PCCC2024 Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Pan Continental Curling Championships Preview

World championship and Olympic hopes on the ice in Lacombe 

The 2024 Pan Continental Curling Championships will be historic in many ways.

One, world championship spots will be handed out at the conclusion of the event with the Top 4 nations earning a ticket. Note, Canada (world men's) and Korea (world women's) have already earned world championship tickets as the host nations.

Two, the results next week in Lacombe will factor into 2026 Winter Olympic Games qualification. For nations wanting a direct pass to Italy, the first step is qualifying for the world championships. But even for nations who do not directly qualify, you must compete in your nations respected continental A-Division to earn a ticket to the pre-qualification event.

Three, this will be the 3rd offering of these championships. On the scale of World Curling events, this event is still in its infancy stage. There has been some growth with new nations stepping on the ice. But there has also been some setbacks with nations who competed previously not entered this year.

Four, will previous domination trends continue? Canada has won both men's titles. Japan and Korea have contested both women's finals, with each nation picking up a gold medal win. If these trends are to end, who steps up and takes advantage?

This is going to be a fun week of curling action rock heads.

In fine #TwineTime tradition, before focusing on the event itself we take a moment to check out the event logo.

The inaugural 2022 logo captured the Calgary skyline with the Calgary Tower.

Last year was a tribute to the beautiful B.C. environmental backdrop.

This year we get the central Alberta feel with mountain views and prairie inspirations sprinkled in with the provincial mantra of "Alberta Beef". And of course, we can never forget the economic impact of oil in Alberta.

The colour scheme fits in with the Alberta landscape as well. Alberta is known as the province of Blue and Gold. Both colours hold serve in the event logo.

What do you think curling fans? Do you like the event logo? If so, what do you like about it? If not, what would you change?

Feel free to post updated or new logo ideas as well on social media using #PCCC as the hashtage. 

Back to the event itself.

This event serves as not only a continental championship but, and perhaps more importantly, as the world championship qualifier for nations within the Pacific-Asia and America's regions.

As noted above, world championship qualification is a must if you want to secure a direct pass into the 2026 Winter Olympic field.

But failing to accomplish this goal does not end Olympic aspirations either. All nations competing in the A-Division have qualified for entry into the Olympic pre-qualification event.

For those nations competing in the B-Division, your goal is to earn A-Division qualification for 2025. And while that may not help with any immediate Olympic hopes, it can serve as a foundation block for a #growthesport movement back home.

Speaking on #growthesport, we welcome a few new nations onto the ice this upcoming week.

Last year we welcomed back China. And we celebrated the debut of Philippines and Jamaica (women).

This year we welcome Jamaica and Puerto Rico to the men's B-Division competition.

We also celebrate the return of Kazakhstan and Nigeria in both men's and women's B-Division action.

Qatar's men return to the B-Division ice as well.

It is not all smiles and positivity though.

We also lost entries from Guyana (men) and Mexico (men). And Mongolia were originally listed on the entry list in the B-Division but are no longer competing.

Hopefully these are only minor setbacks for both of those nations and their athletes. As the sport continues to grow internationally, World Curling needs to provide continuous opportunities and supports for nations to compete.

Lacombe, the world will be watching. Kind of? Sort of? No direct TV coverage in Canada has become a hot topic issue with Canadian curling fans. And the requirement of purchasing an online streaming pass from World Curling is hit and miss with fans as well.

Perhaps we can get to a point in the future where a streaming service finds a hidden advantage in a niche demographic for the sport of curling. Netflix. Amazon Prime. Crave.

If these streaming platforms have already started the shift to live sports (i.e. NCAA, NFL, Boxing, WWE), why can't curling be next?

Now, before we slide out of the hack with the official #TwineTimePreview, lets tackle a growing concern with this event.

Volunteerism!!

It has been brought to the blog's attention of a sweeping change in volunteering for this event.

Registered volunteers have been informed they are no longer allowed access to event draws when they are not on shift. If a volunteer wants to attend a draw they are not working at, they need to purchase a ticket like any other curling fan.

Registered volunteers have also been informed to provide their own meals/snacks or told they can purchase meals at the limited venue options.

Why is this an issue?

In all my years of attending curling events, this is the first time I have heard these two rules come into play.

Usually, registered volunteers were able to attend draws they were not volunteering. And while they did not have a designated seat, they were free to roam the arena and find an empty seat or stand on the concourse level to watch the games.

Hospitality was also made available, even if just in the simple form of refreshments and snacks (i.e. fruit, baked goods).

It would appear both of these "volunteer advantages" have been removed for this event by the organizing committee.

While I can respect the notion of "one should not volunteer just to receive a benefit", it should also be noted the importance of volunteer appreciation.

In my actual paying job (remember this blog is just a side of my life passion project folks), I work with not-for-profit organizations who focus on the importance of community volunteerism. Volunteers help make events successful. Without them, there is NO EVENT!

We, as a sport, are not bigger than the volunteers and fans who love the sport. If those volunteers and fans leave the sport, what are we left with? Empty facilities for events and a dying sport. Athletes alone cannot keep a sport alive. Nor can sponsorships. Nor can governing bodies.

As Post Malone and Morgan Wallen have famously been singing for the past few months, "They say teamwork makes the dream work. I had some help!"

Curling events are no different.

I know many volunteers have made the difficult decision to remove themselves from a volunteer role next week. And one cannot blame them. In fact, the blog supports them in their decision.

Often at events I am fortunate enough to meet and chat with volunteers. Many are NOT local. Many travel to the event to volunteer. Many do so with fellow friends and family as fellow volunteers. It is a way to bring community together. Some have never watched curling before but signed up to volunteer because a friend or family member was doing it and they wanted to join them.

Building Community!

These decisions, coupled with the fact B-Division games require a paid ticket to attend (also a first!), seem to go against a community building framework.

We will see what happens next week with volunteerism in Lacombe. Will these decision hinder the event overall with a decrease in volunteer support?

As the blog always says, #StayTuned!

Ok, bring on the 3rd Annual Pan Continental Curling Championships with the full event preview and #TwineTimePredictions.

#TwineTimePreview

Pan Continental Curling Championships

Lacombe, AB, Canada

2023 Champions: A Division - Canada (men) and Korea (women), B Division - China (men) and China (women)

Men - A Division

Nations: Australia, Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, USA

Format: 8 nation RR with Top 4 playoff qualifiers. Playoff bracket will be #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3. Top 4 placement qualify for the 2025 World Men's Curling Championship (minus Canada who qualify as host). Last place nation relegated to PCCC 2025 B Division.

#Fav: Canada

Brad Gushue and his squad from The Rock are the 2-time defending champions aiming for a #3peat.

There is no question they are named the #Fav.

But it is not as simple as one would make it seem.

All eyes will also be on Team Canada as they debut their "new" team, welcoming Brendan Bottcher onto the ice at the second position.

The announcement was polarizing for fans. Some were in favour. Many, at least according to social media, Team Gushue fans were not as supportive.

Will Bottcher feel a bit of the pressure here? Gushue fans are vocal...and have high expectations for their beloved team.

How will the team mesh? How will Bottcher do in a non-leadership role on the team? And what about the sweeping?

Plus, the event is taking place in the hometown of former Bottcher teammate Darren Moulding. We all remember how that relationship ended. Will the home fans still linger some feelings?

And Moulding will be there too, coaching Team India in the B-Division.

Interesting, no?!?!

With respect to the other nations competing in Lacombe, Canada should still be fine here.

Bottcher is not some average curler. He is a Canadian champion as well after all. And he knows how to win.

There may be some missteps early on but Team Gushue is still Team Gushue and this is a team who is very familiar with this event and knows how to win here.

#TeamUpset: China

The B-Division champion nation from a last year can now test their brooms against the best in the continent.

But are we really believing China is "new" to this level of competition?

They may be making their A-Division debut at this event but this is still a nation familiar with success on the curling ice. Do not consider them some surprise B-Division winner.

For skip Xu Xiaoming, he is very familiar with continental championships. After all, he is a 7-time Pacific-Asia champion and has competed at 7 world championships.

What will be interesting is how this "new" team gels on the ice.

This is not the team who won the B-Division last year.

And skip Xu and vice Fei Xuequing have actually been playing with their own men's teams on tour this season.

Xu and second Zhi Yu Wang have been playing together, recently winning a tour event in Vernon.

Wang was on the B-Division champion team from last year, with Zou Qiang (whom he plays with this season) and skip Ma Xiuyue.

Fei skips his own men's team with Li Zhichao, who will play lead this week as well.

Fei also competed in Vernon but did not qualify with his team.

This is an interesting move from China, combining two members from two teams into one team entry at this event.

It could be a risky move too.

Will it pay off and earn China a trip to Moose Jaw? Or will the risk have no reward?

#W2W4

This field is fairly wide open for the playoff spots to be honest.

Canada is the overwhelming favourite of course.

USA's Team Shuster should be in the playoff hunt as well.

China is a bit of an unknown given what we know about the team, as mentioned above.

And then we have Japan, Korea and New Zealand fighting for playoff spots as well.

New Zealand's Team Hood came close last year, losing the final RR game to finish 5th overall but still qualify for the world championship.

Hood did reach a tour final a few weeks ago as well in Airdrie and welcome back Brett Sargon to the lineup after his successful playoff result skipping the Kiwi's at the World Mixed Curling Championship.

Japan and Korea will both have new teams competing representing them this week.

Japan's Team Abe has more of an experience factor on their side, having also represented Japan at the 2024 world championship.

Abe has also been busy this season, having already competed in 6 tour events, including last weekend in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario (losing a C-qualifier game to Gushue).

Korea's Team Lee may be the ultimate wildcard in the field.

Lee was a #TeamUpset at the Korea Curling Championships in June, shocking the system with the national championship win.

Since their Korea championship win, they have competed in 5 tour events but only qualified twice.

In their past 3 events, they are a combined 3-7.

Can the #NextGen team survive the pressure of this event, especially considering Korea reached the championship final here last season?

Those playoff tickets could land in a few different hands, ultimately affecting who earns a spot in the world championship as well.

Remember Canada is safe in that regard. But who takes the other 4 spot?

#PopcornMatch:

Canada vs. USA (Draw 4) - Who doesn't love a CAN-AM border battle?

New Zealand vs. Korea (Draw 4) - The winner of this game could have the inside track to a world championship ticket...and maybe even a playoff spot.

Australia vs. Chinese Taipei (Draw 4) - Could the loser of this game be facing relegation?

Australia vs. New Zealand (Draw 5) - An all-Oceania rivalry game is always fun to watch.

China vs. Korea (Draw 6) - Could this game end up being a de facto elimination game? But also a de facto world championship qualifier?

Projected Standings: 1. Canada  2. USA  3. Japan  4. New Zealand  5. China  6. Korea  7. Australia  8. Chinese Taipei

#WMCC2025 Qualifiers: Canada (as host), USA, Japan, New Zealand, China

Relegated #PCCC 2025 B-Division: Chinese Taipei

#PCCC 2024 Playoff Qualifiers: Canada, USA, Japan, New Zealand

#PCCC 2024 A Division Bronze Medal Game: Japan (Team Abe) def. New Zealand (Team Hood)

#PCCC 2024 A Division Championship: Canada (Team Gushue) def. USA (Team Shuster)

Women - A Division

Nations: Canada, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, USA

Format: 8 nation RR with Top 4 playoff qualifiers. Playoff bracket will be #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3. Top 4 placement qualify for the World Women's Curling Championship (minus Korea who qualify as host). Bottom nation relegated to PCCC 2025 B Division.

#Fav: Canada

Is anyone betting against Canada's Team Homan? They are the current world champions after all.

They also won their first 2 events of the season (Shorty Jenkins, PointsBet Invitational) and reached the final at the season-opening #GSOC (Tour Challenge Tier I).

On the season, they are an impressive 17-2.

We could list the defending champions from Korea, Team Gim, as a co-Fav here. They are back to #DefendTheIce and they are one of the few teams who defeated Homan last year.

Korea has also made the final each of the past two years while Canada has yet to make the final.

Canada will be a huge fav to end the drought though. But Korea will be a tough challenger.

#TeamUpset: Chinese Taipei and Mexico

Last year Mexico was handed the golden ticket to the A-Division when Kazakhstan had to withdraw, landing in the top flight after their silver medal win in the 2022 B-Division.

When both B-Division nations competed here last year, many believed it would be a fight to see which would survive.

Nobody expected BOTH would still be here in 2024.

Can they continue to surprise the world again this year?

Chinese Taipei has the minor advantage, having never lost to Mexico. If they can continue this trend, they should survive relegation.

For Mexico, they have a more experienced team by comparison as Chinese Taipei will field a new team at this competition.

Both will be massive underdogs against the field. But both also see a path to staying in A-Division...for at least another year.

HUGE opportunity!

The question is who takes advantage of it?

#W2W4

Canada and Korea are going to be tough.

Japan's Team Ueno have shown they are not to be underestimated.

USA's Team Thiesse has been here before.

And then the wildcard factor: China.

China was skipped by Han Yu at last year's event, earning promotion by winning the B-Division.

Han joined forces with Wang Rui this season to form the Chinese super team. And they have not disappointed.

Recently they reached the final of the Autumn Gold Curling Classic, including scoring a W over Korea's Gim.

And while the direct entry ticket to the 2026 Winter Olympics is not in the cards for China, competing in this year's A-Division does earn them a spot in the pre-qualification event.

China is about building momentum towards next season. And what better way then making the playoffs in their 1st A-Division appearance?

If China does make the playoffs, which "regular" playoff appearance nation is left out in the cold?

#PopcornMatch:

China vs. Korea (Draw 1) - We saw these teams face off twice in Calgary at the Autumn Gold, each scoring a win. Korea's Gim got their revenge in the final though. Who takes the early RR advantage here?

Chinese Taipei vs. Mexico (Draw 1) - Arguably, this is the best chance for both nations to score a W at this event. And they face off right out of the gate. The winner will feel good. The loser faces an uphill battle to avoid relegation.

Japan vs. USA (Draw 3) - If Canada and Korea are playoff locks and China seems to be surging, the final playoff spot might come down to these two nations. The winner here could earn a huge advantage.

Canada vs. Korea (Draw 5) - These two teams are starting to build a small rivalry with one another. Is this a finals preview? Perhaps even a world championship final preview for later in the season?

Chinese Taipei vs. New Zealand (Draw 7) - Could this result play a huge factor in which nation is relegated? Huge game to end the RR.

Projected Standings: 1. Canada  2. Korea  3. Japan  4. China  5. USA  6. New Zealand  7. Mexico  8. Chinese Taipei

#WWCC2025 Qualifiers: Canada, Korea (as host), Japan, China, USA

Relegated #PCCC 2025 B-Division: Chinese Taipei

#PCCC 2024 Playoff Qualifiers: Canada, Korea, Japan, China

#PCCC 2024 A Division Bronze Medal Game: China (Team Wang) def. Japan (Team Ueno)

#PCCC 2024 A Division Championship: Canada (Team Homan) def. Korea (Team Gim)

Men - B Division

Nations: Brazil, Hong Kong, India, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Qatar, Saudi Arabia

Format: 11 nation RR with Top 4 playoff qualifiers. Playoff bracket will be #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3. Winner of final earns promotion to PCCC 2025 A Division.

#Fav: Philippines

Last year Philippines made their debut here and were listed as #TeamUpset in this event preview.

Fast forward one year and after making the B-Division final in 2023, they are the #Fav for earning promotion in 2024.

Do not underestimate the Pfister brothers, Marc and Enrico, curling fans. Remember they have competed at a world championship for their residence nation of Switzerland in 2015, 2016 and 2018.

They are now representing the nation of their mother's homeland and are still top competitors.

We also saw them recently compete at a tour event in Beaumont, AB, reaching the SF and knocking off A-Division competitor Team Hood from New Zealand in the RR.

High expectations for a nation in their sophomore appearance.

#TeamUpset: Puerto Rico

Last year Philippines was in this place and look how it worked out for them. We even saw Jamaica's women's team make their B-Division appearance last year and also reach the final.

Are rookie nations have more success in B-Division than those nations with more curling history?

If so, Puerto Rico is happy to add their name to the list.

It will be exciting to welcome the Caribbean nation into the curling house in Lacombe.

It won't be easy of course as this field does have some strong, experienced teams.

But history also shows to never count out debut nations.

Shout out to Jamaica as well as they will field their first men's team in the competition, hoping to build off the success of their women's team from last year.

#W2W4

Hong Kong. India. Kazakhstan.

These were the Top 3 teams in the B-Division RR in 2022 at the PCCC debut event. All 3 faltered in the playoffs only to watch Guyana "steal" the championship and promotion.

Last year Hong Kong made the playoffs again but slipped up in the SF and ultimately settled for bronze for the second consecutive year.

India just missed the playoffs last year after losing the B-Division final in 2022.

And Kazakhstan will make their return after missing last year but finishing 4th in 2022.

These are 3 nations hungry for redemption.

And, with Guyana not returning to the competition this year, there is no A-Division relegated team in this field.

Keep your eyes on these 3 nations though. They will look to give Philippines their main challenge.

#PopcornMatch:

Nigeria vs. Puerto Rico (Draw 1) - Nigeria returns to the competition after missing last year. Puerto Rico is making their debut. Both nations searching for their 1st PCCC win. Someone is going to get it right out of the hack and make #HIStory early.

Qatar vs. Saudi Arabia (Draw 3) - Qatar beat Saudi Arabia in their only meeting in 2022. This is a developing rivalry between two Arabian Peninsula nations.

Kenya vs. Nigeria (Draw 6) - A great African nation rivalry between two developing curling countries.

Jamaica vs. Puerto Rico (Draw 7) - The two debut nations face off. Could this be #HIStory for the winning squad in securing their 1st PCCC win?

Hong Kong vs. India (Draw 9) - These two nations are building a great B-Division rivalry. Hong Kong is 2-0 against India in the history of this competition.

Hong Kong vs. Philippines (Draw 10) - Could this game decide 1st place heading into the playoffs?

Projected Standings: 1. Philippines  2. Hong Kong  3. India  4. Kazakhstan  5. Saudi Arabia  6. Brazil  7. Qatar  8. Puerto Rico  9. Kenya  10. Nigeria  11. Jamaica

#PCCC 2024 Playoff Qualifiers: Philippines, Hong Kong, India, Kazakhstan

#PCCC 2024 B Division Bronze Medal Game: India (Team Raju) def. Kazakhstan (Team Zhuzbay)

#PCCC 2024 B Division Championship / Promotion to #PCCC 2024 A Division: Philippines (Team Pfister) def. Hong Kong (Team Chang)

Women - B Division

Nations: Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong, Jamaica, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Nigeria, Philippines 

Format: 8 nation RR with Top 4 playoff qualifiers. Playoff bracket will be #1 vs. #4 and #2 vs. #3. Winner of final earns promotion to PCCC 2024 A Division.

#Fav: Australia

Last year was a tough one for the Aussies as they struggled in the A-Division and were relegated to B-Division this year.

The key to earning a ticket back into the A-Division for next year may lie in the slider of vice Sara Westman.

Westman is the only player to have represented Australia at every PCCC event since its inception. Her experience at this event could be an advantage.

Do not discredit Australia skip Helen Williams' resume either. She has represented Australia at 6 Pacific-Asia Curling Championships in the past as well as 2 World Mixed Curling Championships.

She was also the alternate with Australia last year.

If the back end combo can hold their own, we could end up saying "Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi" on championship Saturday.

#TeamUpset: Jamaica

Did anyone see Jamaica's quick rise to the playoffs a year ago coming?

The blog will be honest, certainly not. In fact, the blog actually predicted Jamaica to finish last in last year's competition.

Oops! The Jamaican's proved the blog wrong. Very, very wrong.

So what do the Reggae Girls have in store for us in their sophomore appearance?

We often see sophomore seasons being harder than a rookie season. Expectations grow. 

And Jamaica should be arriving in Lacombe with expectations. A silver medal in a rookie appearance is a HUGE accomplishment.

Can they replicate it though against an even more experienced field than last year?

#W2W4

This competition is heating up.

We now have 4 nations who have previously compete in A-Division: Australia, Brazil, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan.

We have a nation who made their debut last year and reached the B-Division final: Jamaica.

We have a nation returning to the field after taking a year off: Nigeria.

We have a nation who has competed in all 3 B-Division competitions: Kenya.

And we have a nation who is making their sophomore experience, hoping to build off their debut from a year ago: Philippines.

What is going to happen? It really could be anyone's guess.

What makes it all even more interesting is we can point out those previous results above but none of the nations competing in B-Division this year have the same line-ups as those past year teams.

Some nations have swapped out one or two players. Some are fielding completely different teams.

The experience factor a few of the teams have may prove to be the wildcard.

The fight for the playoffs, and ultimately A-Division promotion, is going to be fun to watch.

#PopcornMatch:

Australia vs. Kazakhstan (Draw 1) - A tough opener between two nations who have A-Division history and want to get back there in 2025.

Brazil vs. Jamaica (Draw 2) - The winner of this game could be eyeing up a playoff spot by the end of the week.

Kenya vs. Nigeria (Draw 4) - We have a return of the African nation rivalry. Kenya bettered Nigeria in 2022. Can they do it again? Or will Nigeria extract some revenge?

Brazil vs. Hong Kong (Draw 7) - Could this be a playoff preview? Maybe in the SF? Or even the final? The winner will certainly earn an advantage.

Projected Standings: 1. Australia  2. Hong Kong  3. Brazil  4. Kazakhstan  5. Jamaica  6. Philippines  7. Nigeria  8. Kenya

#PCCC 2024 Playoff Qualifiers: Australia, Hong Kong, Brazil, Kazakhstan

#PCCC 2024 B Division Bronze Medal Game: Kazakhstan (Team Ebauyer) def. Brazil (Team Abreu)

#PCCC 2024 B Division Championship / Promotion to #PCCC 2024 A Division: Australia (Team Williams) def. Hong Kong (Team Hung)

There you have it rock heads. What say you? Agree? Disagree?

Who are you most excited to see step on the ice in Lacombe?

#StayTuned

Note there are a number of men's, women's and mixed doubles tour events happening this weekend as well. As always, the #PowerRankings are watching!! 👀👀

#TwineTime will be in Lacombe for the full run of the event. Keep an eye on all the blog socials for around the rings coverage and who knows what other surprises.

You can also keep up to date on all the live scores and results HERE.

To those nations and athletes competing, good luck, good curling and continue making #HIStory/#HERstory.