Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Why is Andrew Roberts so tired? And was he torn over which hat to wear? Well that's not Andrew. Andrew doesn't like wearing those kinds of hats anyway...he prefers the Carlos Santana variety! Andrew plays in the Wednesday Mixed League and the Thursday Mens. He does not play in the Tuesday Ladies but there are alot of ladies that do frequent the club on Tuesday nights, and for them, the season is getting on.

Ice A: Christie Hagger vs Anita Moran. WIN for Moran. The Moran squad sure has picked up the pace in the latter part of this season. They win the "M C Hammer" Award because this group of gals are Gaining Momentum!

Ice B. Liz Rouselle vs Tammy Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. This squad posts a big win. It's been a rough and rocky road for this crew but hey, they're gettin' it together. They win the "Timbuck3" Award because The Future's So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades!

Ice D: Beth Laderoute vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Tivy. The Iron Bridge Belles continue to share top spot with the Gemmell crew. They win the "Finger Eleven" Award because they are Living In A Dream.

Ice A (Late): Denelda Cada vs Christine Owl. WIN for Cada. In this battle between the Rez Gorls and the Rez Girl Newbies, it was the original Rez Girls that came out the victor. This is the first win in a while after a drought that lasted several games. This mutigame losing streak cost my beloved Rex\z Girls their first place spot. For a while there, the girls were top team but the last few weeks has burst this bubble. So, they win the "Dean Martin" Award because when your bubble is burst, all that's left are Tiny Bubbles! That's OK, I still love these gals!

Ice B: Maymar Gemmell vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Gemmell. The Gemmell squad have had a fantastic season. They also sit at the top spot and have been there for a while now. They win the "Carpenters" Award because they are sitting on the Top of The World!

So that's how it all worked out for the Tuesday Ladies this week. As the season winds down, I feel I should comment on the BRCC Ladies League and reiterate just how important it is to our little club's success. There was a time that the Ladies League had very few teams but it has hovered at 12 teams (and up to as many as 16 teams) in recent years. This league and the memberships contained therein is the very thing that pushes our membership over the top and is a huge contributor to our club's bottom line. And what's more, it is great to have the women hanging at the club and being involved. The BRCC women, in particular, do such a great job of helping out around the club....we really could not do without them. So, why all this poppy - pushing with the women? Well, we should be letting them know just how important they are to the club and how important it is for them to encourage other women to join the league and build it up further! Food for thought!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. When did Rick Roberts become a soccer player? And who dyed his hair and gave him a Beatles haircut? And what did he do to make people so mad at him?! Well, that's not Rick. Rick is a curling fan, who plays in the Thursday Mens with his nephew, Craig Roberts. I think he used to play in the Mixed league but has since become a once a week kind of player. There's lots of people who do that kind of thing at the BRCC. Play their 1 game per week and that's their curling fix. Not everyone can be a curling chronic and play in every league possible (like me). In the Monday night Mixed, there is a healthy mix of once a week curlers, twice a week curlers and curling addicts. And they were all out this past Monday and having a blast on the ice.

Ice A: Doug Kearns vs Dan McMillan. NO INTEL. I was playing on the sheet adjacent to this one and I did not see the outcome. Our Legal Eagle et al would have been out there trying to set down the law and the McMillan rink would have been resisting. So, the McMillan rink wins the "Clash" Award because They Fought The Law (but did the law win?).

Ice B: Gator Fortin vs Malisha Alloway. WIN for Fortin. The Fortin squad are still on a high from becoming new grandparents of late so they would be tough to beat anyway. Gator wins the "Judds" Award because he's a GrandPa!.....(tell me about the good old days).

Ice C: Jerry Jensen vs Bob Velleneuve. WIN for Jensen. According to Bob, this was actually a loss for Team Fryer. Bob wins the "Midnight Oil" Award because there was Someone Else To Blame.

Ice D: Brian West vs Al Viel. Win for West. Looks like the magic continues for Ken and Chantal MacLeod. With Ken wielding his stick (and shooting with his wrong hand) and Chantal throwing last, the Viel crew was forced into a second place finish. Chantal wins the "Barbara Streisand" Award because a Star Is Born. Man, that MacLeod curling combo is a curling killer!

So that's another Monday wrapped up. There are a few weeks left yet for Mixed curling but with March just around the corner, the Mens Closing is the event that is on everyone's mind now. It is, without a doubt, the premier event of the season and will be here before you know it. It's hard to believe that we are this far along in the season...time passes so quickly, we must have been having fun!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. When did Mike Laderoute start smoking cigars? Well, that's not Mike, it's Rodney Dangerfield. Rodney is not a curling fan but Mike is. That said, I guess you could say that Mike Laderoute is the Rodney Dangerfield of Curling. Mike curls in the Wednesday Mixed and the Thursday Mens.

There's only a couple of games left until regular season play has ended. There are an awful lot of teams hovering near the top of the leaderboard. I predict there will be lots of ties in positioning, especially for 2nd and 3rd place. Picking the top 16 may be a challenge. According to the math I have done, the strongest contenders for first place lie with Team Gemmell and Team Valiquette. They will have to win the rest of their games to secure 1st place. Any losses will bring other teams into the mix. One thing is for sure, both these teams have had excellent seasons...and what's more, the next couple of weeks will be very interesting.

Ice A (Monday): Chris Astles vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Newfie Bullet has strung a bunch of consecutive wins together and with this finishing kick, has all but secured a play off spot. They win the "Kelly Rowland" Award because the Newfie Bullet IS a Train On A Track.

Ice B: John Hammond vs Yvon Valiquette. WIN for Hammond. The Hammond squad will definitely be in the playoffs, and rightly so. They have played hard and could easily be classified as the most intense team out there. They win the "Reckless Tide" Award because of their Intensity.

Ice C: Al Gemmell vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Gemmell. Although it's been a bit up and down for the Villeneuve squad, they will also be there for the playoffs. And like I mentioned above, the Gemmell crew have a great shot at capturing first place for the season. They win the "Eric Hutchinson" Award for their bid for First Place.

Ice A (Thursday Early): Francois Lemieux vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Rivard. Despite this particular loss, it has been a great season fro Francois Lemieux and his rink. They will be there for the playoffs and it is certainly within them to get on a roll and win the club championship. They win the "Big Tymers" Award because to win, they will have to Get Their Roll On!

Ice B: Dan Berthelot vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Berthelot. This Berthelot crew has so much potential and has had so many real good games. From what I can see, they are on the cusp of making the playoffs. They will have to string a couple more wins together, perhaps, to make it! They win the "Van Halen" award because they need to Jump!

Ice C: Ben Lemieux vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers will definitely be around for the playoffs. Usually, they are absent because of ice fishing but according to Jim Smith, this year will be different and they will be there. Jim wins the "Michael Jackson" Award because he says, I'll Be There.

Ice D: Shane Boyer vs Al Viel. NOT SURE ABOUT THIS ONE! There seems to be a little bit of grey area here and the jury is still out as to whether there is a winner or there is a tie. Both teams win the "Fray" Award because of this Uncertainty.

Ice A (Late): Rick Berthelot vs Brian West. WIN for Berthelot. A little stumble for the West squad but nonetheless, I am thinking that we will be seeing the West squad in the playoffs. That said, they win the "Eminem" Award because to win it all, they'll need to Stay Wide Awake!

Ice B: Mike Laderoute vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Laderoute. Mike had a new team this year and really had an excellent season. They will definitely be in the playoffs and they will be tough to beat! Mike is a very confident player and that perhaps gives him an edge. He wins the "Joe Jackson" Award because he's thinking, I'm The Man.

Ice C: Dave Mitchell vs Steph Lemieux. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell crew made the finals last year in the club championship but he lost to the Viel crew (different squad than this year). For sure they are looking to reddem themselves this year and that is why they win the "Bob Marley" Award as they sing the Redemption Song.

Ice D: Jim Kendrick vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Kendrick. The Kendrick crew, as far as I can tell, will be on the cusp of making the play offs. I am thinking that they will have to string their last couple of wins together to secure their playoff berth. They win the "Mary Chapin" Award because they need to Get Over The Hump.

So, as we get down to the wire, that is how it all played out and the wins losses in the next two games will really be interesting. What kind of a jumble will be left on the leader board. I'm thinking a great big one! Stay tuned because it's still all up in the air!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Nedohin Wins STOH and Neufelds Win BRCC Mixed

Team Nedohin of Alberta wins the STOH handily over the Kelly Scott rink of BC. It was a well played game by Alberta who controlled the play from start to finish. While it was a good game to watch, it was not the charged affair like the Saturday night game. The win over Jennifer Jones by a "double measure" in the 11th end was nothing short of incredible. Who says there's no drama in curling!

And there was drama at the BRCC this past weekend as the Neufeld rink (BRCC's own) won the Mixed Spiel...and in fine style I might add. The team consisting of Warren and Rose Neufeld along with Patti and Rob Henderson acme out swinging on Friday night and never looked back. Great job guys. (Sorry I have no pictures..the camera is still at the club). The big story, however, is with the Runner Up team, the MacLeod rink (also from the BRCC).  This team consisted of Ken and Chantal MacLeod along with Brian Welsh and Dianne Tremblay. Here's the kicker...Kenny had a crushed finger and his hand was in a cast held across his chest in a sling. He curled with a stick with his wrong hand...and I doubt if he missed a shot all weekend. Truly incredible!!!!...I have never seen anything like it! Then there was Dianne Tremblay, playing with a bad back and could not sweep. This team knocked off some tough squads (including the Newfie Bullet!) to make it to the A Final. They gave the Neufeld rink a good run for their money but in  the end had to accept second place.

MVP for the tournament? Although it was a toss up between Kenny and Chantal, I still have to give it to Chantal MacLeod who, game after game and end after end, made beautiful shots to keep her squad in it. And alot of these were not easy shots...but she curled up a storm and certainly deserves special mention. Kudos to the whole team for such a fine showing but especially to Chantal who was nothing short of incredible. Well done Chantal!

This spiel was a two day event. There was no Sunday curling. Some wondered how this this new set up would work out and in the end, it was absolutely splendid! Lots of curling on Saturday, a good supper and prizes given out by 9:30pm - 10:00 pm. Then the dance started up and what a crowd. It was an excellent time so kudos to Brian and Nancy West for an excellent job running this spiel. Everyone had fun and that was the main thing. Thanks Anita Moran for the good tunes Saturday night (and for not playing too much "technocrap")!

Other notables....B Event Winners were Team St Jules. C Event Winners was Team Danny Horton. The Brian West Team won the D Event.

Special thanks to Francois Lemieux for taking time out and playing some songs for us on Saturday afternoon. Although Francois was not playing in this spiel, he did bring some equipment over to entertain us on Saturday afternoon. That was great Frank...thanks alot! And also, thanks to rose Neufeld who broke out her accordian and played back up. Thanks Rose.

Also, thanks for great ice Chauchi. Once again, the ice was fast and that really made for some good curling. And thanks to Warren, PaulyAnn and helpers who were there also to help with the ice.

Wow, another great weekend over and done with at the BRCC. Every time people get together there, a good time breaks out! Like I have said many times before, if you are at the BRCC and don't have a good time, then you are NOT at the BRCC, you are lost!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Nedohin Stays Alive IN STOH

 I know what you're thinking. What do these two women have in common? Well, I have watched Heather Nedohin all week and I have absolutely loved her! She is, without a doubt, a "made for TV curler". She is a great shooter but more than that, she is extremely animated on the ice. If you listen, she makes alot of comments after her shot is done and some of what she says is hilarious. So I got to thinking, who does she remind me of. It took a couple of days but it finally hit me! Put a leopard skin coat and hat on her, and you will end up with the Edith Prickley of Curling! (You will remember Edith from the old SCTV days...I probably dated myself there...and Doug Kearns, if you are reading this, there's some TV trivia that might have stumped you!)

Nedohin will be in the 3 - 4 game against Quebec. A bit of a surprise, this Quebec team but hey, they got on a roll at the right time. I would love to see Nedohin make it to a final.

The 1 - 2 game will feature Jennifer Jones against Kelly Scott. I don't have to tell you who I will be cheering for but suffice to say that I'm hoping for "Smurfette Power!"

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Is Shane Boyer playing curling in someone's basement? Where's his curling shoes? And for that matter, where's the hacks? Well, that's not Shane. Shane prefers curling at the BRCC where there are hacks to push out from. This firing from the hip is not for him. Shane plays in the Wednesday Mixed and the Thursday Mens. He enjoys getting out there and mixing it up with the players on the ice. And he's not alone, there are lots of Wednesday night curlers who enjoy doing the same thing.

Ice A: Rick Berthelot vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger squad have had a bit of a roller coaster ride on their Wednesday night outings but they are a tough team who are always focused on the task at hand. They win the "Green Day" Award because they always See The Light.

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. Once again, the Neufelds post the W. They win the "Bob Marley" Award because of their Positive Vibrations.

Ice C: Sandy Milroy vs Danny Horton. WIN for Milroy. The Milroy rink has been one of the top teams in this league all season. They have been very consistent and are hard to knock off the hill. In fact, they win the "Johnny Cash" Award for being King Of The Hill.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Vola Roberts. TIE GAME. With Mark Bender at the helm, the Roberts crew held their own and managed to keep the Wednesday Newfie Bullet from pulling away. With their engagement just behind them, they are still riding the wave and are tough to beat. They win the "Joe Cocker" Award because Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong! Kudos to the Love Bugs!

So that's how it all ended up on this Wednesday night Mixed. And this is the last mixed night before the BRCC Mixed this weekend. If you are playing in this, well, I guess I will see you there. If not, then come out and join us to watch some good games and hang out with some good people.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I would like to go on record as saying that this does NOT apply to women drivers in Blind River. But it IS a funny picture. Blind River women would be able to navigate their water craft much more efficiently than this. Just like they navigate their way around a sheet of curling ice. At the BRCC, our women move around the rink with ease and there are very few crashes other than rocks crashing on guards. Other than that, everything is smooth sailing!

Ice A: Marg Tivy vs Denelda Cada. WIN for Tivy. Well, it's another "L" for my beloved Rez Girls. They win the "Dixie Chicks" Award because at this point, they're a Long Time Gone!

Ice B: Anita Moran vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Moran. The Moran rink have been up and down all season but of late, they have been posting the wins and they will be near the top when the dust settles. They win the "Grateful Dead" Award because they're just Truckin'.

Ice C: Maymar Gemmell vs Tammy Lemieux. WIN for Gemmell. It has not been a season of winning for the Tammy Lemieux crew, but it has been a season of learning. This team has grown alot of this year and Tammy has learned about calling a game of curling. For a new team, learning is much more important than winning and this Lemieux rink has taken great strides toward improving their game. Awesome job ladies! They win the "Leanne Womack" Award...they deserve a motivational award and I Hope They Dance...(and I hope they show up at the club on Saturday night and dance there too at the BRCC Mixed).

Ice B (Late): Paula Summers vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Summers. The Summers crew is another one of these teams that have not posted ane xtrordinary bunch of wins but they have had some success and have had some great games. And most of all, they have fun out there. And they also have fun in the lounge after the game so they win the "Toby Keith" Award because They Love This Bar!

Ice C: Christine Owl vs Beth Laderoute. NO INTEL. The Rez Girl Newbies have also had a season on the learning curve. It is important for these ladies to realize that this first season is a year of getting your feet wet. But in spite of limited success, they must NOT abandon the Roaring Game. Perhaps next year they will be more familiar with the game and their individual strengths and then perhaps have a cabinet shuffle. Get everyone in a position where everyone is better suited and comfortable, the WINs are sure to follow. But stay with it, don't give up. In the meantime, they win the "Lil Wayne" Award as they strive to be Comfortable.

So that's how it played out on this Tuesday Ladies night. I have not heard whether they are going to have playoffs or not, so it may or may noit happen. Perhaps they should have playoffs in 2 flights with an "A" winner and a "B" winner. This keeps everyone playing.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Where did I get the picture of Georgie Morningstar? Well that's not him, it's a lead from a team that was competing in the BC 2012 Provincials. He will not be going to the Brier because he does not play for Jim Cotter. But, Georgie IS a lead and he will be playing in the BRCC Mens Closing with Team Ben Lemieux. But before that happens, the BRCC Mixed is going to happen. In fact, it is going to happen this weekend. Looks like it will be a good time and all 16 teams are poised to strike. the first game kicks off at 7 pm. Come out and watch some curling and hang out with some fun people.

There were only two games this week in the Monday Mixed. With some players out of town and others doing the Family Day thing, the BRCC saw only a couple of early games.

Ice A: Glen Austin vs Dam McMillan. WIN for Austin. The Monday Newfie Bullet wins this one but there was lots of good shotmaking on both sides. It's been a pretty good season for the Monday Newfie Bullet...this team has been pretty consistent with just a couple of stumbles along the way. They win the "Two Dollar Bill" award because hey, they are The Newfie Bullet!

Ice D: Jerry Jensen vs Brian West. WIN for Jensen. Kenny McCleod was at the helm for the West squad sporting a broken finger. It may have affected his overall performance and helped pave the way for the Jensen crew's win. The West crew wins the "Lonely Nerds Songbox" Award because it's hard to win games with Broken Fingers!

So, in spite of the Family Day holiday, a couple of games managed to get played. But there will be lots of games this weekend when the BRCC Mixed gets underway. Another event going on this weekend is the Senior Ladies Provincials in Kapukasing. Good luck to Team Barrett! Hope you ladies have a fine weekend.

Rock on!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. How come Ray Quenville is using Grecian formula? And why is he hanging out with these Burrell haters. And since when is he a baseball fan? Well, that's not him. Ray would never be caught around such sports ne'erdowells! Ray is a curling fan, a golf fan and a hockey fan. I'm guessing he watched hockey more than anything but he does play alot of curling and that suits us just fine at the BRCC. Ray curls in the Wednesday Mixed and the Thursday Mens. He was out with an injury earlier on in the season but he is back now and that's all good news. This past Thursday Mens marked the point of the season where it is getting down to the wire for teams aspiring to make it to the playoffs. After this, there are only 3 games left and then the playoffs begin.

Ice A: (Make Up Game Tuesday): Glen Austin vs Yvon Valiquette. Win for Austin. After a bumpy ride on the Newfie Bullet, the Valiquette crew have been knocked off the tracks. Hopefully this will not mean a downward spiral for them. They win the "Maxine Nightingale" Award because they will have to Get It Right Back To Where They Started From.

Ice B (Monday): Chris Astles vs Shane Boyer. TIE GAME. It's been a tough go for the Astles crew who really need to string some consecutive wins together to make it into the playoffs. They win the "Mike And The Mechanics" Award because All They Need Is A Miracle.

Ice C: Jim Kendrick vs Rick Berthelot. TIE GAME. The Kendricks crew are still contenders. With a couple of wins, I think they make the playoffs. They win the "David Soul" Award because I'm sure they're thinking Don't Give Up On Us!

Ice D: Steh Lemieux vs Brian West. NO INTEL. It was a season of growth for the Lemieux squad but they came a long way. Steph and Ryan had a brand new front end and they took their knocks while they tried to grow this squad and in the end, they did pretty well but may not be there for the playoffs. They win the "Lil Wayne" Award as they say to the rest of us, See You Next Year!

Ice A (Thursday): John Hammond vs Al Gemmell. TIE GAME. The Gemmell crew looked like they were going to post an "L" but in the final end, they capitalized on a couple of misses by the Hammond squad and tied the game. They win the "America" Award because they managed to Even The Score.

Ice B: Ben Lemieux vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Robb Road Express could not manage to stay on the tracks and really should have worn their seatbelts for this ride on the Newfie Bullet...they win the "Doc Walker" Award because of they bumpy ride they had on That Train.

Ice C: Mike Laderoute vs Dasn Berthelot. WIN for Laderoute. It's been a great year for this Laderoute crew. They have posted lots of wins and will have no trouble making the playoffs. Truth of the matter is they will most likely be one of the top teams when the dust settles. They win the "Rascal Flatts" Award because they Won't Let Go.

Ice D: Dave Mitchell vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Mitchell. It was a different kind of season for the Mitchell crew. They posted a few losses and are not sitting where they normally do in the standings but they will nonetheless make it to the playoffs. They win the "Blink 182" Award because this season has been such a Roller Coaster.

Ice A (Late): Al Viel vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew are another sure fire contender for the playoffs. They have been so consistent really all year with just a couple of hiccups along the way. This team wins the "Red Rider" Award because they are White Hot (and I can't take it anymore!)

Ice B: Yvon Valequette vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Valiquette. Coming off a loss, the Valiquette squad quickly stopped the bleeding and posted another win right away. They win the "Pink Floyd" Award as they are Coming Back To Life.

Ice C: Rick Rouselle vs Craig Roberts. NO INTEL. The Roberts squad got off to a real tough start and had problems getting a full time crew together. Fortunately, Rick Roberts cam on board and they were able to have some good games. At this point, it is questionable whether they will make the playoffs. They win the "Early In The Morning" Award just because it is the theme song for the Friendly Giant...hopefully we'll see our Friendly Giant full time next year!

Ice D: Frank Lemieux vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Lemieux. Wow, the great season continues for the Lemieux crew. They win the "Wilson-Phillips" Award because this is a team that really knows how to Hold On. They've done it all season and will be a tough customer in the playoffs.

So it's coming down to the wire here in the Thursday Mens. With just three games left, the jockeying begins and before long, we'll be face and eyes into the playoffs. And right behind that comes the Mens Closing..it's the BRCC Mixed this coming weekend. It's like the BRCC Season of Champions!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

BRCC MIXED BONSPIEL THIS WEEKEND

The BRCC mixed Bonspiel kicks off this Friday and winds up Saturday night. Come to the club to watch the 16 teams in action or do some dancing. It's always a good time whether you are playing, watching, commenting on the shots or dancing.

New Sweetheart of the STOH??

Heather Nedohin. Is this the new sweetheart of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts? I watched her game yesterday afternoon against Jennifer Jones where she won. I'm not a fan of JJ and I was rooting for her anyway but I did notice how spirited and animated Heather Nedohin was...she was fun to watch and made for an exciting game. I was very impressed. You might remember Heather when her last name was Godberson, third for Cathy Borst (Alberta). She was a colorful player back then. They won the 1998 STOH over the "Noodle", Anne Merklinger. This was before she married Dave Nedohin, last rock shooter for the infamous Ferby Four.

If you have not had a chance to watch Heather and her team play, then try to tune in the next time she is in a feature game. She is a hoot! And she's a very talented curler. So is her third, Beth Iskew. This is a great team...look for them to be in the mix at the end of the week.

Also watch out for STOH Newbie, Tracy Horgan. Presently, this squad from Sudbury is 2 - 1 and this team looks great. They lost a heartbreaker to Kelly Scott last night by giving up 3 in the 10th. Painful to watch but I am expecting good things from this Ontario crew.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Dean Gemmell Going to Worlds

 Here's a very happy Dean Gemmell. This long time BRCC pal is a US National Curling Champion at present and the BRCC is not only happy for him, but also for his proud parents, our beloved Al and Maymar Gemmell. He will be playing in the 2012 Ford Worlds Curling Championship in Basel, Switzerland coming up in March. Not only that, but he will be playing in the Continental Cup of Curling next November...and that's not all, he has also earned a berth in the US Olympic Curling Trials. And this could not have happened to a nicer guy. Dean has done alot to advocate curling in the USA..but more than that, Dean has done much to advocate for the Roaring Game in general.

Dean's kids, Mac and Hank say that "Dad Rocks!"

See that curling hat? Well, it's getting around. It's been to the Scotties in Sault Ste marie, the Brier in London, the recent US Nationals and now will be making its way to Switzerland for the Worlds.

Here's a message to Al and Maymar (and Dean). Since I donated this hat to the Gemmell Curling Cause, I expect a souvenier from the Worlds for my curling shrine here at home or I will be an unhappy Curling Chronic!

Best of luck Dean and Kudos from the BRCC!!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

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