WMxCC2024 Preview

#BetweenTheSheets: Happy Thanksgiving Canada

Lets give thanks...for a packed curling weekend

If you are Canadian, live in Canada or are visiting Canada this weekend, you are in for a long weekend of giving thanks.

Canadians spend the second weekend of October celebrating Thanksgiving.

Unlike our neighbours to the south who celebrate the holiday in November and on a Thursday, Canadians celebrate in October and on a Monday.

And this year, curling fans have LOTS to be thankful for.

Are you ready for a full slate of curling action?

We have tour events happening from the West coast to the East coast.

We even have a tour event in Europe.

Plus we kick off the first world championship event of the season.

Rockheads, we will have stuffing on our plates and in our (curling) houses this weekend.

No time to waste, lets slide into the action with our #TwineTimePreviews and #TwineTimePredictions.

Ok, before we actually dive into the point of this blog post lets take a brief moment to recognize the importance of the day this post will be published.

October 10th is World Mental Health Day!

World Mental Health Day is a day to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and strengthen our efforts in support of mental health.

#EndStigma

#MentalHealthIsHealth

The theme for 2024 is Mental Health at Work. As the World Health Organization (WHO) states in support of the 2024 theme to:

"...highlight the vital connection between mental health and work. Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health. Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life and consequently participation or productivity at work."

How does all this tie together in a blog post discussing curling?

Let us remember curlers are humans. And a curling arena is the office space for those athletes.

Be kind to the athletes on the ice. Be kind to the teams competing. Be kind to the volunteers and organizers. And be kind to your fellow fans.

We want to create a sporting environment where everyone feels safe and welcome.

Where you can sit next to fellow curling fans and even cheer for opposing teams but still respect the bigger picture of supporting the game itself.

We do not need online bullying. We do not need in-person bullying. #NoTroll

We need to continue to create the "curling house" of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Today, and every day, check in with yourself and your loved ones.

And lets also remember, our actions can have an affect on others. Be mindful of what you say and do to others. Intent can be a factor but even if intent is not to be malicious, actions and words can still be taken as such by another human being.

Lets support one another inside the curling arena.

#TwineTime has been and will continue to be a supporter of #MentalHealthMatters.

For more information on #WorldMentalHealthDay, visit the official website HERE.

#TwineTimePreviews

World Mixed Curling Championship

Aberdeen, SCO

2023 Champion: Sweden (Team Nygren)

Format: 39 nation RR with 4 pools of 8 and 1 pool of 7. Top 3 in each pool qualify. The final qualification spot will go to the best 4th place team based on Last Stone Draw (LSD).

Pool A

Nations: Canada, Czech Republic, England, Hungary, Latvia, New Zealand, Philippines, Turkey

#Fav: Canada

The most successful nation at this event should always be considered a podium threat.

Canada has won 5 medals since the inception of this world championship in 2015: 3 Gold, 1 Silver, 1 Bronze.

That 1 bronze was achieved last year when Quebec's Team Asselin won the bronze medal.

This year's Maple Leaf will be worn by Saskatchewan's Team Meachem. And experience will play to their advantage.

The front end pairing of Chris and Teejay Haichert have been here before, representing Canada at the inaugural event in 2015 in Switzerland with skip Max Kirkpatrick and vice Jolene Campbell.

The 2015 team would qualify for the playoffs but were eliminated in the QF, losing to Russia.

For the Haichert's, there may be some unfinished business to attend to.

But lets not forget vice Kelly Schafer. It will be a return to the homeland for her but with new colours on her back.

Schafer is originally from Dundee, Scotland and has previously represented her birth nation on the international curling scene, including winning 3 world women's medals (1 silver, 2 bronze) and 4 European medals (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze).

She is now a Canadian citizen, thus making her eligible to wear the Maple Leaf and compete for her new country of Canada.

Skip Shaun Meachem will be making his international debut at these championships. But he is no curling rookie either, having represented Saskatchewan at the 2017 Brier.

This is a stacked team of experience and should be the class of the pool.

#TeamUpset: New Zealand

We have seen the Kiwi's continue to develop and improve over the past few seasons. Can they continue to trend upwards?

This year's New Zealand team will be skipped by Brett Sargon. You may be familiar with his name as he is also a member of the New Zealand men's national champions, Team Hood. 

But Sargon is no stranger to international competition either folks. Besides competing with Team Hood at the past two Pan Continental and world men's championships, he has a world mixed doubles appearance (2018) and 4 Pacific-Asia championships (2014, 2015, 2017, 2019) under the slider.

Oh, and he has been to this event before too, having skipped his New Zealand foursome to a playoff appearance in 2016. 

The back end pairing of Sargon and Holly Thompson could be a formidable one. Thompson also has international experience, playing lead with Team Smith and competing at the past two Pan Continental and world women's championships.

Curling fans have been gravitating towards New Zealand curling for the past couple of years. A playoff run in Aberdeen here would be a great showing to prove these Kiwi's are ready to fly.

#W2W4

Could this Pool be the #PoolOfDeath?

Canada, on paper, should be the overwhelming favourite but those final 2 playoff spots could be a fight.

England, skipped by Andrew Woolston, is always a dangerous dark horse at this event. As is Latvia, skipped by Kriss Vonda.

Hungary's Gabor Ezsol was here last year and just missed the playoffs due to the TB procedure with a 4-4 RR record.

Czech Republic, skipped by Krystof Tabery, should never be underestimated.

And we already talked about New Zealand waving the #TeamUpset flag.

5 wins should be enough to qualify. The race to 5 wins will be a fun one to watch in this pool.

#PopcornGames

England vs. Latvia (Draw 1) - If either of these nations are going to advance, starting out the competition with a win, against a fellow playoff bubble team, is a MUST.

England vs. Hungary (Draw 18) - At the halfway point of the RR, this will be a pivotal game for both nations. The winner could be in the driver's seat for a playoff ticket.

Canada vs. New Zealand (Draw 24) - The final RR game could decide the fate of both teams, either for playoff seeding or elimination.

Pool B

Nations: Australia, India, Ireland, Italy, Nigeria, Poland, Puerto Rico, Sweden

#Fav: Sweden

This may not be the same team who won the world championship last year but we all know never to underestimate Sweden at any world championship with any team on the ice.

This year's team will be skipped by Simon Granbom. Granbom is a two-time Swedish junior champion, playing as vice for Fredrik Nyman. He has been to two world junior championships, ending up with a 6th place (2014) and 4th place (2015) finish.

Granbom currently skips his own men's team out of Gavle, Sweden and they were the runner-up at the 2024 Swedish Men's Curling Championship.

Speaking of Nyman, Granbom will be joined in Aberdeen by Team Nyman's lead Johannes Patz. For Patz, this will be his second world mixed appearance, having competed with Team Isabella Wrana at the 2017 event and finishing 5th overall.

This is an experienced team. Can they #DefendTheIce?

#TeamUpset: Puerto Rico

Our one nation making their debut this year: Puerto Rico.

As we continue to #growthesport around the world, it is great to see another nation from the America's region step on the ice.

Jonathan Vargas will skip the Puerto Rico foursome at their first championship.

Will it be a tall task against the field? Of course.

Could they maybe surprise a few nations and pick up an historic first win in their first event? Of course.

We have seen it happen before with debut nations surprising the field, being very competitive and scoring wins early.

Win or lose overall though, having a Puerto Rico representative at this world championship is a continued slide in the right direction towards curling being an inclusive all-world sport.

#W2W4

Maybe Pool B is the #PoolOfDeath?

There are some familiar names in this pool.

We already discussed Sweden.

But watch out for Ireland's John Wilson and Poland's Borys Jasiecki.

And how about Italy's Simone Gonin? We last saw Gonin at the 2022 World Men's Curling Championship, competing with Team Retornaz.

Remember when he was ejected from a game after smashing his broom and the broom head flew on to the next sheet and almost hit USA's Korey Dropkin?

And remember how, despite this incident, he was still voted the Collie Campbell Memorial Award for sportsmanship?

He will be here representing Italy once again, this time throwing fourth stones for skip Giorgia Maurino.

If we want to also give credit to experience, watch out for Australia's Matt Panoussi. He has been to this event before as well, competing in 2018 and last year, where he skipped his team to the playoffs and QF result.

#PopcornGames

Italy vs. Poland (Draw 5) - If Poland is a real threat for making the playoffs, we will find out right away in an early blockbuster RR game vs. Italy.

Australia vs. Ireland (Draw 8) - The winner of this game will be sitting good early and in the driver's seat for a playoff ticket.

Nigeria vs. Puerto Rico (Draw 8) - Could PR score their 1st world championship win?

Australia vs. Italy (Draw 14) - Both of these nations should feel good about qualifying but the loser of this game will have some work to do.

Pool C

Nations: Brazil, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Romania, Scotland, Slovenia, Spain, USA

#Fav: Spain

The silver medal winners from a year ago are back...and looking to finally go one game better and bring a first-ever world championship home to Spain.

Sergio Vez has been so close at this event, having won silver last year and in 2018.

In fact, this entire team will be making their 6th World Mixed Curling Championship appearance. They competing in the very first event in 2015 and also competed in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023.

In a field where almost every nation competing has a different team and/or different players, consistency could be the wild card advantage for Spain.

Anything short of another trip to the world final will be a disappointment for this team right now.

#TeamUpset: Hong Kong

Speaking of experience, how about Jason Chang skipping Hong Kong at a 5th world mixed championship (2017, 2018, 2019, 2023)?

Chang will once again be joined by mixed doubles partner Ling-Yue Hung at vice and life partner Ada Shang at lead.

Last year the team struggled at this event, posting a disappointing 1-6 record.

This year, they are joined at second by Christopher Chung. Could Chung be the difference maker in his debut?

#W2W4

Not a Pool of Death but certainly a #PoolOfOpportunity for a few nations.

Spain is going to be the overwhelming favourite and should dominate the competition.

But those final 2 spots are open for the taking.

Strong curling nations like Scotland, skipped by Neil Kennedy, and USA, skipped by David Falco, should never be overlooked on nation name alone.

But could we see a surprise qualifier emerge here? Hong Kong? Slovenia?

Chinese Taipei reached the playoff round last year but with a different team. Could they surprise once again?

Take note this year's Chinese Taipei team is making history as being the 1st Taiwan-based team as all 4 players are from Taiwan.

The team will be making their international debut at this event and even launched a GoFundMe page to support their curling goals: https://gofund.me/ae3a3822

#PopcornGames

Hong Kong vs. Scotland (Draw 5) - If Hong Kong is to become a #TeamUpset in this pool, this 2nd RR game vs. Scotland will let us know.

Scotland vs. USA (Draw 14) - The winner of this game should be sitting in a good position for qualification.

Chinese Taipei vs. Hong Kong (Draw 24) - The final RR game will be a Pacific-Asia rivalry game and could see the winner advance to the playoff bracket.

Pool D

Nations: Austria, Denmark, Estonia, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia

#Fav: Norway

Will youth be the wildcard factor for Norway?

Martine Ronning will skip the Norwegian team at these world championships.

The 24 year old is perhaps most known for playing lead with Team Rorvik, including the 2023 world silver medal and 2023 Euro bronze medal wins.

But she is also an experience mixed doubles curler, winning bronze at the 2023 world mixed doubles championship with partner Mathias Braenden.

2023 seemed to be a good year for Ronning. Lets see what she can do in the second half of 2024.

#TeamUpset: Austria

Speaking of youth, how about the #NextGen movement out of Austria?

Second Moritz Jochl competed on the junior men's team in Austria.

Vice Johanna Hoss and Lead Jill Witschen are competing with the Austrian women's team.

And all three are trying to make the move up the world rankings for Austria.

The big story behind this team could be on the coaching bench. Remember Daniela Jentsch from Germany?

She is now the coach in Austria, coaching the national women's and junior teams as well as the mixed team at this event.

Could her international experience help the young Austrians surprise the field and make a playoff push?

#W2W4

This is the one pool with 7 nations, meaning almost half of the pool will qualify for the playoffs (3 of 7). And, perhaps, the lone 4th place qualifier comes from here too.

Norway and Denmark (skipped by Karolina Jensen) will be heavy favourites to advance.

Shoutout to Denmark as well, reinstating the motto of "The family who curls together, stays together."

But who can snag that third guaranteed playoff ticket?

Japan, skipped by Hinako Hase, can always be an international threat.

But if Japan slips up, could we see a surprise playoff challenge from Austria, Estonia, Netherlands or Slovakia?

#PopcornGames

Austria vs. Slovakia (Draw 4) - A nice opener for both nations, both probably considering this a "winnable" game. The winner will start strong. The loser will have work to do right out of the hack.

Denmark vs. Norway (Draw 15) - This game should decide 1st place in the pool.

Denmark vs. Japan (Draw 22) - This will be the final RR game for both nations. The winner should be advancing to the playoffs. But will the loser be eliminated?

Pool E

Nations: Belgium, Finland, Germany, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Switzerland, Ukraine, Wales

#Fav: Germany / Finland

This is a tough call on which nation to tag as the #Fav in this pool.

Both Germany and Finland have the experience factor going for them.

Germany will be skipped by Sven Goldermann. Goldermann competed here last year as second with Team Schulze, just missing the playoffs with a 4-3 RR record.

Finland will be skipped by Jussi Uusipaavalniemi. Yes, he is the brother to famous Finn Markku Uusipaavalniemi.

Jussi has also been here before, previously competing in 2017 as skip and falling one game short of the playoffs with a 3-4 RR record.

Both skips have experience. Both skips have heartbreak of coming close to the playoffs in their last appearance and just missing out. Both skips will want some revenge.

Goldermann will have additional experience in the house with vice Maiki Beer. Beer plays lead on the German national team with skip Emira Abbes.

Uusipaavalniemi will have familiarity up front with Paavo Kuosmanen at lead, who also competed on the 2017 team.

Both nations should like their chances to qualify.

#TeamUpset: Ukraine

A nation who may have the entire curling world rooting them on will be Ukraine.

Skipped by Eduard Nikolov, Ukraine is back in the competition and looking to reach the playoff bracket in 2024.

We saw Nikolov skip the mixed team at this event last year, missing the playoffs with a 3-4 record.

Nikolov will have Yaroslava Kalinichenko back in the house with him as the back end of the team but they will be joined up front by a new duo, Artem Suhak at second and Diana Moskalenko at lead.

Could the front end change be the difference maker and earn Ukraine a playoff ticket?

#W2W4

Germany. Finland. Switzerland.

There are three nations you probably do not want to see in your pool at a world championship.

Yet, here they are. Together. 

And with only 3 playoff tickets up for grabs, is this pool already decided?

There is experience to be had from the challengers though.

Kazakhstan's skip Abylaikhan Zhuzbay will be making his 5th world mixed appearance but first since 2018.

Belgium's skip Caro van Oosterwyck was here last year as lead with Team Verreycken, having qualified for the playoffs with an impressive 6-2 RR record before losing in the QF to eventual world champions Sweden.

And we know about Ukraine's experience above.

Maybe the curling Big 3 are in more trouble then meets the eye?

#PopcornGames

Belgium vs. Germany (Draw 2) - A tough opener for both nations. If Belgium is to replicate their result from a year ago, opening with a W over Germany is a great start.

Belgium vs. Ukraine (Draw 7) - There are two nations who have surprise playoff aspirations. Playing one another early in the RR can provide a huge momentum lift for the winner...but maybe be deflating early for the loser.

Finland vs. Germany (Draw 19) - The co-Favs meet in the second to last RR game. Could this be a game to decide first place in the pool? OR, if either falter earlier in the RR, could this game prove to be a dagger in the heart for the loser?

WOMEN

Stu Sells Toronto Tankard

Toronto, ON

2023 Champion: Team E. Kim

Format: 24 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers

#Fav: Team Tirinzoni

After reaching back-to-back finals to start the season, including winning a tour title, the Swiss team hit the ice in PEI when they failed to qualify for the playoffs at the Tour Challenge Tier I.

This was a bit of a surprise considering how strong this team has played already this season. And their resume alone.

But this is also sport and nothing can be taken for granted.

Heading to Toronto, I would not want to see the name Tirinzoni in my side of the bracket.

Would you want to face Silvana Tirinzoni and Alina Paetz after they failed to qualify at a #gsoc event the previous weekend?

They may be more dangerous and hungry for a tour win then ever before now. And remember, they did win this title in 2022.

Watch. Out!

#TeamUpset: Team Galusha

Speaking of seeing Tirinzoni in your side of the bracket, how about seeing them as your opening game opposition?

Gotta feel for the Kerry Galusha.

She will be competing in Toronto with a completely new line up for her. Joining her will be Raunora Westcott and the Gates sisters, Jennifer and Amanda.

Westcott will throw the fourth stones while Galusha will throw lead stones but skip the game.

To say they will be in tough in their opener is an understatement. Could there be a bigger underdog?

But we have also learned to never doubt the #PolarPower either.

Could we see a huge opening game upset right out of the hack?

Even if Galusha takes the early loss, this is still a strong and experienced team on paper. They could still make a playoff push, with or without knocking off Tirinzoni in their opener.

You can bet they will be a fan favourite!

#W2W4

This field is STACKED.

Tirinzoni. Hasselborg. Wrana. Schwaller. Kim. Kitazawa. Dupont.

The international field is showing up in Toronto to steal the Thanksgiving celebrations of their Canadian opposition.

Can a Canadian team mount a charge against the international field and bring the title back home to Canadian ice?

Team McCarville will be one to watch.

Team Inglis struggled in PEI at the Tier II but maybe they can reverse their fortunes on friendly Ontario ice.

And we can never count out Laurie St-Georges.

What about Team MacMillan? They just had a playoff showing at the Tier II and are riding some momentum.

But the story to watch will be whether the Canadian teams can challenge their higher ranked international opposition.

Last year 5 of the 8 playoff positions went to international teams. Correction, they went to 5 Asian teams: 1 from Korea, 2 from Japan, 2 from China.

This year we see a strong European presence. Will Europe in 2024 be the Asia of 2023 at this event?

Or will Canada find a way to really give thanks over the holiday weekend?

#PopcornGames

Team Schwaller vs. Team Dupont (Draw 1) - A classic Euro battle to kick off the event. And a Tier I vs. Tier II battle.

Team Tirinzoni vs. Team Galusha (Draw 2) - This will be a fun game to watch. Alina Paetz and Kerry Galusha are two of the most loved and respected curlers on tour, from fans and fellow athletes.

Team McCarville vs. Team Duncan (Draw 7) - If you are looking at Canadian teams who could make a playoff push towards the title on home ice, both of these teams should be up for consideration. And they open the TKO against one another.

Team E. Kim vs. Team McCarville (possible A-SF) - The defending champs against #FearTheMoose?

Team Hasselborg vs. Team Schwaller (possible A-qualifier) - Both teams come to Toronto fresh off the disappointment at the Tour Challenge, failing to qualify. Both will want to right the ship early and make a deep run here.

Team MacMillan vs. Team Wrana (possible A-SF) - Wrana reached the QF at the Tour Challenge Tier I. MacMillan reached the QF at the Tour Challenge Tier II. This could be a fun game to keep your eyes on, if it happens.

Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic

Calgary, AB

2023 Champion: Team Gim

Format: 28 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers

#Fav: Team Gim

Do you really bet against the two-time defending champions here?

Korea's Team Gim have a legit shot at the #3peat, a feat that has not been accomplished at this storied event.

Only 3 times in the #HERstory of the event has a team even been able to #DefendTheIce: Marilyn Bodogh (1985-86), Kerri Einarson (2018-19) and Gim (2022-23).

If there was a team to accomplish the feat for the first time, Team Gim is a good team to place money on.

They are coming off a QF result at the Tour Challenge Tier I in PEI.

They have qualified in every event played this season.

But they only have 1 title under the slider.

6 events played. 6 qualifications. 3 QF. 2 SF. 1 F.

Can they get over the playoff jinx they are experiencing this season and keep this historic title in Korea?

#TeamUpset: Team B. Peterson

Manitoba teams have had great success at this event in the past.

And Beth Peterson is one of those Manitoba skips.

Remember last year Peterson reached the SF at this event after qualifying for the playoffs via the #CSideGrind.

Can she post a similar result, or go one round better, this year?

Don't knock the potential here folks. Remember, Team Peterson is coming off a playoff appearance at the Tour Challenge Tier II, which included 2 wins over MB rival Team Cameron and C-qualifier win vs. Team Skrlik.

They have some momentum on their side. And the confidence of knowing they can knock off any team when they play their best.

Plus, they did it last year so why not do it again?

It won't be easy of course, drawing Team Silvernagle in the opener and possibly looking at Korea's Team Ha and Team Gim just to reach an A-qualifier.

It might actually be more expected to see them qualify out of the C-side again.

They did it last year. They did at the Tour Challenge Tier II.

Maybe they just play better with their backs against the wall.

Or maybe they just like getting as many games as possible out of their entry fee.

Either way, do not be surprised to see them as a #TeamUpset playoff qualifier.

#W2W4

This event has rich tradition in the curling world. It has been on the tour schedule since 1978.

It used to be the first grand slam event of the season (2006 - 2014).

And it served as an Olympic Trials qualifier in 1996 and 2000.

It also has a who's who of curling royalty as past champions: Marilyn Bodogh, Sandra Schmirler, Michelle Englot, Sherry Middaugh, Cheryl Bernard, Elisabet Gustafson, Shannon Kleibrink, Amber Holland, Cathy King, Heather Nedohin, Sherry Anderson, Stefanie Lawton, Kelly Scott, Jennifer Jones, Bingyu Wang, Eve Muirhead, Rachel Homan, Casey Scheidegger, Kerri Einarson, Tabitha Peterson and Eun-ji Gim.

That is a very impressive Wall of Champions.

Who will add their name to the champions wall this season?

#PopcornGames

Team Ueno vs. Team Yoshimura (possible A-QF) - If both win their opener, this will add another game to the already building Japanese rivalry between the two teams.

Team Fujisawa vs. Team Wang (possible A-QF) - Fujisawa earns an opening round bye and could have their first game against Asian rivals from China, Team Wang. Assuming of course Wang wins their opener vs. Korea's Team Lee. The Asian domination could be in full force here.

Team Gim vs. Team Ha (possible A-SF) - An all-Korean rivalry game could be coming our way...and curling fans should want to pay attention to this game. These are two really good teams.

Team Lawes vs. Team Sturmay (possible A-SF) - We saw these two battle it out in the Elite 8 at the PointsBet Invitational a few weeks ago. Could we get a rematch? And in Calgary again?

MEN

Stu Sells Toronto Tankard

Toronto, ON

2023 Champion: Team Morozumi

Format: 32 team triple knockout with 8 qualifiers

#Fav: Team Retornaz

What is up with the Italian Stallions this season?

Did the pressure of opening the year as the #1 ranked team in the world get to them?

Or are teams just upping their game when they play the top ranked team?

Either way, the results have not been what many might have expected by this point in the season.

The team is still ranked high, sitting #3 on the world rankings.

But, if we look at the Year To Date ranking, they are sitting at #17.

They also arrive in Toronto off a 1-3 showing at the Tour Challenge Tier I last week.

And have a modest season record of 10-6.

So why are they the #Fav here? Because they are still Team Retornaz and when they are playing their best, they remain one of the toughest teams to beat.

Do not let this little blip in the road deter you curling fans. We know how good this team is.

Perhaps this event will be the start of their return to greatness. Remember, they are also in preparation mode now for the upcoming European Curling Championships, hitting the ice in just over a month from now in Finland.

A strong playoff run here would go a long way towards those tune-up plans.

#TeamUpset: Team Hirata

We know the blog has been talking alot about the Japanese women's teams but we need to put respect on the men as well.

Enter the #TeamUpset chat Team Hirata.

Hirata has been on the ice since their first event in June and have looked very consistent. They have 6 events under the slider and have qualified in 5 of them.

Ok, the one event they failed to qualify was their last time on the ice at the MCT Atkins Curling Supplies Classic last weekend in Winnipeg.

But maybe that was just an off weekend of curling?

This is a team with 4 SF appearances already this season too. They know how to grind out an event and make a deep playoff run.

They also come to this event ranked #40 in the world but #33 on the YTD rankings.

Lets give a special secondary shout out here to Nova Scotia's Team Purcell.

They were the #TeamUpset mention for the Tour Challenge Tier II and reached the QF.

And last year they reached the SF here.

Maybe we should stop underestimating #TeamBluenose now?

#W2W4

Welcome back TKO!

This year's event will have a Triple Knockout format.

Last year this event used a Round Robin format.

In 2022 it was a TKO.

What will happen in 2025?

Given the growing popularity of the TKO format, supported by the positive feedback at the #gsoc with the Tour Challenge going to TKO for the first time, it would not be a surprise to see this event retain the format in the future.

This event also has a rich history, most notable for being considered the "starting" event of the #BroomGate scandal of 2015 and the infamous game between Team Howard and Team McEwen.

You don't remember? Definitely do a Google search to refresh your memory.

This event also serves as the second pillar of the Stu Sells trilogy. We have already seen the Stu Sells Oakville event. Upcoming will be the Stu Sells 1824 Halifax Classic at the end of the month. 

#PopcornGames

Team Hoesli vs. Team Hirata (Draw 1) - What a start to the tournament. Hoesli has been a #TeamUpset flag bearer this season, posting strong results week in and week out. Hirata has been doing the same and is the #TeamUpset for the event.

Team Klima vs. Team Maeda (Draw 1) - Maeda has been a team on the rise this season. And blog fans know #TwineTime is always a Lukas Klima fan.

Team Abe vs. Team Jeong (Draw 7) - Another classic all-Asia affair between Japan's Abe and Korea's Jeong. Also remember, Jeong did reach the final here last year.

Team Morozumi vs. Team Yanagisawa (possible A-QF) - Who doesn't want to see another chapter to the rivalry between these two Japanese teams? And the winner might draw Retornaz in the A-SF.

Team Purcell vs. Team Asselin (possible A-QF) - Another possible battle between two #TeamUpset flag bearers. Remember at the Sweep 16 when both of these teams played the role of #BracketBuster? Lets see them face off here for the ultimate Bracket Buster championship.

Lets also mention there are additional tour events happening this weekend:

🥌 MCT Challenge in Winnipeg, MB - Men's and Women's Event

🥌 Steele Cup Cash in Fredericton, NB - Men's and Women's Event

🥌 McKee Homes Fall Curling Classic in Airdrie, AB - Men's Event

🥌 Regina Highland SaskTour Spiel in Regina, SK - Men's Event

🥌 Regina Highland Rocktoberfest in Regina, SK - Women's Event

🥌 Tallinn Ladies International Challenger in Tallinn, EST - Women's Event

🥌 Capital Curling Classic in Ottawa, ON - Men and Women Entry Event

🥌 WCT Austrian Mixed Doubles Cup in Kitzbuehel, AUT - Mixed Doubles Event

The blog apologies for not being able to provide full previews and predictions for all these events. Unfortunately there is only so much time in a day when working on a blog in my spare time (reminder, no this is not a paying gig and no this not my full-time job LOL).

But the blog also wishes good luck and good curling to all teams and athletes competing in these events this weekend.

#TwineTimePredictions

World Mixed Curling Championship

Projected Standings - Pool A: 1. Canada 2. Hungary  3. New Zealand  4. Latvia  5. Czechia  6. England  7. Turkey  8. Philippines 

Projected Standings - Pool B: 1. Sweden  2. Australia  3. Italy  4. Ireland  5. Poland  6. India  7. Nigeria  8. Puerto Rico

Projected Standings - Pool C: 1. Spain  2. Scotland  3. USA  4. Chinese Taipei  5. Hong Kong  6. Slovenia  7. Brazil  8. Romania

Projected Standings - Pool D: 1. Norway  2. Denmark  3. Austria  4. Japan  5. Slovakia  6. Estonia  7. Netherlands

Projected Standings - Pool E: 1. Germany  2. Finland  3. Switzerland  4. Belgium  5. Ukraine  6. Wales  7. Kazakhstan  8. Kenya

Qualifiers: Canada, Hungary, New Zealand, Sweden, Australia, Italy, Spain, Scotland, USA, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Germany, Finland, Switzerland, Belgium

World Championship: Spain (Team Vez) def. Canada (Team Meachem)

WOMEN

Stu Sells Toronto Qualifiers: Team Tirinzoni, Team Hasselborg, Team E. Kim, Team Kitazawa, Team Schwaller, Team Wrana, Team MacMillan, Team St-Georges

Stu Sells Toronto Championship: Team Tirinzoni def. Team E. Kim

Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic Qualifiers: Team Constantini, Team Fujisawa, Team Gim, Team Lawes, Team Skrlik, Team Ha, Team Yoshimura, Team Sturmay

Curlers Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic Championship: Team Fujisawa def. Team Gim

MEN

Stu Sells Toronto Qualifiers: Team Retornaz, Team Craik, Team Ramsfjell, Team Mooibroek, Team Purcell, Team Morozumi, Team Yanagisawa, Team Hoesli

Stu Sells Toronto Championship: Team Retornaz def. Team Morozumi

#StayTuned

For those competing this weekend and probably being away from their families, good luck and good curling. We thank you for your stepping on the ice and competing in a sport we all love.

If you are looking for some live streaming this weekend, check out the Curlers' Corner Autumn Gold Curling Classic on YouTube.

I was in the commentary booth last season for this event and, to my own shock and awe, I have been invited back this year. You can catch my commentary coverage on Saturday evening for back-to-back draws.

And finally, for all the #TwineTime blog fans over the years, THANK YOU for your continued support of the little blog that could.

We may not always agree on #PowerRankings or predictions BUT we can always agree we love the sport of curling.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving celebrations with friends and family and take the time to truly give thanks for everything wonderful in your lives.

As an aside, we saw the Team Koe announcement rock the curling house during the #PowerRankings release earlier this week.

NOW we have the Team Gushue announcement coinciding with this preview blog post.

Is #TwineTime a jinx to some players?