Scotties Shaping Up

Team Homan: Rachael Homan, Emma Miskew, Allison Kreviasuk and Lisa Weagle. This Ottawa foursome will be representing Ontario this year at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. And they are a tough team too. I fully expect them to be in the playoffs at the end of the week, at the very least. Northern Ontario's Tracy Horgan did not fare as well this year and did not make it to the final. It was Cathy Auld and although this Auld squad had a great week, they could not get by this Homan powerhouse. Some regulars from the other provinces will be there and some new names will also grace the sheets in Kingston.

Team Canada: Heather Nedohin...the Edith Prickly (remember SCTV?) of Curling. I enjoy watching this crew. They are colorful and talented. Personally, I think Heather and her personality are perfect for TV curling.

BC: Kelly Scott...the Smurfette of curling. Great player and a solid team. I expect they will make a play off spot but I cannot see them winning. Nonetheless, Kelly Scott is one of the most polite curlers you will ever see. I like this squad.

Alberta: Kristie Moore. New name in the Scotties field but they must be good! They beat alot of good teams to get to the Scotties. I don't see them making the playoffs but you never know.

Saskatchewan: Jill Shumay. Another new name to the Scotties but not really that new in Saskatchewan curling circles. Once again, this squad beat a tough squad in Stephanie Lawton to get to this National Championship so they can't be slouches. I'll be interested in seeing how they make out.

Manitoba: Jennifer Jones. Not a shocker. This is still a solid crew and I fully expect to see them in the playoffs at the end of the week. I have never been much of a Jennifer Jones fan but I must admit, I have warmed up to them a bit in the past year. Would I root for them to win the Scotties?...let's not get carried away. But you have to hand it to them, they are good and the possibility of them winning the Scotties is very real. Despite knee surgery and having a baby in the last year, Jennifer is back to her normal, tough-shootin' self.

Quebec: Allison Ross. What, no Marie France Lerouche. As much as I like Marie France (I've been a fan since Sudbury in 2001), it is refreshing to see some new talent coming out of this province.

New Brunswick: Not decided yet but Andrea Crawford (nee Kelly)...alias Bunny Eyes will definitely be a strong contender in this provinces' provincial which is being played as I type this. Another strong team that could get to the Scotties out of NB is Sylvie Robichaud. Excellent rock chucker! Stay tuned but rest assured, a tough crew will be coming out of this province.

PEI: Suzanne Birt. You might remember her as Suzanne Gaudet. She was a rising star out of the juniors a few years ago. This is NOT her first Scotties, in fact this will be her 4th or 5th trip I should think. Her third is Shelly Bradley and I am a huge fan of this lady. You might remember Shelly Bradley having her own squad back in 2001 and going 5 or 6 straight before the bottom came out and they imploded. I felt her pain. She has been to several Scotties either as a skip, a vice or as a 5th. I hope for good things from these ladies. I have a soft spot for PEI Teams, especially since the final in Sault Ste Marie with Erin Carmody at the helm.

Nova Scotia: MaryAnne Arsenault. You won't be seeing the talented Heather Smith Dacey this year. BUT, Mary Ann Arsenault is no stranger to the Scotties. In fact, she is a world champion. She'll be joined by the infamous Colleen Jones and Kim Kelly. This team will hopefully have a good showing. I like them alot. I'm sure Wrigleys gum is stoked that Colleen is going to this National Championship.

Newfoundland / Labrador: Stacy Devereaux. This squad has been to the Scotties before. They did not have the best showing but I am hoping that they are more seasoned and will get to a play off. I HAVE to hope for this because they are from my beloved "Rock" and I would be remiss not to root for them.

Territories: Kerry Galusha. Not a big surprise here Kerry is the # 2 Smurfette of Curling. There are not alot of contenders coming from the territories and Kerry is always a crowd favorite. I do not expect to see them in the playoffs but I do expect to see some real good games from this crew. They may not be the strongest team there but they are entertaining and it is fun to watch the crowd get behind them.

PREDICTIONS?: Playoff Spots will go to Jennifer Jones, Heather Nedohin, Rachael Homan and Kelly Scott. Homan and Jones in the final and Homan goes to the Worlds. Of course, this is only a prediction and anything could happen. The one prediction I have that is for sure is that this year will have some excellent curling and I'm stoked for the Scotties to begin.

Whomever comes out of the Scotties will not have a cakewalk at the Worlds. There are awesome teams out there like Ott (Swiss), Sigfridsson (Sweden), and don't forget Anna Siderova from Russia who is a shooting star.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

I know what you're thinking. Is Scotty Smith in touch with his devilish side? And who is he trying to scare with that pink demon suit. Well, that's not him but I'm sure Scotty has a devilish side that sneaks through every now and then. But we all have that now don't we? Scotty plays in the Monday Mixed with his wonderful wife, Wendy and also in the Thursday men's. In fact, Scott is part of the Mitchell rink and is, in his own right, a BRCC Club Champion. Plus he's a great guy and an asset to the BRCC. But there were lots of BRCC assets out there last night at the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. In fact, it was an excellent turnout for a stormy Wednesday night.

Ice A: Tom St Jules vs Al Viel. TIE GAME. Big Daddy took on the tough Viel crew and stayed right with them, right to the end. A good night for this squad. They win the "Diggin' In Our Heels" Award.

Ice B: Andrew Roberts vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Roberts. Wow, the Roberts crew knock off the extremely tough Neufeld Factor. This team sure has come a long way. They have been having great games all year. Natasha Hallet is a natural in this sport. She has not been playing for all that long but she certainly has become a real nice curler. She wins the "Progress Without Roids" Award. Good job by this Roberts squad.

Ice C: John Hammond vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger crew are always a tough team to get by. As for the Hammond rink, they are back i n the building phase. Perhaps John is distracted and still dreaming of beaches and bananas. He wins the "Send Me Back To The Sun" Award.

Ice D: Hayley Horton vs Vola Roberts. WIN for Horton. I cannot mention enough how impressive the growth of the Bantam girls team has been this year. Their passion for curling is evident every time they go on the ice. If there was a prize for maturity and growth on the ice, it would have to go this popular young team. They win the "Lookin' To Give Back All The Red Bum Awards That We Received" Award. They also win the "We Be At The Club So We Ain't In Trouble" Award. These young ladies are awesome!

So there you have it for another Wednesday night. This league has lots of potential to grow. For those that may have been hesitant to play in the Wednesday Open 8 Ender, you should know that this is a great league and there is room to add teams for next season. We would love to see more teams involved and really grow this league. Curling food for thought.

As for the ice, I'm sure you will all agree that the ice sure has lots of curl these days. Our ice guys have spent alot of time working on our ice and there is lots of curl on all the sheets. What you should know is that our ice guys give it alot of thought and they try different things to keep the ice curling. They should be commended for listening to feedback and working hard on the ice. Great job guys. Thanks alot for your hard work.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Did Al Viel dye his hair? Well that's not him. Al is too busy curling and renovating to find time for hair dye. Al curls three times a week which makes him a fellow curling chronic. And he's been having a pretty good year too. He is right up there in the standings in The Mens and wins alot of his games in the Mixed and the Open 8 Ender. Al was one of the people running the shooter bar at the BRCC Ladies Woodstock spiel last weekend. Al gives alot of his time to the BRCC and the club benefits big time from his efforts. Thanks alot Al.

There are lots of people that volunteer at the BRCC, and you will find many of them curling in the Ladies League. This league is 13 teams strong and is an important part of the club. We could not manage without them for alot of reasons. And they were all out there this past Tuesday, playin' hard and trying to move up the leader board.

Ice A: Hayley Horton vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Horton. The Bantam girls continue to impress as the scoop the win over the Emerald Islanders. Not an easy team to get by but the bantams found a way and posted the win. The win the "We're Winners And That's No Blarney" Award. Good job girls!

Ice B: Beth Laderoute vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Laderoute crew had to accept second place for the second week in a row. This coming after a good winning streak. But the loss does not reflect the way these ladies are playing. They have had some very good games so losing is actually secondary. They win the "It's Not If You Win, It's How You Play The Game" Award. Great group of gals on this team!

Ice C: Christie Hagger vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Hammond. The Hammond squad knocked off a tough team this week with a win over the intense Hagger rink. Joanna must be invigorated after 3 weeks in the Jamaican sun. She wins the "Sun, Sand and Pina Colada" Award.

Ice D: Anita Moran vs Paula Summers. WIN for Moran. The Moran rink continue to dominate the league. They really are a solid squad and it is imperative to bring your "A" game when playing against these ladies. But that is not a bad thing, quite the opposite really. Playing tough teams is the best way to hone your skills. The Moran rink win the "Givin' Out Free Lessons" Award.

Ice B (Late): Annie Austin vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Austin. My beloved Rez Girls hand a loss AND the "Red Bum" Award to the Iron Bridge Belles. After a slow start to the second half of the season, the Rez Girls are lookin' to get down to business and move up the leader board. There is still lots of season left to this league so they have lots of time to get on a roll. They win the "Gittin' The Lead Out" Award. Good work ladies.

So that's how the rocks curled this week at the Tuesday Ladies.  Jave you thought about playing in the Elliot Lake Ladies Vegas Spiel. There is probably time to get your team in and Danielle would love to hear from you. Don't be afraid to curl 2 weekends in a row. YOLO!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Well, if you can't beat em, pull their pants off I suppose. That's just another reason why I love the Roaring Game. When we lose, there is no pulling of pants, it's just a trip to the lounge for a beverage. To me, this is much more acceptable. And that is exactly what they did this past Monday at the Mixed. I did not see one pair of pants pulled down, because that's not how they roll at the BRCC. Everyone just likes to get off the ice and head to the bar, and that's the way it should be.

Ice A: Glen Austin vs Michel Rivard. TIE GAME. With Debbie watching the baby, they had their lovely daughter Kyrie step in at the vice position. She hadn't curled for a couple years but you sure wouldn't know it. She made some great shots and helped her team out big time. She wins the "Just Like Ridin' A Bike" Award. It was nice to see her at the BRCC and I'm sure Mom and Dad are happy to have her visiting.

Ice B: Sandy Milroy vs Dan McMillan. WIN for McMillan. Big win for Dan and his squad, knocking off a tough crew. They win the "Jack In The Beanstalk" Award...they never climbed a giant vine to take down the giant but they slid up the ice all the same.

Ice C: Jerry Jensen vs Gator Fortin. WIN for Fortin. The Fortin crew got ahead in this one and did not look back. They win the "Beatin' All The Swamp People" Award. Not even Troy Landry could have taken down this crew on Monday night. (You have to watch the show Swamp People to get that one!)

Ice D: Francois Lemieux vs Brian West. TIE GAME. The West crew stayed right with the Lemieux squad to make this game a tie. It was nice to see Nancy West back in the mix after a brief hiatus. She wins the "Welcome Back Kotter" Award. I probably just dated myself.

Ice C (Late) Al Viel vs Bob Villeneuve. NO INTEL. This would have been a good game. The Viel crew have been on a roll  but the Villeneuve crew are no slouches so this one could have gone either way. I'm sure Al would have liked to keep his streak going and he wins the "Still Beatin' My Chest" Award.

So that's how it all ended up on this Monday past. This really is a fun league to play in. Although no one really cares about the wins and losses, everyone does enjoy each other's company and that what makes this such a great night out. It becomes a toss up as to what is more fun, the game itself or the hanging out afterwards. That in itself embodies the spirit of curling in general and for sure the spirit of curling at the BRCC!

And here's one more thing that might interest you. I can go in and see which countries are reading our little blog and you would be surprised to know that besides Canada, there are readers from the USA, Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine, Sweden, Australia (I know who that is!), Poland and Taiwan. That is truly amazing. I would be interested in hearing from these people just to see how it is that they visit our site.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Here's one triple lutz that did not land as planned. Perhaps this maneuver should be called the "Triple Klutz". And here's another reason why curling is the game for me. No big jumps, just sweepin' and shootin'. Oh, I've taken a few spills over the years but only have a bruised ego to show for it...not once have I gone through a wall. And nobody went through a wall at the BRCC last Thursday as the Men's League continued to jockey for position on the leader board. I don't know where the time has gone but there are only 4 more weeks left of regular season play and then the playoffs start. And there are lots of teams making a move and quite a few within striking distance of the top spot.

Ice C (Monday): Brian West vs Chris Zagar. WIN for West. With Andrew Roberts at the helm, the West crew are moving in the right direction up the board. They win the "Positioning Ourselves" Award. A few more wins and these guys are right there.

Ice C (Tuesday): Dave Mitchell vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. It was a swing and a miss for the Mitchell crew this week. They are still near the top in the standings and will  most likely be one of the teams to beat in the playoffs. They win the "Slipped On A Banana Peel" Award.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew had an excellent showing and sent the Thursday Newfie Bullet careening off the tracks. It's the "Helen Reddy" Award for Al Viel...I am curler, Hear me Roar!

Ice A(Thursday): Brian Tonelli vs Rick Berthelot. WIN for Berthelot. The Berthelot rink continues to move up the leader board and can certainly be a significant force to be reckoned with when the play offs roll around. They win the "Conditioning Is Over, We're Back" Award.

Ice B: Bob Villeneuve vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Robb Rd Express continue to punish it's opponents and continue with the amazing season they are having. MVP for this game?....Robin St Jules who made some fabulous shots all game long. He wins the "Buckin' For Ben's Job" Award.

Ice C: Dan Berthelot vs Yvon Valiquette. WIN for Berthelot. The Berthelot rink (minus Murray Fullerton) puts one on the plus side. This is another Dark horse team that could easily get on a roll and get to a final in the playoffs. They win the "Don't Be Countin' Us Out" award.

Ice D: Craig Roberts vs John Hammond. WIN for Hammond. After 3 weeks in the Jamaican sun, John is back, rested up and ready to deal out some curlin' hurtin'. He wins the "We Be Jammin'" Award. Welcome back John.

Ice A (Late): Keith Rouselle vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Molson Exers continue to do the roller coaster thing, but should have no trouble making the playoffs and it might be then that they make their move. They win the "Wolves In Sheep's Clothing" Award.

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Chris Astles. WIN for Lemieux. The Lemieux crew have had another solid season. They may not have won every game, but they have certainly won their share and they will be around during the playoffs. Frank is a former club champion so he is no stranger to the podium. He wins the "Lookin, To Recapture My Former Glory" Award.

Ice C: Rick Rouselle vs Jeff Mitchell. WIN for Rouselle. The Posties are still right up there on the leader board. They have had a spectacular season and I am sure they intend to continue this rampage they are on. They win the "Intent On Tearin, Up The League" award.

Ice D: Jim Kendrick vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Kendrick. Dennis Roberts plays on this team and he curled through this game feeling poorly from the flu. In fact, he went on to play at the Senior Mens Regionals this past weekend in spite of the fact that he was under the weather. He wins the "Fightin, The Flem" Award. My hat is off to this guy, he's a trooper for sure!

So that's how it all played out for this past Thursday. As usual, the BRCC Mens is heatin' up as the season progresses. I hear guys talking about the Men's Closing already. Got your cheque in? They were due December 1st so i am assuming that all that has been settled and it's all systems go. Everyone looks forward to this curling hootenanny...it's quite the thing to end the season and I guess that's where the anticlimax lies, curling is over after this tournament is done. Perhaps not for all of us...there are a few of us curling chronics that look for a couple of tournaments in April just to prolong the season!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Elliot Lake Ladies Having Las Vegas Spiel

I absolutely love Las Vegas. I've been there twice and I will be returning in January 2014 for the Continental Cup of Curling. But, if a trip to Vegas is not in your budget, then the Elliot Lake Ladies at the Deer Trail Curling Club have the solution for you. They are hosting the Women's Vegas Spiel this coming weekend, February 1 - 3. There is still time to get in so make a plan and go there for some good curling and good times!

For $180.00 per team, you can enjoy a guaranteed 3 games, dinner, entertainment and a dance Saturday night. And that's not all, they are having a Casino night on the Friday night. This promises to be an excellent time so make a quick plan and get your team in there.....there is still time.

The ice will, for sure, be fantastic and you will enjoy quick ice with lots of curl.

Give the Elliot Lake Ladies some support and join in on their spiel this coming weekend. Call Danielle @ 705-848-6410 or email her: dblahey@sympatico.ca. I'm sure she would lave to hear from you.

And don't forget, "What Happens In Elliot Lake, Stays In Elliot Lake!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

Yes, hippies sure are colorful people. And as hippie week continues at the BRCC, preparations are under way for the BRCC Ladies Woodstock Spiel coming up this weekend. I have no doubt you will see some very colorful hippies kickin' around the BRCC. Join in the fun and watch some good curling while you are at it.

There was some good curling last night at the Wednesday Open  Ender. All the sheets were full and some good games ensued.

Ice A: Hayley Horton vs John Hammond. The Horton team won this one by default BUT, they lent a player to the Hammond squad and went on to win a "Red Bum" Award. I am thinking the Hammond crew would make good hippies. I'm picturing John Hammond in a tie die shirt and sandals and I think yep, this look could work for him. He wins the "Hippie In Hiding" Award.

Ice B: Ryan Hagger vs Tom St Jules. WIN for Hagger. Big Daddy tried to mount a come back but it was not to be against the tough Hagger squad. And how about Ryan Hagger as a hippie. I think he would embrace the peace and love thing but I am positive he would not embrace the fashion. I mean it took a few years just to get him into a pair of curling pants so I'm thinking bell bottoms and a Chinese collar shirt are just a little bit OUTSIDE the box for him. He wins the "I'll Feel Like A Hippie But Don't Expect Me To Look Like One" Award.

Ice C: Vola Roberts vs Andrew Roberts. WIN for Roberts. Excellent game here for both teams. Close all the way through with Andrew having to make his last shot to secure the win. This Andrew Roberts crew could easily do the hippie thing. Andrew could easily trade his Carlos Santana hat for a headband and everybody would start flashing him a peace sign. Him and Natasha win the "Heavenly Hippie Match" Award.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet was no match for the Neufeld crew (with Al Viel at the helm) last night and had to accept a "Red Bum" Award. I have look at myself and wonder how I would be as a hippie. I was around for the bell bottom age and I remember this guy having a Canadian Flag sewn into his pants to make the biggest bell bottoms you ever saw. I wanted a pair like oxygen. BUT, by the time I was old enough to have my fashion wants acknowledged (by my mother who bought my clothes), the bell bottom thing had ended and I missed it. I win the "Too Late For Hippiedom" Award but to my credit, I flash the peace sign on a regular basis so based on that, I should also win the "Latent Peacenik" Award.

So, that's how it played out for this Wednesday. Just a couple more days and the BRCC Lady hippies will take to the ice and the good times will begin. I have to hand it to the BRCC Ladies, they sure know how to plan and put on a good time. My regional playdowns (Senior Mens) are this weekend in Elliot Lake and I will miss alot of the action at the  BRCC. I hope I get to see a few games anyway.

Myself, Mike Landry, Dan Horton and Dennis Roberts will be playing this weekend in the Senior Mens. There are also 4 teams from the Soo playing in this and 2 out of the 5 teams will go on to the provincials.

And, the National (a Grand Slam) event will be broadcast on Sportsnet today and over the weekend. It's being held in Port Hawkesbury, NS. So, this will be a curling weekend for sure!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

Wow, a Hippie 5th wheel. Most likely no air conditioning. Perhaps you'll see this unit pull up this weekend at the BRCC Ladies Woodstock Spiel. There's bound to be lots of hippies there playing the Roaring Game this weekend. But they'll be doin it in a peace and love kind of way. They were getting all practiced up last night at the BRCC Ladies League.

Ice A: Hayley Horton vs Christie Hagger. TIE GAME. The Bantam Girls play some lights out curling and end up with a tie against a very tough team. I have to wonder what kind of hippies these young ladies would make. I'm not sure they could do without the technology. They win the "We'll Wear The Bellbottoms But We're Keepin' The Cell Phones" Award.

Ice B: Annie Austin vs Team Alloway. WIN for Austin. The Rez Girls break through and post a win after a 2 game losing streak. The Rez Girls are perfect hippies and they will be donning their hippie get ups this weekend. They win the "Where's My Tie Die" Award.

Ice C: Marg Tivy vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Tivy. The Iron Bridge Belles back on the winning side after a brief struggle. These ladies come to play, against hippies or otherwise. And you'll see them this weekend doing the peace and love thing, curling style. They win the "Sure, Peace And Love, But We're Playing 8 Ends!" Award.

Ice D: Beth Laderoute vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Hammond. The Hammond rink post a big win against the red hot Laderoute rink. Take one look at the Hammond crew and you will know that it will not take much to put these ladies into Hippieville. Look at Natasha Hallet...she is as close to being a hippie at heart as you can get without actually living on a commune! She is all about this hippie thing and she has a real big heart that proves it. (Plus I saw her at a Men's Closing dance one time wearing sandals, and it was March!)

Ice B (Late): Anita Moran vs Liz Rouselle.  WIN for Moran. The Moran rink continue to be the team to beat. What an excellent run these ladies have had this season. I'm sure you'll see these ladies around this weekend in their hippie outfits. They win the "We'll Wear The Clothes But No Mud And Nakedness For Us" Award.

So that's how it all turned out this week at the Tuesday Ladies. A big win for the Bantam girls keeps them on the road to improvement. Good job girls.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Yes, scissors do beat paper every time but that's not how they will decide outcomes this coming weekend at the Blind River Ladies "Woodstock" Spiel. That makes it "Hippie Week" at the BRCC and what better way to kick it off than to have Winston Churchill displaying the universal peace sign. Could it be that Winston was the beginning of "hippiedom"? Well, he certainly didn't dress like it  but by the looks of this picture, he was feelin' hippie. And who knows, if Winston was around today, he might wear a headband and sandals and be skippin' the gluten! And there were a few peaceniks at the BRCC this Monday past as the Monday Mixed competed peacefully.....they played hard but no punches thrown. And that's the beauty of curling...I'm surprised not to see more hippies playing the Roaring Game.

 Ice A: Jerry Jensen vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. If there ever was a peacenik, it's Francois Lemieux. There is not a harmful bone in his body..he's all about helping his fellow man and keepin' the Stinkin' Thinkin' to a minimum. That's why he wins the Hippie Of The Century" Award.

 Ice B: Gator Fortin vs Sandy Milroy. WIN for Milroy. The Fortin crew fell short this week and had to accept second place. But here is another crew that would have no problem feelin' the Hippie thing.  That's why they will have problem accepting the "Red Bum" Award for this week. Sorry guys but next week is coming.

 Ice C: Brian West vs Dan McMillan. WIN for McMillan. The McMillan squad post a win after a brief hiatus in secondplaceville. Dan is a pretty laid back guy and he would make a decent hippie BUT, I think he would draw the line at bell bottoms and tie die shirts. He wins the "I'll Do The Peace Sign Buit I'm Not Goin' Around Without Underwear" Award.

 Ice D: Al Viel vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Viel. The Rivard crew would be excellent hippies. I mean look at Debbie Rivard. Does she not embrace the Peace, love and be good to your fellow man ideology? Put her in a pair of bell bottoms, give her a headband and a pair of sandals, have her holding her guitar, singin a Joan Baez ditty and flashin' a peace sign... she would fit right in! She wins the "Peace Man!" Award.  And seeing how Debbie spends her days at Unicorn Stationary, she certainly is aware that scissors beat paper!

 So that's how it played out for this Monday Mixed. As the BRCC Ladies Woodstock Spiel approaches, you can see that preparations are already underway for what will certainly be a Groovy weekend. Peace out!

 Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I chew alot of gum while playing curling. After looking at this pictures, I may curb that habit a bit. And there were some that were chewing gum last Thursday in the Mens League but I did not see any bubbles. I did see some good curling all the same.

Ice C (Monday)  Be n Lemieux vs Ryan Hagger.  Win for Lemieux. The Robb Road Express continue their move up the the leader board and are playing some great curling. They win the "Still Wallowing In The Glory" Award.

Ice C (Tuesday): Dave Mitchell vs Dan Berthelot. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell squad continue to have an incredible season. They win the "Keepin' Ourselves Glued Together" Award.

Ice D: Brian West vs Rick Rouselle.  WIN for Rouselle. The Posties are still hovering near the top of the leader board. As the season rolls on, there seems no doubt that this will be one of the teams to beat in the playoffs. They win the "Lookin' For Glory" Award.....and it is quite possible that they may find it!

Ice B (Thursday): Bob Villeneuve vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Villeneuve. Looks like my pre-Christmas prediction may be correct. The Villeneuve crew have started to string some wins together and are making their move on the leader board. They win the "Shakin' That Monkey Off Our Back" Award. Watch these guys, I think they are making their move.

Ice C: Michel Rivard vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet has also had a solid season thus far and are looking to try to remain near the top of the leader board. We win the "Not Lookin' For A Monkey On Our Back" Award.

Ice D: Keith Rouselle vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers continue their quest to move up the leader board. You have to be impressed with the way these guys just quietly go about playing their game and trying to manufacture the win. They win the "Successful Incorporation Of Beer And Curling" Award. That means that they also win the "Most Time Spent At The Beer Table By The Door" Award.

Ice A (Late): Chris Astles vs Jim Kendricks.  NO INTEL

Ice B: Mike Laderoute vs John Hammond. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute squad is back and stringing some wins together. Mike's stick is heatin' up and he can shoot with the best of them with that stick. The Laderoute crew win the "Stick 'n' Scotch...Great Combo" Award.

Ice C: Craig Roberts vs Rick Berthelot. WIN for Berthelot. The more I watch Rick Berthelot play curling, the more impressed I am with the way he has changed everything about his curling style to stay in the game. First he went from being a "Tuck Deliverer" to a flat foot slide. Huge adjustment that he made well. Then, he went from curling right-handed to curling left-handed. And he curls left-handed very well! Rick wins the "Climb Any Mountain" Award. I fully expect this squad to get on a roll and top the leader board.

