Monday Mixed

Motorcycle curling. Dangerous and expensive. No sweeping required. Easier and safer to do it on ice, not to mention cheaper. All you need are some shoes and a broom. And that's what they were donning at the Monday Mixed.

Before I give you your results, I want to remind you about the Curffle Bonspeil. This event is going on November 23 and 24 at the BRCC. I want to clarify that it is Friday, Nov 23 (In the Evening) and Saturday all day. If you were thinking that there was curling on Friday in the daytime, that is not so. This will be starting after you are off work so if that was a deterrent, please do not let it be. Cathy told me they had 19 teams. They are looking for MORE so please, Get signed Up! The proceeds are going toward a great cause so get involved! call Cathy Jensen or Laurie Kendrick. Or sign up at the club! They need your support.

HERE'S SOMETHING NEW! Do you have questions or concerns regarding the BRCC? If so, someone will be listening. Just email blindrivercurlingclub@hotmail.com and a director will see your query and respond. Just another way the BRCC is looking after its members. Awesome idea folks!

Ice A:  Brian west vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for West. Yes, never ever count them out. The West crew may not win every single game, but they win quite a few and they certainly got game. They win the "Curling Wolf In A Sheep's Clothing" Award!

Ice B: Al Viel vs Jerry Jensen. WIN for Viel. The Viel squad are a tough team and they will be a handful throughout the season. Great team to use to improve your game. They win the "Bring It On" Award.

Ice C: Dan McMillan vs Gator Fortin. WIN for McMillan. Gator and his crew got a few more teeth extracted this past Monday, but they don't care. They just enjoy getting out there and playing the game. These guys truly deserve the "Chillin' Curlers" Award....just casual.

Ice D: Francois Lemieux vs Sandy Milroy. NO INTEL. The Bionic Boot sometimes hands out a good bootin' and sometimes, takes one. This one could have gone either way. I noticed Shirley was not present for this bout and I am thinking Francois may have been feeling a little bit of separation anxiety. Did it affect his game? It might have... If you have played against Francois and his rink, then you know that they are shoo-ins for the "Cordial Curlers" Award.

Ice B (Late): Glen Austin vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Austin. The Monday Newfie Bullet posts the "W" against the newly-formed Rivard rink. The Rivards have been long-time pals of the BRCC and are a constant presence. It is members like these that have helped the BRCC become the cool little club that it is. That's why they should be the recipients of the "BRCC Or Bust" Award.

And that is how it played out this Monday evening.

I am not usually one for boosting things that are outside the realm of "life at the BRCC" but for this once, I would like to mention Francois Lemieux and his upcoming play, "Stinkin' Thinkin". It is going on at the Alan Bray Auditorium on Saturday, Nov 3 (Evening Show) and Sunday, Nov 4 (Afternoon Show). Tickets are $10.00 with the proceeds going to the Special Olympics. Francois wrote and directed this play. There is a large cast of players and some very special people are in it. You will love this. It has lots of entertaining scenes and some very cool  tunes. The play sends an important message and is extremely entertaining on so many levels. I have known Francois for many years and he has always had my respect for many reasons. He has so much for the community in so many different ways, (he has always been there for the  BRCC), and he has done a ton of things for the exceptional people in this town. Just when I think that he has garnered all my respect, he gets me involved in this production and my mind is completely blown. My hat is off to this man, and when you see this play, yours will be too! That is not to minimize the role of everyone else, there are many, many people who have contributed to this production in so many different ways and they have been excellent fun to hang out with. You will see them all on Saturday night OR Sunday afternoon. Check it out, you will not regret it.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. What does Beetlejuice and Edward Scissor Hands have to do with curling?  Well, this is actually Andrew Roberts and Natasha Hallett at the Halloween Dance on Saturday past. Their costumes were absolutely fantastic! And they are members of the BRCC. Andrew plays in the Wednesday Open 8-Ender League as well as the Thursday Mens. Natasha also plays in the Open 8 Ender League as well as the Tuesday Ladies. This is a young couple and without a doubt, part of the future of the BRCC. The continued success of the BRCC will hinge on keeping young players in the club and in the game, in general. The Thursday Mens was busy again last week. lots of games to report.

Ice C (Tuesday late): Rick Berthelot vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Posties continue to roll. They always have a solid season..let's see if they keep it together for the season!

Ice D: Ben Lemieux vs Francois Lemieux.  NO INTEL. This one could have gone either way. I won't even venture a guess.

Ice A (Thursday Early): Dan Berthelot vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Berthelot. The Friendly Giant and his crew are still having some growing pains. Certainly not the case for the Berthelot crew. When these guys are on, they are on and there is no holding them back. Murray Fullerton plays vice on this crew and he makes lots of shots for his skipper. This is another dark horse team and could easily get on a run and head up the leader board.

Ice B: Jim Kendrick vs Dave Mitchell. TIE GAME. Interesting result for this one. The current club champs had their hands full with this Kendrick rink.

Ice C: John Hammond vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Hammond. It was not an easy win for the Hammond crew. In fact, it was a come from behind win. The Rivard crew played a good game and stayed in it, but in the end, it was the Hammond rink that bought at the bar. Perhaps they are starting to get over Chauchi's absence!

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Yvon Valiquette. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet still on the tracks. The Valiquette crew are coming off a great season last year and with it being so early in the season, they are  not concerned about this loss. They have lots of games to play and perhaps they will get on a roll as soon as they have a "Love- In".

Ice A (Late): Al Viel vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Viel. With Mike still absent, Big Daddy was steering the ship but they ran aground against the Viel crew. While Al and his posse have had a tough start, they are looking to begin their run. As for the Laderoute crew, they will need to patch that hole in the hull and get that ship back afloat. Lots of time to do that.

Ice B: Chris Zagar vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Villeneuve. After a rocky start, the Villeneuve squad post a "W".  This is usually a tough crew and I am thinking that now that they are on the board, their run is going to begin.

Ice C: Jeff Mitchell vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Mitchell. That's two in a row for the newly - formed Jeff Mitchell rink. Awesome showing! As for the Molson Exers, perhaps another team practice is in order.

Ice D: Craig Roberts vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Roberts. Big win for this Roberts crew. This is a new team with a new skip. They post their first "win" and it is still early in the season. I'm t6hinking that this win can be, in part, attributed to the unreal sweeping contributions made by newest team member, Hassan Aziz. If you have seen this guy sweep, then you will know that he puts every ounce of his being in every brush stroke.

So that's how the Thursday mens played out for this week 3. Lots of season left and there will be alot more teams jockeying for positions on the leader board. But it's not all veteran teams doing the winning. New squads are in there and having a good showing. This will be an interesting season for sure as these newer teams carve out a position for themselves at the top of the leader board. Stay tuned for that.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Did Chuck Randell really need to make this public knowledge?! Well, that's not him. Chuck would not make such an announcement. BUT, I do believe that Chuck lost his "Curling Virginity" at the BRCC. He plays in the Wednesday Mixed and the Thursday Mens. Chuck is a good -hearted, colorful guy and that was evident last night when he showed up in his Norwegian style John Daley pants. Certainly the award for "Most Colorful Player" goes to Chuck! Once again, all the sheets were full for the Wednesday mixed. This is a good group of teams in this league. It will be nice to see this league expand.

Ice A: Vola Roberts vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. The Rose Factor was back last night with a fury. I saw Rose ake lots of good shots for her skipper and they had a convincing win against Vola and her crew. I noticed Vola was going three so it just be that they are looking for a fourth player. Interested in the Wednesday mixed, call Vola and jump on a team!

Ice B: Glen Austin vs John Hammond. WIN for Austin. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet tussled with he tough Hammond squad but in the end, it was the Newfie Bullet still on the tracks and chugging off into the sunset. These 2 teams will not meet again until after Xmas so I expect Team Hammond will file this loss in their memory banks and revisit when they battle it out again.

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Al Viel.  WIN for Viel. The junior ladies gave this one their best shot but they were playing against a tough squad. Not a total loss, however, as they DID mange to win a few ends and get some points on the board. My advice for them:  Hayley..concentrate on strategy and take outs. Carlie: practice take outs alot. Think about the weight you want to be your take out weight. Julia: concentrate on throwing alot of draws...find your draw weight and focus on it. Tamarra: find your draw weight. Practice your draws alot.  Girls in General: The more you practice..the better you will become.

Ice D: Andrew Roberts vs Tom St Jules. WIN for St Jules. Big Daddy is just coming off a loss so this squad was poised to strike. The Roberts crew attempted to resist but resistance was futile. Better luck next week when they take their crack at the Hammond crew.

So there it is for another Wednesday. I looked around last night and there are some good squads in this league so I anticipate that there will be some good games throughout the season. And after all, isn't that what it's all about?!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

This is just another reason why I curl. Curlers just have to hurry way too hard to get caught up in something like this! And they were hurrying hard last night at the Monday Mixed. Everybody was out, even the late game got played. Kudos to Team Gator Fortin and Team Sandy Milroy!

Ice A: Michel Rivard vs Dan McMillan. WIN for McMillan. It's a win for Team McMillan's first night out. This is a good squad...they're sure to rack up some wins this season. And, they are another team that will play late games!

Ice B: Glen Austin vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Austin. The Monday Newfie Bullet left nothing to chance and sent Team Villeneuve careening off the tracks. A bit of Novocaine from Dr terry might soothe the ache.

Ice C: Jerry Jensen vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. With Scotty Smith at the helm, Team Jensen were unable to withstand the blows from the Bionic Boot. Although bruised and battered, Team Jensen will get back up and be back for another match next week.

Ice D: Al Viel vs Brian West. WIN for Viel. Al Viel and his rink will be a tough nut to crack this season in this league. But there are lots of teams that sport nutcrackers in their bag of tricks so everything is doable!

Ice B (Late): Gator Fortin vs Sandy Milroy. With Sandy absent and Lucy Ann at the helm, the Milroy squad managed to put a bunch of shots together and extract some teeth from the Gator. But they most likely left lots of teeth behind and the Gator Fortin rink will be back next week ready to bite some unsuspecting team in the you know where!

So that's how it played out this Monday Mixed. Excellent turn out. Excellent league. Just another great night at the BRCC........one of many to come this season.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Can you imagine what would happen if this sign was posted at the BRCC? I would have to say that we would lose the vast majority of our membership! and the ones that remained would be the ones in a state of denial. But I'll tell ya, I've been to a few Thursday Mens League where I wished there was a sign like this out on the ice. I'm sure we've all been there. Going to the hack to shoot and inadvertently inhaling a smelly gift that the previous shooter has left behind. Man, what is it about cold air and flatulence. There is No escaping the whiff!...but I digress. The Thursday Mens completed its second week of play and some good games ensued. Despite some hunting season absences, the sheets were full and only 1 missed game.

Ice C (Monday): Glen Austin vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet put the Zagar crew out into the sticks, but it was not without a pretty good fight. The Zagar crew enjoy coming out to the club and socializing. They like to get out there and play a game. However, this team is improving and they manage to make shots. Chris Zagar threw a few nice ones that kept them in this game for a while. I expect these guys are going to win some games this year.

Ice B: Dave Mitchell vs Stephane Lemieux. WIN for Mitchell. That's 2 in a row for the current club champions. They had an early season struggle last year and came on in the end to win the Club Championship. This year, they are coming on strong in the early season....ah, what do I know about trends.

Ice C (Tuesday):  Keith Rouselle vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Rouselle. This is the "New and Improved" Molson Exers. After a team practice last week, they came out swinging this week and handed the Laderoute squad their first loss. They for sure win the "Most Disciplined Team" Award.

Ice A: (Thursday) Dan Berthelot vs Brian West. WIN for West. So that's one in a row for the West squad. This team is one of those dark Horse team. They are a good crew and well able to make shots and win games. And they have been together awhile. And hey, they are headed up by  Brian "We'll See What Happens" West. Turns out he made a couple of hum dingers to win this game. Not surprising.

Ice C: John Hammond vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Hammond. Although feeling the effects of the loss of Chauchi, his star third, John and his 3 man squad managed to post the win. Still lots of talent left on this crew with Dan McMillan playing third, the king of the soft draw and tap game. And the Friendly Giant and his mates, they're back in the growing phase. The big guy is just back from a year long break so he needs to find his mojo.

Ice D: Craig Roberts vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux.  The Robb Road Express, although still reeling from that loss to the Mitchell crew, pulled it all back together, had a group hug, stroked each others egos for a while, and posted a win against the newly formed Craig Roberts rink.

Ice A (late): Jeff Mitchell vs Al Viel. WIN for Mitchell. The newly formed Jeff Mitchell rink is minus Shane Boyer, While Shane is off on a hiatus, Jeff is at the helm. This is another 3 man squad that is most likely looking for a fourth. And for his fist time out, Jeff posts a win.

Ice B: Jim Kendrick vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. They're back and going "postal" for another year. The Rouselle squad are a tough team and always have a good run. First game...first win.

Ice C: Francois Lemieux vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Lemieux. Francois is back with his same rink for another season. You'll recall last year how well they did throughout the season. They posted alot of wins...I expect the Bionic Boot will be handing out some hurting again this year.

Ice D: Rick Berthelot vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Berthelot. Great night for the Rick Berthelot crew knocking off a tough team. However, Team Villeneuve, although a veteran squad, have had a tough start. But it's early and these guys are always in the mix. Too early for the Noxema yet.

So that's how week # 2 played out. Early in the season and lots of curling to go. There are like 3 or 4 teams that have only 3 players. I'm sure they would like a fourth? Want to get on a team in the Mens League? Here is a perfect opportunity AND you would be helping these teams out.  Check out the team lists on the board at the club. You'll see all the 3- man teams..pick one and call the skip. Or let Dave Mitchell know. He'll help you out.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Where did Chris Zagar get the fancy duds and since when did he start driving a Lexus? Well, that's not him and I have yet to see Chris in a suit and tie. Chris skips a team in the Thursday Mens League. They have yet to win a game this season but they are at the top of the "fun leader board". These guys enjoy getting together and I am thinking the curling game is incidental to their entire Thursday night gig. But that's great, they get out there and mix it up and it's is good to see people enjoying themselves. The Wednesday Night Mixed league was out there enjoying themselves this first night of league play. All the sheets were full.

Ice A: Al Viel vs Andrew Roberts. WIN for Viel. This was a good game! The Roberts crew brought it right down to Andrew's last rock where he failed to make a split and that was it, the Viel squad were buying at the bar.

Ice B: Ryan Haggar vs Hayley Horton. Win for Hagger. With Hayley absent, dad, Chad, was at the helm. He did his best, as did the rest of the crew, but could not catch the Hagger squad. Perhaps Chad was feeling the pressure...Julia was giving him a motivational speech before each time he shot. Always the same speech, "Don't mess up Dad!"

Ice C: Tom St Jules vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet steam-rolled Big Daddy, et al. With all 4 of them doing the "accordion walk" off the ice, I'm sure he'll be back next week looking to straighten it out.

Ice D: John Hammond vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Hammond. Even with the "Rose Factor" on board, Warren and his squad could not overcome the tough Hammond crew. But it's only the first week and I am positive that the Neufelds will be handing out their fair share of Red Bum Awards before long. As for the Hammonds,  they are going for a ride on the Newfie Bullet this coming Wednesday. Hopefully, they'll bring their seat belts!

And that's it for the first week of regular play. There are 9 teams in this league and for all intents and purposes, not much has changed. It is pretty well all the same teams from the previous Wednesday Mixed. And it is still fun.

The Curffle Spiel is coming up soon. Are you signed up. Your support is needed. Can't play, please donate!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Is Richard Lachapelle really a homeless Jedi knight? Well, that's not him, Richard got a home and I'm pretty sure he has no Jedi skills. But, he IS the BRCC Club Associate and he will need some Jedi skills...at least the multi-tasking ones because he looks after the ice, the bar and cleans the club.

Richard is new to curling and is doing his best to learn all the aspects of his role...so, help him out where you can. Give him pointers and help him while he is on this learning curve.

Meanwhile, the Tuesday ladies were out there again last night for the second week of regular play. With 13 teams, the ladies League is strong as ever and the BRCC Ladies is a really fun time. Never a dull moment with these gals.

Ice A: Hayley Horton vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Hagger . Speaking of learning curves, the junior ladies are in the learning phase now and as a result, will have to take some lumps in order to grow in the game. But, these girls are awesome and they are prepared to don red backsides for the time being but be forewarned, the time will come where they will be dealing out some beatings.

Ice B: Annie Austin vs Makayla Alloway. WIN for Austin. That's two in a row for the Rez Girls. This is a veteran team and I think they will hover at the top of the leader board for the season. But there are alot of good teams in this league and they will have to continue to consume a cup of focus prior to each game. And you know what they say, A cup of Focus a day keeps the spankings away!

Ice C: Marg Tivy vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. Just coming off a loss, the Lemieux rink have found their MOJO and knocked off the Iron Bridge Belles, a veteran crew in this league. I'm sure the Belles will be looking to tan some hides next week.

Ice D: Beth Laderoute vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute squad are also just coming off a loss but were able to inflict some curling pain on the newly-formed Hammond crew. With Joanna breaking away from her mother's squad and going out on her own, perhaps she needs to finish healing from where she cut the curling umbilical cord and then I'm sure this team will find their groove.

Ice B (Late): Christine Sholberg vs Paula Sommers. WIN for Sommers. That's the first win for the Sommers rink. Hopefully, marriage will allow Red to get in the zone and it sure doesn't hurt to have 3 awesome players (and ladies) on her side. The Sommers crew are taking care of the Ladies League this season and it looks like they are well on their way to a successful run. Put a few wins with it and it will have the makins of a stellar season.

Ice C: Anita Moran vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle.  The Rouselle rink posts a "W' for their second time out this year. And they beat a tough squad as well. The Moran crew is full of veteran players and will be a force to be reckoned with this season. But, the Rouselle rink is also a veteran crew and they will be looking to reclaim the title of top team, especially coming off a tough season last year.

Without a doubt, the top squad title is not going to be easy to get for any squad. there are some excellent teams in this league and it is anybody's guess who will come out on top. But it's really early in the season and there is a ton of curling ahead. undoubtedly, it will be a dogfight to the finish...actually NO, it will be a "catfight" to the finish!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Eric Richer has hairy armpits. Well, that's not him but most men do have hairy armpits, unless they are into "manscaping" (a word I just learned existed within the last month!). Congratulations to Eric, on his recent marriage to Melissa just this past summer. And he is back curling at the BRCC, playing third for Stephane Lemieux. Now all he has to do is talk Melissa into joining curling and getting a team into the Mixed League. Hopefully next year!

The Monday Mixed kicked off just this week and the sheets were full.

Ice A: Al Viel vs Jerry Jensen. JUST A PRACTICE GAME. With some players missing, they just made up 2 teams and went 3 on 3. Welcome to Wendy Smith who is joining the BRCC for the first time this year. Awesome recruiting job by Scotty Smith. And wouldn't you know it, Scotty  missed their first night out!

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Brian West. WIN for Lemieux. Welcome to Guy Ratte as he just joined the BRCC this year. If he shows up to play with a skate shell on one foot, I'll know who has been his main influence! And there can only be 1 Bionic Boot.

Ice C: Sandy Milroy vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Milroy. The Milroy crew is a 3 - person team thus far but they are a tough squad. They handed the Rivard crew a Red Bum Award this week but it's only early in the season so no Noxema required yet.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Gator Fortin. WIN for Fortin. The Monday Newfie Bullet was sent careening off the tracks by the unrelenting Fortin squad. the "Karenator" was on top of her game and was instrumental in feeding the Austin squad some "Curling Crow". Not to worry, the crow is digested by now and the Monday Newfie Bullet will be seeking redemption in the coming week.

And that is how it all began for the Monday mixed this week. Still not signed up for the Curffle Spiel? The list is up and they need your support!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

 

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. When did Brian Tonnelli start using Rogaine and dye his hair blonde? Well, that's not him, Brian is still follically challenged. After a year-long hiatus due to knee surgery, the Friendly Giant is back to the Roaring game. He is in the Thursday Mens League and although his team was not scheduled to play last week, he will be making his debut this Thursday. It's great to see the big guy back and I'm hoping he'll have a great year.

The Thursday mens league kicked off last Thursday with 6 games on the ice in 2 draws.

Ice A: Chris Astles vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Astles. The veteran Astles team is back again this year with exactly the same line up as they have had since they started Mens Curling. The one constant in an ever-changing society. And they came in this season with a splash, handing the Zagar squad their first Red Bum Award of the season.

Ice B: Keith Rouselle vs John Hammond. WIN for Rouselle by default. The Molson Exers showed up but the Hammond crew were conspicuously absent...so, it was an easy "W" for the Exers in their first night out. The Exers didn't leave it there, however, they went out and had a team practice. Wow! look out for these guys this year, they mean business.

Ice C: Dan Berthelot vs Al Viel. WIN for Berthelot. Great night for the Berthelot crew who were shooting well and opened up their season with a win against a tough team.

Ice A (late): Glen Austin vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet posts its first "W" for the season against the veteran Villeneuve squad. They were minus Terry Fryer so it could be that Bob and his crew were suffering some "separation anxiety". I'm sure they will be back on track next week.

Ice B: Dave Mitchell vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Mitchell. The current club champions are on the board early this season, sending the Robb Road Express off the tracks and into the bog. This one came down to the last end with Mitchell stealing the game away.

Ice C: Jim Kendrick vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Kendrick. It's a new season and a new squad for Craig Roberts. It's very early in the season but I expect Craig (and his mates) will be posting some wins this year, this being his second year at the helm.

Ice D: Mike Laderoute vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Laderoute. With Tom St jules at the helm, the Laderoute rink posted their first "W". if you recall, this squad had a heck of a run last year and it is expected that they will have a similar year this year. The Rivard rink is new and they will be looking to get into the groove as the season progresses.

So that was it for the first Thursday Mens night. The club was not as full as it normally is and I found this to be a bit of an anticlimax...especially for a league that is as popular as the mens is. but, hunting season is happening and lots of guys are away. I'm thinking things will be back to normal this week.

Have you registered for the Curffle Spiel yet? You can also sign up at the club and leave your money at the bar. There is a sheet posted on the board.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

And They're Off!

Joanne Niganobe, second for my beloved Rez Girls, attempts a draw. The Rez Girls have Annie Austin back on the roster. Annie shoots lead but skips the game. They fared well last night delivering a crushing victory. Awesome showing.

Carlie Geoffroy, Vice for Team Hayley Horton delivers a rock on this first night of ladies curling. The Junior Ladies were up early but could not hold on to the lead. But still, an excellent showing for their first time out.

 

So they are off and running in the Ladies League. They have 13 teams and it looks like there may be a 14th team so this league is looking excellent. Two junior teams have registered, Team Hayley Horton and Team Mikayla Alloway. They played 6 end games last night, allowing themselves time for a meet and greet between games. But starting next week, it will be 8 end games. Here's your results:

 

Ice A: Marg Tivy vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Tivy. In this clash of the titans, it was the Iron Bridge Belles who secured a convincing win. They come to play every week and this will be a team to watch throughout the season. Looks like that deer meat diet pays dividends!

 

Ice B: Hayley Horton vs Anita Moran. WIN for Moran (with Lucy Ann Trudeau at the helm). The juniors were up early scoring in the first three ends. But, in the latter part of the match, the veteran Moran squad caught up and ultimately secured the win. It should be noted that this is only the first time out for Team Horton. They conducted themselves well and demonstrated lots of promise. i expect great things from these young ladies this year and they will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.

 

Ice C: Beth Laderoute vs Christine Denis. WIN for Denis. Newly wed Christine Denis posts a win in her first time out with this new squad. obviously married life agrees with our "Red" and this crew obviously will be a positive addition to this league.

 

Ice D: Annie Austin vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Austin. After returning from a year long hiatus, Annie Austin has rejoined my beloved Rez Girls in the skip position. With knee surgery in her recent past, Annie has taken up the stick and is throwing lead stones and calling the game. Denelda Cada throws last. They posted a convincing win last night and I expect that they will be right up there in the standings throughout the season. Afterall, this is a veteran team. And as for Team Lemieux, Tammy Lou has joined forces with her mother-in-law and they will, no doubt, be a tough team to get by.

Ice B (Late): Myra Kiernan vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Kiernan. It was the first night out for the newly formed Hammond rink. Breaking away from her mother this year, Joanna has her own crew but lost a squeeker to the veteran Myra Kiernan. If you have ever played against Myra, you will know that even when you are beating her, she is never really out of it. And if you didn't know that, please accept those words of wisdom!

Ice C: Christie Hagger vs Paula Summers. WIN for Hagger. With Paula Summefrs conspicuously absent, Jamie Ellmore was at the helm and did a fine job but in the end, could not win against the intense Hagger crew. I am expecting big things from Team Hagger this year. Christie is an excellent player with awesome focus during a match and it will surprise me greatly if this squad is not near the top of the leader board this year.

So, there you have it. The first night out is in the record books. Lots of good looking teams and there will definitely be a dogfight throughout the season for the top spot. I'm stoked!

In other BRCC news, Myra asked me to mention that Wednesday Afternoon Curling will begin next week, Oct 17.

Also, Junior, Bantam and Little Rockers kicked off last evening. This year, Kristy Blanchet, Tammy Lemieux and Christie Hagger are out there teaching the younger curlers. No small task this year as they have 34 kids! that's huge...great work ladies!

Don't forget about the Curffle Bonspiel coming on November 23 and 24. I cannot stress enough how important your participation is for this event. The proceeds will go toward the purchase of important ultrasound equipment for the Blind River District Health Center. Also, a portion will go towards things needed for the Golden Birches and if there was ever an important cause, this it it! Seriously, the elders of our community need and deserve our support. If you can't play in this, make a donation. Call Kathy Jensen or Laurie Kendrick. A quick word about Kathy Jensen....she has been involved with getting the grants for the BRCC. Although usually operating in the background, Kathy has been instrumental in helping the BRCC many times over. She gives her time to many worthwhile causes in our community. Now, she is looking for our support in this latest cause and I am hoping that the membership of the BRCC will step up and either play in this spiel or make a donation. Please help!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

 

 

 

 

BRCC Bits and Bites

I know what you're thinking. Did Mike Landry lose more hair? And is he really Sugar Bear on "Here Comes Honey Boo Boo"? Well no, that's not him. But this IS Sugar Bear from that lame television show. I just cannot fathom how such a show could become popular.  And I just know that Mike wouldn't be caught on such a lame show. He will be too busy curling at the BRCC....2 nights a week plus practices. Mike is going to be curling with yours truly, Dennis Roberts and Dan Horton in the Senior Mens this year. So, practice will certainly be necessary.

As I mentioned before, Haley Horton will have a competitive team for the Bantam Girls. I'm still waiting to hear if there will be any other competitive teams this year. It would be real nice to see a competitive ladies and/or senior ladies team coming out of the BRCC. Aaah, to dream.....

There was supposed to be curling tonight...a few scrimmage matches for the men but it turns out the plant has kicked out the past couple of nights. They are looking to correct this but the ice will NOT be ready for curling until Tuesday, Oct 9. That's when the Ladies League will kick off!

UPCOMING SPIEL AT THE BRCC:  The Curffle Bonspiel (Shuffleboard on Ice)

November 23 and 24th

$50.00 per team

Guaranteed 3 games (approx 1 hour each) AND a Spaghetti Dinner AND PRIZES!

PROCEEDS TO: "Within Reach"Program....for Blind River District Health Center
Funds are needed for a Large Scale Ultrasound Machine, a portable Ultrasound AND Improvements to Golden Birches Terrace Garden.

DROP OFF YOUR CHEQUE TO: Blind River District Health Center Finance Office OR Mail to:  Laurie Kendrick, Funding and Resource Development Planner
       P O Box 970; 525 Causley Street; Blind River, ON  P0R 1B0
MAKE CHQ PAYABLE TO THE BLIND RIVER DISTRICT HEALTH CENTER FOUNDATION

This is a really good cause folks. I'm going to blog about this one alot and remind you to get your cheque in for this spiel. And hey, even if you can't make it to play, I'm sure a donation to this Foundation would not go astray. Anything to do with the health of the community and its residents is a good cause and having good equipment can only benefit the people living in BR. So c'mon out and play in this worthwhile event. The people organizing and helping to run this event like Laurie Kendricks and Kathy Jensen are long time BRCC pals and need your support. Let's not let them down!

MORE CURLING INSTRUCTION: Unfortunately, the 2nd night of Curling Instruction was cancelled. However, Maymar and Al will be available to offer more instruction in November and some of December if you would like it. Please let Kristy know and perhaps a night could be assigned for you and others. If you are looking to improve your game, an evening with Al and/or Maymar would not go astray. They have coached many people over the years and have accomplished alot in our beloved sport so a free lesson from them is a total bonus.

Paid your membership yet? Now is the time. Get your membership paid as soon as possible. Pay it on your first night if need be but let someone know (preferably a board member) that you plan to pay your curling fees by start up night. I know the board will be ecstatic not to have to chase down outstanding membership dues.

Got curling-related news you want posted? Or perhaps a humorous curling story. How about some curling pictures. Email me  labcity007@hotmail.com and I'll get it posted for you.

Need equipment? The club has lots and it is quality stuff at good prices. And your purchase benefits the club.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Instruction Night at the BRCC

Dan Horton slides out while Al Gemmell records it and using a software program he has, Dan is able to see if he is sliding to the broom and how he can improve.

Haley Horton showing Maymar her slide. Haley is going to skip the Bantam ladies this year. her teammates are Carlie Geoffroy, Julia Horton and Tamarra Behnke. These girls are serious too, they are playing in the Tuesday ladies and the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. And practice days are Tuesdays and Thursdays after school. These girls are awesome!

Bella Blanchet slides out showing Maymar that she has the right stuff. Bella may be young but she has been playing for a while and is no stranger to the Roaring Game.

Oct 2 and it's Curling Instruction Night at the BRCC. Al and Maymar Gemmell were out again this year, donating their time to help improve curlers' skills or to introduce new curlers to the game. I stopped by for a while and observed while young and old alike were shown some pregame exercises and then escorted to the ice surface for some on-ice instruction.
THANKS ALOT FOR YOUR TIME AND SUPPORT MAYMAR AND AL.  Instruction was scheduled for tonight (the 3rd) as well but has been CANCELLED. There is some unforeseen maintenance required that will prevent use of the ice tonight. That's OK. Curling starts on Tuesday, Oct 9 with the Ladies League. Yep, that's right, everything starts up on Tuesday. And I'll be there to see my beloved Rez Girls kick off the season.

And here's one more: Look below. I know what you're thinking. Was Glen Austin a Bay City Roller? Or perhaps he was auditioning for Abba. Well, actually, this was a curling bonspiel in Labrador City when I was in Grade 10.  You just know this picture is old...just look at the ashtrays on the walls. AND, look behind the glass...that's SueAnne Bartlett. For those of you who don't know her, she is a Newfoundland Ladies Curling Icon. She has been to several Scott Tournament of Hearts. Good times!

 
ATTN Men: There is curling this Thursday, Oct 4. It does not count on the schedule but some guys want to get together and play some games. Just show up for a game.

Rock On!

 

The Curling Chronic