Power Rankings - W13

 #BetweenTheSheets: Power Rankings - Week 13

#ROCKtober crowns a world champion

#ROCKtober is always a busy month on the curling schedule.

There are more tour events scheduled across all the disciplines of the sport.

Teams are chasing points, money and #GSOC qualification.

But it is not just tour life taking centre ice in our curling house.

We also crown our first world champion of the season.

And we prepare for continental championships, which serve as world championship qualifiers.

This past weekend we also witnessed a back-and-forth battle for a European Curling Championships ticket to Finland.

And how can we forget the off-ice DRAMAAAA in Canadian men's curling with new teammate announcements?!?!

Oh yes, #ROCKtober has brought all the excitement back into the arena for curling fans. 

What more could happen in the final 10 days of the month?

Perhaps the Halloween spooks and scares will continue?

With the first world championship of the season taking place this weekend, this week's Power Rankings post will include the season-opening rankings for Nations.

And, since we have had a number of mixed doubles tour events happening over the past few weeks, it is time to open the viewing of the Mixed Doubles mountain as well.

We have A LOT to get through in this post rock heads.

#ButFirst, here is a quick recap of what happened on the ice over the weekend:

#TheRunback

🥌 World Mixed Curling Championship - Sweden (Team Granbom) def. Japan (Team Hase): The Tre Kronor went back-to-back in Aberdeen, Scotland with their championship win over Japan. Not only did the defending champs #DefendTheIce but they did so with an undefeated record. After posting a 7-0 RR record to top their pool and secure the #1 seed in the playoffs, their run to the final included victories over #16 Scotland (R16), #8 Poland (QF) and #4 Switzerland (SF). For Japan, making their 1st ever world mixed final, they would post a 4-2 RR record to secure the #7 seed in the playoffs. Their path to the final consisted of wins over #10 Kazakhstan (R16), #15 Netherlands (QF) and #6 Spain (SF). In the 8-year history of the event, Sweden has now appeared in 4 finals with 2 titles. Japan became the 1st Asian team to make the final and finish on the podium. Switzerland would land on the podium as well with a bronze medal game win over Spain.

🥌 Henderson Metal Fall Classic (M) - Team Dunstone (MB) def. Team Hoesli (SUI): A battle of undefeated A-qualifiers in the championship final. After both teams went 4-0 to qualify via the A-side, Dunstone would wrap up the perfect 7-0 weekend with an extra end victory over their Swiss counterparts. Dunstone's playoff path to the final included wins over #CSideGrind qualifiers Team Epping (QF) and Team Retornaz (SF). Hoesli's playoff path had victories over #CSideGrind qualifier Team Carruthers (QF) and B-qualifier Team McEwen (SF).

🥌 King Cash Spiel (W) - Team Ryan (BC) def. Team Cowan (BC): Kristen Ryan lost her opening game of the spiel to Shiella Cowan but would earn her revenge in the final. Ryan would also reel off 5 straight wins to claim the title. After posting a 3-1 RR record, Ryan defeated Team Pewarchuk in the SF before earning revenge on Cowan in the final. For Cowan, they reached the playoffs with the lone perfect 4-0 RR record and advanced to the final with a SF win over Team S. Kim.

🥌 King Cash Spiel (M) - Team Montgomery (BC) def. Team de Jong (BC): From an A-SF battle to the championship final, these teams would meet up twice this weekend with each picking up a W. For Jason Montgomery, his win was the one that mattered most. After losing to de Jong in the A-SF, Montgomery would go on a winning streak to claim the championship. After qualifying for the playoffs via the B-side, Montgomery would pick up playoff wins over C-qualifier Team Venance (QF) and B-qualifier Team Richard (SF). For de Jong, the A-qualifier booked them a spot in the SF where they would defeat C-qualifier Team Deane to reach the final. 

🥌 Alberta Curling Series Event 1 (W) - Team Park (KOR) def. Team Cameron (MB): Another championship final between two undefeated teams. Both Park and Cameron entered the playoffs with perfect 3-0 RR records and topping their respective pools. Park's path to the final included playoffs wins over Team Ueno (QF) and Team Ha (SF) while Cameron knocked off Team Kaufman (QF) and Team Tabata (SF).

🥌 Alberta Curling Series Event I (M) - Team Libbus (AB) def. Team Vavrek (AB): An all-Alberta final in Beaumont went the way of the team from Okotoks, who wrapped up the weekend with a perfect 5-0 record. Libbus entered the 4-team playoff bracket as the lone undefeated team, wrapping up the RR with a 3-0 record. In the SF, Libbus would defeat Team Pfister to make the final. For Vavrek, they lost their final RR game to finish 2-1 but advanced due to a strong LSD number. In the SF, they would defeat Team Manners to reach the final.

🥌 Stroud Sleeman Cash Spiel (W) - Team Hardy (ON) def. Team Brandwood (ON): A final between two B-qualifiers is not something we often see but one that did happen this weekend in Stroud, ON. Both Hardy and Brandwood would lose A-side games vs. A-qualifier Team Ford but would rebound to qualify via the B-side. Once in the playoffs, Hardy would defeat C-qualifier and defending champion Team Heggestad (QF) and C-qualifier Team Rizzo (SF) to reach the final. Brandwood's path to the final included wins over B-qualifier Team Armstrong and A-qualifier Team Markle.  

🥌 Stroud Sleeman Cash Spiel (M) - Team Rooney (ON) def. Team Lamb (ON): "B" was the "A" grade in Stroud this weekend apparently. Not only did the women's event see a final between two B-qualifiers but the same occurred with the men's event. Both Rooney and Lamb would reach the playoffs through the B-side pathway. Once in the playoffs, Rooney's path to the final included wins over B-qualifier Team Brandon (QF) and C-qualifier Team Ainsley (SF). Lamb's playoff wins were over C-qualifiers Team Ferris (QF) and Team MacDougall (SF). 

🥌 St. Paul Cashspiel (W) - Team Benson (USA) def. Team Cousins (USA): The B-side trend continued south of the border in St. Paul, MN where both women's finalists also qualified for the playoffs via the B-side. Benson may have lost an A-qualifier but rebounded quickly to win the B-qualifier game. In the playoffs, Benson would continue the #TeamUpset trend with wins over C-qualifier Team Strouse (QF) and A-qualifier Team Peterson (SF) before the final win to wrap up an impressive 6-1 weekend. Cousins would pick up playoff wins over C-qualifiers Team McMakin (QF) and Team Giroux (SF) to reach the final.

🥌 St. Paul Cashspiel (M) - Team Casper (USA) def. Team Dunnam (USA): Chalk up a perfect 7-0 weekend for Team Casper as they return to the winner's circle and #DefendTheIce in St. Paul. Casper's playoff path included wins over Team Brundidge (QF) and Team Sinnett (SF). For Dunnam, they posted a 3-1 RR record to advance to the playoffs where they would defeat Team Hodek (QF) and Team Sampson (SF) to make the final.

🥌 Saville Mixed Doubles Classic (MD) - Team Gill / Hewitt (AUS) def. Team Papley / van Amsterdam (AB): Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, Oi, Oi, Oi!! Australian curling fans had something to cheer for this weekend when their Aussie mixed doubles pairing went a perfect 7-0 in claiming the title in Edmonton. After a 4-0 RR record, Gill/Hewitt knocked off Team Sluchinski/Sluchinski (QF) and Team Kim/Seon (SF) to reach the final. For Papley/van Amsterdam, they qualified for the playoffs with a 3-1 RR record and reached the final with wins over Team Homan/Bottcher (QF) and Team Matsumura/Tanida (SF).

🥌 Mixed Doubles Bern (MD) - Team Morrison / Lammie (SCO) def. Team Dodds / Mouat (SCO): A battle of undefeated teams (and four-person teammates) would highlight the final in Bern, SUI. It would also be a rematch of the SF game played a few days earlier at the tour event in Gstaad. For Morrison/Lammie, they would prevent Dodds/Mouat from winning back-to-back tour titles. Both duos qualified for the playoffs via the A-side with perfect 3-0 records. Morrison/Lammie's path to the final included playoffs wins over C-qualifiers Team de Val/Magnusson (QF) and Team Jackson/McFadzean (SF). Dodds/Mouat knocked off C-qualifier Team Perret/Rios (QF) and Team Skaslien/Nedregotten (SF) to reach the final. Fun fact, it would be the same Final Four teams in Bern as it was earlier in the week at the event in Gstaad.

🥌 Mixed Doubles Gstaad (MD) - Team Dodds / Mouat (SCO) def. Team Skaslien / Nedregotten (NOR): The Scots earned revenge on their Norwegian counterparts from the 8-0 drubbing handed to them in the RR. Dodds/Mouat would eek into the playoffs with a 3-2 RR record and would require a TB win over Team Westman/Ahlberg to reach the playoff bracket. Once in the playoffs, the Scots would go on a tear to pick up the title, including wins over Team Herderson/Hardie (QF) and Team Morrison/Lammie (SF). Skaslien/Nedregotten qualified for the playoffs with a perfect 5-0 RR record and would knock off Team Perret/Rios (QF) and Team Jackson/McFadzean (SF) to reach the final.

🥌 Euro Qualifier Series - Germany (M) - Team Muskatewitz def. Team Totzek: The Best-of-5 series went the distance to determine who would represent Germany at the 2024 European Curling Championships in Finland. Muskatewitz would win the opener but Totzek would post a double win Saturday to take the 2-1 lead heading into the final day of the series. Muskatewitz would turn the tables on Sunday, posting back-to-back wins with their backs against the wall to claim the series and earn the right to be Team Germany at #ECC2024.

Lets climb curling's most talked about mountain ⛰

Remember, the parenthesis number behind each team is where they were ranked in last weeks Power Rankings post.

For Nation and Mixed Doubles rankings, there are no previous rankings for comparison.

#PowerRankings

NATION

1. Sweden

Last Week: World Mixed Curling Championship - Champions

Any time a nation can #DefendTheIce is a special moment for the member association.

Doing so with a different team makes it even more special.

And doing it undefeated to boot...well no question who tops the first Nation mountain of the season.

2. Japan

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - Runner-up

Japan made history this past weekend in becoming the first Asian nation to make the final and reach the podium at the World Mixed Curling Championship.

The blog has talked about how strong the Japanese women are performing on tour this season. And, to keep the Japanese momentum going, the mixed team did not disappoint in Aberdeen.

3. Switzerland

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - Bronze medal

We always know to never count out Switzerland on international ice. It was no different in Scotland as the Swiss picked up their second ever medal at the event (previous bronze in 2022).

Take note, both podium finishes were with female skips too.

4. Spain

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - 4th place

It will be a disappointing final result for Spain, coming off their finals appearance from a year ago and just missing the podium.

But this team/nation has continued to show they are a force to be reckoned with in mixed curling.

5. Norway

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - QF

The Norwegians ran into an experienced Spanish team in the QF. This was a highlight game of the playoff bracket, with two true podium threats facing off.

6. Netherlands

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - QF

The #TeamUpset of the event, being the #15 seed and knocking off the previously undefeated #2 seed Canada in the Round of 16. What a result for #TeamOranje!!

7. USA

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - QF

The Americans were rolling through the competition heading into the playoffs. They were undefeated in the RR, including a huge W over Spain to win their pool and earn the #5 seed. They just happened to run into a red hot Swiss team in the QF.

8. Poland

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - QF

Speaking of a #TeamUpset result, who had Poland reaching the QF in Aberdeen this weekend? This is a great result for a nation beginning to rediscover their slider at international competitions. And coming off only a few years removed from their self-imposed removal as a World Curling member association.

This is a true #growthesport result and one that will hopefully continue to help the sport grow and evolve in Poland for the future.

9. Canada

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - R16

And the streak comes to an end...

After reaching the podium at the past 5 World Mixed Curling Championships, Canada faltered in the playoffs and was upset by the Netherlands in the opening round of the playoffs. And after qualifying with an undefeated RR record and securing the #2 seed overall.

A dominating RR will be overlooked by the early playoff exit unfortunately.

10. Kazakhstan

Last Week: #WMxCC2024 - R16

Welcome to the Top 10 Kazakhstan!! This is history in the making.

But before you raise eyebrows to this #10 ranking, look at the nations results this past week. They qualified for the playoffs with an impressive 6-1 record. Their only RR loss happened to be against eventual bronze medal winners Switzerland.

And they knocked off experienced nations like Germany, Finland and Belgium to qualify for the playoffs as the #10 seed.

Honourable Mention: Czechia, Italy, New Zealand, Ukraine, Slovenia

MIXED DOUBLES

1. Team Gill/Hewitt

Last Week: Saville Mixed Doubles Classic - Champions

Here come the Aussies!!

They may have struggled at their season opener in Calgary back in September but since...back-to-back qualifications and back-to-back tour titles.

And they are now riding an impressive 15-match winning streak.

To impress the mountain even more, this weekend in Edmonton they outscored their opposition 60-11 over 7 games. Winning games by an average score of 9-2 is not just winning but dominating!

2. Team Skaslien/Nedregotten

Last Week: Mixed Doubles Bern - SF

The finals streak came to an end this weekend in Bern. In their 3 previous tour events, they had reached the final each time.

Consistently one of the best in the world. But the 0-3 record in finals this season is slightly troubling.

3. Team Dodds/Mouat

Last Week: Mixed Doubles Bern - Finalist

Do not let the sub-100 ranking fool you folks. This is only because they have not been competing...yet.

We saw over the past week what happens when they step on the ice.

Back-to-back events. Back-to-back qualifications. Back-to-back finals.

And all of a sudden they have an impressive season record of 12-3 and 1 tour title under the slider.

4. Team Kaldvee/Lill

Last Week: Mixed Doubles Gstaad - DNQ

The #1 ranked team in the world had an injury announcement at their last event, forcing them to withdraw after having a 2-1 record to start.

We can only hope this is a minor (and short) setback for one of the best MD duos in the world.

5. Team Matsumura/Tanida

Last Week: Saville Mixed Doubles Classic - SF

The Japanese duo has played 4 tour events this season. They have qualified in all 4. And they have reached the SF 3 times.

But they are still searching for their first final appearance.

6. Team Koana/Aoki

Last Week: DNC

The last time we saw them on the ice, they were winning the Aly Jenkins Memorial event in Martensville at the beginning of the month.

And after posting back-to-back SF results in their previous two events, winning a title in their third straight event was quite an accomplishment.

This duo remains one of the toughest teams to face on tour and always a threat for a deep playoff run.

7. Team Zheng/Pietrangelo

Last Week: FISU Mixed Doubles Qualifier - Champions

Is this the top MD duo in Canada this season? Don't scoff at the idea folks. They are playing THAT good.

They reached a QF in their season opener and won a tour event in Quebec.

And this past weekend they earned the right to represent Canada at the 2025 FISU World University Games in Italy, doing so with a perfect 7-0 record.

Oh, they happen to also be on an impressive 11-match winning streak of their own too.

Do not sleep on the #NextGen team!

8. Team Martin/Laycock

Last Week: Mixed Doubles Bern - DNQ

Speaking of top Canadian duos, watch out for Nancy Martin and Steve Laycock.

They were in Switzerland this past week doing the Swiss Double in Gstaad and Bern. They reached the QF in Gstaad but missed the playoffs in Bern.

It was their first DNQ of the season though, after previously reaching a tour final and QF in their previous 2 events before the Swiss trip.

9. Team Morrison/Lammie

Last Week: Mixed Doubles Bern - Champions

It was a successful Swiss trip for Rebecca Morrison and Bobby Lammie.

A SF result in Gstaad followed up by a champion run in Bern is a great way to start off their MD season.

Going a combined 11-2 in your opening events sends a strong message...and the mountain takes notice. 

10. Team Zelingrova/Chabicovsky

Last Week: DNC

You may not be as familiar with this Czechia duo but you might want to start learning their names now. Do not be surprised to see more of them, especially going deep into MD playoff brackets.

We have only seen them compete twice on tour thus far, with their last event being a month ago in Tallinn, Estonia.

Of course it was there where they won the tour title and posted an impressive 7-1 record in doing so. They also reached the QF at their home spiel to start their season.

We talk about #TeamUpset in every discipline, well here is your early season MD #TeamUpset flag bearers.

Honourable Mention: Team Perret/Rios, Team Abbes/Harsch, Team Walker/Muyres, Team Cotter/Cotter, Team Anderson/Stopera

MEN

1. Team Mouat (1)

Last Week: Did Not Compete (DNC)

The members of Team Mouat were too busy dominating the mixed doubles circuit this weekend.

Is there anything these guys cannot win?

2. Team Hoesli (5)

Last Week: Metal Fall Classic - Finalist

Playoffs, Playoffs, Playoffs.

All this team does is make the playoffs.

Some have doubted these Power Rankings as putting too much stock in the Swiss team but who is getting the last laugh now?

Do you still want to underestimate this team?

3. Team McEwen (2)

Last Week: Metal Fall Classic - SF

McEwen gets nipped out of the #2 spot due to their SF lose to the team who just passed them on the mountain.

Don't fret McEwen fans, this is still one of the best teams in the world this season.

4. Team Gushue (3)

Last Week: Metal Fall Classic - QF

Given all the off-ice drama the team faced heading into the event, reaching the QF should be considered a huge win.

And this weekend was really just a prep event for the upcoming Pan Continental Curling Championships, where Team Gushue (with Adam Casey at second) will represent Team Canada and try to pull the #3peat.

5. Team Dunstone (NR)

Last Week: Metal Fall Classic - Champions

Ok Matt Dunstone, the mountain sees you this week. And after posted a perfect record to claim a title and finally get back in the winner's circle, the Power Rankings reward the effort with the coveted #5 spot.

Now it is up to you to hold your position and/or continue the climb.

6. Team Muskatewitz (9)

Last Week: Euro Qualifier Series - Winners

Surviving a grueling Best-of-5 series against your main rivals is quite an accomplishment.

Doing so with your back against the wall heading into Sunday and picking up back-to-back wins to secure the W is worthy of a climb up the mountain.

And while some may be skeptical to see a rise up the rankings after only beating 1 team (3 times mind you!) and beating said team who is ranked below you, have you ever felt the intensity of a qualifier series to earn the right to represent your nation at a major championship?

The pressure and stress on both teams over the weekend was MUCH HIGHER than competing at a tour event one would think.

7. Team Schwaller (4)

Last Week: DNC

Some members of the team were competing in mixed doubles on home soil. Others were enjoying some rest and relaxation with family and friends.

8. Team Whyte (6)

Last Week: DNC

Again, a team who may not have been competing on the men's tour but did have members finding success on the mixed doubles tour.

9. Team Epping (HM)

Last Week: Fall Classic - QF

Team Epping is starting to find their groove as a new team. After posting a tour win last weekend, they followed it up with an impressive playoff ticket this weekend.

Is this the early Ontario Tankard favourite now?

10. Team Kleiter (7)

Last Week: DNC

Team Kleiter will not be punished too hard for not competing again this weekend as the Tour Challenge Tier II title still holds weight on this mountain.

For now....but the rocks are starting to slip under the slider.

Honourable Mention: Team Retornaz, Team Craik, Team Ramsfjell, Team Casper, Team Jacobs

WOMEN

1. Team Homan (1)

Last Week: DNC

The skipper enjoyed some mixed doubles action, reaching the playoff round in Edmonton.

And the team now shifts their focus on the Pan Continental Curling Championships, where Canada has yet to win a gold medal in the #HERstory of the event.

2. Team Gim (2)

Last Week: DNC

Speaking of #PCCC, the defending champs will be there representing Korea.

Korea has reached the final at each PCCC event held in its short #HERstory, any question on Korea going 3 for 3?

3. Team E. Kim (3)

Last Week: DNC

A week off after a tour title is no reason for the mountain to punish a team.

Korea's Team Kim stays in the Top 3 and keeps Korea in the spotlight as the top women's nation on tour now.

4. Team Fujisawa (4)

Last Week: DNC

This will be a tough week for Team Fujisawa. The past two years they would be preparing to represent Japan at PCCC.

And after having won the inaugural title in 2022 and reaching the final again in 2023, it will be a bit weird to see them not competing in Lacombe.

5. Team Tirinzoni (5)

Last Week: DNC

Do you think Team Tirinzoni will have a watchful eye on how the PCCC competition goes next week?

You better believe it....

6. Team Black (6)

Last Week: DNC

The most underrated team in the curling house remains in the Top 10.

I would not want to be playing #TeamBluenose anytime soon folks.

Just wait until we see them on that #GSOC Tier I ice....

7. Team Hasselborg (7)

Last Week: DNC

This past week saw the schedule release for the next #gsoc event, The Canadian Open, in Nisku, AB. And curling fans were quite to point out Team Hasselborg's name was NOT on the list.

Fear not rock heads, as explained by the team in a social media post, they will be spending that time preparing for the European Curling Championships.

And we know how much that event means to Team Hasselborg. Hard to argue against the decision.

8. Team Schwaller (8)

Last Week: DNC

A team slowly gaining rock head followers and fan fare.

Could this be the season they give a full challenge to Team Tirinzoni for Swiss bragging rights?

9. Team Einarson (9)

Last Week: DNC

Similar to Team Fujisawa above, it will be a bit of a different vibe for Team Einarson around Halloween this year as they will not be representing Canada at PCCC for the first time.

But perhaps it will also provide extra motivation heading into the second half of the season.

10. Team Skrlik (10)

Last Week: Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic - QF

They may not have been competing this weekend but they were practicing.

I know since they were only a few sheets over from me while I was practicing. Good thing we aren't comparing practices....

Plus maybe we will finally see some "Crafting with Curlers" social media posts in the future. 😉

This is a crafty team folks. If you aren't following the team and skipper IG accounts yet, you might want to toss them a follow and see for yourself. 

Honourable Mention: Team Wang, Team Yoshimura, Team Park, Team Tabata, Team Benson

#StayTuned

The big event coming up is the Pan Continental Curling Championships in Lacombe, AB. The event hits the ice on Sunday October 27 and concludes with the championship games on Saturday November 2.

TwineTime will be in Lacombe covering #PCC2024 with special THANK YOU to World Curling for once again approving the media accreditation request.

Stay tuned to TwineTime socials for around the house coverage and who knows what surprises will be in store.

Until the weekend, stay safe and be kind to one another.