Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Is Kristy Blanchet the boss? Well, that's not her but she does wear the white hat at the BRCC (metaphorically speaking). She's the president of the BRCC again this year and works pretty darn hard for our cool little club. She's there alot and is always doing her best to see that things are running well at the BRCC. Of course, she's got the other board members behind her and it's their effort that makes it all work and we continue to be a strong club in a small town.

Thanks to Mike Laderoute and Richard Lachapelle for getting a sheet of ice ready for us for a Mixed Doubles game. It was the only game that was being played late so it was good of these guys to set us up. And speaking of Mixed Doubles, I have been playing a few games now and it's awesome. It's a faster game with only 5 rocks being thrown per side. I think a one day tournament would get alot of teams out to play in a cash spiel type of set up. Two person mixed teams playing Mixed Doubles. I'm going to put up a list at the  BRCC to see how much interest we could get going for this. Believe me, mixed doubles is a neat game. Lots of finesse shots and an excellent way to practice your skills. If you see a list up and are interested in a one day thing, sign up and let's see where it goes!

The Tuesday Ladies were NOT playing Mixed Doubles. They were playing regular draw and jostling for position on the leader board.

Ice A: Makayla Alloway vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger crew are in a solid position on the leaderboard and why  not, they are a solid team. Donna Lediett throws second stones for this squad and I cannot remember if I mentioned it before, but this gal can curl up a storm. She makes alot of shots for her team. She's a regular at the BRCC and she plays at least twice a week. She's living proof that practice helps! She wins the "Big Gun" Award.

Ice B: Hayley Horton vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Tivy. With Hayley absent, Akeeshia Trudeau took the helm but could not muster the strength to overtake the Red Hot Iron Bridge Belles. These ladies are on a tear posting the wins like they are goin' out of style. They win the "Rip-Roarin'" Award.

Ice C: Christine Scholburg vs Joanna Hammond. NO INTEL. I am not sure what happened here. The Hammond rink are a newer team and have been looking to find their place on the leader board. They are playing better games and with the enthusiastic players on this squad, good things await them. That's why they get the "Yellow Brick Road" Award.

Ice D: Liz Rouselle vs Paula Sommers. WIN for Rouselle. The Rouselle rink seems to have found their mojo and are moving up the leader board. This is another tough team and they will be contenders for top spot I should think. They win the "Red Bull" Award because this team has wings.

Ice C (Late): Anita Moran vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Moran. The tough Moran rink is another crew that are in a good position on the leader board. It's been a great start for these ladies and rightly so, these are veteran players so they can make shots. They win the "Other Big Gun" Award.

Ice D: Beth Laderoute vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Kiernan. Myra and her rink posting another "W". This is another team that has the potential to place themselves at top of the leader board. They win the "Comin' On Strong" Award. This is another team to watch.

So that's how it played out for this Tuesday Ladies. With 4 more games left until the half way mark, lots of room for teams to get on a roll and juggle the leader board.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

This person was in a rush. At what point will they realize what has happened. This is proof that haste makes waste. There was no one being hasty at the BRCC last night at the Monday Night Mixed but they were Hurryin' Hard all the same!

Ice A: Glen Austin vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. In a come - from - behind effort, the Viel squad knocked the Monday Newfie Bullet off the tracks and into the bush and that's why we bet the "Caught Snoozin'" Award.

Ice B: Michel Rivard vs Sandy Milroy. WIN for Milroy. Tough night for the Rivard crew last night. Michel wins the "Lookin' For A Bigger Broom" Award.

Ice C: Francois Lemiuex vs Brian West. WIN for West. I noticed Nancy making lots of shots in this game which I ma sure helped guide her team to the win side. She wins the "La Pistola" Award for the week.

Ice D: Jerry Jensen vs Gator Fortin. NO INTEL.

So that';s how it played out for this round of Monday Mixed.

I noticed that the sign is up for the BRCC Ladies Spiel going off on Jan 25 - 27. This year's theme is Woodstock so get your hippy happenen' and get in the groove because there's always a groovy time at the BRCC Ladies Spiel. Make a plan for this one because for sure it will not disappoint. The BRCC ladies are excellent planners and it will, without a doubt, be a fun time.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Those crazy road sign guys are at it again. They are everywhere! It must be quite the contract. Great entertainment. And there was great entertainment at the BRCC, as usual, on the last Thursday Mens.

Ice A (Monday): Dan berthelot vs Ben Lemieux. Win for Lemieux. The Robb Road Express is having a pretty good season. Typical for a veteran team. They win the "We're As Good Once As We Ever Were" Award.

Ice C (Tuesday). Chris Zagar vs Dave Mitchell. WIN for Mitchell. Although forced into second place by the current club champions, the Zagar crew had another great game. They kept this one right to the end by making shots. That's why they win the "Who's It Gonna Be" Award. These guys are ready to break through, it's just a matter of when.

Ice D: Al Viel vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Viel. A close game right to the end, the Molson Exers could not pull this one out. Still a good start for these guys all the same. They win the "We've Fallen But We Can get Up" Award.

Ice A (Thursday): Mike Laderoute vs Rick Berthelot. WIN for Laderoute. Mike is back helping his crew post a win. He is pretty confident as a stick curler. He wins the "I'm Wielding The Big Stick" Award.

Ice C: Bob Villeneuve vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Villeneuve. The Roberts rink is another rink that is quickly coming into their own. They are playing some tough games and it is just a matter of time until they start handing out some second place finishes. They win the "Chompin' At The Bit" Award.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet still on the tracks upending the Lemieux squad. Frank  is still floatin' on a cloud after the successful showing of his play, Stinkin Thinkin. This might be distracting his focus from the Roaring Game a bit. He wins the "Torn Between Two Lovers" Award.

Ice A (Late): Yvon Valiquette vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Posties are tearin' up the league. They are out there playing good curling and winning their games. They win the "Steam Roller" Award.

Ice B: Ryan Hagger vs John Hammond. TIE GAME  This was a high scorin' dog fight. A close game with lots of rocks in play. Must have been entertaining to watch. If I recall correctly, I think this is the second time that the Haggar crew has been involved in a high-scoring shoot out. They win the "Go Big Or Go Home" Award.

Ice C: Jeff Mitchell vs Jim Kendrick. WIN for Kendrick. After bursting out of the gates, the Mitchell rink is forced into second place by the Kendrick squad. This new Mitchell team shows all the signs of being a tough nut to crack this season. They win the "No, No, We're Fine!" Award.

Ice D: Chris Astles vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Astles. A tough night for the big guy. The Tonelli crew are just coming off a win but could not post the "W" for this one. They win the "Baby Steps" Award. Slow and easy wins the race every time.

So that's how it worked out for this past Thursday Mens. The leader board is heatin' up with 4 weeks left before the half season mark. Time is just flying by.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

Here's my big question. At what letter did the painter get to before realizing the spelling error. Was the "O" already down and so they figured. "Oh well, what the heck".... or did they paint the whole thing, pack up and drive away not realizing at all? At the BRCC, spelling is the least of our concerns. We are thinking curling and spelling is not a big thing in this sport..you just gotta know how to add your points! And they were all adding their points on Wednesday at the Open 8 Ender.

Ice A: Tom St Jules vs Al Viel. WIN for St Jules. Big Daddy pulls out the win. After an uncharacteristic slow start, Big Daddy and his squad are back to their usual selves and looking to get on a roll. They win the "Back On The Track" Award.

Ice B: Andrew Roberts vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. With Andrew and Natasha away, Craig and Heather Roberts came to have a go at the Red Hot Neufeld rink. But to no avail, the Neufeld crew are in the curling zone and they are playing some good curling. They win the "Too Hot To Touch" Award.

Ice C: John Hammond vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hammond. The Hammond rink is a tough squad to get by. They always force you to make your shots or they will get away from you in a hurry. That's why they win the "Accountable Curlers" Award.

So that is how the rocks slid for this Wednesday night. Don't forget to drop by the club on Sunday, Nov 18   (2 - 5 pm) and "Show Your Stache". You could win a prize. Bring the whole family...prizes for all ages.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

And in response to this finely written personal ad, I'm sure there was NOT a line up of prospective candidates lined up around the corner. I could see the cleaning fish thing as being an absolute bonus! And there are lots of Good Women at the BRCC. I'm not sure if they are ardent worm diggers but they good curlers. Lots of drama at the Tuesday Ladies last night. Some good games and a Bantam Breakthrough.

Ice A: Liz Rouselle vs Cristine Sholburg. WIN for Scholburg. Red and her crew post a 'W" in this week's column. They are middle of the pack as far as can see but with lots of games to play, they certainly have the potential to move to the top end of the leader board. That's why they win the "Full Of Potential" Award.

Ice B: Annie Austin vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Rez girls got up early but the Hagger rink battles back and pulled out the win. Some good ends in this game bu both teams so they must share the "Quality Entertainment" Award for this week.

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Paula Sommers. WIN for Horton. This is the BIG news of the week. Big win for the Bantam Ladies in a well executed match....and me without my pom poms! They played well both individually and as a team. Great night for these personable young ladies. They win the "Playin' Like The big Girls" Award. Great job ladies!

Ice D: Beth Laderoute vs Anita Moran. WIN for Laderoute. Just back from a 2 or 3 week hiatus, Beth was at the helm and posted a well-deserved win against the tough Moran crew. Beth wins the "Just Like I Never Left" Award.

Ice B (Late) Makayla Alloway vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Tivy. With Malisha at the helm in place of her sister, the Alloway rink had a tough time with those Iron Bridge Belles. Once again, the Tivy team makes the drive from the Bridge worth the trip. They win the "Makin' It Pay" Award.

Ice C: Shirley Lemieux vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Kiernan. It is no secret that you are bound to be in tough if you get into a draw game with Myra and her crew. Myra is the master of the quiet tap tap nn' draw game. She wins the "Soft Touch" Award.

So that is how it all played out at this week's Tuesday Ladies. Great entertainment put on by the BRCC Ladies, week after week.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Now I am NOT a wrestler but if I had to name this maneuver, I would have to call it the "Arse Ripper". Once again, just another reason why I curl. I might get a spanking from time to time but I have never had an arse ripper and I am not looking forward to having one anytime soon. The Monday Night Mixed League was out there again this week and although there were NO funky maneuvers, there was some good curling and some real good laughs.

Ice A: Jerry Jensen vs Sandy Milroy. WIN for Jensen. With longtime BRCC pal, Scotty Smith, at the helm, the Jensen squad pulls off the win against the tough Milroy crew. Lucy Ann Trudeau was throwing last for the Milroy rink but despite her best efforts, had to accept second. She wins the "Curling Doldrums" Award.

Ice B: Brian West vs Gator Fortin. NO INTEL. I'm not sure what the outcome of this match was but there is no doubt that there was a fun time for the entire 6 ends. The Fortin rink are awesome. They have game and they know how to have fun out there on the ice. The win the "Cloud Nine Curling" Award, winning is optional.

Ice C: Al Viel vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew wins this one minus Kristy Blanchet. Apparently she dropped a crock pot on her foot and broke her toe. Ouch...and she wins the "This Little Piggy Limped To Market" Award.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Dan McMillan. WIN for McMillan. A convincing win for the McMillan rink as they sent the Monday Newfie Bullet careening off the tracks. This squad played an excellent game as a collective but Mary Shamas, in particular, made some real nice shots throughout the game and was instrumental in helping her team post the win. She wins the "I Took The Wind Right Out Of Their Sails" Award. Great job Mary.

So that's how it played out on Monday Night. And when the games were over, we all went out to brush the snow off our vehicles. With that reminder that winter is upon us, hopefully you get your snow tires on and make sure you are ready for the colder weather.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Curling Week and the BRCC

It's Curling Week November 17- 25. The BRCC is kicking it off on Sunday, Movember 18 from 2 - 5 pm with Come Show Us Your Stache. Yep, that's right, drop by the Blind River Curling Club this Sunday and show them your moustache. It'll be fun for ALL AGES! Bring the kids because  there will be prizes for Men's, Women,s and Kids. And you know the best part, it's FREE! Haven't got a moustache because you are 8, or because you are a woman who owns a "No No (have you seen that commercial?), then be creative a make one. Win a prize.

And that's not all that's going on for Curling Week at the BRCC. The NOCA is having a Draw To The Button Contest For the 4 Leagues that are on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, there will be a draw to the button where you could win $10,000.00. Awesome right? Everyone will get a chance to have a draw with the person putting the rock closest to the button will advance to compete against other club winners in the realm of the NOCA. So give it a try, you never know, $10,000.00 could come your way!

Come take part in the club's fun on Sunday. Great way to get out with the family.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Looking at this picture erases all doubt as to why I curl. Curling, like this, is a team sport but we just don't seem to require getting so up close and personal. We can function just fine at a distance from each other. And they were functioning just fine last Thursday at the Mens League. As usual, there were lots of good games being played but that is typical for this league.

Ice C (Tuesday): Ryan Hagger vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Bionic Boot snags another win over the newly formed Hagger rink. This is Ryan's first year at the helm in this league and looks to be enduring a few growing pains. Par for the course so Ryan wins the "Got Some Aspirin?" Award.

Ice D: John Hammond vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Robb Rd Express has been having a decent start to their season. They have racked up a few wins and this is not surprising for this veteran team. They win the "Set 'Em Up And We'll Knock 'Em Down" Award.

Ice A: Rick Berthelot vs David Mitchell. WIN for Mitchell. This Mitchell crew is red hot. They have been winning games like crazy this season. Certainly not the slow start they had last year. They win the "We're Just Gittin' Started" Award.

Ice B: Jeff Mitchell vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers hand the red hot Jeff Mitchell their first loss, but it was no easy task. This Mitchell crew has had an excellent start to their season and hopefully they can keep it up. This loss this week is most likely a temporary set back and they win the "Keepin' It All In Perspective" Award.

Ice C: Glen Austin vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet coming off a loss last week is back on the track and steaming ahead. There is only room for 1 train on a set of tracks so they win the "We're lookin' For The Robb Road Express" Award.

Ice D: Chris Zagar vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle but just by the hair on their chinny chin chin. The Zagar rink played an excellent game and brought this one down to the last shot in the last end. The Rouselle rink managed to pull off the win and they are shooins for the "Whew, That WAs Close" Award. Great showing by Team Zagar.

Ice A (Late): Chris Astles vs Alain Viel. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew has had a decent start to their season and are gaining momentum. They win the "Gittin' Wound Up" Award.

Ice B: Dan Berthelot vs Michel Rivard. NO INTEL. This one would be hard to call. The Berthelot squad are a tough crew to get by but the Rivard rink has 2 ice guys who know the ice. This one could have gone either way.

Ice C: Brian West vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Tonelli. The Friendly Giant has broken through and posts a big win. That explains all the confetti on the highway 17 between Blind River and Iron Bridge. The big guy is just returning this year from a year off and now seems to be getting on track. He wins the "Look Up, Look Way Up And I'll Call Rusty" Award. (If you are younger reading this, you probably never got that).

So that's how it played out last Thursday. Always good games get played in this league. Thursday night is such an awesome night at the BRCC. What an excellent way to begin getting into weekend mode.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

I think the crew who made this sign should have followed the road to the actual school. A bit of Readin', Ritin' and Rithmatic would not go astray. maybe this is some sort of subliminal message where students start thinking that school is cool. There were no subliminal messages at the BRCC on Wednesday night. Just curling, and lots of it. Some real good games got played. One game had such a high score, it could have qualified for basketball status.

Ice A: John Hammond vs Hayley Horton. WIN for Hammond. Well, the junior ladies took on a tough squad on Monday night. I watched their game as best I could from 3 sheets away and although they were down for most of the game, it was really impressive to see them not giving up. This team is growing, I can see it in them. Won't be long and they will be a tough little team. They win the "We Ain't Givin' Up" Award. Stay with it ladies. Remember, a cup of focus a day keeps the curling demons away!

Ice B: Christie Hagger vs Tom St Jules. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger crew is certainly coming into their own. These guys and gals play good curling and they are players to watch. They win the "Entering The Spotlight" Award.

Ice C: Vola Roberts vs Andrew Roberts. WIN for Vola Roberts with Al Gemmell at the helm. But this was the game qualifying for basketball status. With such a high score, it is safe to say that this was a dogfight the whole way. In the end, Andrew and his crew were forced to accept second place. But this is another team that has gelled and they are playing good curling and have become a solid squad. They win the "We Be Beatin' Our Chests" Award.

Ice D: Warren Neufeld vs Glen Austin. WIN for Neufeld. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet was knocked off the tracks by the Neufelds, who were firing on all cylinders for this match up. They had the advantage right from the start, however, since they have the Rose Factor and they win the "Rose Factor" Award. It is always advantageous to have Rose on your side regardless of what you are doing!

So that's how it played out this past Wednesday. The Open 8 Ender is a good league. It will be even better when it expands and I am thinking that there will be even more teams playing in this next season.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

Here's more physics at work, but man, I don't know about this one. But I do know about the physics when you are on the ice. Brushing is a fundamental part of the game. And lots of physics. If you want a rock to stay straight or if you want it to go further, then brushing is the way to accomplish this. If you are a front end player, you should know that you play a paramount role in the game. Good brushing often makes the difference between a shot being made and one being missed. Knowing how far a rock is going to go is a skill but the ability to do this and relay this information to your skip helps the line call and allows a plan B call if necessary. The Tuesday Ladies League have some good brushers and they were out there this week making it work for their skips.

Ice A: Myra Kiernan vs Hayley Horton. WIN for Kiernan. The junior ladies are still pluggin' away at it. They took the loss BUT, they are having better games and that is how it happens. As they endure their share of losses, they are learning and there will come a time when they are going to start winning their share of games. One thing to be admired about these young ladies is their enthusiasm and desire to improve, both individually and as a team. Some of the experiences they take away from this will be life long. They win the "Reddest Backsides But We're Learnin'" Award. Keep up the good work ladies!

Ice B: Beth Laderoute vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Rouselle rink have had a solid start and I expect that they will hover near the top of the leader board. They win the "We're Back In The Saddle Again" Award.

Ice C: Christie Hagger vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Hagger. The Hammond Newbies broke through last week with a win but had to take second place this week against the Hagger rink. This Hagger squad is a tough rink and they have some serious game. Christie Hagger has been at the helm for a few years now and she has loads of experience built up. She wins the "Poised To Strike" Award.

Ice D: Anita Moran vs Paula Sommers. WIN for Moran. The run continues for the Moran crew. These ladies have played some good curling and sit at the top of the leader board. Great start for these ladies. They win the "We Be Settin' The Bar" Award.

Ice B (Late): Marg Tivy vs Annie Austin. WIN for Tivy. In this come from behind victory, the Iron Bridge Belles prove once again that when they burn the gas to come from 'the Bridge", they are coming to play. And this veteran team can play. They win the "Road Trip To Victory" Award.

So that is how it played out last Tuesday. Signed up for the Curffle Spiel yet? There is still time! get your team in there. Call Cathy Jensen. Call Laurie Kendrick. Sign up on the list at the club. Lots of ways to get into this spiel.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic