VIPs at the BRCC

Donna Lediett stands by while Abby Hagger makes the call and holds the broom. This is a typical scene on Tuesday evenings as the Little Rockers, and Bantams take to the ice to play and learn the Roaring Game.

And here's some Little Rockers. There are a total of 38 little Rockers and Bantams in all. Big job to help these young people. Just ask Kristy Blanchet, Tammy Lemieux and Christie Hagger. They are the main three people behind the Little Rocker / Bantam program and they are there every Tuesday doing their part. But they are not alone. Lucy Ann Trudeau is also there to help out along with several others like Donna Lediett, Rhonda Kirby, Nancy Kluding, Hasan Aziz and Jamie McLean. Awesome job guys and gals!

 

I have not mentioned this program or the people run this program, near enough over the time that I have been writing this blog. This is a big part of our club and indeed the sport, in general. These Little Rockers and Bantams are the curling future. While ALL may not end up staying with curling, many of them will, with some perhaps going on to be competitive curlers. The people who give their time to this are doing great things in the club and for the Roaring Game and they should be acknowledged for sure.

 

Rock On!

 

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

There's lots of physics at work here. But the bottom line is that this guy's forward velocity is a greater force than the force wanting to push the front tire skyward. I'm sure Al Gemmell could clarify. There's lots of physics in curling too. The movement of the rock down the ice hosts a plethora of physics laws, as does brushing the ice. But at the end of the day, we all just want to make some good shots so whatever laws it takes, then OK...set those laws in motion. And they were setting all kinds of laws last night at the Monday Mixed.

Ice A: Francois Lemieux vs Gator Fortin. WIN for Lemieux, I think. The way these two teams were carrying on, they were having too much fun to actually concentrate on the score. But I do think the Bionic Boot managed to pull this one out. He wins the "Playin' Curling Like Pool" Award. It's all about the angles.

Ice B: Sandy Milroy vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Monday Newfie Bullet manages to stay on the tracks for this one. That's three in a row and that's good enough for the "Three Times Lucky" Award.

Ice C: Bob Villeneuve vs Al Viel. WIN for Villeneuve. Its been a tough start for this crew but they are now on the board and perhaps on the beginnings of a roll. They win the "Rip Van Winkle" Award. They just woke up late.

Ice D: Dan McMillan vs Michel Rivard. WIN for McMillan. The McMillan crew got some serious game going on. They prefer the stealth approach. They are quiet, yet effective and then you realize, "Hey, I'm in tough here!" They win the "Curling Black Ops" Award.

So that's how it played out this past Monday. So here is a suggestion:

Mixed Doubles: Ever wonder what it's all about? Want an excellent way to hone your shooting skills. What would you think of trying to start a Mixed Doubles League. Here's the rub, given the history of BRCC and weekend or Friday curling leagues, there are only 2 available times. Monday late and Wednesday late. And I think there are 2 available sheets on these nights. So, they would be late games. But what about it as a small, new league. I wonder how many would be interested in this? I have a Mixed Doubles game lined up for this Monday Night. We're going to try it against the Gemmells. My partner? Joanne Niganobe. She wants to try it as well. Hey, you know what. You might enjoy trying this too! If nothing else, what an excellent way to practice. Just a thought. If you see me around and you are interested, let me know.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Mr Earlobe...no hearing problems there! He'd make a good front end curler because he would always hear his skip yelling to sweep. Lots of skips calling their sweepers on this past Thursday in the Mens League. Lots of good games this week and some newer teams are on a roll!

Ice C (Monday): Rick Berthelot vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Berthelot. The Roberts squad had a real good game going. With the exception of 1 tough end, this game was any body's. However, the Berthelot rink pulled it out in the end. Craig and his crew have made big strides and are getting game. They win the "I Think We Found Our Mojo" Award.

Ice A (Tuesday): Glen Austin vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Posties were hot and in spite of a close game, the Rouselle crew managed to steer the Thursday Newfie Bullet off the tracks and into the mud. They win the "Who's Next?" Award.

Ice D: Al Viel vs Brian West. NO INTEL. Both these teams are strong so it would be hard to call this one.

Ice A (Thursday): Mike Laderoute vs Ben Lemieux. Win for Lemieux. The veteran Robb Road Express back on track and posting the wins.

Ice B: Dan Berthelot vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle.  The Molson Exers post the win but only after a close game with the Berthelot rink. The Molson Exers are just coming off a loss so it was recovery mode for them. They win the " Thickening Up Our Curling Skin" Award.

Ice C: Bob Villeneuve vs Chris Astles. WIN for Villeneuve. This game was a barn burner. Bob made his last draw to secure the win but a great game played by both sides. Both sides win the "Game Of The Week" Award.

Ice D: Ryan Hagger vs Dave Mitchell. WIN for Mitchell. Just barely, as the Hagger squad played it right to the last. The Hagger crew is also a new squad but they showed they have game. They win the "Never Say Never" Award.

Ice A (Late): Jim Kendrick vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Kendrick. The Bionic Boot and his rink came up shy on this one and the Kendrick squad posted the win. But that's OK with the Lemieux crew, you won't find them kickin' pebbles. That's why they win the "No Stinkin' Thinkin' Here" Award.

Ice B: Jeff Mitchell vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Mitchell. This is the big news! Jeff Michell and his newly formed crew have gone 3 straight. Excellent start for Jeff as he is full time at the helm now. They are shoo ins for the "Best New Team Of The Week" Award. Great job guys.

Ice C: Chris Zagar vs Yvon Valiqutte. Win for Valiquette. The Valiquette squad post the win and are surely itchin' to get on a roll. This may be the win to get them going. The Zagar crew played another good game and stayed in this one. They make lots of shots and are having good games. They win the "We're Gittin' The Hang Of It" Award.

Ice D: Brian Tonelli vs John Hammond. Win for Hammond. The Hammond squad continue to be a solid team. They win alot of games and I would be surprised not to see them them hovering around the top of the leader board. The Friendly Giant and his rink had to accept second place but good things are ahead for them once they hit their rhythm. They win the "Lookin' For Some Rubber Soul" Award.

So that was how it played out on this past Thursday. It's only 4 weeks in and lots of games to play. Lots of veteran teams making their mark, but there are many newer teams that are also making their move and coming into their own. Because of this, this season is shaping up to be awesome.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Apologies

In an earlier post (which I have since deleted), I made comment about the ice. In retrospect, this post may have undermined and offended some volunteers that have been working on the ice since the beginning of the season (although this was certainly not my intention). The two people that I am referring to are Ron Forrest and Michel Rivard, although there may be others and if so, you are included in this.

These people are volunteers at the BRCC and as we all know, volunteers are paramount to the success of the club. Indeed, their time and efforts should be applauded as their time is just as important as anyone else's that have been helping out at the club.

Further, the unity of all the members and in particular the volunteers is the very thing that makes the volunteer initiative successful so we should be all working together to achieve our goals. AND, the purpose of this blog is to be fun for ALL readers and should not be intended as a forum for the inner politics of the club. In this way, I am remiss and I do owe these guys an apology.

The fact of the matter is that our present ice-makers are intent on making good (fast) curling ice and we should, perhaps work as a collective and it is my feeling that we will achieve this goal. In the end, we all want to curl on good ice as do the ice guys since they are curlers themselves.

So, sorry guys.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Who is that woman playing Titanic with Craig Roberts? Well, that's not Craig but whoever it is, I hope he's packin' a first aid kit because that girl's nose is going to require some attention. Craig is a former board member and a player in the Thursday Mens. He is a relatively new skip and is going through the standard growing pains that most new skips endure. But that's the game, take a few losses, learn how to lose, and then before too long, the games become closer and ultimately, a few wins get chalked up. It is a process.

The Tuesday Ladies also have newer skips that are also going through the "process". And they are also doing just fine. They were at it last Tuesday and some teams broke through.

Ice A: Annie Austin vs Anita Moran. WIN for Moran. My beloved Rez Girls played a good game but could not overtake the Moran crew. This Moran crew are veterans and this is a tough crew. I expect this is one of the teams to beat this year. They win the "Target On Our Backs" Award.

Ice C: Makayla Alloway vs Liz Rouselle. NO INTEL. I'm not sure what happened here. The Alloway squad were dressed in costumes for Halloween and they certainly win the "Best Dressed Curlers" Award for the week.

Ice D: Myra Kiernan vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Kiernan. The Iron Bridge belles are always a tough squad to get by but then again, Myra Kiernan has game. She's got loads of experience and this, for sure, is going to be a team to watch. They win the "Dark horse" Award.

Ice B (Late): Hayley Horton vs Beth Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. With Shirley-Ann Fullerton at the helm, the  Laderoute squad posted a "W". It might be hard for Beth to get back behind the wheel after she gets back, it was looking like Shirley-Ann was lovin' the last shot/skipping thing. She wins the "A Star Is Born" Award.

Ice C: Paula Sommers vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Hammond. Well let the bells ring out and let the birdies fly!...the Hammond crew has broken through and have posted the "W". Last week they tied their game and this week they secured the win. Here's another dark horse team that could get on a roll. They win the "We Have Arrived" Award.

And that's how it played out for this past Tuesday. The Ladies league is very strong. That is a big credit to the ladies that play in this league as well as the ladies who run it. Those ladies are Paula Sommers, Jaimee Ellmore, Denise Lebreche and Jennifer Stanton Smith. Thank you ladies, good job and you did have some big shoes to fill.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Motorcycle curling. Dangerous and expensive. No sweeping required. Easier and safer to do it on ice, not to mention cheaper. All you need are some shoes and a broom. And that's what they were donning at the Monday Mixed.

Before I give you your results, I want to remind you about the Curffle Bonspeil. This event is going on November 23 and 24 at the BRCC. I want to clarify that it is Friday, Nov 23 (In the Evening) and Saturday all day. If you were thinking that there was curling on Friday in the daytime, that is not so. This will be starting after you are off work so if that was a deterrent, please do not let it be. Cathy told me they had 19 teams. They are looking for MORE so please, Get signed Up! The proceeds are going toward a great cause so get involved! call Cathy Jensen or Laurie Kendrick. Or sign up at the club! They need your support.

HERE'S SOMETHING NEW! Do you have questions or concerns regarding the BRCC? If so, someone will be listening. Just email blindrivercurlingclub@hotmail.com and a director will see your query and respond. Just another way the BRCC is looking after its members. Awesome idea folks!

Ice A:  Brian west vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for West. Yes, never ever count them out. The West crew may not win every single game, but they win quite a few and they certainly got game. They win the "Curling Wolf In A Sheep's Clothing" Award!

Ice B: Al Viel vs Jerry Jensen. WIN for Viel. The Viel squad are a tough team and they will be a handful throughout the season. Great team to use to improve your game. They win the "Bring It On" Award.

Ice C: Dan McMillan vs Gator Fortin. WIN for McMillan. Gator and his crew got a few more teeth extracted this past Monday, but they don't care. They just enjoy getting out there and playing the game. These guys truly deserve the "Chillin' Curlers" Award....just casual.

Ice D: Francois Lemieux vs Sandy Milroy. NO INTEL. The Bionic Boot sometimes hands out a good bootin' and sometimes, takes one. This one could have gone either way. I noticed Shirley was not present for this bout and I am thinking Francois may have been feeling a little bit of separation anxiety. Did it affect his game? It might have... If you have played against Francois and his rink, then you know that they are shoo-ins for the "Cordial Curlers" Award.

Ice B (Late): Glen Austin vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Austin. The Monday Newfie Bullet posts the "W" against the newly-formed Rivard rink. The Rivards have been long-time pals of the BRCC and are a constant presence. It is members like these that have helped the BRCC become the cool little club that it is. That's why they should be the recipients of the "BRCC Or Bust" Award.

And that is how it played out this Monday evening.

I am not usually one for boosting things that are outside the realm of "life at the BRCC" but for this once, I would like to mention Francois Lemieux and his upcoming play, "Stinkin' Thinkin". It is going on at the Alan Bray Auditorium on Saturday, Nov 3 (Evening Show) and Sunday, Nov 4 (Afternoon Show). Tickets are $10.00 with the proceeds going to the Special Olympics. Francois wrote and directed this play. There is a large cast of players and some very special people are in it. You will love this. It has lots of entertaining scenes and some very cool  tunes. The play sends an important message and is extremely entertaining on so many levels. I have known Francois for many years and he has always had my respect for many reasons. He has so much for the community in so many different ways, (he has always been there for the  BRCC), and he has done a ton of things for the exceptional people in this town. Just when I think that he has garnered all my respect, he gets me involved in this production and my mind is completely blown. My hat is off to this man, and when you see this play, yours will be too! That is not to minimize the role of everyone else, there are many, many people who have contributed to this production in so many different ways and they have been excellent fun to hang out with. You will see them all on Saturday night OR Sunday afternoon. Check it out, you will not regret it.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. What does Beetlejuice and Edward Scissor Hands have to do with curling?  Well, this is actually Andrew Roberts and Natasha Hallett at the Halloween Dance on Saturday past. Their costumes were absolutely fantastic! And they are members of the BRCC. Andrew plays in the Wednesday Open 8-Ender League as well as the Thursday Mens. Natasha also plays in the Open 8 Ender League as well as the Tuesday Ladies. This is a young couple and without a doubt, part of the future of the BRCC. The continued success of the BRCC will hinge on keeping young players in the club and in the game, in general. The Thursday Mens was busy again last week. lots of games to report.

Ice C (Tuesday late): Rick Berthelot vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Posties continue to roll. They always have a solid season..let's see if they keep it together for the season!

Ice D: Ben Lemieux vs Francois Lemieux.  NO INTEL. This one could have gone either way. I won't even venture a guess.

Ice A (Thursday Early): Dan Berthelot vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Berthelot. The Friendly Giant and his crew are still having some growing pains. Certainly not the case for the Berthelot crew. When these guys are on, they are on and there is no holding them back. Murray Fullerton plays vice on this crew and he makes lots of shots for his skipper. This is another dark horse team and could easily get on a run and head up the leader board.

Ice B: Jim Kendrick vs Dave Mitchell. TIE GAME. Interesting result for this one. The current club champs had their hands full with this Kendrick rink.

Ice C: John Hammond vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Hammond. It was not an easy win for the Hammond crew. In fact, it was a come from behind win. The Rivard crew played a good game and stayed in it, but in the end, it was the Hammond rink that bought at the bar. Perhaps they are starting to get over Chauchi's absence!

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Yvon Valiquette. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet still on the tracks. The Valiquette crew are coming off a great season last year and with it being so early in the season, they are  not concerned about this loss. They have lots of games to play and perhaps they will get on a roll as soon as they have a "Love- In".

Ice A (Late): Al Viel vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Viel. With Mike still absent, Big Daddy was steering the ship but they ran aground against the Viel crew. While Al and his posse have had a tough start, they are looking to begin their run. As for the Laderoute crew, they will need to patch that hole in the hull and get that ship back afloat. Lots of time to do that.

Ice B: Chris Zagar vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Villeneuve. After a rocky start, the Villeneuve squad post a "W".  This is usually a tough crew and I am thinking that now that they are on the board, their run is going to begin.

Ice C: Jeff Mitchell vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Mitchell. That's two in a row for the newly - formed Jeff Mitchell rink. Awesome showing! As for the Molson Exers, perhaps another team practice is in order.

