HELP ME!

I know what you are thinking. Is Mark Bender and Vola Roberts tying the knot already?! And who loaned Mark the Toupee? And why is he asking for help? (Look at his shoes). Well, that's not Mark and Vola. And when the day does come, I'm sure Mark will not need any help. But, I need your help! Yes that';s right...I have a problem that my friends at the BRCC could help me out with. I have a friend from Hanmer (his name is Marcel) who plays in the BRCC Mixed every year. Last year, he played in our Mens Closing....he was replacing someone else just for last year. He had such an excellent time, he wants to come back  but has no team! Are you looking for a  lead or second...if so, call me because it would help me immensely if you could adopt Marcel to your team!

C'mon...help a Curling Chronic out! Help me find a team for Marcel in the BRCC Mens Closing!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. How come Darren Rainville is sitting there with a sock in his mouth? And since when is he a tennis fan? Did someone tell him to "put a sock in it"? Well, that's not him. Darren's hair is longer and Darren has no appetite for cotton and I'm sure no one would tell him to put a sock in it. He's just not that vocal. But he does like curling more than tennis. He plays in the Thursday Mens and has been for a couple of years now. But he does not play in the Wednesday Mixed...not yet that is. Perhaps he needs to talk his honey into playing the Roaring Game and they can spend their Wednesday (or Monday) evenings at the BRCC like so many others do.

Ice A: Frank Lemieux vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute crew adds another win to their season total. There have been a few, that's for sure. They win the "Queen" Award because they can definitely Rock You!

Ice B: Tom St Jules vs Sandy Milroy. WIN for St Jules. Looks like Big Daddy has put a stop to Team Milroy's Wednesday night dynasty. The Milroy crew have been tough all year but this loss keeps it all real for them. There's nothing wrong with a loss from time to time, that's for sure. They win the "Humble Pie" Award because this week they have to Eat It!

Ice C: Warren Neufeld vs Rick Berthelot. WIN for Neufeld. The Neufelds always seem to give a good game. You can never count them out because that thought process will ALWAYS come back to bite you in the backside. They win the "Simple Minds" Award because the Neufeld theme song is Don't You Forget About Me! I never forget about them when I am playing them...I bring some Noxzema just in case!

Ice D: Vola Roberts vs Andrew Roberts. WIN for Andrew Roberts. There may have been other forces at work here that helped the Andrew Roberts rink win this game. Vola and Mark are now engaged and this is still relatively new...with this game coming on the heels of Valentine's Day, Vola and Mark may have been distracted by their "love bug" bites. That's right folks, we have a new set of Love Bugs...Mark Bender and Vola Roberts. They win the "Jonas Brothers" Award because they have been bitten by the Love Bug! They should be back focusing on curling soon however.....

So that's how it was this past Wednesday. Still lots of Mixed Curling left, which means still lots of fun times left at the BRCC. If everyone was to set their mind to recruiting some curlers for next season, just think of how much MORE fun that would be! So, tell your pals...get out to the BRCC and try the Roaring Game. We're always looking for new members and we need our members to advocate for us.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I know what you are thinking. Since when did Terry Fryer become such a huge tennis fan that he felt he should buy this funky hat and attend a Wimbledon Championship. Well that's not him. Terry is a curling fan but I'm sure he does watch some tennis from time to time. One thing is for sure, he'll be watching some of the Scotties that is beginning this weekend...that is for sure. Terry plays in the Monday Mixed and the Thursday Mens. He also plays senior mens competitive curling with Team Gemmell of the BRCC. He is also my dentist so I am expecting a non-anesthecised root canal for this one!

There are lots of curling fans at the BRCC and many of them play in the BRCC Ladies League...and if you have never been there, you should check out a ladies league game sometime. They are often excellent entertainment.

Ice B: Denelda Cada vs Paula Summers. WIN for Summers. With second year curler, Jamie Elmore at the helm, the Summers crew controlled the game and handed my beloved Rez Girls yet another loss. It has been a tough second half for the Rez Girls who have logged several consecutive losses. But we have to be optimistic about this and hope that they will pull it together and string some wins together. So they win the "Rankins" Award because they need to Rise Again!

Ice C: Tammy Lemieux vs Christie Hagger. Win for Hagger. It's been a tough season for the newly formed Lemieux squad. They have fought to keep the ship afloat and they have managed to plug up most of the holes. I expect them to have a good finish to this season and a great season next year. They win the "Split Endz" Award because they just spent "Six Months In A Leaky Boat!"

Ice D: Beth Laderoute vs Shirley Lemieux. Win for Lemieux. This Lemieux squad is one of those teams that could string a bunch of wins together and win the whole shootin' match. The wins definitely are there....and they win the "Nina Simone" Award because they need to Break Down And Let It All Out.

Ice A (Late): Marg Tivy vs Maymar Gemmell. Win for Gemmell. A stumble for the Iron Bridge Belles but they can still have an opportunity to end up as top team. They win the "Toby Mac" Award because they have to Get Back Up!

Ice B: Anita Moran vs Malisha Alloway. WIN for Moran. The Alloway squad have had a great year and certainly have established the fact that they are not pushovers. Far from it as they sit dangerously close to the top of the leaderboard. They need a good finishing kick and they can be tops at the end. They win the "Warren Zevon" Award as they need some Finishing Touches.

So that is how it played out this week with the Tuesday Ladies. There are lots of teams that have the potential to be top squad at the end of this season. In the meantime, Ladies Curling will be taking the spotlight as the Scotties kicks off this weekend. The team to watch is Team Tracy Horgan from Sudbury. This is a great team and a Northern Ontario team so tune in and cheer them on.

On a side note, BRCC pal, Dean Gemmell (lead for Team Heath McCormick) has gone 6 - 0 in the US Nationals being held this week. Hopefully they can go all the way this year and we'll be watching him in the World's later in April.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Night Mixed

I know what you're thinking. When did Kenny McCleod (center) become a tennis fan? And how did he get the time off from Home Hardware to attend this Grand Slam Tennis Championship? Well, that's not him. Kenny likes curling, not tennis. Kenny plays in the Monday Night Mixed and the Thursday Mens. He's a great shot-maker which makes it hard to shoot against him. But there are lots of other good shooters in the Monday Night Mixed and that always makes for good games.

Ice A: John Hammond vs Doug Kearns. WIN for Hammond. Winning or losing is not really a concern for the Kearns crew. They enjoy their Monday night game and if you have ever watched Heidi Lees, she's smiling regardless of what is going on. Suzanne Kearns is the same way. They win the "Cindy Lauper" Award because those Girls Just Want To have Fun.

Ice B: Dan McMillan vs Jerry Jensen. Win for McMillan. With Sally Watson at the helm, the McMillan crew posted a convincing win. Salli wins the "Helen Reddy" Award because She's Woman, Hear Her Roar!

Ice C: Bob Villeneuve vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. Tough game for the Villeneuve crew. Anne is happy with her Monday night game but in her mind, she is thinking of places where it is warm and the sun is shining. She wins the "Otis Redding" Award because she would rather be Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Gator Fortin. The Monday Night Newfie Bullet was seeking redemption in the rematch with the Fortin crew. At their last meeting, the Newfie Bullet was knocked off the tracks and given a Red Bum Award to boot. But not so this time round...they win the "Aerosmith" Award because of their Don't Get Mad, Get Even mindset.

So that's how it played out this past Monday night. Coming up this weekend, the much anticipated Season Of Champions on TSN will kick off with the Scotties Tournament of Hearts beginning on Saturday, Feb 18. The first game is @ 3 pm and I'll be there along with millions of others. Actually, I'll be ice fishing but I can assure you that all fishing activity will cease and desist prior to game time. I like to fish alright but after all, I am a Curling Chronic and I do have my priorities straight!!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know...I'm not a big fan of Valentines Day. But lots of people are! Me, I'm curling on Valentines Day. But not before I take my wife out to supper, present her with some flowers and a gift thereby professing my undying love and complete and utter joy in knowing that our love will span the ages......plus I have enough sense not to be a schmuck on this dreadful day!

But, then later I will be playing my Mens League game that got put off from last week. But that was the only game put off, everybody else played theirs and one more week of the season passed. That leaves 4 more weeks until the playoffs. With the 16 spots available, there is still time for teams to make a move a secure a position...which means that there is also time for teams to stumble. Here's how it played out last week:

Ice B (Monday): Keith Rouselle vs Al Gemmell. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers still on a huge roll with only 1 loss in the second half. They knocked off the red hot Gemmell squad in fine fashion. They win the "Bonnie Raitt" award for Giving Us Something To Talk About.

Ice C: Al Viel vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew will most likely make the playoffs with the solid season they have had. They win the "REO Speedwagon" Award because these are some Tough Guys!

Ice D: Stephane Lemieux vs Jim Kendricks. WIN for Kendricks. It's been a big learning curve year for the Lemieux rink but they have proven that teams improve over time. Steph has a relatively inexperienced front ens but they have pulled it together in fine form and they have good games. They may not win them all but they ain't pushovers either. Steph wins the "Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young" Award because he Teaches His Children Well!

Ice B (Thursday): Dan Berthelot vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Berthelot. Tough season for the Roberts rink but they have stuck with it and their games have improved big time. They win the "Yolanda Adams" Award because the Never Give Up.

Ice C: Bob Villeneuve vs Brian West. WIN for Villeneuve. Even though they took a loss this week, the West rink has game and have enjoyed a solid season thus far. I've said it before, they have the potential to get on a roll. They win the "Amanda Marshall" Award because they really are a Dark Horse in this league.

Ice D: Dave Mitchell vs John Hammond. WIN for Hammond. Another tough team this year has been the Hammond crew. They are intense and always fight the good fight. They win the "Doors" Award because this year they're gonna Beak On Through To The Other Side.

Ice A (Late): Chris Astles vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. Although it's been an up and down year for the usually tough Lemieux Express, they still should have enough steam left to put some wins together and make it to the playoffs. They win the "Triumph" Award because they know they have to Fight The Good Fight!

Ice B: Michel Rivard vs Shane Boyer. WIN for Rivard. Although they have taken a loss this week, the Boyer squad is another team that always seems to manufacture wins. They beat alot of tough teams and can never be counted out. They win the "Taylor Swift" Award because these guys are Fearless.

Ice C: Francois Lemieux vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Francois Lemieux. The season continues to be a great one for the Lemieux rink. They have had a few losses but precious few...they have really been a great squad all season and that's why they win the "Bob Marley" Award...they are Ridin' High!

Ice D: Rick Rouselle vs Rick Berthelot. WIN for Rouselle. The Rouselle Rink have been on a bit of a roller coaster in this second half. I fully expect to see them in the playoffs at any rate. They win the "Katy Perry" Award because they've been Hot and Cold.

So, with 4 weeks left until the playoffs begin, it's anyone's guess just how this is going to play out. There are alot of teams vying for a postion and lots of teams are in position but with 16 spots available, some teams are going to experience an upset. This is really going to heat up in the next few weeks.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic 

It's a ThreePeat for Jacobs

Yep, that's right! After last night's final at the Soo Curlers, the Jacobs rink will be returning to the Big Show, for a third time. And they did it in fine style too. After a disappointing loss to Mike Jakubo in the 1-2 game on Friday night, they came out Saturday afternoon firing on all cylinders and dominated the Phillips rink in the semi-final. So much so, that they scored an 8 ender in 6 to end that game. That was the first 8-ender that I have ever seen played out and to see it in a semi-final of a provincial championship was nothing short of incredible. Nonetheless, my heart does go out to the Tim Phillips rink because they are the squad that had the 8 scored against them. Some may wonder why Tim Phillips did not throw a take out for his last shot to eliminate the possibilty of an 8 ender. In his defense, the Phillips squad was in tough all game and in this end, there were several inturn come-around attempts missed and by the time Tim went to shoot, he had very little. For his last, he threw a hack weight number to try to cut down the end or perhaps even try to score one (the chances of this were slim). I'm sure he was not thinking about the 8 ender, simply trying to save what was left of the game (he was already down 6 - 3 and really needed to score or just give up 1). At any rate, he did not make his shot and failed to remove anything from the rings leaving Jacobs a wide open take out for 8. In this instance, I think Tim "took one for the team" and I respect him for that. And I certainly feel his pain!

In the final, Jacobs controlled and the Jakubo squad, who had beat Jacobs twice that week, failed to keep it together and were forced to accept second place. So it's off to the Brier for the Jacobs rink again. And I'll tell you this, they HAVE put in the work and have given it their all so there is no one that can say that they did not deserve it. Indeed, they did deserve it! So good luck boys...make NO proud!

The entire provincials was livestreamed and could be watched on internet. By the semifinal and final, there were over 500 viewers. Everyone was blogging and the it was a hoot. I enjoyed chatting with other curling chronics all over Canada (and the world!..there was one viewer from Davos, Switzerland!) The telecast was commentated by long time BRCC pal (and Soo Curler) Juha Kantavera. He was great and gave us some good laughs! Well done Juha!

So there you have it. Jacobs will be back at the Brier and it will be here before you know it! In the meantime, the Scotties will be starting up on Saturday, Feb 18. I'm looking forward to it. Representing Ontario this year is Team Tracy Horgan from Sudbury. This is a crew of nice young ladies that have been knocking at the dor for a few years now and are finally having their crack at the Nationals. Good luck ladies!

Some other BRCC pals, Team Vicki Barrett from Sudbury will be playing their Senior Provincials in Kapuskasing on Feb 24. They have made it to the Nationals before and I would love to see them break through again! Good luck ladies, I wish you well! (Margaret McLaughlin, the team's third, reads this blog so I know she will see this!)

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

CURLING EXHIBIT AT LOCAL MUSEUM

 Frank McWhinney's own curling sweater and club pins, trophy, and a great little photo album

That's Ruth Christilaw's 1950's curling shoes in their original box.

Check out a vintage hat that Evelyn Bell wore in her curling days, also dates back to the 1950's.

A beautiful hand knit sweater made by Shirley's sister, years ago for François Lemieux.  It's still in absolutely mint condition.

Check out the curling stones, one is the original stone that was owned by Walter Bridges, founder of the BRCC in 1953. In those days, people owned a pair of rocks which they transported when they went to out of town events.

This is what you will find if you check out the Curling Exhibit at the Blind River Museum. The display is called ON THE ROCKS. You can see this display as part of the Winter Carnival on Sunday, Feb 12  1 - 4 pm. This is going to run right till the end of April so check it out. There is lots of cool curling stuff  to see here.

Thanks to the people who generously donated things for this display: Ruth Christlaw, Evelyn Bell, Frank McWhinney, Mike / Beth Laderoute, Al / Maymar Gemmell, Nora / Earl Bell, Joan Laderoute, Myra Kiernan, Francois / Shirley Lemieux. And thanks to our beloved Rose Neufeld for getting this stuff together. She's awesome so if you see her, tell her how great she is, she deserves it!

And thanks to Chris Clarke, Museum Curator for putting this exhibit together.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. When did Chris Zagar become a whacked out sports fan? And who gave him the Norwegian outfit? Well, that's not him and I don't think it's a Norwegian outfit. This guy is a soccer fan. Chris, on the other hand, is a curling fan. I don't think he's hardcore like some of us, but he does enjoy getting out there with the guys for a game on Thursday nights in the Mens League. And there are people who like to get out there on Wednesday nights and play in the Mixed League. And they were all out last night. All the sheets were full and there were lots of good games going on.

Ice A: Glen Austin vs Dan Horton. WIN for Austin. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet has been back on the tracks for a few weeks now and posting some wins. Last night, the Horton crew won the "Johnny Cash" Award because they Heard That Train A'Comin'.

Ice B: Warren Neufeld vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Neufeld. The Neufeld squad are always hard to get by. They operate at one speed, top speed so they win the "Tom Petty" Award because for them, it's always Full Speed Ahead!

Ice C: Andrew Roberts vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. It was a good game played by the Roberts crew but in the end, they had to accept second place. But they never seem to mind that, they enjoy being in the lounge and having some friendly chatter....that's what makes their evening complete. And that's why they win the "Rascal Flatts" award this week...they were Winners At A Losing Game.

Ice D: Francois Lemieux vs Tom St Jules. WIN for St Jules. Big Daddy and his squad pull off a big win against the normally very tough Lemieux rink. Francois has had a great year in both the leagues he has played in. He doesn't mind the odd loss, it keeps him humble. So, his team win the "Ten Years After" Award..because You Can't Win Them All!

And that was how it played out this Wednesday night past. Like I said, some good games and certainly some friendly chatter afterward which is a trademark of the BRCC. If you can't find a friendly person at our club, then you are not in our club...you must be lost!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Is this Malisha and Makaila Alloway in suits that their mother sewed for them? Well, no, that's not them (I don't think)!, but they sure look like they are having fun!. Just like the BRCC ladies have fun on Tuesday nights when they battle it out. The Alloway sisters play in the Mixed League and the Tuesday ladies. They are both talented young curlers and definitely curling chronics! And they are nice young ladies as well.

 In the BRCC ladies league, things are starting to come unravelled for some while others are gaining momentum in the race for the top of the leaderboard.

Ice A: Denelda Cada vs Beth Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. My beloved Rez Girls are in a downward spiral as they post another loss. They win the "Paul Simon" Award as they are "Slip, Slidin Away." I feel their pain!

Ice B: Christie Hagger vs Malisha Alloway. WIN for Alloway. Those Alloway sisters et al continue to be a tough squad to get by. They win the "Bee Gees" Award as they are Stayin' Alive.

Ice C: Marg Tivy vs Anita Moran. WIN for Moran. Oops, that's a stumble for the veteran Iron Bridge Belles. They've been on a winning streak lately so this may be just a minor set back. They win the "Steve Winwood" Award because They'll Be Back In The High Life Again!

Ice D: Christine Owl vs Maymar Gemmell. WIN for Gemmell.  The red hot Gemmell crew still posting the wins and if I am not mistaken, have sole possession of the top spot on the leaderboard. They win the "Abba" Award...but they're the Curling Queens.

Ice B (Late): Tammy Lemieux vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Tammy Lemieux. Big win for Tammy and her crew. It's been a tough season for this squad as they have been in the growth phase but it looks like the growing is done! They win the "Barry Mnilow" Award because it Looks Like They Made It!

Ice C: Liz Rouselle vs Paula Summers. WIN for Rouselle. Big win for Rouselle after coming off a loss last week. They seem to be looking to improve and therefore win the "Beatles" Award...they're Getting Better!

So that's how it played out this past Tuesday. With the Gemmells at the top of the heap, they sport the targets and there will be a plethora of teams looking to knock them off the hill. Still a few weeks left so it remains to be seen who can claw their way to the top and hold on.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Doesn't Maymar Gemmell have new Balance Plus shoes. And what is she doing using that club broom...doesn't she have one of her own?! Well that's not her, it's another lady curling in her own ladies league. Our beloved Maymar does have her own broom and she curls in the BRCC ladies League, but she also spares in the Mixed league as well. Maymar is one of the jewels in the crown of the BRCC. She is an inductee into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame and she is forever helping out the club, whether in the background or spearheading the initiative. She has done so much to benefit the club over the years that it would be extremely difficult to quantify it. But the BRCC does love you Maymar! Her son Dean Gemmell, another long time BRCC pal will be playing in the US Nationals beginning on the 11th of February. You can follow him @ http://12theendsportsnetwork.weebly.com/index.htm  I'm sure I speak for all the BRCC when we wish Dean every success and hopefully we'll get to watch him playing in the World's. In the meantime, it was business as usually for the Monday Night Mixed. 2 games went off while the Villeneuve / Kearns game was short of players and I am hearing that a scrap game got played.

Ice B: John Hammond vs Brian West. WIN for Hammond. The West squad were on a winning streak and got stopped in their tracks by the Hammond Almost Family Affair. Still awaiting a rematch with the Monday Newfie Bullet, the Hammonds win the "Waitin' In The Wind" Award.

Ice C: Gator Fortin vs Jerry Jensen. WIN for Fortin. The Fortin squad continue to post wins in the Monday Mixed. They win the "This Broom Was Made For Spankin" Award. Never count this crew out!

So that is how it played out for this week in the Monday Mixed. And it won't be long now and the BRCC Mixed Spiel will be going on. Feb 24 / 25 in fact. Brian and Nancy West are running it and it is promising to be fun, fun, fun. Good curling and good friends. Can't wait!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic