#STOH2023 Preview

 #BetweenTheSheets: STOH 2023 Preview

Fans rejoice a full return to the Scotties

The playdown parties are officially in the rearview mirror. Curling fans have had a week to rest up from the past few weeks of playdown celebrations and now we enter the MAIN EVENT!

As mentioned in this very blog preview space last season, and worth mentioning again, don't you wish we could have some Canadian celebrity sing an opening theme song similar to what we see for "Sunday Night Football" or "Monday Night Football"?

Canada is loaded with musical talent, why hasn't the sport pounced on this yet to develop a true "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!!

We are looking at you Shawn Mendes, Deborah Cox, Arkells, Susan Aglukark, Avril Lavigne, Brett Kissel, Charlotte Cardin, Dean Brody....the list can go on and on.

We know Canadian artists are also curling fans. When can we see a full collaboration happen?

But alas, as was the case last year, the call for a "Season of Champions" theme falls on deaf ears. Maybe I really am the only one who thinks this would be a cool idea.

Oh well....

Are you ready for the 2023 Scotties Tournament of Hearts?

Before we dive into the field, including team by team previews, seeding and predictions, there are a few hot topics we need to discuss.

Format Reminder

We saw this adapted championship format last year and it will return for another season.

Mixed reviews overall and it is still a bit difficult to tell if this is the "right" playoff format after only a single year of existence.

The games proved to be exciting but that is more a testament to the teams competing than the format itself.

I am not completely sold on it but am not 100% against it.

The reduction of teams "advancing" is concerning. And the fact of change appearing more for the sake of change than to really #growthesport and enhance the overall championship competition is debatable.

But alas, here we are. As a reminder on how the playoff structure works, the Top 3 from each RR pool advance to the Championship Round, which is a playoff elimination bracket, to narrow the field down to our required 4 for the page playoff.

The Championship Round SF games will finalize our 4 PPG participants. Those teams who finish 1st in their pool will already advance to the PPG but will competing in the Championship Round Finals to try and punch their ticket to the 1vs2 PPG.

The two teams who lose the Championship Round Final games will still advance to the 3vs4 PPG.

Got all that?

In simple terms, HUGE advantage to finish 1st in your pool. You know you make the playoffs. You also get the double shot of knowing even if you lose your Championship Round playoff game, you "drop" to the 3vs4 game and are still alive.

There will be only one TB draw allowed as well, to be played Friday morning, only to settle a TB for 3rd place in a pool. And only if those teams finish the RR above .500 (5-3 or better), as we saw last year with NWT defeating Manitoba. NWT also defeated Manitoba in their RR game.

If more than 2 teams are tied, and assuming they meet the qualification criteria above as well, teams will be eliminated based first on head to head record and then accumulated last stone draw to determine the 2 TB teams.

We may see 3 teams from 1 pool in the page playoff...and not because they defeated the other pools teams but because one team beat another team in a one-and-done playoff qualifier game.

It happened last year when New Brunswick and Northern Ontario won their Championship Round SF games to advance to the Championship Round Finals to play first place teams Wildcard #1 (from the same pool) and Canada.

Which gives a whole other argument to seeding for the original pools...but more on that in the preview.

#HERstory

How about a quick facts and figures lesson for the kiddies?

Will this be the record-breaking year for Manitoba, Saskatchewan or Team Canada?

All 3 sit atop the overall championship standings with 11 titles each.

Or maybe we see a NEW champion emerge as Northern Ontario, PEI, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut still seek their first Scottie championship.

Can B.C. win a title on home ice? It has only been done 10 times before, with the last being 2017 with Team Homan winning in St. Catherine's. B.C. has done it once before as well when Team Law won the title in Prince George in 2000.

A Manitoba/Canada victory would also move them into a tie for second place on most consecutive wins by one province/territory. Nova Scotia/Canada currently sit in second at 4 (2001 - 2004), trailing leader Saskatchewan with 6 (1969 - 1974).

And lets take some time to applaud Jennifer Jones. By competing at the 2023 Scotties, she will add to her legacy and pad her career-leading records if she makes the playoffs:

• Most appearances - 16 (2nd behind Colleen Jones' 21)
• Most career wins - 159
• Most career wins (skip) - 159
• Most career games - 213 (2nd overall behind Colleen Jones' 249)
• Most playoff wins - 21 (tied with Jill Officer)
• Most playoff wins (skip) - 21
• Most finals appearances - 9 (tied with Jill Officer)
• Most playoff games - 33

Remarkable! GOAT status on lock folks?

Sandra Schmirler Foundation

Do not forget the Sandra Schmirler Foundation telethon continues, this year taking place on Sunday February 19.

Every year the blog donates to the great cause and challenges every reader of this post to donate as well. Any amount can make a difference.

And, if you are able to donate and feel comfortable doing so, post on SM your support and tag the Sandra Schmirler Foundation in your post. Encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Remember to use the hashtag #ChampionsStartSmall as well to help spread the message and encourage donations, both on telethon day but anytime throughout the year.

For more information on the telethon, including how to donate, visit the website HERE.

Ok, bring on the 2023 rock talk.

#PowerRankings

The Power Rankings return!

As debuted for last year's Scotties preview, once again we are going to use a Power Rankings system to break down our competing teams.

The teams are provided a "seed" based on their ranking.

Lets first look at the 18 seeds and then break down pool play and predictions.

1. #TeamCanada - Team Einarson:

Key To Success: Make Them Beat You - You are the champs. And while people may say the pressure is on the one wearing the target, not necessarily. The pressure is on the field to finally knock off the champs. You just do you and make your opposition feel the pressure.

The 3-time champs will try to #DefendTheIce once again and aim for a 4th straight Scotties title. Remarkable! The feat would tie the great Team Colleen Jones (2001 - 2004) for most consecutive Scotties wins. Right now the team is tied with the great Team Vera Pezer (1971 - 1973) and Team Jennifer Jones (2008 - 2010) with three straight. Worth noting, Jones had a shot at the 4 spot but lost the 2011 final to Saskatchewan's Amber Holland. This is a dynasty team, win or lose this upcoming week in Kamloops. And this team is on fire this season. When you play 7 events, reach 5 finals, win 1 title (WFG Masters) and end up with a bronze medal (Pan Continental) and SF finish at your other two events...Yowie Wowie indeed. They have reached the final at all 4 #GSOC events this season as well. Can anyone dethrone the Ice Queens? As an aside, don't forget to check out the Team Einarson / Team Canada jersey reveal video on the team's social account. The reveal to "It's All Coming Back To Me Now" is AMAZING!!!

2. #CurlON - Team Fleury/Homan

Key To Success: Who Skips, Who Cares? - There seems to be A LOT of discussion around who is "leading" this team. Rachel? Tracy? Does it matter? We all know the traditionalist way of the sport where the skip makes the call and "runs" the team. But, what if, a new style emerged with co-leads? Maybe the Rachel/Tracy dual combo can work. This team has been under the magnifying glass since they announced the new lineup but why? Their results have done the talking. And maybe they have developed their own "way" to run the team. If it works and everyone is happy, assuming that is the case, what is really the issue? Maybe this is just a red herring discussion by fans and media while the team itself blocks out the noise and just keeps winning?

The Fleury/Homan combo is coming together just fine this season...and the results speak for themselves. When you play 7 events and only suffer a COMBINED 8 losses, you must be doing something right. They also have picked up 2 tour titles, including defeated Einarson in the Tour Challenge Tier I final. There was a point between October and December where this team was on a 15-game winning streak. Who stopped the streak? Einarson in the WFG Masters final. This is what a sports rivalry looks like...and we are at the peak of it heading to Kamloops. Fleury/Homan and Einarson have played 4 times this season, each winning twice. Could we see the Best of 5 finale play out for the biggest prize of the season thus far?

3. #BuffaloHunt - Team Jones

Key To Success: The Jennifer Jones Effect - The combination of experience + #NextGen "no fear" can take this team to great heights. We saw what Team Zacharias can do at the Scotties last year. They added the wildcard piece to the puzzle. If the young guns can learn from Jones while Jones keeping an open ear to the Zacharias game play, this could be a magical week.

If battle tested is a way to prepare for the Scotties, Manitoba's Team Jones might be seeded #1. They have played 13 events this season and own an overall record of 53-27. They have already played 90 games this season, which includes the Manitoba Scotties. September was the breakthrough month for the new team, winning back-to-back titles at the Saville Shoot-Out and PointsBet Invitational, putting together a 13-game winning streak along the way. They have not won a tour title since; however, they did qualify in 6 events before going undefeated to win the Manitoba title. And while Einarson tries to better the Jones record, could Jenn have ultimate revenge against a provincial rival and deny them a 4th title? And, as if this team needed another reason to be considered a major championship threat, remember they have Glenn Howard behind the bench as coach.

4. #WC1 - Team Lawes

Key To Success: Laura Walker - We know what Walker is capable of on Scotties ice, winning bronze in 2021 as skip of Alberta. She has been playing with this team for awhile now, albeit Super Sparing for a different player but same role. Obviously Kaitlyn Lawes has the resume. If Walker can set her up for her final rocks, this team should be able to score and win quite often.

Top 4 seed for the 3rd team from Manitoba. It is quite possible we see a Manitoba podium sweep come championship weekend folks. Skip Kaitlyn Lawes is back in the house. Laura Walker will remain with the team but this team will play the role of #SuperSpare for vice Selena Njegovan, who is on parental leave. Many may notice the blog not making mention of the parental leave debate in the opener of this preview. This is not to ignore the issue nor to say it is not important. The athletes, including Team Lawes, spoke out on social media and tackled the issue with pride, class and respect. The blog supports the comments made by the team and their fellow athletes. And while some may want to add focus to the issue during this competition, I would think the athletes want to focus on the event itself and leave the off-ice concerns to another time. Curling Canada made an initial rule, met uproar over it and then updated the rule. For now, during this championship, lets move on (but lets not ignore the conversation for the future as we push forward with greater equality). Back to our #WC1 team. They have been one of the most consistent teams on tour. They qualified in 9 straight events (including 3 finals and 2 titles), a run ended by a DNQ at the Canadian Open at the start of 2023. And while they may arrive in Kamloops fresh off a disappointing SF loss to Team Walter at the Manitoba Scotties, this is still a team to watch out for. And lets not forget who they have on the bench helping them out: Lisa Weagle!

5. #TeamPacific - Team Grandy

Key To Success: #KingNiklas - When you add some well-known guy named Niklas Edin as your coach to join you...well he is #KingNiklas for a reason, right? Watch Out! Edin brings a calm demeanor to the bench. Lean on him for his experience, both in game and out. His championship resume speaks for itself. While the team may be coming to Kamloops as rookies, and as the host team, those could be distractions. Edin can help turn distractions into positives while also being relaxed and having fun.

The dark horse sleeper pick of the event...although can a Top 5 seeded team REALLY be a sleeper? On resume, perhaps, as this is a Scotties rookie team. Skipper Clancy Grandy did compete at the 2021 Scotties but at alternate for Team Carey. Grandy is joined by a strong #NextGen trio who have Canadian junior and/or collegiate championship experience. This team rocks a very similar record to their Manitoba counterparts, owning a season record of 52-27. They burst on the scene at the start of the season, reaching a championship final in Quebec and winning a tour title the next week in Saskatchewan. Both finals were played against reigning world champions Team Tirinzoni. Best way to announce you are here is to defeat the world champs in a final. They also won the Tour Challenge Tier II title. Their strong play on the season landed them a great seed here and drawn into a pool where they have a very strong chance of reaching the Championship Round.

6. #WC2 - Team Scheidegger

Key To Success: Believe In Yourself - The AB Scotties final loss was probably a tough pill to swallow for some time. They looked to be in control of the final end until Kayla Skrlik made the "shot heard around the world". But park that and look forward. You are still in this field. You have been here before. And you are one of the top teams in the nation. All 4 players have the game, and resume, to make a run here. They just need to trust in themselves and believe they can win. The mental game can build the physical game. 

Casey Scheidegger is back at the Scotties! And fans are living for it. Often regarded as one of the fan favs on tour, Scheidegger will make her first Scotties appearance since 2019 and third overall. While the Alberta Scotties loss may be tough, Scheidegger is no stranger to the wildcard role. She wore the #OrangeCrush jacket at the 2019 Scotties after defeating Kerri Einarson in the play-in game (the last Scotties Einarson played at which she did not win btw). Scheidegger topped her pool and just missed out on the playoffs by one game. This year she will look to go one round better with a new team in front of her. Sister Jessie Haughian is back of course and this is a special year as both sisters have announced they are expecting. Congrats to both and their families. This season the team has qualified in 7 tour events, reaching 3 finals. This is an experienced team who can make some noise and go deep in this competition.

7. #WC3 - Team Walter

Key To Success: Own The Role - When you play with house money, you always win. Team Walter is doing exactly that. They are young. They are rookies. Expectations are minimal against a stacked, experienced field. The perfect recipe for success. Own the rookie experience. Have fun. Play your game. Live stress free. Every rock, every end, every game is a positive, win or lose. If they embrace the fun and embrace the rookie status, it could open them up to collecting a bunch of wins this week.

If we are debating "Rookie of the Year" credentials, Team Walter is ready to give Team Grandy a run for the award. Walter, earlier in the season known as Team Ackland, has made a strong push this season. They have qualified in 5 events this season, reaching 2 finals and winning the DEKALB Superspiel. They also qualified for their first slam, reaching the QF at the Canadian Open, right before the Manitoba Scotties. It was before the DEKALB event where the team decision was made to have Meghan Walter skip the team and Abby Ackland move to third. Walter, only 20 years old, will be making a huge slide for #NextGen athletes this week. But Walter is no stranger to national championships as she was part of the 2019 Canadian and World Mixed Curling Championship team. Can they surprise the world and show #NextGen can knock off experience?

8. #TeamBluenose - Team Black

Key To Success: Win The End - Last year Team Black reached the Championship Round. But, in doing so, they were also the only team with a negative Ends Won / Ends Loss ration (35:36). Their SF game against Northern Ontario came down to one end, giving up a steal of 4 in 4. One lost end cost them advancement. If they can tighten up that ratio, get it on the positive, they could take the next step to the playoffs this year.

A Championship Round qualifier from a year ago, Team Black is Back! And they may feel like they have some unfinished business to settle this year. It still seems this team is considered a "fly under the radar" team but why? This is skip Christina Black's 5th Scotties, having not only reached the Champ Round last year but also winning bronze in 2018 (Team Arsenault). And look at the season they have had. They are 34-7 overall, qualified in 6 events, reached 4 finals and won 3 titles. And you want to talk about a team on a roll? From November to now, they are 22-2 overall, which includes their Nova Scotia Scotties victory. At one point they were on a 16-match winning streak, ended with a final RR draw loss to Team Hilliard at the NS Scotties (which they earned revenge on in the final). Do you want to keep sleeping on this team? If so, go for it. I don't think they mind proving all of us wrong.

9. #ABStrong - Team Skrlik

Key To Success: Geri-Lynn Ramsay - Ramsay has Scotties experience. Sure she has only been here once, in 2010, but it was a successful rookie showing, winning a silver medal. She played in a Scotties and made it all the way to the championship game. She knows the routine. She knows the big lights. She knows media blitz. Leverage her experience and knowledge. We know the Scotties is huge, especially for first-time participants. Ramsay could help the team own the moment before the moment owns them.

Bring on another #NextGen team making their Scotties debut! Team Skrlik shocked many in the curling world with their undefeated run to the Alberta Scotties title, including knocking off favourite Scheidegger TWICE! In fact, they are 4-0 against their main Alberta rivals this season, including also knocking them off in the final at a tour event in Okotoks back in November. Do not take this team for granted folks. And, if you are not familiar with them yet, trust me when I say they will win you over as a fan by the end of the week. This is a fun team. And when they have fun, they win. THIS could be your actual dark horse sleeper pick to make some noise over the upcoming week.

10. #TeamAcadia - Team Kelly

Key To Success: Steal, Steal, Steal - Last year's deep playoff run was remarkable for Team Kelly. But if they are going to replicate, or improve, their bronze medal performance they are going to have to toss on the #StealPants more. Last year, of the Championship Round qualifiers, they had the lowest number of stolen ends (8). When you look at other top teams for comparison, Northern Ontario's Team McCarville had 12 and #WC1 Team Fleury had 15. The team is successful in applying for force when the opposition has hammer but maybe applying a bit more pressure and picking the pocket of your opponents could be the difference maker.

To say Andrea Kelly is back at the Scotties is not going to be a surprise to many people. To say Andrea Kelly is back looking for revenge after winning bronze last year might. One of the greatest memories to come out of last year's Scotties in Thunder Bay was the performance of New Brunswick's Team Kelly. Kelly has been to many Scotties in the past (this year will be her 11th appearance) but last year was her first deep playoff run. And that is what fans love to see. A player who has come so close in the past to finally making the push to the next level and giving fans exciting games to watch. If she wasn't a crowd favourite before (she was!), she certainly will be this year. The team has played 7 tour events this season, qualifying in 6 and really pushing eventual champs Team Jones in the opening game of the PointsBet Invitational to start the season. They dominated the field at the NB Scotties, going undefeated and outscoring their opposition 65-15 over 7 games. Kelly is not afraid of rocks in play and can be comfortable sitting in a messy house, which can drive her opposition crazy. And keep your eyes on the bench with this team as they brought Heather Smith as their alternate. Smith has Scotties appearance as well, skipping Nova Scotia at this event 5 times and winning bronze in 2011.

11. #PolarPower - Team Galusha

Key To Success: Blank Page - Last year Team Galusha was all in almost every end. From applying a force to giving up big ends to scoring big ends themselves to being forced themselves...it was all happening. And it led to a Championship Round appearance. But maybe the team needs to bail out early in messy ends or play more wide open in close games. Last year the team only had 2 blank ends. 2! And they both came in the TB game vs. Manitoba (which they won). For comparison sake, Canada's Team Einarson had 8. Look, we all know blank ends aren't exactly riveting entertainment for the crowd but sometimes strategy and a well-called blank end can put a W on the board.

Speaking of fan favs and players who were due for a deep Scotties run, welcome back Kerry Galusha! Similar to Andrea Kelly, last year's Scotties was a huge breakthrough for the #PolarPower Queen. Galusha reached the Championship Round for the first time in her storied career. A far cry from those days of playing in the relegation round, right? 2023 marks Galusha's 20th appearance overall, including the pre-qualifier days and two stints as an alternate. This will be her 16th "registered" appearance. And long gone are the days where Galusha and her teammates were "happy to be here". This is a team ready to compete, knowing they can hang with and defeat any team in this field. The team has qualified in 4 of 6 events this season, including reaching the SF at the Tour Challenge Tier II (losing to Grandy). And we know they will have crowd support behind them in Kamloops, making them even more dangerous of a competitor.

12. #TheIslanders - Team Christianson

Key To Success: Messy House Alert - Similar to Team Galusha, PEI's Team Birt only had 1 blank end last year. Birt loves rocks in play, whether to her advantage or detriment is another story. But this is also Birt's comfort zone. She can play the big end. She can also give up a big end. Her resiliency for those messy house ends can be her advantage. While Team Galusha might benefit at times for a wide open strategic end, Team Christianson could be the opposite. If they thrive living in a messy house, who are we to judge?

Talking about experience, how about PEI's Suzanne Birt? 2023 will be her 14th Scotties appearance. She has finished 4-4 at the last two Scotties, just missing out on Championship Round qualification both times. The 2003 Scotties bronze medal winner will always be a threat to the competition though and has proven to be a giant killer in the past. Birt actually plays third for the team but throws the final stones as the team is skipped by Marie Christianson. Christianson will be making her 6th Scotties appearance, all while playing with Birt. This season the team has qualified in 3 of 6 events but they did pick up a tour title in Moncton back in October and a second title in Fredericton in November. When they are on, they can go deep. When they are off, they just miss out on the playoffs. If Birt can find her game and catch on to the ice on opening weekend, watch out.

13. #TeamGreen - Team Silvernagle

Key To Success: Turn Emotion Into Victory - We saw how much the Sask Scotties title meant to Robyn Silvernagle in her post-championship win interview. And in subsequent media interviews since. Now that emotional energy needs to be focused on the ice. I say embrace the emotion and use it as your weapon. Sometimes in sport there is talk about leaving emotion on the bench and getting "in the zone". But what if your "zone" is using your emotion as a success tool? Silvernagle will have her family cheering her on in Kamloops and that positive energy can lead to positive emotions, which can lead to positive results.

The Return of the #SilverSquad! What a comeback story for Robyn Silvernagle. And who saw that coming? Really? And I say that with respect to the team, of which is #TwineTimeFam member Kara Thevenot. This team came together only a few months ago and entered the Sask Scotties last chance qualifier event. They lost their opener and then won 5 straight to punch their ticket to the Sask Scotties. In Estevan, they qualified via the B-side, took the A vs B loss to Team Martin and then won the SF over 5-time Canadian Senior champ Team Anderson and extracted revenge on Martin in the final. Remarkable! You know TSN is going to be all over this when they are the featured game. Silvernagle is the curling definition of resiliency, given everything she has gone through, and will now be making her 3rd Scotties appearance. And lets not forget, at her debut appearance in 2019, she won a bronze medal. The #13 seed may be considered unlucky but with how this team ended up in Kamloops, it almost seems fitting and could be the "unlucky" luckiest team in the field.

14. #TheRock - Team Curtis

Key To Success: Score Big, Score Often - When we last saw Stacie Curtis at the Scotties in 2018, the key to success was the team's ability to score. In the RR they put up 57 points, third highest among all teams in the field. They will need to use that same mentality against this strong field. When they have hammer, go all in for those big ends. Utilize the 5 rock rule to your advantage and put points on the board. Sure, in 2018, they lost the TB game to Ontario's Team Duncan 11-8 BUT they had hammer coming home down 1...and gave up the steal of 2 to take the loss. They play all in for multi-score ends. If they do the same here, play fearless, and secure some crocked numbers on the scoreboard, they could surprise those higher ranked teams.

You want to talk about comebacks? "Hold my screech" says Team NL skipper Stacie Curtis. Curtis will be making her 6th Scotties appearance this year but first since 2018. After taking some time away from the sport, Curtis has returned and picked right back up into championship winning form. And this will be a family affair. She is joined by sister Julie Hynes and sister-in-law Erica Curtis. You may remember the three of them during their three-year NL Scotties reign from 2016 - 2018. The band is back together folks. When we last saw Curtis on Scotties ice, she lost a TB game to Ontario's Team Duncan, just falling short of advancing to the Championship Pool. Now back together, this season the team qualified in all 4 tour events entered, including winning a tour title at their season opening event in St. Johns. And while they mostly play tour events close to home against NL competition, they did enter the Stu Sells 1824 Halifax Classic, reaching the QF and playing against fellow Scotties competitors Team Lawes, Team Jones, Team Birt and Team Black (1-3 overall).

15. #FearTheMoose - Team McCarville

Key To Success: #StealPants - As noted above, a key to success for Team McCarville last season was their quick ability to pick the pocket of their opponents. Krista McCarville has this ability to slowly and methodically weave you into your game plan. And by the time you realize it, too late. She is putting points on the board. If the team is to return to the championship final, they will need to do the same. Steal, Steal, Steal. Go full pirate mode on every team in this field and pillage them for all they have. 

The best #15 seed in sports #HERstory? Well here is where we REALLY question the seeding formula at these national championships. Krista McCarville, last year's Scotties runner-up, is back and is seeded #15. 15!! How. Is. That. Possible? Ok sure, the team only played 3 tour events this season but look at the events. Boost National. Tour Challenge Tier II. Curl Mesabi Classic. And while they failed to qualify at the two #gsoc events, they reached the final in Eveleth. The blog has said it before and will say it again, I still believe seeding should be done based on the previous year's final standings. We see this done at IIHF world championship events and it works fine. And do not use the excuse, while it is potentially different teams at the Scotties each season. At the IIHF world championships, it is FOR SURE different rosters competing for each nation each season. And, if we compare the 2022 Scotties field to the 2023 field, 12 of the 18 teams are basically returning (in some form or another). McCarville in the same pool as 2022 bronze medal winner Kelly and Championship Round qualifier Galusha feels wrong on so many levels. And to be seeded below, and I mean this with all respect, a Saskatchewan team who just came together for provincial playdowns. Yowie Wowie indeedie! But hey, in 9 previous Scotties appearances, McCarville is used to making the ranking system look like a non-factor once stepping on the ice so why not do it again as a #15 seed?!?

16. #Labelleprovince - Team St-Georges

Key To Success: Find Your Offense - The problem that plagued this team at last year's Scotties was the inability to score. They only put up 50 points total in the RR, 4th lowest among all teams. If you don't score, you don't win. What is interesting about their stats last year was they actually won more ends than they lost (36:35). So their defensive game was on point but the offense let them down. For comparison, during St-Georges' rookie Scotties in 2021, the team put up 60 points, won the end comparison battle again (33:31) and reached the Championship Pool. The 10 point drop from 2021 to 2022 was a difference maker in the "W" column.

This is another seed that seems wrong or too low, no? Laurie St-Georges will be making her 3rd straight Scotties appearance in Kamloops yet enters as the #16 seed in the field. To be fair, it has not been a stellar season for the Quebec champs. They have only qualified in 1 of 5 tour events, and that was their season opening event in August. So they have not been racking up any ranking points this season from their tour schedule. But last year's Scotties did produce a respectable 3-5 record, following the breakout 2021 Scotties with a Championship Pool result and 6-6 overall record. If we did go by last year's final standings, they would at least be a #14 seed, which would put them in a different pool. The "Frozen Queen" of Curling is back though, regardless of seeding and ranking. And she is a fan favourite...even if the competition is on the other side of the country.

17. #TeamArctic - Team MacPhail

Key To Success: Find The Points - See Team St-Georges "Key To Success" above. Team MacPhail had a similar issue last year, having trouble finding their offense. They only scored 28 points in 8 games, the lowest in the field. And they gave up 82, tied for the most. The second lowest points scored total last year was 40 (Yukon). The most was 70 (Team Canada). Nunavut needs to capitalize on hammer efficiency while utilizing a stronger defensive playbook. Find the points for yourself. Eliminate the points for the opposition. Yes, I realize this sounds like Sports 101 but sometimes a reminder of core basics can be a positive reinforcement.

Brigitte MacPhail is back to represent Nunavut for a second straight Scotties. MacPhail made her debut last year, finishing the competition 0-8. However, this season has been a busier one for the Nunavut champions. They competed in 4 tour events, 2 in New Brunswick and 2 in Nova Scotia, to get more competitive ice under the sliders. And while they did not qualify at any of the events entered, they did pick up some wins along the way and faced off with fellow Scotties competitors Team Kelly and Team Black (twice). Lets also remember the middle part of this line up is still in the #NextGen category yet has the most Scotties experience. Vice Sadie Pinksen (age 23) will be making her 5th straight Scotties appearance while second Kaitlyn MacDonald (age 24) will make her 4th. A push for the playoffs is probably out of reach but the team seems to be stronger than last year and maybe they can pull off a #TeamUpset result along the way.

18. #PurplePower - Team Birnie

Key To Success: Build On Success - In 2021, Team Birnie had a Points For / Points Against ratio of 29:86. The lowest points for, the most points against. Last year, Team Birnie's ratio was 40:82, second lowest for, tied for most against. But, records aside, there is improvement. They scored 11 more points. They conceded 4 less points. Those are successful stats to build on. And they played closer games. And they built some confidence and momentum at times. If they score 10 more points this year and give up 7 less points, a ratio of 50:75 could translate to 1, maybe 2, wins.

Yukon skip Hailey Birnie will make her 4th straight Scotties appearance in Kamloops.  Birnie skipped Yukon at the 2022 and 2020 championships, going 0-8 and 0-7 respectfully. Is this the year she gets her first win as a Scotties skip? She was vice on the 2019 Yukon team, skipped by Nicole Baldwin, finishing 1-6. As an aside, props on the great work Birnie does outside of curling, being a mental health counsellor and film producer. Last year we saw this team push some of the higher seeds, especially Quebec, Canada and BC, during the RR. Can they go one better and secure a W this year?

#TwineTimePredictions

Pool A

#W2W4

The Pool of Opportunity!

Yes, Team Canada is going to be the favourite here.

And yes, WC1 is looking strong to also advance.

But, if those two are locks, that leaves one Championship Round ticket up for grabs. Who wants it?

The rookie west coast duo from B.C. and Alberta could be primed to make a strong debut. Both have had excellent seasons and seem ready for the bright lights on the big ice.

The question will be how they handle the pressure.

This is a pool where there is a very realistic shot at advancement for either of them, something we do not often see for rookie teams.

But lets not get too ahead of ourselves either.

Rookie vs. Experience. Which wins out?

Nova Scotia made it through last year. They know they can do it again. And they have unfinished business after coming so close to the Final Four.

Saskatchewan was on the podium only a few years ago and is back looking to write their own comeback/redemption story.

PEI can be hit or miss but never to be overlooked. Birt's experience alone means she is a threat to any team she faces.

And while Quebec has not had the strongest season, Laurie St-Georges loves to compete and loves the Scotties ice. Plus, her winning ways on the mixed doubles scene with partner Felix Asselin can always be an ace in her pocket.

#TeamUpset:

We all know the ultimate #TeamUpset in this pool, right?

Nunavut, of course! If they can pull off even a win or two, it would shake up the pool and severely dent the chance of advancement for any of those challenger teams.

But if we want a #TeamUpset who could make a fight for the Championship Round, look at Alberta.

Lets remember Kayla Skrlik is only a few years removed from her Canadian junior playing days, where she represented Alberta to a 4th place finish in 2018.

People may scoff and say "well that was 5 years ago" but the transition from junior to women's curling is not an easy one. Add in the fact curling out of Alberta during those past 5 years with strong teams like Casey Scheidegger, Chelsea Carey and Laura Walker.

They have played a handful of the teams in this event as well this season, owning a positive record of 7-5 overall, including 4-0 vs. Scheidegger.

The open the competition with weekend games against WC1 and Saskatchewan. If they can head into Monday with a 1-1 record, or even 2-0, watch out! Their final RR game vs. B.C. may become a de facto elimination game too.

Projected Standings (Seed):

1. #TeamCanada (1)

2. #WC1 (4)

3. #TeamPacific (5)

4. #TeamBluenose (8)

5. #ABStrong (9)

6. #TeamGreen (13)

7. #TheIslanders (12)

8. #Labelleprovince (16)

9. #TeamArctic (17)

Pool B

#W2W4

The Pool of Death!

This pool is STACKED with experience. And not just Scotties experience but Scotties championship and playoff experience.

Jennifer Jones. Tracy Fleury/Rachel Homan. Krista McCarville. Andrea Kelly. Kerry Galusha.

All have made the Scotties playoffs.

Add in top contender Casey Scheidegger and any curling fan would not envy having to play out of this pool.

Those 6 teams plus a total wildcard, in more than name alone, from Meghan Walter means we have 7 top notch teams fighting for 3 qualification spot.

Fleury/Homan have been the cream of the crop this season and should advance, even though it will not be easy.

Every other experienced team in this pool has had strong results this season but also struggled at times.

This should be an all out "barnyard brawl" to survive.

But, for the 3 teams who do survive, do not be surprised to see all 3 advance to the Page Playoff!

We saw it happen last year with one pool dominating the Final Four. Could we see it again this year from this pool of contenders?

#TeamUpset:

Similar to Pool A, Yukon may not be considered a factor for qualification; however, they can factor into the final results by playing the #TeamUpset role and knocking off one, or a few, of those top ranked teams.

Birnie has gone winless the past 2 Scotties but that victory is going to come sooner rather than later. The question is who will be the upset victim and what impact with that have on the final standings?

And the rookie #NextGen team of WC3's Team Walter is going to be a fun one to watch.

We saw them at the Canadian Open in January and they played fearless. Remember they knocked off Team Jaeggi and Team Hasselborg to qualify for the playoffs via the B-side. And while they may have lost to Korea's Team Gim in the QF, they gave them a battle with back-to-back steals early and a 3-2 lead midway through the game.

As with any rookie team, how do they handle the pressure? It is not just going out and playing a game. It is the media. Is it TSN. It is family and friends and fans in the stands. It is about so much more than just a regular competition.

If they can enter their silo, focus on their 8 rocks an end and just do what they do, the experienced teams in this field better be very careful.

These "kids" are alright...and they look ready to show you just how "right" they are.

Projected Standings:

1. #CurlON (2)

2. #BuffaloHunt (3)

3. #FearTheMoose (15)

4. #WC2 (6)

5. #TeamAcadia (10)

6. #WC3 (7)

7. #PolarPower (11)

8. #TheRock (14)

9. #PurplePower (18)

Playoff Qualifiers: #TeamCanada, #CurlON, #WC1, #BuffaloHunt, #TeamPacific, #FearTheMoose

Page Playoff Qualifiers: #TeamCanada, #CurlON, #BuffaloHunt, #FearTheMoose

#STOH2023 CHAMPIONSHIP: #TeamCanada (Team Einarson) def. #CurlON (Team Fleury/Homan)

#StayTuned

The blog will return with more curling hot takes as we continue to roll through the season. And take note there is a mixed doubles event this weekend as well. The 7th WCT Tallinn Masters Mixed Doubles event hits the ice in Tallinn, Estonia.

And if we take a quick glance at the world championship calendar, the 2023 World Junior Curling Championships are fast approaching. They start February 25 in Fussen, Germany. And #TwineTimeFam member Ryan Sherrard will be in attendance with some pre-match emcee duties.

ICYMI, the #TwineTime podcast returned earlier this week with Special Guest Anton Hood. Hood is the skip of the New Zealand men's national team, who will make their world championship debut later this April in Ottawa.

The team clinched New Zealand's first world championship appearance since 2012 with their 5th place finish at the Pan Continental Curling Championships last year.

Hood and the boys are going to be fun to watch, not just this season but for many seasons in the future. Take a listen to the chat with the #NextGen athlete and get to know more about him, his team and a little history lesson of New Zealand curling.

AND, will you accept the #TwineTime/Anton Hood Challenge?

New Zealand Curling Association is hosting an online fundraising campaign to help cover costs for the men's and women's national teams to compete at the 2023 world championships.

Any donation, or any amount, can go a long way in helping make these athlete's dreams come true. For more information, check out the fundraising campaign page HERE. 

The campaign remains open until the end of February. The blog made a donation, which you can find on the list of donors on the site as proof (just in case you doubt me!).

And remember the #TwineTime podcast can be found on your favourite podcast apps, including Spotify, Podvine, Amazon Music, Google Podcasts, The Podcast Source and others. Check it out, hit subscribe and like and share away.

To those competing in Kamloops, the world is watching. The fans have returned. And everyone is ready for you to take center ice.

Good luck and good curling.

The ice is yours...