Wednesday Open 8 Ender

Johnny Mo. He shocked the curling world last spring with his departure from Team martin, thus foregoing his spot in the Roar of the Rings Olympic Trials. But, he just wasn't feeling it anymore and felt a change is what was required. So, he is now skipping a BC team with Jim Cotter. And here he is, playing in the Pretrials and with the win over Team Balsdon last night, will be playing against Team Gushue in the A Qualifier. Team Gushue, with their win over Jake Higgs last night (in what was reportedly a sloppy game on both sides) will have to hold it all together to move on to the playoffs. In other action last night, Team McCarville slipped to 2 - 1 with a loss to Kelly Scott in a squeaker. Scott will go on to play the A Qualifier against Rene Sonnenburg, who beat Laura Crocker in the A Semi final. Sudbury's Tracy Horgan moves on in the B event beating Barb Spencer soundly. So, today will mark day 3 of the Pretrials and things are starting to come into focus. Brad Jacobs will hit the ice this afternoon vs Kean. A win here and the Jacobs crew will move on to the B Final. But all the action was not only in Kitchener last night. The BRCC was hosting some action of its own at the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. All the sheets were full and everyone was out there giving it their all.

Ice A: Hailey Horton vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. With Al Viel out chasing deer, Danny Horton was at the helm and while they posted the win, Team Viel had all they could do to hold off the assault of the juniors. Danny Horton is a longtime member of the BRCC. He is quite an asset to the club. He helps out around the club but he is also one of the more popular spares. There is not a week that goes by that he is not asked to spare for someone. And there is a reason for that...he is a good player and also, he makes himself available in any position. Great guy to have around. For him, it's the "I'll Be There" Award. Enough to make the Jacksons knock off the singing and form a team.

Ice B: Glen Austin vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. This was an entertaining game with lots of nice shots made throughout. The Neufeld rink is a tough squad. They have talent from bottom to top and they were all executing last night. Rob Henderson was on fire. I was particularly impressed with the lead from this crew, Sharon Hamelin. Sharon is new to the BRCC but she is definitely no stranger to the Roaring Game. With a solid delivery style, it is no surprise that she was making takeouts and draws with equal enthusiasm. It's the "back In The New York Groove" Award for her. The band Kiss might be inspired to clean off the face makeup and put on some curling jackets.

Ice C: Ryan Hagger vs Tom St Jules. WIN for St Jules. Big Daddy and his squad continue to be tough to get by, posting a win yet again this week. Ray Quenville is a member of the St Jules crew and has been for some time now. He plays with a stick and has, over time, made his stick-curling prowess quite the weapon. It's the "Powerman" Award for Ray. I'm sure the Kinks would have to agree.

Ice D: John Topash vs Lucy Ann Trudeau. WIN for Topash. Tough night for the Trudeau squad as they were in tough against the Topash rink who seemed to be firing on all cylinders. Rick Roberts plays for the Trudeau rink. Rick is a veteran curler, he's been in the game for a long time. Not only is he a good curler and a great team player, he is also a good dancer. Rick's got all the moves and even can be seen doing a bit of Dirty Dancing from time to time. it's the "Patrick Swayze" Award for him. I wonder if his girlfriend's name is Baby?

Well, that's it for another Wednesday night of curling. I enjoy this league. It is unfortunate that there is only 1 draw. There is lots of room for a second draw so if you are looking to play in a good league next season, this could be the league for you!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic