In local BRCC curling, once again I have fallen behind with results from the leagues. But this week, I thought I would examine each of the 4 leagues and pick up with the results next week.
There are 5 leagues (not counting the bantam / little rockers that meet every Tuesday afternoon). They are the Monday Mixed, Tuesday Ladies, Wednesday Afternoon Seniors League, Wednesday Open 8 Ender and the Thursday Mens. That makes the BRCC a busy place Monday to Thursday.
The Monday Mixed League is a fun league that does not post results and keeps everything light. For many newer curlers, this league is an excellent entry point to the Roaring Game. There are presently 13 teams in this league and several of these teams have been together for quite a few years. For some players that curl competitively, this league provides a night of practice in a game situation. For others, it is a night out for some fun. And fun it is, this league may be for fun...but there are lots of good teams and there are many good, close games that go on. One team I would like to point out is Team Andrew Ludgate. This is a new team comprised of new curlers and experienced curlers. Andrew Ludgate skips this squad and this would be his first year in the skip's position. This will serve to further his game by forcing him throw a greater variety of shots and also to get a better understanding of game strategy. They may not be the toughest team in the league, but they will undoubtedly become tougher as time goes on. This squad is a perfect example of coming out to have a fun game and learning all at the same time. I played against them this past Monday and I liked the way they rolled. Brian Welsh is on this team and he has been in the game for a few years now. He is supportive of his skip and he makes lots of good shots. Great squad all the way. Another team that impresses me is Team Andrew Roberts. Andrew's growth in the game is exponential. He is enthusiastic and plays a good game. Never a pushover. His teammates are also good curlers. Natshia Hallett is often in the vice position and she makes a ton of shots. She is a newer curler but is a natural. Then there is Dennis and Deanna Roberts who are fellow curling chronics. The league is blessed to have these people in the league...their enthusiasm and love for the game enhances the league. There are many other teams in this league that do the same thing. They play good curling, have lots of laughs and encourage the newer players. This league is a gem. By the way, the conveners for this league are Brian Welsh and Stephanie Stoker. Thanks alot.
The Tuesday Ladies League is nothing short of awesome. As I have said many times, a strong ladies league is critical for a small club. There are 12 teams in this league and they have maintained their numbers for several years now. The BRCC ladies contribute to the club in so many ways. They help out during bonspiels and they participate often in events. This league is fun to watch. Lots of good teams. This league does keep track of the wins and losses, have their own trophy and a banquet at the end of the season. The leaderboard is always jammed at the top with tough teams vying for top spot. There are veteran squads and newer teams in this league and over time, I have seen teams (and individual players) progress. I do rue the fact that there is presently no competitive ladies squad as the talent pool in this league is certainly deep enough to have one..,but these ladies are also busy with other things in their life and it is just not there right now. But that is not to say that it won't happen sometime down the road. There is, however, a junior ladies team that plays regularly in this league (with Joanna Hammond). This is a bonus for these young ladies as they are afforded the opportunity to compete and improve. Just another way how the Tuesday Ladies League contributes. Marty Mitchell has just rejoined this league after a multi-year hiatus. With Marg Tivy stepping back from the game, Marty has taken over the helm for the Iron Bridge Belles. She lives in Blind River but is originally from Iron Bridge so that still counts! Chantal MacLeod has a team in this year and I fully expect that these ladies will get some momentum and give the titans of this league a run for their money. Then there is Team Jamie Ellmore. A newer team comprised of newer players. This squad is the convener of the league (thank you ladies!) and although they don't win all the time, they are content to go out there and do their best and here is another example of newbies growing in the game. Jamie is at the helm and she is learning as she goes. If this squad sticks together, they will be racking up lots of wins before long. Team Beth Laderoute is having a heck of a season and I expect to see them hovering near the top of the leaderboard throughout the season. And then there are my beloved Rez Girls. Last year, they had a good run and stayed near the top of the leaderboard for most of the season but ran out of gas early and lost a few at the end. But these ladies are awesome. They win lots of games and I expect another great season from them. The Tuesday Ladies is fun to watch. Many nights I am at the club on Tuesdays and I watch a few ends. Always entertaining and it is refreshing to see these ladies out there enjoying themselves.
The Wednesday Afternoon Seniors League is a pick up league. Many who play in this league also play in other leagues but they enjoy showing up on a Wednesday afternoon and playing a pick up game. Great afternoon activity for our seniors and for those who are not members, pretty cheap afternoon as Wednesday afternoon spare fees are only $8.00. In this day and age, pretty hard to find something to do for eight bucks!
The Wednesday Open 8 Ender is a newer league...just 2 years old. This league used to be the Wednesday Mixed League and had a title change just last year. Initially, people were thinking that this would be a competitive league but that is not the case. It is just a name change but it is still a fun league. Wins / Losses are not recorded and the league is generally the same as the Monday Mixed with the exception that there can be any mix of player genders. This is also another great league to play in if you are just entering the game. Presently there are 8 teams in this league but there is lots of room for expansion. Al Viel, another of those BRCC mainstays, looks after this league.
The Thursday Mens League is still a big league at the BRCC with 21 teams. It spills over to a second night to get all the games in each week. This league was originally run by Dave Mitchell (for years!!..thanks alot Dave) but of late is being run by Brian West. This league is absolutely awesome! There are many good teams in this league and you can be sure that Thursday nights are a busy night at the club. lots of good games and lots of great shot-making. It would be fair to say that many players come to this league from other leagues and step up their game. Players like Craig Roberts, Andrew Roberts, Chris Zagar, and Hassan Azzi name just a fraction of them. Some players come into this league as new players and that's all good. The competition level is higher in this league and that is no bad thing. Here is a perfect opportunity for any squad to enhance their game and that is just the thing that happens in this league. With so many tough teams, those that start off being beaten regularly learn a thing or two and before long, start dealing out some red bums of their own. A great example of this is Team Michel Rivard. When this team got together a few years ago, they may have lost more than they won but these days, they are a solid team. They have lots of close games and are a fun team to play against. This league demonstrates the great camaraderie associated with curling. Bragging rights (on the lighter side) are rampant and this just adds to the fun of this league. I have played in many mens leagues over the years in several different clubs but this league, is by far, the best league I have ever participated in. I enjoy the company of the participants and I enjoy the games. The banter in this league is above and beyond. I look forward to my Thursday nights...as I am sure many others do as well. The current club champions in this league is Team Dave Mitchell. This squad has played together forever, and they are an awesome squad. They are also one of the teams to beat so let me be the first to provide them with targets!
So that's it for the leagues of the BRCC. If you are not a member but read this blog, you are missing out. The BRCC is always looking for new members and welcome anyone who wants to come give it a try. The fees are cheap and the people are excellent. Never a dull moment. Come see for yourself!
Rock On!
The Curling Chronic
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