Ice D: Craig Roberts vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Roberts. Big win for this Roberts crew. This is a new team with a new skip. They post their first "win" and it is still early in the season. I'm t6hinking that this win can be, in part, attributed to the unreal sweeping contributions made by newest team member, Hassan Aziz. If you have seen this guy sweep, then you will know that he puts every ounce of his being in every brush stroke.

So that's how the Thursday mens played out for this week 3. Lots of season left and there will be alot more teams jockeying for positions on the leader board. But it's not all veteran teams doing the winning. New squads are in there and having a good showing. This will be an interesting season for sure as these newer teams carve out a position for themselves at the top of the leader board. Stay tuned for that.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. Did Chuck Randell really need to make this public knowledge?! Well, that's not him. Chuck would not make such an announcement. BUT, I do believe that Chuck lost his "Curling Virginity" at the BRCC. He plays in the Wednesday Mixed and the Thursday Mens. Chuck is a good -hearted, colorful guy and that was evident last night when he showed up in his Norwegian style John Daley pants. Certainly the award for "Most Colorful Player" goes to Chuck! Once again, all the sheets were full for the Wednesday mixed. This is a good group of teams in this league. It will be nice to see this league expand.

Ice A: Vola Roberts vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. The Rose Factor was back last night with a fury. I saw Rose ake lots of good shots for her skipper and they had a convincing win against Vola and her crew. I noticed Vola was going three so it just be that they are looking for a fourth player. Interested in the Wednesday mixed, call Vola and jump on a team!

Ice B: Glen Austin vs John Hammond. WIN for Austin. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet tussled with he tough Hammond squad but in the end, it was the Newfie Bullet still on the tracks and chugging off into the sunset. These 2 teams will not meet again until after Xmas so I expect Team Hammond will file this loss in their memory banks and revisit when they battle it out again.

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Al Viel.  WIN for Viel. The junior ladies gave this one their best shot but they were playing against a tough squad. Not a total loss, however, as they DID mange to win a few ends and get some points on the board. My advice for them:  Hayley..concentrate on strategy and take outs. Carlie: practice take outs alot. Think about the weight you want to be your take out weight. Julia: concentrate on throwing alot of draws...find your draw weight and focus on it. Tamarra: find your draw weight. Practice your draws alot.  Girls in General: The more you practice..the better you will become.

Ice D: Andrew Roberts vs Tom St Jules. WIN for St Jules. Big Daddy is just coming off a loss so this squad was poised to strike. The Roberts crew attempted to resist but resistance was futile. Better luck next week when they take their crack at the Hammond crew.

So there it is for another Wednesday. I looked around last night and there are some good squads in this league so I anticipate that there will be some good games throughout the season. And after all, isn't that what it's all about?!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

This is just another reason why I curl. Curlers just have to hurry way too hard to get caught up in something like this! And they were hurrying hard last night at the Monday Mixed. Everybody was out, even the late game got played. Kudos to Team Gator Fortin and Team Sandy Milroy!

Ice A: Michel Rivard vs Dan McMillan. WIN for McMillan. It's a win for Team McMillan's first night out. This is a good squad...they're sure to rack up some wins this season. And, they are another team that will play late games!

Ice B: Glen Austin vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Austin. The Monday Newfie Bullet left nothing to chance and sent Team Villeneuve careening off the tracks. A bit of Novocaine from Dr terry might soothe the ache.

Ice C: Jerry Jensen vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. With Scotty Smith at the helm, Team Jensen were unable to withstand the blows from the Bionic Boot. Although bruised and battered, Team Jensen will get back up and be back for another match next week.

Ice D: Al Viel vs Brian West. WIN for Viel. Al Viel and his rink will be a tough nut to crack this season in this league. But there are lots of teams that sport nutcrackers in their bag of tricks so everything is doable!

Ice B (Late): Gator Fortin vs Sandy Milroy. With Sandy absent and Lucy Ann at the helm, the Milroy squad managed to put a bunch of shots together and extract some teeth from the Gator. But they most likely left lots of teeth behind and the Gator Fortin rink will be back next week ready to bite some unsuspecting team in the you know where!

So that's how it played out this Monday Mixed. Excellent turn out. Excellent league. Just another great night at the BRCC........one of many to come this season.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Can you imagine what would happen if this sign was posted at the BRCC? I would have to say that we would lose the vast majority of our membership! and the ones that remained would be the ones in a state of denial. But I'll tell ya, I've been to a few Thursday Mens League where I wished there was a sign like this out on the ice. I'm sure we've all been there. Going to the hack to shoot and inadvertently inhaling a smelly gift that the previous shooter has left behind. Man, what is it about cold air and flatulence. There is No escaping the whiff!...but I digress. The Thursday Mens completed its second week of play and some good games ensued. Despite some hunting season absences, the sheets were full and only 1 missed game.

Ice C (Monday): Glen Austin vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet put the Zagar crew out into the sticks, but it was not without a pretty good fight. The Zagar crew enjoy coming out to the club and socializing. They like to get out there and play a game. However, this team is improving and they manage to make shots. Chris Zagar threw a few nice ones that kept them in this game for a while. I expect these guys are going to win some games this year.

Ice B: Dave Mitchell vs Stephane Lemieux. WIN for Mitchell. That's 2 in a row for the current club champions. They had an early season struggle last year and came on in the end to win the Club Championship. This year, they are coming on strong in the early season....ah, what do I know about trends.

Ice C (Tuesday):  Keith Rouselle vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Rouselle. This is the "New and Improved" Molson Exers. After a team practice last week, they came out swinging this week and handed the Laderoute squad their first loss. They for sure win the "Most Disciplined Team" Award.

Ice A: (Thursday) Dan Berthelot vs Brian West. WIN for West. So that's one in a row for the West squad. This team is one of those dark Horse team. They are a good crew and well able to make shots and win games. And they have been together awhile. And hey, they are headed up by  Brian "We'll See What Happens" West. Turns out he made a couple of hum dingers to win this game. Not surprising.

Ice C: John Hammond vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Hammond. Although feeling the effects of the loss of Chauchi, his star third, John and his 3 man squad managed to post the win. Still lots of talent left on this crew with Dan McMillan playing third, the king of the soft draw and tap game. And the Friendly Giant and his mates, they're back in the growing phase. The big guy is just back from a year long break so he needs to find his mojo.

Ice D: Craig Roberts vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux.  The Robb Road Express, although still reeling from that loss to the Mitchell crew, pulled it all back together, had a group hug, stroked each others egos for a while, and posted a win against the newly formed Craig Roberts rink.

Ice A (late): Jeff Mitchell vs Al Viel. WIN for Mitchell. The newly formed Jeff Mitchell rink is minus Shane Boyer, While Shane is off on a hiatus, Jeff is at the helm. This is another 3 man squad that is most likely looking for a fourth. And for his fist time out, Jeff posts a win.

Ice B: Jim Kendrick vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. They're back and going "postal" for another year. The Rouselle squad are a tough team and always have a good run. First game...first win.

Ice C: Francois Lemieux vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Lemieux. Francois is back with his same rink for another season. You'll recall last year how well they did throughout the season. They posted alot of wins...I expect the Bionic Boot will be handing out some hurting again this year.

Ice D: Rick Berthelot vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Berthelot. Great night for the Rick Berthelot crew knocking off a tough team. However, Team Villeneuve, although a veteran squad, have had a tough start. But it's early and these guys are always in the mix. Too early for the Noxema yet.

So that's how week # 2 played out. Early in the season and lots of curling to go. There are like 3 or 4 teams that have only 3 players. I'm sure they would like a fourth? Want to get on a team in the Mens League? Here is a perfect opportunity AND you would be helping these teams out.  Check out the team lists on the board at the club. You'll see all the 3- man teams..pick one and call the skip. Or let Dave Mitchell know. He'll help you out.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic