Cathlia Ward And A Sentimental Journey

Most of you will  not know these people in this picture. The guy in the middle is Mark Ward, originally from Labrador. Mark and I curled together all through my teen years at the Carol Curling Club in Labrador City. We played competitive curling together and spent a whole bunch of time together when we were growing up. Mark went on to play lead for Brad Gushue in the 2003 Brier. He lives in New Brunswick now and mentored Andrea Crawford (Team New Brunswick at the STOH). He was the coach of the Junior Ladies' Team. But that's not all, both of Mark's daughters (Cathlia and Jamie Rae) are curlers and they are the young ladies in this picture along with Mark's lovely wife, Debbie and his mother Kathleen.

The young lady in the red jacket is Cathlia Ward, Mark's oldest daughter. This year, she and her team, represented New Brunswick at the Junior Ladies Nationals. They did not win but they sure made a solid showing. Cathlia was chosen as a fifth for Team Canada and she is presently in Sochi, Russia. You can follow her blog: cathlia.blogspot.ca  as she is alliterating her journey to share with the rest of us.

For this young lady, this is living the dream. For Mark and Debbie, this is also living the dream...and I could not be more happy for them. Just another example of how great people deserve great things. I wish Cathlia all the best for her adventure. This is a journey that will stay with her all her life.

So, this message is for Hayley Horton, Carlie Geoffroy, Julia Horton and Tamarra Boenke. Being the personable young ladies you are and given your age, you have alot of time to work at the Roaring Game and grow with it. Follow your dreams and who can say where you might end up. It is quite possible that you will have an adventure like Cathlia Ward. One thing is for sure, doing your best will always pay dividends. Sometimes it is not what you expect, but always good things will follow. This is my hope for you, and it is coming from one of your biggest fans!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Why is that guy touching Vola Robert's behind? Well that's not her. Vola is not a basketball fan...she's into curling. And she certainly would not have that guy touching her behind! Vola is a longtime pal of the BRCC. She curls in the Wednesday Open 8 Ender and most years she curls in the Tuesday ladies but this year she has some time constraints. And she's a good curler too. She enjoys the game and loves to be competitive. Vola is another one of the BRCC's assets, and you will see her at the club during the Mens Closing helping out. Awesome lady! but there are other awesome ladies at the BRCC and many of them curl in the Tuesday Ladies. They were out there this past Tuesday jostling for position on the leader board. With only 4 games left to their season, the battle is heatin' up.

Ice A: Christine Scholburg vs Annie Austin. WIN for Austin. My beloved Rez Girls have not had the season they hoped for but they have had lots of good games and they enjoy their Tuesday nights at the club. They win the "You Can't Always Get What You Want" Award. The Rolling Stones would be proud (if they were curlers).

Ice B: Christie Hagger vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Hagger. The Emerald Islanders had their hands full with the tough and intense Hagger squad. The Hagger crew may not have won every game but they certainly made their mark this year and next year, they will be that much more stronger. They win the "When The Whip Comes Down" Award. Once again. the Rolling Stones would be proud (if they were curlers).

Ice C: Marg Tivy vs Beth Laderoute. WIN for Tivy. It's been a bit of a slide for the Iron Bridge Belles in this second half of the season, but that's just how curling goes sometimes. But make no mistake, they are a tough squad and they will make their way up the leader board in the short time that is left of the season. They win the "Makin' It Work" Award. Huey Lewis would be proud (if he was a curler).

Ice D: Joanna Hammond vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Hammond. It's been a decent year for this newly formed Hammond crew and they knocked off a titan in this match. They have proven that you will improve if you stick to it. They win the "We Will Rock You" Award. Queen would be proud (if they were curlers).

Ice B (Late): Alloway Tribe vs Paula Sommers. WIN for Alloways. The Alloway girls and their squad have had an up and down year but they love to play the Roaring Game and their enthusiasm shows. And they are good curlers too. Makayla and Malisha, in particular, are close as sisters and that is always refreshing to see. Impressive young ladies. They win the "We Are Family" Award. I'm sure Sister Sledge would be proud (if they were curlers).

So that's how the BRCC curling world turned for this Tuesday. Like I said, there are 4 games left to the Ladies League so you will see more jostling for position on the leader board. I would like to thank the BRCC Ladies for their participation in this league. The league is strong and we need these lady curlers because it is integral to making the club successful.

You will notice that the ice is a little "green" and that is because our ice guys did a controlled melt on gthe weekend. But man, is it fast and before long, there will be lots of curl. The ice guys have been working hard all year and we have had fast ice. So when you see them, shake their hand and offer kudos.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Did Danny Horton get on the rogaine, grow some hair and find some long, lost relatives? Well, that's not him. Dan would never use rogaine...he's past the vanity thing and the mid-life crisis. in fact, I think he curled through his mid-life crisis like I did! Dan is a big presence at the BRCC. He curls in the Thursday Mens with the Robb Road Express (Ben Lemieux) and will spare anytime in all the other leagues. He also helps out the BRCC and his electrical / mechanical know-how has bailed out the club on several occasions. Dan is another of the BRCC's assets AND a great guy. You would have to work really hard not to like him and his lovely wife, Joanne. But there are also lots of other great people at the BRCC and that is one of the things that makes our cool little club so special. And you can find some of these people playing in the Monday Mixed. They were out there this past Monday having some fun and playing the Roaring Game.

Ice A: Dan McMillan vs Jerry Jensen. WIN for McMillan. Team McMillan have had a solid season. They have won some and lost some, but by and large they have had some really good games. They win the "Cruisin'" Award. Huey Lewis and Gwyneth Paltrow would be proud (if they were curlers).

Ice B: Glen Austin vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Villeneuve. With Terry Fryer at the helm, it was the "Red Bum" Award for the Monday Newfie Bullet. Our backsides are still smarting from that one. The Villeneuve crew were only too happy to deliver that spanking. Bob's wife Anne plays vice on this squad and she curled up a storm. Given her druthers, I'm sure she w0ould rather be home curled up with a good book, but she comes out to play with her man instead. Kudos to Anne. She wins the "Any Man Of Mine" Award. Shania Twain would be proud (if she was a curler).

Ice C: Al Viel vs Sandy Milroy. WIN for Milroy. This game was a nail-biter. With Dennis Roberts at the helm, the tough Viel crew had their hands full with this Milroy squad and it came down to the last end and it was second place for Team Viel. Dennis Roberts has been a curler for a few years now and he is a prime example of how playing alot can improve your game. Dennis is focused and he can make alot of shots. Certainly he is playing his best curling these days. He wins the "Don't Bring Me Down" Award. The Electric Light Orchestra would be proud (if they were curlers).

Ice D: Michel Rivard vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Rivard crew love to play curling. They have not won most of their games but they enjoy coming out every Monday and playing their game. And this squad is comprised of great people too. Michel is an ice-guy and comes every morning to help with the ice...and let's face it. We are playing on some pretty good ice so kudos to Michel for his efforts and dedication to the BRCC. He wins the "Thank You For Being A Friend" Award. I'm sure the Golden Girls would be proud (if they were curlers).

And that is how the rocks curled for this Monday Mixed. There is only a couple of weeks left for Mixed curling and boy, does time ever fly (it always happens when you are having fun). I cannot stress how incredible our little club is. I see it all the time in what I observe around the BRCC AND by what I hear from other people (out of towners). Our success is because of our members. Great people playing a great game in a great little town. The BRCC is the curling gem of the North Shore and that is no accident. To all the people who read this blog, thanks alot for putting up with me and thanks alot for your interest! And to all you people outside of Blind River (some of you are outside of Canada!), come see us at the BRCC sometime and see firsthand why the BRCC is so darn cool!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Brier Predictions and Insights

Brad Gushue. He's been to every Brier since Halifax 2003. I was there and it was the beginning of a dynasty. Since then, Brad has won a gold medal at the Olympics, he's made a couple Brier semi-finals and even a Brier final but the Brier win has eluded him. I have rooted for him every year, every tournament, not only because he is a fellow Newfoundlander, but because he has invested his life into the Roaring Game. There are some circles where Brad Gushue is not popular and that's all well and good, but the simple fact remains that Brad Gushue is extremely talented and can play with the best of them. And he will have to play his best in this year's Brier because there is a very talented field to contend with. Let's have a look at them:

BC: Andrew Bilesky. I cannot say that I have heard of this squad but they beat some good teams to get to the big show, like Team Cotter. I don't see them in the playoffs at the end of the week.

AB: Kevin Martin. Once again, the Old Bear has shown that his squad still has the stuff. And he's right. This team is super tough and I like them. They will definitely be there at the end of the week and certainly have the potential to win it all.

SK: Brock Virtue. The curling "bad boys". Chris Schille plays on this team and was ejected from a game at the provincials for swearing too much. Brock Virtue has a reputation for being a hothead. But don't get me wrong, this is a tough crew and Virtue has been knocking on the Brier door for some time now but he will have to reign his emotions in if he expects to make it to the playoffs.

MB: Jeff Stoughton. No surprise there...a real contender to win the Brier as well and he beat some real good teams in the provincials to get to the big show.

ONT: Glen Howard. Team Howard continues to be one of the dominant teams both in his province and on the WCT. This squad has the capacity to pull out the wins when the chips are down. I fully expect to see them in the playoffs and big potential to win it all.

N ONT: Brad Jacobs. Excellent team. This squad has been dedicated and deserve to be at the Brier. They have worked hard and honed their skills and have the ability to beat every team out there. They have put Northern Ontario curling back on the map. Not since the days of Al Hackner has such a powerhouse come from this neck of the woods. They will be there at the end of the week.

PQ: Jean Michel Menard. This team has been to the big show a couple times before and Menard is a Brier Champion. But, I don't see them in the playoffs at the end of the week.

NB: James Grattan. Has been to more Briers than Kellogg's has corn flakes. It makes you wonder if there are more than 4 male curlers in New Brunswick. This squad are comprised of good players but they do not compete much on the WCT and I think this is to their detriment. I do not expect them to make it to the playoffs.

PEI: Eddie MacKenzie. Eddie has been to the Brier before and I am just over the moon that it is not Rod MacDonald for the 50th time. Eddie will have a hard time playing against the tough teams. They do not compete much outside the province and I think this will hurt their chances on making it to the play offs.

NS: Paul Flemming. Paul has been to a few Briers, sometimes as skip and sometimes as vice. But, I have not seen them competing too  much against the big teams. I have heard several women say that they like his eyes but I cannot see this helping him on the ice! His experience will help him but I cannot see him getting to a play off spot.

NL: Brad Gushue. Brad Gushue has had a dynasty in curling out of the province of NFLD. Many will say that his constant team line up changes has hurt him in the long run. Perhaps that is true. Many will say that he may be hard to play for. Once again, that may be true. BUT, Brad Gushue has put in the time and effort. He has been a presence on the WCT and he can beat all the big boys. In fact, many consider him to be one of the Big Boys. Undoubtedly, Brad Gushue is an excellent curler and his current crew have grown. I could easily see him getting to a playoff spot and if they play to their potential, they could win the whole thing.

NT: Jamie Koe. Hello, hello, hello.....are there any more curlers in the territories??!! Don't get me wrong, I like Jamie Koe. I have enjoyed many of his games and who doesn't root for the underdog but they don't seem to compete much on the big stage and it consistently hurts them at the big show. Most likely not a contender for the play offs.

PREDICTIONS: You might recall that my predictions for the STOH were right on the money...right down to Homan going to the Worlds. This, however, is much more difficult I find. The obvious top three will be Howard, Martin and Stoughton. I fully expect to see them in the playoffs at the end of the week. That 4th spot is tough. It is between Gushue, Virtue and Jacobs. I have to give it to Jacobs. The final, Martin vs Jacobs and Jacobs wins. This is a bit of an idealistic outcome but you cannot deny the ability of the Jacobs team. They have given the game their all and I am thinking their time has come.

So, when Saturday comes and the Big Show begins, keep an eye on these predictions and let's see where it all ends up when the smoke settles.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

BRCC Bits and Bites

It's hard to believe that just 1 short week ago I was kickin' sand in the sun. Today I'm kickin snow. But that's OK, the curling is still going on there is still lots ahead of me. And I think the weather is going to break too so it's all good.

The downside is that I am far behind on this blog and never got results for the last week. so i thought rather than go back and recap all of that, I would kind of start fresh and get you caught up on more current stuff.

So if you read a few blogs ago, you would know that all my predictions came true in the STOH. I had the 4 teams in the playoffs as Ontario, Manitoba, BC and Team Canada. That happened, and what's more, I had the final being Ontario and Manitoba...and that happened. And I had Ontario winning and going to the world's and to my extreme delight, that happened! That Homan rink was awesome all week and put on a he ck of a show for the end. I believe women's curling has turned a corner with this squad. They are a powerhouse and I am stoked to watch them in the worlds. I was sorry to see Heather Nedohin defeated because I think she is great for T V curling but I found her squad did not have the uumph to get past the red hot Ontario girls.

The BRCC Mixed went off this past weekend. Congrats to Team Danny Horton as they won the A Event with a win over previous champions, Team Mike Landry. Both teams had a good run all weekend but it was Team Horton that came out on top. In the B Event, it was Team Glen Austin winning over Team Brian West. In the C Event, it was Team Lemieux over Team Fortin and in the D Event, it was Team Hearn (from Hayleybury) over Stephanie Stoker.
This was a great event. Another excellent job by Brian and Nancy West. Thanks alot to the ice guys and to all who helped with the bar. Great job on the music by Joanna and Anita. The BRCC has a great bonspeil reputation and once again, we did not disappoint.

The Thursday Mens League is finished regular season play. The playoffs will start this week and all teams make it into the playoffs this year so it can be any one's guess who comes out on top. You only have to get on a run to make it through. But, there are lots of good teams in the mix who will be tough to get by. I'll keep you posted on this one.

The Tuesday Ladies still have a few games left to their season. There are a few teams that have moved up the leaderboard this year. It would seem that the Moran rink is the top spot thus far but there are other teams that are in hot pursuit. One of these is the Rouselle crew that had a tough season last year but have rebounded this year and have won alot of games. The Hagger rink is another squad that have improved big time this yea and they have some serious game. If this squad stays together, they could really become the team to beat. Great season for the Scholburg rink this year. They are a new squad and won many of their games.

The Mixed League and the Wednesday Open 8 Ender have several games left for this season. For all those hoping to get extra practice in before the Mens Closing, this is where you do it. There is still room for growth in both these leagues so if you want to play another night, get a team in there for next year. Both leagues are fun and there are lots of good games and excellent camaraderie. Get involved, you'll love it!

Long time BRCC pals, Team Vicky Barrett, from the Sudbury Curling Club have won the provincials and will be heading off to the Senior ladies National Championships. On behalf of the BRCC, I would like to wish these great ladies (an my good friends) every success at the Nationals. Go get em' ladies...I'll be watching your line scores!

So as another week starts, here we go. The curling season is peaking now. We have lots of games left in the club and bedsides that, the Brier will be starting this Saturday. Stay tuned for my predictions later in the week.

Here's one for Dan Horton for his big "A" Event win:

It's just like courtin' says Danny Horton;
As he tries to line up the double;
You play your best;
Let God do the rest;
And try to stay out of trouble!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Team Homan. One of the undefeated teams in this years STOH. And they are a powerhouse too! I am so impressed by this squad. But they have some tough games coming up and it will be interesting to see how they fare.

And they were back at this past Monday in the Mixed League. Only three games to report.

Ice A: Jerry Jensen vs Brian West. WIN for Jensen. With Murray Fullerton at the the helm, the Jensen team handed the loss to the West squad. By and large, the West crew has batted 500 this season but the stats don't really matter in this league. And it certainly doesn't matter to the West squad...they just love to play the game. They win the "For The Love Of The Game" Award. Kevin Costner would be proud (if he was a curler).

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Dan McMillan. WIN for Lemieux. The Lemieux crew has managed to win alot of their games this season. Francois sees the game partly as a game of billiards when he examines the angles. He wins "The Hustler Award. Paul Newman would be proud (if he was a curler).

Ice C: Al Viel vs Glen Austin. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew has won most of their games this season and have proven a handful to contend with every time they are on the ice. Al is a fellow curling chronic so it is no surprise that he curls every chance he gets. He wins the "Men With Brooms" Award. Paul Gross would be proud (he might be considered a curler).

So that's how it all played out for this Monday's Mixed League. It's nice to be back and to see my friends at the BRCC. Although I loved being on vacation, in the end, home is where the heart is and the BRCC is truly my home (till April at any rate!)

And thanks alot to Hayley and Julia Horton who attended the opening weekend at the STOH. They met some players and had a blast...and thought to bring me back a pin. These young gals are awesome. Thanks alot ladies from one curling chronic to another!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. Where did Ricky Albert get those crabs? Well, that's not him. It just does not seem like Ricky's style to be floating around on an angry-looking ocean flaunting crabs. He's more into curling and you can find him at the BRCC on a regular basis. He curls in the Thursday Mens League. Ricky is a long time pal of the BRCC. He is definitely an excellent asset for the club. He helps the club out all the time in various capacities and the BRCC is in his debt.

And there were lots of guys out there this past Thursday meetin' and greetin' between the sheets.

Ice C (Monday): Keith Rouselle vs Al Viel. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers knock off a tough crew. The Viel squad are a tough team but not too tough for the Exers this week. They win the "Pump It Up!" Award. Elvis Costello would be proud (if he was a curler).

Ice D (Tuesday): Jim Kendrick vs Yvon Valiquette. WIN for Valiquette. Despite a tough season, the Valiquette crew are a veteran squad and can manufacture wins. As we  move closer to the playoffs, I'm thinking this is when they are going to make their move. They win the "Come On Baby, Light My Fire" Award. Jim Morrison would be on board (if he was a curler).

Ice A (Thursday): Francois Lemieux vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute crew has been doing excellent this season with another solid performance this week. They are definitely contenders to make a good showing in the playoffs. They win the "Makin' It Work" Award. Huey Lewis would have to agree with that (if he was a curler).

Ice B: Bob Villeneuve vs Brian West. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve squad is another crew that got off to a tough start but since the second half, have pulled it together and are stringing some wins together. This is another crew that is solid and can not be overlooked as strong playoff contenders. They win the "Fly Like An Eagle" Award. Steve Miller would have to agree (if he was a curler).

Ice C: Michel Rivard vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger squad pull out another victory. Pretty good season for Ryan as this is his first year skipping in the Mens League. They have played some great games and they have nowhere to go but up. They win the "Movin' On Up" Award. Even George Jefferson would have to agree (if he was a curler).

Ice D: Chris Astles vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The onslaught continues. The Lemieux squad are just tearing up the league. They are gunning hard for the top squad position and I am thinking they are close to their goal.  They win the "Climb Every Mountain" Award. Julie Andrews would be pleased (if she was a curler).

Ice A (Late): Chris Zagar vs Rick Berthelot. WIN FOR ZAGAR!! And that is the big news for the week folks! The Zagar squad despite numerous close calls in past matches have posted the win. Just goes to show what perseverance can yield. The win the "I'm The Man!" Award. Joe Jackson would be right in  there doing cartwheels with them (if he was a curler).

Ice B: Dave Mitchell vs John Hammond. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell crew are right up there in the standings and are looking to repeat as club champions. But it won't be an easy road for them as there are lots of teams that are standing in their way. They win the "We Are The Champions" Award. Freddy Mercury would be rooting for them for sure (if he knew anything about curling...and if he was alive).

Ice C: Brian Tonelli vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet is also right there with Team Mitchell in the standings and are one of the teams that will be looking to stand in their way. So it is only fitting that the Newfie Bullet win the "Stop In The Name Of Love" Award. Dianna Ross would want this (if she was a curler).

Ice D: Dan Berthelot vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. Wow, what a first rate season the Posties have had! They have been playing top notch curling all year and look out in the play offs, they will not be easy to get by. The win the "Top Of The World" Award. Karen Carpenter would be on board with this all the way (if she was a curler).

And that is how the rocks curled this week in the Thursday Mens. I should mention that I will be tied up next week and will not get a chance to let you know any results until the week of the 19th. Stay tuned for that time and I'll try to get you back up to speed at that time. Till then....

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

I know what you're thinking. When did Murray Fullerton join this cheer leading crew? Well, that's not him. I'm  not even sure if Murray is a football fan or not, but he IS a curling fan. Murray plays in the Thursday Mens League playing vice for Team Dan Berthelot. When Murray is hot, he's hot and helps in making this Berthelot crew hard to beat. Of course, there are lots of teams that are hard to beat and some of them curl in the Wednesday 8 Ender and they were out there playin' it out this past Wednesday.

Ice A: Glen Austin vs Andrew Roberts. TIE GAME. This was a fun game. The Roberts squad was down but battled their way back and forced the tie. Nishin Meawasigie plays lead for this team. He has improved alot over the last couple of years and he makes alot of his shots to help set up the end for his skip. He wins the "Nishin Accomplished!" Award.

Ice B: Vola Roberts vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Roberts. With Vola conspicuously absent, brother Bob was at the helm. They got down early and I was poised to hand them the dreaded "Red Bum" Award. But seeing this in their future, they pulled out all the stops and came back to post the win. They win the "Doin' Our Best Work In A Deficit Situation" Award. Good comeback!.

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. The Bantam girls were on the board early against the tough Neufeld Factor but ran out of gas in the latter ends to accept a second place finish. These young ladies have been on a roll lately but it is good to have a loss from time to time just to keep their feet on the ground. They win the "Keepin' It Real" Award.

Ice D: Al Viel vs John Hammond. WIN for Hammond. This one came down to the last end  but the Hammond crew pulled it out in the end. They win the "Gettin' Back To Where We Started From" Award. Maxine Gayle would be proud (if she was a curler).

So that's how it all ended up for this Wednesday Open 8 Ender. I've said it before and I will reiterate. This league is excellent but we need it to grow. Thinking about curling on another night...try this league. You won't regret it.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

Yes, I would have to say thinking is extremely important in this situation. But I would say thinking is important in most situations. This guy could use a cup of focus. The BRCC Belles were full of focus at the Tuesday ladies. They were out there doing lots of thinking about the Roaring Game.

Ice A: Shirley Lemieux vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Rouselle rink have been having a wonderful season. They have been on a roll and they are one of the top teams in the league. They win the "Back In The High-Life Again" Award. Stevie Winwood would be proud (if he was a curler).

Ice B: Anita Moran vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Moran. Although it has not been the second half that the Iron Bridge Belles have been hoping for, this slump is not indicative of just how solid this team really is. And these lovely ladies love the Roaring Game and they make the trip every week to get to the BRCC to play. They win the "We Did It For Love" Award. Peter Ceterra would agree (if he was a curler).

Ice B (Late): Beth Laderoute vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute rink are having a good season for sure. They have had lots of wins this season and they have had many great games. They may not win every game but it would be hard to find a squad that is more friendly and personable than these ladies. They win the "Thank You For Being A Friend" Award. I'm sure the Golden Girls would be on board with that (if they were curlers).

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Annie Austin. WIN for Horton.  Once again, the Bantam Girls demonstrate just how improved and together they really are. It has been a treat this season to watch them grow into the Roaring Game. It is impossible not to be a fan of this popular young squad. They win the "You're Flying On Your Own" Award. I am positive Rita McNeil would concur (if she was a curler).

So, that's how the rocks came down the ice for this week of the Tuesday Ladies. Won't be long now and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts will be kicking off. Just a quick update, it WAS Andrea Crawford (nee Kelly)...alias Bunny Eyes, who won the New Brunswick Scotties. They will represent NB and this team has really improved. You never know, they could get on a roll and get to the playoffs. We'll know for sure in a couple of weeks. The STOH is an excellent tournament. Women's curling, although a different game than the Men's, is just as intense and entertaining and I, for one, am looking forward to Scotties time!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Fortunately, we wear curling shoes at the BRCC and they do not have bunny ears so there is  no possibility of something like this happening. Easter will be in March this year which means the Mens Closing Spiel will be a week earlier on the 21, 22, 23 and 24th. But before that happens, the BRCC Mixed is happening on Feb 22 and 23rd. This is a 2 day spiel, an idea which people seem to have warmed up to. But in these 2 days, there are lots of games and there is a dance on the Saturday night. Last year was a blast..I imagine it will be the same this year. The BRCC always has fun events...the best on the north shore. Just ask around, and you will see that everyone knows where the BRCC is! Brian and Nancy West run this spiel and they do an excellent job. This couple has always been active in the club and here is another duo that is a huge asset to the BRCC. And they are great people too...fun to hang out with and certainly fun to play against.

Ice A: Gator Fortin vs Brian West. WIN for Fortin. The West squad enjoy their curling. And they are fellow curling chronics. Winning is not paramount for them..they enjoy playing the game and hanging out with people at the club. They win the "Social Butterflies" Award.

Ice B: Jerry Jensen vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. The Jensen crew, with Scotty Smith at the helm, were forced into a second place finish by the tough Viel squad. It's the "Red Bum" Award for Scotty and he also wins the "Takin' One For The Team" Award.

Ice C: Michel Rivard vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve crew had a close one going with the Rivard rink for a good part of this game but things got away from them in the latter stages. The Villeneuve crew is a pretty consistent crew and they win the majority of their games. Bob has Terry Fryer in the second position and these two have good curling chemistry. They also curl together in the Thursday Mens. They win the "Iggy And Squiggy Of Curling" Award.

Ice B (Late)  Glen Austin vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Austin. The  Monday Newfie Bullet could not be caught by the Lemieux rink, but there was no Stinkin Thinkin by them. They win the "Sinkin' Thinkin'" Award.

And that's another Monday Mixed for the record books. The curling season will be ramping up outside the BRCC as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts will be starting in a couple of weeks and not long after that, the Brier will be televised. There will be lots of curling to think about, that's for sure. Been thinking about the Continental Cup of Curling? Well, in January 2014, it is going to be held in Las Vegas. I'm stoked. We have already purchased our tickets and booked our hotel. Why not give it some thought. It would be awesome to have a Blind River contingency at this event. It may be one of the very few times that you will go to Vegas to watch curling. Curling food for thought.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

That's right! There is No "I" in curling. That's the beauty of the Roaring Game...it's a Team sport. You win or you lose as a team and to be a good team, you have to work as a team. And there were lots of teams, as usual in the Thursday Mens still trying to move up the leaderboard. With only 3 weeks left to go in regular season play, there will surely be some teams making their move.

Ice C (Monday): Rick Rouselle vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Rouselle. The Posties have been awesome this year. But so has the Hagger rink. This is a new team, this year, and they have made quite a splash in the Mens League. They have had many close, entertaining games and if this squad stays together, they will be a force to be reckoned with next season for sure. They win the "Metamorphosis Complete" Award.

