Final Power Rankings - 2023

 #BetweenTheSheets: Final Power Rankings of 2023

Who ends the calendar year atop the mountain?

"The best way to spread Christmas cheer

is singing loud for all to hear"

- Buddy, "Elf"

You got it, Buddy!

And curling fans have lots to cheer and sing about as we close out the first half of the 2023/24 curling season.

There may be a few athletes who will be singing extra loud this season too...

Looking at you, Joel Retornaz!!

But even for those who may have not seen the results match pre-season expectations, remember one important line from Kate McCallister in "Home Alone":

"This is Christmas. The season of perpetual hope."

All is not lost. The true excitement of a curling season is still to come.

Do not lose hope. Continue to chase those dreams. And come back in 2024 ready to fight harder than ever before.

But first, enjoy some Christmas delights and time with family and friends.

We aren't heartless monsters after all...

With so much happening since the last time TwineTime slid out of the hack at the beginning of November, #TheRunback is just too fast and furious to cover.

Retoranz Rollz...

Mouat #DefendTheIce...

Tirinzoni/Paetz finally become the Big Cheese in Europe...

Homan looking more determined than ever...

Swedish Women's Rivalry continues...

Scottish Pride is a multi-team race now...

Canadian men becoming an afterthought...

We have seen outstanding results this season too.

We have #TeamUpset shockers.

#Fav domination.

And lots of questions heading into 2024.

But first, lets close out 2023 with celebrating the Final #PowerRankings of the year.

And what gift is each Top 10 asking Santa for this holiday season?

Lets play a little game of #DearSanta with the Power Rankings.

Remember, the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in the last published  Power Rankings (W15) post.

#PowerRankings

MEN

1. Team Retornaz (1)

Dear Santa: Golden Slam

When you go 3 for 3 at the slams, you may want to become a bit greedy and try to win them all.

Winning 3 in a row is impressive, but why not aim for 4? Or go for all 5?

And you know that Truck hat will be popular in Red Deer!

2. Team Whyte (3)

Dear Santa: Scottish #1

Oh that slam win would have helped make the Scottish #1 argument even more intense.

Whyte had a great run to the final in Saskatoon but the team may still be wondering what more they have to do.

A #gsoc title is probably required to enter the chat about possibly heading to Switzerland for men's worlds in March. 

3. Team Mouat (6)

Dear Santa: #DefendTheIce

The boys pulled the feat on home ice at the European Curling Championships.

Can they fend off Scottish rivals Team Whyte to earn the world championship nomination from British Curling and the chance to defend their world title?

4. Team Bottcher (2)

Dear Santa: Brier 2024 Title

The Canadian men's curling scene is looking a little dull right now. Italy, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland have emerged as the Top Dogs on ice.

Bottcher would love to get their name included in the pack and place Canada back on top of the curling scene.

Thus far this season, they have looked the part as the Team Canada front-runner...for now...

5. Team Edin (HM)

Dear Santa: Return To Glory

The run to the Euro final felt right for the Swedish Vikings. And King Niklas emerged right back in the conversation as a world champion front-runner.

For awhile this season the Swede's were almost an afterthought. We knew they were here and still curling well but they were not dominating any headlines.

Maybe flying under the radar a bit, while being a new tactic for Team Edin, might actually be the best gift Santa could give them heading into 2024?

6. Team Dunstone (4)

Dear Santa: Matt Dunstone's fingernails

You know things are getting stressful when you sneak a peak at The Sheriff's fingernails and notice they are absent.

Young Dunstone places a lot of pressure on himself...as he should in knowing he has the skillz to pay those billz.

After the Brier final appearance in 2023, can the team find their momentum in the second half of the season?

And, if so, maybe Dunstone's fingernails will finally grow back?!?

7. Team Schwaller (HM)

Dear Santa: #MakeTheFinal

The continuing narrative for Switzerland's Team Schwaller.

Always in the running. Always a Top 4.

But that SF curse.

We saw it happen at Euro's.

We saw it happen in Saskatoon this past weekend at the WFG Masters.

Can we see this team get back to a major final and start winning those big events?

The win in Swift Current before the slam shows they are ready to do so.

8. Team Gushue (5)

Dear Santa: Consistency, Consistency, Consistency

The #GSOC playoff streak is gone...and the consistency we have seen from Team Gushue over the years at gsoc events was rocked to the core for curling fans.

And now the boys from The Rock need to restart the streak.

But it is not just the playoff streak of consistency.

The Canadian champs have looked a bit off at times this season. Not the dominant Gushue we are used to seeing.

Could his grasp on the Canadian jacket be slipping through his fingers now too?

9. Team Craik (8)

Dear Santa: Scottish Pride

James Craik is a name curling fans should already be familiar with given the world junior stage success.

But for those who are just getting to know the name, get to know it fast. And start buying stock in this #NextGen team.

It will be tough for young Craik to survive the Scottish Highlands of Curling, knowing Mouat and Whyte are also curling outstanding.

But the Scottish Pride runs deep in this team's veins as well and they are ready to make the Scottish men's curling scene even more difficult.

10. Team Casper (7)

Dear Santa: #StarsAndStripes

Could #NextGen / #TeamUpset Team Casper become the next US men's curling champion?

And, could they represent USA at the 2024 world championship in Switzerland?

Right now, do not bet against them.

Team Dropkin and Team Shuster will be formidable opposition of course but Casper is putting a scare into them and showing there is a new kid in town ready to steal the title.

For the first time in awhile, USA men's curling is WIDE OPEN and FOR THE TAKING!

Honourable Mention: Team Carruthers, Team Ramsfjell, Team Bryce, Team McEwen, Team Brunner

WOMEN

1. Team Tirinzoni (3)

Dear Santa: World Domination!

With the last outstanding piece of the puzzle complete, winning the Euro title, what's next?

World Domination!

Seriously though, this team is the best in the world and come to play at the major WCF championships.

And they are always a tough out at the slams and on tour.

Plus, is there a better overall player in the world than Alina Paetz?

2. Team Homan (HM)

Dear Santa: Scotties Title

After winning #gsoc title #14 this past weekend in Saskatoon, we know exactly where Rachel Homan and company have their sights set.

Sure there is another slam in Red Deer to start 2024 but this team is dialed in to Calgary already and seems very determined to take back the Scotties trophy.

3. Team Gim (4)

Dear Santa: Korean #HERstory

From PCCC champ to slam champ...it was a memorable November for the Korean champions.

And do not thing they are done there or the momentum cannot carry over into 2024.

Gim has big aspirations this seasons, namely to become the 1st team from South Korea to win the world championship.

South Korea won silver in 2022 (Team E. Kim). Is 2024 the season they land atop the world podium?

If you are not considering them a #Fav or co-fav right now, you have not been watching the first few months of the season.

Watch Out!!

4. Team Einarson (1)

Dear Santa: Kerri Gets Her Groove Back

Main Canadian rivals Team Homan are getting all the attention this season and labelled as the 2024 Scotties frontrunners but lets not forget the defending champs either.

It is not like Team Einarson is having a bad season. They just reached the SF in Saskatoon remember.

But the attention surrounding Homan and last year's Scotties finalists Team Jones seems to be growing louder than the attention for the defending champs.

And this might be exactly what Kerri Einarson wants from you curling world.

Could the defending Canadian champs actually head to Calgary with less pressure than newly labelled favourites Homan and Jones?

If so, that MAY actually make them the under the radar favourites to repeat yet again.

5. Team Jones (5)

Dear Santa: The Intimidation Factor

When you step on the ice and see the name "Jones" on the scoreboard next to yours, you should be intimidated.

Jennifer Jones is a force. And she plays her best with her back against the wall.

Count her out at your own peril curling fans.

Already collecting one slam title this season, the team has reached the SF at the other two slams as well.

And the run to the Scotties final last year is proof the young guns are ready to make their move with the vet skip.

If Jones can reclaim that intimidation factor over her opposition, whether they want to admit it is there or not, she may just be closing in on another Scotties title this season.

6. Team Hasselborg (2)

Dear Santa: Swedish Vikings

The Hasselborg Circus is coming to a town near you...

But while the fun and games are there, best believe this team is laser focused on reclaiming their spot on the throne as the Swedish Vikings.

This has been a humbling season for Hasselborg, losing the Euro spot to rivals Team Wrana and now playing catch up.

Sure Hasselborg is ranked higher, on the world rankings and these Power Rankings, but the difference between the two Swedish sides is almost negligible.

The war between these two sides is one to keep close eyes on.

Hmmm, speaking of....

7. Team Wrana (HM)

Dear Santa: Swedish Vikings

Of course they would write Santa for the same gift as their main rivals. Both want the Swedish title and representation at the 2024 world championship.

The Euro run was a nice result for Team Wrana in their debut appearance.

Ok, the playoff games were disappointing results but they made the playoffs and showed all week they are one of the best teams in Europe...and the world.

Now they need to regain their momentum and figure out a way to hold off a charging challenge from Hasselborg.

If we thought the Euro qualifier series between these two teams was intense, wait and see what the world qualifier will bring us.

A true Christmas gift from these two teams to all curling fans is getting to watch this rivalry continue.

8. Team Constantini (8)

Dear Santa: World Championship #HERstory

The blog warned you rock heads about Italy's Constantini being the dark horse threat at Euro's. And what happened?!

They were a top team all week, reached the final and pushed the experience of Team Tirinzoni all game.

Italy has never reached the podium at a world championship, having a best result of 5th place twice (1980, 2023).

Constantini is looking to make #HERstory in Nova Scotia this season at the 2024 world championship.

9. Team E. Kim (6)

Dear Santa: GSOC Glory

It is never easy for teams to continue competing in the second half of the season knowing their is no world championship at the end of your schedule.

While Korea's Team Kim will cheer on rivals Team Gim at the world championships later in the season, they still need to find their own motivation to finish the year and build momentum into the 2024 Korean Championships.

Could it come in the form of Grand Slam of Curling glory?

They watched Gim hoist a slam title already this season. How is that for motivation?

They lost the TB in Saskatoon this past weekend but this team remains one of the best, and most dangerous, teams in the world to play.

And they still have a lot to play for as the finish out the season.

10. Team Schwaller (9)

Dear Santa: Welcome Wagon

Santa, bring Switzerland's Team Schwaller the welcome wagon gift to hopefully introduce them to the rest of the curling world.

If you have not noticed the strength of this team yet, start paying attention now.

Team Tirinzoni is the class of Swiss curling, and the world with the #1 ranking on this mountain, but a new challenger has quietly emerged from the mountains ready to shake things up.

How good are they?

From October to December, they competed in 4 tour events. Reached 4 tour finals. Won 4 tour titles. And compiled an overall record of 22-3.

Xenia Schwaller has come to play this season folks....and Tirinzoni/Paetz should be taking notice.

Honourable Mention: Team Rorvik, Team Morrison, Team Lawes, Team Peterson, Team Han

MIXED DOUBLES

1. Team Walker / Muyres (1)

Dear Santa: Canadian Title

5 Final Four. 3 finals. 1 title.

Yup, this is the top duo of the year.

Pressure may mount heading into 2024 as Walker and Muyres have both committed solely to the discipline, meaning it is a MD Canadian title or bust for them this season.

2. Team Koana / Aoki (3)

Dear Santa: Comeback Player of the Year

Tori Koana made her return to competitive curling ice this season, partnering with Go Aoki for MD.

And it has been one of the most successful returns we have seen in the sport.

3 tour events.

3 tour titles.

20-1 overall record.

How is that for a comeback?

3. Team Matsumura / Tanida (2)

Dear Santa: World Championship Glory

Consistency has plagued the Japanese champs at times this season. They can win a title one week, go winless the next.

But this is still one of the most dangerous MD tandems in the sport.

After their run to the world final last season, they would love to go one step further in 2024 and bring the first World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship title to Asia.

4. Team Kaldvee / Lill (5)

Dear Santa: ESTonia is bEST

The Estonians have been knocking at that world door for a number of seasons but could this finally be the breakout season?

We saw it with Australia's Team Gill/Hewitt a few seasons ago and look where they are now?

Estonia's Team Kaldvee/Lill would love to follow that slide path...right to a world championship podium and a future ticket to the Olympics in 2026.

They are curling better than ever right now and should be considered a medal threat at the 2024 world championship.

5. Team Martin / Laycock (4)

Dear Santa: Captain Canuck...Finally!

Steve Laycock and Nancy Martin are two curlers from Saskatchewan who have been chasing the maple leaf for years.

From men's and women's team success to mixed doubles triumphs, both players have come close but faltered near the end.

Martin has lost 2 Canadian MD finals. And recently lost the Canadian senior final.

If there are two players in Canadian curling craving the Captain Canuck title, it might be these two.

They have qualified in every event they have entered together this season, including winning a tour title back in September.

6. Team Skaslien / Nedregotten (7)

Dear Santa: GOLD

The on and off the ice duo from Norway may be one of the most well-known MD duos in the world.

Yet, surprisingly, they still chase the top of the podium.

They have come close, losing the 2021 world final and 2022 Olympic final.

We have only seen them at 3 tour events this season, as both remain equally focused on their respected women's and men's teams.

But in those 3 events, they qualified each time and won 2 titles. They are 18-2 on the season.

When they focus on MD, they come to play and they come to win.

7. Team St-Georges / Asselin (6)

Dear Santa: #CoupleGoals

The couple who curls together, stays together?

It works in Norway. And it seems to be working in Quebec.

The Laurie/Felix combo has quickly become a winning formula for the French pairing.

A tour title already under the slider, alongside a few other playoff appearances, has #Labelleprovince looking like a potential Canadian MD title contender.

8. Team Perret / Rios (HM)

Dear Santa: Turn Back Time

Remember the 2018 Winter Olympics? Remember this Swiss duo being at the top of the game and looking like the gold medal threat?

They were the 2017 world champions after all.

And then came the tough Olympic loss and silver medal win.

The duo has not been able to fully recover and rediscover their MD groove since. Until now?

A tour title and 3 QF appearances have the Swiss trending upward and climbing the mountain, a feat many is Switzerland are able to do with ease.

If they can channel their inner-Cher with a little "If I Could Turn Back Time", they could finally emerge back on top of the MD curling world.

9. Team Cotter / Cotter (NR)

Dear Santa: Cotter - The Canadian Curling Family

Couples who curl together, stay together. But lets amp it up a notch and make it family pride.

Could Jaeyln and Jim Cotter make Cotter the official Canadian curling family?

The duo is turning heads on the MD circuit, qualifying in 5 events and reaching a tour final.

Is this the Canadian MD championship dark horse threat?

10. Team Zheng / Pietrangelo (HM)

Dear Santa: GSOC Mixed Doubles

Seriously though!!

This #NextGen duo is further proof why we need to see a Grand Slam of Curling mixed doubles circuit.

The MD Super Series is a great start and has seen great success.

But putting GSOC name recognition, money and media attention behind the discipline would be amazing.

And this is a team who could really benefit from that type of #growthesport thinking.

The Ontario-based tandem has reached 2 tour finals this season and has 2 additional SF appearances.

Honourable Mention: Team Armstong/Griffith, Team Westman/Ahlberg, Team Roenning/Braenden, Team MacMillan/Middleton, Team Han/Zou

#StayTuned

The storylines to end 2023 continue to mount, leaving curling fans with a lot to look forward to heading into 2024.

Can Whyte overtake Mouat?

Can Einarson get her groove back?

Is Bottcher the only team who can fend off the Euro stronghold?

Will Retornaz win the Season's Golden Slam?

What format will we see next from the Grand Slam of Curling? Will one every win out over the rest?

The final formalization of a Curling Players Union?

The blog will return in the new year with continued coverage...and maybe a short stop in Red Deer for The Canadian Open?

Until then, THANK YOU to each and every one of you for continuing to support "the little blog that could". Who knew #TwineTime would be here 10 years later?

To all rock heads and their curling family and friends, HAPPY HOLIDAYS / MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!