Ice D: Francois Lemieux vs Jeff Mitchell. WIN for Lemieux. The Lemieux crew have won some and lost some but I am guessing they have won the majority of their games. They may not be the strongest team out there but they do have an edge that gives them success. This squad is the real deal...they would like to win the game but hey if they don't, big deal! T^hat's why they win the "Stress-Free Curlers" Award.

So that's how it played out for this second Thursday back in the second half. This should get interesting as the season wears on and we get closer to the playoffs. Lots of time yet for teams to make their move and it looks like there are some teams that have already begun that process.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

I know what you're thinking. What is Wayne Berthelot doing hanging around with these U S Curling fans? And who gave him the dew rag? Well, that's not him. Wayne is a Canadian curling fan and I'm sure his dew rag (if one exists) would have a maple leaf on it. Wayne curls in the Thursday Mens with Team Valiquette, a veteran team around the BRCC.

There were other veteran teams out this past Wednesday in the Open 8 Ender.

Ice A: Glen Austin vs Vola Roberts. WIN for Austin. The Roberts crew took a bit of a slip and a slide and ended up in second place in this match up. However, the lead on Team Roberts, Martin Aube, played an excellent game and made an awful lot of shots. He was making draws and take outs with equal enthusiasm. It was quite impressive to see the improvement in Martin. Real solid performance. He wins the "Shooting Star" Award.

Ice B: Hayley Horton vs Tom St Jules. TIE GAME. The Bantam girls put on another excellent display of curling and keep Big Daddy and his crew chasing them for the whole game. The Horton squad wins the "Feel The Horton Heat" Award. Great job ladies.

Ice D: Ryan Hagger vs Al Viel. TIE GAME. This was another good game with lots of rocks in play. Nice to see John Topash on the mend and back to sliding. He wins the "Stretchin' It Out" Award.

So, just 3 out of 4 games played this Wednesday. I expect all the sheets will be full next week. A word about the ice. It's great. There's curl and the speed is good. Thanks alot to the ice guys who have been trying different things to make it work and their efforts are paying off (and appreciated). I played a game on Ice A last night and the speed was great and the curl was exceptional. I was seeing in some paths 4 - 4.5 feet of curl. Awesome! And don't forget, this is on an outside sheet in a half a sewer pipe. These guys deserve KUDOs for a great job and great effort. Thanks alot guys.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

Germany's Andy Kapp displays fine form in this On Ice Pilate's. Notice the fine, "in the air" back leg extension. Most likely not to be considered the best curling form but he sure got this Pilate's thing down pat! But there was some fine curling form last Tuesdays, and fine forms curling as well as the BRCC Belles took to the ice in the Tuesday Ladies.

Ice A: Paula Summers vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Summers. Big win for the Summers crew. Despite a tough first half, they are looking to pull it together for the second half and move up the leader board. These ladies win the "Got Our Knickers Pulled Up!" Award. Good work, keep it going ladies!

Ice B: Christie Hagger vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Hagger. Another big win as the Hagger crew knocks off the veteran Iron Bridge Belles. The Belles have hit a bit of a slump but this is definitely a temporary thing for this tough squad. They win the "Pausing For Station Identification" Award.

Ice C: Annie Austin vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Kiernan. The Rez Girls got their curling bells rung by the very solid 'Emerald Isle" crew. Myra and her squad win the "Showin' Em The Rocky Road To Dublin" Award. Oh, and by the way, "Red Bum" Award for my beloved Rez Girls. (I feel your pain.)

Ice D: Team Alloway vs Beth Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute squad have had a really good season and are on a roll. With the way these ladies are playing, they are carving their way towards the top of the leader board. They win the "Cosmic Alignment" Award.

Ice A (Late): Christine Scholburg vs Anita Moran. WIN for Scholburg. Wow, this Scholburg team is awesome. This new squad has the right chemistry and has made quite a splash in the league this year. They win the "Rising Stars" Awards. Look for this team to be in the mix at the top of the leaderboard when the dust settles.

Ice B: Joanna Hammond vs Hayley Horton. WIN for Horton. The Bantam girls line em up and knock em down in this well played match. These girls are still focused and looking to keep improving. They win the "Stellar Attitude" Award. Great job by these young ladies.

So that's how it played out for this round of play in the Tuesday Ladies. This ladies league is a great league and is very strong. Our BRCC Belles should be applauded because their involvement is a significant part of the success of our club. Thanks alot Ladies!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. When did Yvon Valiquette have a shave and play in the World Curling Championship? Well, that's not him, that's Tom Brewster from Team Scotland. Yvon plays in the Thursday Mens League but I am sure he would like to get to a World Championship. For now, however, he will have to settle for Thursday nights at the BRCC. And if he wants to hone his curling skills further, he could join the Monday Mixed and curl 2 nights a week instead of one. The Monday Mixed is an excellent league and everyone has a good time, just like this past Monday.

Ice A:  Bob Villeneuve vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Lemieux squad win their fair share of games in the Monday Mixed League. They have found a good balance between veteran curlers and new curlers and the chemistry has produced good results. They win the "Successful Titration" Award.

Ice B: Jerry Jensen vs Al Viel. This was a "TWIN"...Tie - Win (for Jensen). Apparently this was a tie and then they decided to play one more end and the Jensen crew pulled it out. The Viel crew wins the "Shoulda' Quit While We Were Ahead" Award.

Ice C: Sandy Milroy vs Glen Austin. WIN for Milroy. The Milroy rink continues to be one of the top teams in this league thus far this season. They have won the vast majority of their games so they win the "Who Is Going To Knock US Off The Hill?" Award.

Ice D: Gator Fortin vs Dan McMillan. WIN for McMillan. The Fortin rink has had an up and down season. They win a few and lose a few but ALWAYS have a good time regardless. They win the "Nevermind The Scoreboard, It Interferes With The Game" Award. Great bunch of people, this team!

So that's hot it played out for this Monday Mixed. Just another good evening for those people involved. Want a good night out with your significant other...or just looking for another night to curl, get involved with the Mixed League. Great people, great games!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Now what you have here is the future of our sport. These fine young men are Kale Goudreau, Stephen Berthelot, Dawson Kluding and Jacob May. They had a great weekend of curling and while they will not be going to the Bantam Provincials this year, they made quite a splash at the Regional Playdowns and won the hearts of the fans. I'm hoping they will stay together as a team and play more curling next season. Perhaps join a league and play some regular games. Curling food for thought.

So they were back at it for the second half of the season for the Thursday mens League. Turns out that it was the Michell rink in first place at the break...ahead by 1 point. These are the current club champions and they are having an excellent season thus far. It will be interesting to see if they can maintain this winning streak.

Ice C (Tuesday): Keith Rouselle vs Rick Berthelot. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers are back posting a win for their first night in the second half. The Exers are a solid team and have the potential to get to the top of the leaderboard. They win the "Gittin' A Prescription For 'Curl-Agra" Award.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Dan Berthelot. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet posts a win to start the second half. We are right on the heels of the Mitchell crew (1 point behind). We win the "Just Waitin' For The Stumble" Award.

Ice A (Thursday): Dave Mitchell vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell team, as stated previous is the current top dog in the league going into the break. They win the "Lonely At The Top" Award.

Ice B: Al Viel vs Jim Kendrick. WIN for Viel. The Kendrick rink has had a win some / lose some kind of season but they have the potential to work their way to the top of the leaderboard. They win the "Flyin' Under The Radar" award.

Ice C: Francois Lemieux vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Lemieux. The Posties are also on the heels of the Mitchell rink and have had an incredible season thus far. They will need to keep it together for a while longer if they want to capture top spot. They win the "Lookin' For Some Glue" Award.

Ice A (Late):  Ben Lemieux vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Lemieux . The Robb Road Express continues to have a good run. They too hover near the top of the leaderboard and this veteran team seems hell-bent on capturing the Club Championship. They win the "Lookin' To Be King" Award.

Ice B: Yvon Valiquette vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Valiquette. After a slow start, the Valiquette crew is poised for a strong finish. They win the "We Were Just Kidding In The First Half" Award.

Ice C: Chris Zagar vs Jeff Mitchell. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell crew was like a bullet out of the starting gate this season but along the way, ran into some turbulence but it is looking like they are back and ready to post some wins. They win the "Lookin' To Recapture The Glory" Award.

Ice D: Bob Villeneuve vs John Hammond. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve rink had a sluggish start to the season but it looks like all that is behind them now and they are moving forward. They win the "To Infinity And Beyond" Award.

So that is how it played out on this Thursday Mens and I must say, it feels good to be caught up again.

In other news, did you catch any of the continental Cup of Curling? BRCC pal Dean Gemmell was playing in it and he showed the curling world that he could pound a rock with the best of them. It was good to see Dean participating in this event and hopefully he will make it back to the US Nationals and eventually the World Championships. Undoubtedly, this team works hard and they will have earned it.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

Perhaps this guy drank alot of coffee and feels he can put this fire out without using conventional methods. He better get his job over with soon or he will be feeling this house's heat. Just like other teams were feeling the "Blind River Heat" just this past weekend at the BRCC Bantams playdowns. Both BRCC teams had a good showing and certainly displayed some heat during several ends of play. And they sure displayed what sportsmanship is all about. Both teams were excellent sportsmen and regardless of anything else, that is the essence of competition. I think both these teams are big winners because of this and similarly, the BRCC is a winner for having them associated with our cool little club.

And they also display lots of good sportsmanship at the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. They all get out there, play as best as they can and have a good time while they are doing it. That's how it is at the BRCC.

Ice A: Vola Roberts vs Warren Neufeld. Win for Neufeld. Although posting a couple losses in the first half, the Neufeld Factor is still a real tough crew to beat. If they can't knock you down on the ice, they will kill you with kindness. They win the "Congenial Curlers" Award.

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew are a touch team at all times. This result was  not surprising but the big plus is that Al took the time to provide a little insight for the Bantam Girls just adding to their grip on the "Roaring Game." Al wins the "Benevolent Curler" Award.

Ice D: Andrew Roberts vs  Tom St Jules.  WIN for St Jules.  Big Daddy and his squad pull out another victory. Big Daddy is a dedicated curler. He is a Curling Chronic in his own right and enjoys playing the game as much as anybody. And you can see his focus when you are playing against him. He wins the "Loyal Curler" Award.

So there it is for the first week of the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. This really is a good league. I am hoping we can fill up the second draw and really make this league rock.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I cannot help but notice how many I pads are out there since Christmas. Seems like everyone has one. Sometimes I think all this technology is not such a good thing. People are getting sedentary when they should be getting out there and doing things. Just like at the BRCC, where on Tuesdays you will find the BRCC Belles playing a game of curling and enjoying themselves. And that's how it should be.

Ice A: Anita Moran vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Moran. The Moran rink continues to be right up there in the standings. They start off the second half with a win. They win the "Just Carryin' On" Award.

Ice C: Paula Summers vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Kiernan. This Kiernan rink has been a force to be reckoned with all season long and continue to show em how it's done. They win the "Dealin' Out Curling Educations" Award....they also deal out Red Bum Awards too from time to time.

Ice D: Hayley Horton vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Bantam girls continue to see this season as an experience builder. And that is exactly what it is. They will all the more stronger next season. They win the "Gainin' Experience As We Go" Award.

Ice B (Late): Beth Laderoute vs Annie Austin. WIN for Laderoute. My beloved Rez Girls need to find their Mojo and perhaps that will get them on track for the second half. They win the "Lookin' For A Cup Of Focus" Award.

Ice C: Makayla Alloway vs Christine Scholburg. WIN for Alloway. The Alloway crew have lots of experience and can play with the best of them. They have the ability to beat the best of them and have done this in the past. They win the "We Can Bring It" Award.

So that's how the Ladies kicked off the second half of their season. The Ladies League is an excellent league. Lots of teams and certainly lots of good games. And if you don't believe me, drop by some Tuesday evening and see for yourself. These ladies know how to enjoy themselves.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Yes, important tip for all you people who like to have snow falling on your tongue. Look up first! That's what they do at the BRCC. They look up first and decide when to sweep. That's what they were doing at the second half of the season opener on Monday night (Past). Yes, this blog is way late but catching up is always hard to do.

Ice A: Sandy Milroy vs Brian West. WIN for Milroy. The Milroy rink continues to be a tough crew to get by. They make alot of shots and certainly inspire the need for opponents to bring their "A" game. They win the "Still Rockin' Em" Award.

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Lemieux. The Lemieux rink wins a few and loses a few but always have a good game. They win the "Never Count Us Out" Award.

Ice C: Gator Fortin vs Al Viel. WIN for Fortin. The Fortin rink, when they win, always seem to win big or they don't win at all. They win the "No Grey Area Here" Award.

Ice D: Bob Villeneuve vs Jerry Jensen. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve rink had an up and down first half but are right on track at this, the beginning of the second half. They win the "Somebody Woke Up The Sleeping Giant" Award.

Ice B (Late)  Glen Austin vs Dan McMillan. Win for Austin. The Monday Newfie Bullet came into this match seeking redemption for the beating they took at the hands of this McMillan rink in the first half. We win the "Payback Is Sweet" Award.

So that's how the second half of the BRCC curling season kicked off. The club will be rocking in this second half with the Ladies Spiel coming up Jan 25 and the Mixed in February (22nd). And don't forget the Mens Closing which is the premiere event that always has the season close with a bang!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic
 

Bantam Regionals At BRCC: Good Times

The BRCC played host to 5 Bantam Boys teams and 2 Bantam girls teams this past weekend. Great bunch of young people and some impressive shot-making. There were 3 boys teams from Sault Ste Marie (Team Rhude, Team Servant and Team Manary), a team from Thessalon (Team Goodmurphy) and a team from Blind River (Team May). For the girls, it was Team Rutledge from Sault Ste Marie and Team Horton from Blind River. Team Servant and Team Manary will be going on to the Provincials as well as Team Rutledge for the girls. Congratulations to these fine young players and congratulations to all the teams who competed for putting on a fine show for the fans.

The Blind River Bantams, consisting of Jacob May, Dawson Kluding, Stephen Berthelot and Kale Goudreau were perhaps the most inexperienced team playing in this competition but there were certainly the MOST entertaining. And they won a game on Saturday night that had the crowd cheering. Great bunch of young fellows!

The BRCC Bantam girls went 0 - 2 but played well and certainly demonstrated their potential. I think next year will be a different story for this team. This was a great experience for them and I was most impressed with their upbeat manner and the way they conducted themselves.

In fact, both BRCC teams were very personable and they did their club proud.

Special thanks to Bob Villeneuve and Terry Fryer who ran this event. Terry donated snacks for the teams..thanks alot Terry! Thanks alot to Cameco...who donated hats and mits to each of the 7 team players. That was a nice touch and the kids certainly appreciated it. Also, thanks to Tod Swan who spent the weekend at the club as the head official. As well, Lucy Ann Trudeau was the girls' coach and Akeeshia Trudeau and Al Viel coached the boys. Akeeshia attends university in Sault, MI and took the weekend to travel to Blind River to coach these boys so thanks alot Akeeshia...that was awesome. Also thanks to Mike Laderoute and Richard Olmstead for looking after the ice. Also, thanks to Kristy Blanchet (and Bella) who inputted scores on the NOCA site.

It was a fun weekend for everyone involved in this event. A good learning experience for the young curlers and certainly some excellent entertainment for the parents and fans. Great job by all.

Rock On

The Curling Chronic