Ice C (Tuesday): John Hammond vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. It's been an uncharacteristic second half for the Hammond rink. They have had their share of struggles and this is a team that is usually a tough customer. With the playoffs approaching, I think they will be looking to make their move. They win the "We've Fallen But We Will Get Up" Award.

Ice D: Chris Astles vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute rink has had a great season. They are on a streak and continue to be a presence on the ice in each and every game. They win the "Big As Life" award.

Ice A (Thursday): Rick Berthelot vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Berthelot. The Berthelot rink have been up and down but in the second half of this season, they have strung some wins together and certainly have the wherewithall to get on a roll and be a serious contender in the playoffs. They win the "Always Been In It" Award.

Ice B: Dan Berthelot vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Berthelot. The Roberts rink is a new rink this year and they have been forced to go through the growing phase as most teams with newer players must. However, they are a committed bunch and they keep workin' it and eventually, they will be stringing together the wins. They win the "Not Doin' Our Time For Much longer" Award.

Ice C: Ben Lemieux vs Jim Kendrick. WIN for Lemieux. The Robb Road Express.....can they be stopped? They have been dealing out the beatings for quite a while now. This veteran squad is one of the teams to watch as the season winds down. You will recall they lost the Club Championship final last year so it is not surprising they are looking to spit out that bitter taste. And they have had lots of help from Robin St Jules in the third position. He continues to punish his opponents by making shot after shot. He wins the "Enforcer" Award which means he also wind the "Go Ahead, Make My Day" Award.

Ice D: Keith Rouselle vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Molson Exers came out swinging in this one but let it get away from them in the latter stages of the game. They win the "Trouble Closin' The Deal" Award. This is still a solid crew and they also have the potential to make a big splash in the playoffs.

Ice A(Late): Dave Mitchell vs Jeff Mitchell. WIN for Dave Mitchell. In this battle of the brothers, it was the shorter one that came out the victor. Dave wins the "Kin Don't Mean Nothin' In Curling" Award.

Ice B: Bob Villeneuve vs Al Viel. WIN for Villeneuve. With Terry Fryer at the helm, the Villeneuve crew continue to move up the leaderboard. They have had a much better second half. These guys have always been a tough squad so it is not surprising to see them stringing some wins together. They win the "No Crabs In The Can Syndrome For Us" Award.

Ice C: Yvon Valiquette vs Brian West. WIN for Valiquette. The Valiquette squad have not had the season that they had last year but since everyone makes the playoffs, they are just as big a threat as any other team out there. It is so typical in curling for a team to escape the doldrums just at the right time and get on a roll. I see this as a possibility for this crew. They win the "Never Discount Us" Award. I would never count these guys out...that would be a huge mistake.

Ice D: Brian Tonelli vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Tonelli. The Friendly Giant did not have the season that he had hoped for but it sure was nice to see Brian get back into the game after going through knee surgery last year. He may not have won alot of games this year but you will not find a nicer guy on the ice. He wins the "Most Sportsman-Like Player" Award. I believe being the good sportsman that he is, is just as prestigious as being a club champion.

So that's how it worked out for this past Thursday Mens. There are 3 weeks of regular season play left and then the play offs start. This year, everyone makes the playoffs so if your team has had an off year, don't swear it because if you get on a roll at the right time, none of this will matter and you can still come out on top. And at this point, it is difficult to say who will be the next BRCC Club Champion. Kudos to Dave Mitchell who has looked after the Mens League for many years. The Mens League is very strong and lots of good teams in it. And the atmosphere at the club on Thursdays is fun and you can always count on good games. Dave has alot to do with this and the BRCC (and the players) owe Dave a debt of gratitude. If you see Dave around, mention this to him. Let him know that you appreciate the time, effort and support that he has given the BRCC. He's another of the great assets of the club and I am proud to call him a friend. Thanks alot Dave!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic