

We saw what Italy pulled off in the Mixed Doubles competition.

Are we building up a Top 3 narrative just in time for a dark horse team to emerge victorious and have the last laugh?

As this blog always states, #StayTuned.

We know the Big 3. But who are the main challengers? Who are the dark horse contenders?

And who could ultimately become the next #TeamUpset?

#Beijing2022 Women's Team Preview

 #BetweenTheRings: Women's Team Preview

Strongest international field EVER?!?



In the Mixed Doubles Preview post, the opening question asked "Do you have the Olympic spirit?"

After watching the mixed doubles competition for the past 7 days, the answer should be a resounding "YES!"

Mixed doubles kicked off the 2022 Winter Olympics the exact way we expected.

We had great shots.

We had shocking misses.

We had drama.

We had celebration.

We had heartbreak.

Who needs to stream a show on Netflix or Prime right now when the Olympics can bring you everything you need to get your entertainment fix.

I don't know why you gagging? They bring it to you every four years!

With mixed doubles handing out the hardware, the spotlight shifts to the Teams competition.

Tuesday, 1 February 2022

#Beijing2022 MD Preview

 #BetweenTheRings: Mixed Doubles Preview

Enter the #IceCube at the 2022 Winter Olympics



Do you have the Olympic spirit?

If not, get ready because it might come over you like a chinook blast in downtown Calgary.

And if you do have it, you must be counting down the days until the first event hits our TV screens.

The Opening Ceremonies are slated for Friday February 4 inside National Stadium, also known as The Bird's Nest.

Sound familiar? If you are a regular Olympic viewer, it should be.

The Bird's Nest, an 80,000-capacity stadium, was a regular fixture during the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.

The stadium, renamed to National Stadium, will now become a Winter Olympic venue.  

But while the official start of the games will be when the Olympic flame is lit at Olympic Stadium, the actual competition will begin days earlier.

Those of us who are curling fans are even more excited. Similar to PyeongChang in 2018, curling will be the first sport to gain worldwide attention.

The mixed doubles event hits the ice inside the #IceCube a few days before the Opening Ceremonies.

Thursday, 27 January 2022

#STOH2022 Preview

#BetweenTheSheet: Welcome to the #IceBubble...Again!

18 teams enter. 1 will survive.

Are you ready for some curling?

Don't you wish we could have some Canadian celebratory sing an opening theme song similar to what we see for "Sunday Night Football" or "Monday Night Football"?

Give me some Brett Kissel or Hunter Brothers. How about some Drake or Justin Bieber?

Maybe a throwback with Shania Twain or Nelly Furtado or Corey Hart?

Canada has so many outstanding musicians, why can we not have a curling promo song leading into our national championship events? A "Season of Champions" theme!

TSN, Curling Canada, The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Science. Get that partnership going already and lets make it happen!!

Ok lets focus on curling.

Ready to crown our next national champion?

Friday, 21 January 2022

2022 Winter Olympics 50/50 Pool

 #BetweenTheSheets: Can YOU Win Olympic Gold?

Enter the #TwineTime 50/50 pool and navigate the draw path to gold



Have you caught Olympic fever yet?

We are only a few weeks away from the Opening Ceremonies of Beijing 2022 and kicking off the pinnacle of sport.

As we saw in 2018, curling will be out of the hack before the lighting of the Olympic cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies. Mixed doubles will hit the ice in less than two weeks. The first rock is set to be thrown on Wednesday February 2.

The Opening Ceremonies are a few days later on Friday February 4.

Curling will run from pre-Opening Ceremonies right through to the final day of competition on Sunday February 22.

Yup, a full 19 straight days of competition for the sport. The only sport, once again, to operate the full duration...and then some.

And yes, I recognize many sports fans, curling fans included, are not supportive of the 2022 Winter Olympics for a handful of reasons. From COVID concerns to Chinese human rights issues to everything in between and elsewhere, these are legit reasons to not be in support of these games.

However, lets not punish our athletes by not wishing them the best of luck and supporting them as they chase their dreams. We still can wish all the athletes best of luck competing and chasing not only Olympic medals but personal bests.

And celebrate the accomplishment of even qualifying and competing at the Winter Olympics. A great achievement for any athlete in any sport.

To those competing, congrats and good luck!

Now as a fan, ask yourself the following questions:
  • Do you like watching curling?
  • Do you like raising money for a good cause?
  • Do you like winning money?
If you answered yes to at least one (hopefully all) of the questions above, read on dear friend.  #TwineTime has a deal for you!

Sunday, 16 January 2022

#WQE2022 Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: "Lake City" Becomes An "IceBubble"
Final world championship berths to be decided in Lohja, Finland

Lohja, Finland is becoming a curling hot spot.

The city, located in the southwest Finland, is only an hour outside Helsinki. Lohja has a population just shy of 46,000 and is known as a garden city on the lake.

The "Lake City" freezes over in the winter months and becomes the house of curling.

Lohja hosted the World Qualification Event in 2020 as well as the World Wheelchair B-Curling Championship in April 2021.

The city has played host to 4 World Junior-B Championships over the years as well and was slated to host the same event once again a few weeks ago but the event was cancelled due to rising COVID concerns.

For #WQE2022, the event will take place inside a COVID-secure bubble.

Welcome to the #IceBubble in Lake City!