Wednesday Open 8 Ender

But they don't "suk" at the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. In fact, there are lot's of good players and lots of good games in this league. And they were out there proving it on Wednesday past.

Ice A: Vola Roberts vs Tom St Jules. WIN for St Jules. Vola was minus Mark and had brother Bob at the helm. They have only had a handful of games so far this season so they win the "Prodigal Curlers" Award.

Ice B: Hayley Horton vs Andrew Roberts. WIN for Roberts. Just barely, the junior ladies forced Andrew to throw his last stone to secure the win. Great game girls. They win the "Scarin' 'Em All These Days" Award.

Ice C: Warren Neufeld vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. The Viel squad continue to be one of the dominant teams in this league. They win the "Try To Knock Us Off The Hill" Award. Perhaps that might happen when they take a ride on The Wednesday Newfie Bullet on Dec 9.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Austin. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet also has had a good run in this league with just one loss (to the Neufeld Factor). We win the "Bringin' Our "A" Game For Dec 9" Award.

So that's how it was for this Wednesday. This is a good league. Hopefully we can fill up the second draw for next season.

Just a word of thanks to Team Mitchell, the Gemmell's, Chad and Hayley Horton as well as Bob Villeneuve and Terry Fryer. These people have graciously lent their time to play some games against our Senior Mens Competitive Team (Glen Austin, Mike Landry, Dan Horton and Dennis Roberts). These are late games and these people are coming out to give us practice games to help us improve. Thanks alot for your time..it really does mean alot to have people supporting you. Also thanks alot to Mike Laderoute who has come out weekends to get the ice ready. Thanks alot for your support Mike!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

Here's just one more reason why I curl. I would think that this maneuver could be called the groin crunch / face crush. And after this bout is over, I could see the blue wrestler paying a visit to Dr Terry Fryer for some post-match teeth work! The BRCC Ladies aren't into wrestling much either. They are into the non-contact sports, like curling! And they were out there on Tuesday, still jostling for position on the leader board.
Ice A: Paula Sommers vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Tivy. The Iron Bridge Belles back on track with another win and making the trip from the Bridge pay. It's been a tough start for the Sommers crew but they might be looking to give 'er in the second half. They win the "Don't Want To Burn Out Early" Award.

Ice B: Myra Kiernan vs Makayla Alloway. NO INTEL. This has all the fixins' been a good game. The experience of the Kiernan crew against the young firecrackers (Alloway squad). The Alloway squad are a good team  but could they handle the quiet tap, tap game that they were going to get from Myra et al? The Alloways win the "We Can Handle Anyone's Game" Award.

Ice C: Shirley Lemieux vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Hagger. This Hagger crew continues their ascent to the top. They win the "Eyein' The Top Spot" award.

Ice D: Hailey Horton vs Christine Sholburg. WIN for Sholburg. The Sholburg squad has won the vast majority of their games. They certainly have the potential to be at the top. This is a team to watch. They win the "Up, Up and Away" Award.

Ice B: Anita Moran vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Moran. The tough Moran squad continues to be a team to beat. This week Anita handed her daughter Joanna a second place finish. They win the "Take No Prisoners" Award.

Ice C: Annie Austin vs Liz Rouselle. TIE GAME. My beloved Rez Girls have had a bit of a roller coaster this first half but getting a tie against a tough team like the Rouselle rink is a good thing. They win the "Savin' It All For The Second Half" Award.

So that's how it played out for this Tuesday. The top of the leader board is any one's guess by the Christmas break. Still a couple of games to be played so anything can happen.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I imagine one would have to clip along at a pretty fast gait to become airborne. It only goes to show, it's hard to get it done when you don't have the right gear. Same with curling. Wearing proper curling shoes will improve your game. And a good brush is always good to have. The BRCC has this gear, plus much more. With Christmas just around the corner, now would be a good time to buy that social someone some new curling gear. Check out the BRCC today for your curling gear!

Ice A: Gator Fortin vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Fortin....but no one really noticed because they are all busy enjoying themselves. That is the trademark of the Fortin squad. If you don't have a good time playing against this crew, you need sense of humor lessons! They win the "Yuk Yuk" Award.

Ice B: Jerry Jensen vs Dan McMillan. NO INTEL. However, by the way that the McMillan crew has been performing this year, the Jensen crew would have had to have their "A" game to post a win. And of course that is entirely possible. The Jensen rink got game too. They win the "We Ain't No Slouches" Award.

Ice C: Al Viel vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Viel. The Viel squad is a solid crew and they win alot of games. They win the "Flyin' High" Award. But can they defy gravity for long?

Ice D: Sandy Milroy vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve squad post a win. It's been an up and down season thus far for this crew, but they are solid and will no doubt get on a roll. They win the "Late Bloomers" Award.

So that's hot the rocks slid for this week in the Monday Mixed. Don't forget the BRCC Ladies Spiel is coming up in January (25th - 27th). Get your team in there, and with this year's theme being Woodstock, get your hippie on!

And Happy Belated Birthday to BRCC pal, Chauchi who celebrated his birthday on Friday, Nov 30. All the best from the BRCC Chauch.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. Did Dan Horton gain some weight? And who are his new friends? Well, that's not him. Dan prefers curling and would not be caught cross dressing and frolicking in the snow. Dan plays second for the Robb Road Express. This veteran crew is having a pretty good season thus far. And as I type this, the Mitchell crew remains undefeated. Only two more games to the Christmas break. Lots of teams near the top of the leader board but the question remains, who will hand the red hot Mitchell crew their first loss?

Ice C (Monday): Dan Berthelot vs Jim Kendrick. WIN for Berthelot. The Berthelot squad has suffered a few losses this first half but are a solid team and now that the busy fall season is over, these guys will be focused and ready to knock off some opponents. They win the "Mentally Adjusted" Award.

Ice B (Tuesday): Glen Austin vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet still motoring ahead...looking on the horizon for the Robb Road Express. No sign yet...sometime after Christmas. We win the "There's Only Room On The Tracks For 1 Of Us" Award.

Ice C: Dave Mitchell vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell crew continues to hold the top spot. Great run by this team of veteran players. They win the "It's Surreal" Award.

Ice A (Thursday): Rick Rouselle vs Chris Astles. WIN for Rouselle. The Rouselle picks it up right away after suffering their first loss last week. They win the "Weebles" Award because Weebles Wobble But They Don't Fall Down.

Ice B: Brian Tonelli vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers post another win and manage to hold thier own on the leader board. They win the "Treading Water" Award but this is the new and improved Molson Exers so they can get on a roll anytime.

Ice C: Al Viel vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Viel. The Viel rink continues a very solid start to the season. They win the "Makin' Our Move" Award.

Ice D: Jeff Mitchell vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger rink is starting to string some wins together and they are showing promise to have a good second half. Don't be surprised to see them hovering near the top of the leader board after the break. They win the "Savin' The Best For Last" Award.

Ice A: Yvon Valiquette vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Valiquette.  The Valiquette squad is looking to get on a roll. After a slow start, some wins are due and certainly within this crew's abilities. They win the "Hopin' This Is It" Award.

Ice B: Chris Zagar vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Zagar rink continue to play better games and are still staying focused. They win the "Never Say Never" Award.

Ice C: Brian West vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for West. The Robb Road Express were on an excellent roll this season. This team is no stranger to the top end of the leader board and this is where they find themselves in spite of this loss. This is good news compared to the tough start they had last season. They win the "Back Where We Need To Be" Award.

Ice D: Rick Berthelot vs John Hammond. WIN for Berthelot. The Hammond rink has had a tough start this year compared to the awesome run they had last year. But this team has undergone some changes and is now joined by Terry MacDonald. They win the "Findin' Our Way back" Award.

So that's how it played out for this past Thursday. Have you signed up for the Boxing Day Spiel yet? Get your team in there asap and prepare for a fun day and night.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

I know what you're thinking. Who did the caricature of Brian West? Well, that's not him, Brian's hair is not brown but he does have a similar moustache with the Movember thing going on. Plus, Brian does not deliver with the Manitoba Tuck! There's only a few of us at the BRCC and we are scarce!

The Wednesday Open 8 Ender only had 3 games this week with one game cancelled.

Ice B: John Hammond vs Tom St Jules. WIN for St Jules. Big Daddy has had a tough start but that is only a temporary thing and this win shows just that. This team will always give you a tough match. They win the "Gittin' It Together" Award.

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Junior Ladies suffered a tough loss BUT the upside is, they are learning how to lose and that is more important than winning. Learning to battle back is a skill and they are destined to acquire this ability. They win the "We'll Keep Pluggin' Away" Award.

Ice D: Ryan Hagger vs Warren Neufeld. Win for Hagger(?)  I am not 100% sure of this but I think the Hagger rink pulled out the win. And if I am correct, that's a big win against a very tough team. The Hagger crew provide an entertaining game for whoever they play against. Lots of rocks in play and interesting shots. They win the "It's All About The Fans" Award.

So that's it for another week at the Wednesday Open Ender. I see names are already up on the Boxing Day Spiel. Get your team in there and take part in this longtime BRCC Boxing Day Tradition.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! For alot of this coming up at the BRCC. Please consult the board and sign up to help out at these events. The BRCC needs your help.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

Awesome set of wheels for the right lady. Certainly a head turner! and there were lots of head turners at the BRCC on Tuesday as the Ladies League continued to jostle for position on the leader board.

Ice A: Liz Rouselle vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Rouselle. The Rouselle rink has had a good run so far this season. Lots of wins posted. They win the "Comin' On Strong" Award. Nice job ladies.

Ice B: Marg Tivy vs Anita Moran. WIN for Moran. The Iron Bridge Belles had their hands full with the tough Moran crew. Most likely a quieter ride back to the "Bridge". They win the "Bruised But Not Broken" Award.

Ice C: Christine Scholburg vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Scholburg. This Scholburg squad are really something. This is a new squad but they are tough and they have been winning alot! They win the "Keepin' The Momentum" Award. Well done ladies!

Ice D: Makayla Alloway vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Hammond. The Hammond crew has come into their own for sure this season. They are posting some wins and playing better games every week AND building confidence as well. It can be seen in their play. They win the "Who's Next?" Award.

Ice A (Late): Christie Hagger vs Beth Laderoute. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger crew continues to steam forward and certainly must be seen as one of the tougher squads out there. They win the "Holdin' Our Own" Award.

Ice B: Annie Austin vs Hayley Horton. TIE GAME. It is interesting to watch the Junior Ladies improve. They have close games and remain focused in the game. I have to applaud these young ladies in the way they carry themselves...very personable. They win the "Personality Plus" Award.

So that's how it played out for this past Tuesday.  I have not tallied all the wins / losses for this league but I know right off the top of my head that there is a jumble at the top of the leader board. It will be interesting to see how it all hashes out at the Xmas break.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Christmas is coming hard and fast. It's already the end of November and  there is snow on the ground here in the North Shore Banana Belt. The Poster for the Blind River Boxing Day Spiel is up at the club. This spiel is a BRCC tradition and there is always alot of teams participating and this really is a fun time. AND, it's only $48.00 a team. As always, there is a spaghetti supper to go with the curling and a dance. Get signed up early, this is a really popular spiel!

Ice A: Brian West vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Villeneuve. With Bob back from his sun search, this team is feeling the motivation. They win the "Climbin' To The Top" Award.

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Glen Austin. WIN for Lemieux. The Monday Newfie Bullet was slung off the tracks and therefore wins the "we Be Needin' An Overhaul" Award.

Ice C: Jerry Jensen vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Jensen. The Rivard crew have been having some good games but just can't seem to get the breaks when they need them. They win the "Curling Gods, Stop It!" Award.

Ice D: Dan McMillan vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. I believe that this is the first loss for this Red Hot McMillan team. They have been on a roll. They win the "We Lost Some Air, But Our Bubble Is Not Burst" Award.

So that's how it played out this past Monday. And speaking of the Mixed, I was talking to Brian West last night about the BRCC Mixed Spiel coming in February. I know it is still November, but the BRCC Mixed is going to fill up fast so you need to get signed up early. Brian will be putting the poster up in December so watch for it.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. How come Stephane Lemieux is dressed up as Marj Simpson? Well that's not him. Steph is taller and cross dressing is not his thing. Curling IS his thing however, in spite of the fact that Steph is taking a year off from the Roaring Game. And we miss him around the BRCC but he'll be back. He's a curling chronic and he will not be able to resist the curling sirens forever! And for sure, Steph is missing the Thursday Mens league. Lots of games going on week after week.

Ice A: (Monday):  Rick Berthelot vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Bionic Boot pulled out the win in this come from behind effort. Good comeback for the Lemieux crew and they win the "Power Of Positive Thinking" Award.

Ice B: (Tuesday): Brian West vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers have won some and lost some but are on the plus side for sure. The boys have game and they win the  "Always In The Wind" Award.

Ice C: Chris Astles vs Yvon Valiquette. WIN for Astles. The Valiquette squad have not had the start that they had last season but these guys are a solid team and can easily get on a roll. there's lots of curling left yet. They win the "No Reason To Panic" Award.

Ice A (Thursday): Dave Mitchell vs Glen Austin. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell crew are having an awesome season. They remain unbeaten this year. Not surprising for this veteran squad. Richard Olmstead throws second for this team and he makes a TON of shots for his team. And Gator Fortin continues to be the strong vice that he has always been. These guys got some serious game. They win the "To Infinity And Beyond" Award.

Ice B: Ryan Hagger vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger squad have played some tough games this year. They pulled off a good one this week getting by the red hot stick of Mike Laderoute. The Hagger rink is another one of those dark horse teams. They are going to get on a roll and I can see them as a serious playoff contender.

Ice C: Bob Villeneuve vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Villeneuve. Big win for the Villeneuve squad, toppling the unbeaten Rouselle rink. This may be the beginning of the come back run for Team Villeneuve. They win the "Gathering Steam" Award.

Ice D: John Hammond vs Jim Kendrick. WIN for Hammond. The Hammond rink is right in the thick of things on the leader board. They win the "Floatin' In The Soup" Award.

Ice A (Late): Al Viel vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Viel. Despite a slow start, the Viel rink continues to be upwardly mobile and has been on a good run for a while now. They win the "Back Where We Belong" Award.

Ice B: Dan Berthelot vs Michel Rivard. Win for Berthelot. The Berthelot crew has been having some good seasons. Last year this squad had a solid showing and this year promises to be more of the same. They win the "We Be Jammin'" Award.

Ice C: Jeff Mitchell vs Ben Lemieux. Win for Lemieux. The Robb Road Express is having an excellent season. This veteran crew has got it together and it is showing. They win the "We Be Gellin'" Award. Great job guys.

Ice D: Chris Zagar vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Roberts.  The Roberts crew have broken through and are now moving upward. This squad is a perfect example that time brings improvement. These guys are playing good games and you never know, Craig might start wearing curling pants and then the metamorphosis will be complete. These guys win the "Movin' On Up" Award.

So that's how it played out last Thursday. Interesting shuffle on the leader board still going on with three more weeks until the Xmas break.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

CURFFLE?
It is a form of curling, with a shuffleboard point system and was created by the Clarkes on Manitoulin Island  (where it is played with as many as 60 to 70 teams).
The BRCC had a curffle bonspeil on Friday and Saturday, as a fund raiser for the Blind River District Health Centre (monies will go to toward purchase of a large scale ultrasound machine, a portable ultrasound and garden improvements for Golden Birches.) 
Chaired by Cathy Jensen, 18 teams ( of 2 people) participated, and what great fun it was. The game goes quickly, sometimes played in less than an hour, and the enthusiasm of all the players made it a real success. It was so nice to see new faces in the club, some who had never curled before, and a couple of people who had never stepped foot inside the facility. 
When the spiel was over, spaghetti dinner was served, and everyone went home with a prize.
If you or any member of your family have ever used the BRHC, mark this spiel on your calendar for next year. Give up your weekend ( just Friday night and Saturday) of other activities and come out to this event.   Next year we should aim for at least 32 teams.  Support your hospital - it is an essential service in our community and we all need it.
Also, Hayley Horton was the winner of the draw to the button from our club and she showed a lot of heart in her one and only shot with no sweeping and out on the ice all by herself.  Congratulations on your achievement, Hayley.
Maymar

Wednesdsay Open 8 Ender

And there they are! Those crazy road sign guys, caught red - handed! And to answer a previous question, they got all the way to the L before it clued in. A head scratcher for sure. But they weren't scratching their heads at the BRCC last night. They were curling in the Wednesday Open 8 Ender.

Ice A: Glen Austin vs Andrew Roberts. WIN for Austin. With Mike Laderoute at the helm, the Wednesday Newfie Bullet took the win. Mike is a pistol with that stick and he wins the "Stick Skip For Hire" Award.

Ice B: Vola Roberts vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. With Mark Bender at the helm, the Roberts crew took on a tough squad and came up a little short. But, this is only their second time playing this season, I'm finding out so really, their season is just starting. They win the "Better Late Than Never" Award. Welcome back!

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. With dad, Chad, filling in for Hayley, the Bantam Juniors played a good game but were forced to accept second by the Incredible Neufeld crew. These guys and gals are in the curling zone. Never ever a push over, the Neufeld rink is having an excellent run. They win the "Untouchables" Award. Great job!

Ice D: Al Viel vs John Hammond. WIN for Viel. Good win for this Viel crew. They have had to overcome some obstacles this season as they are a 3 person team. Al has recently recruited new curler, Kyle Murray. Looks like his perseverance paid off so Al wins the "Christopher Columbus" Award.

So that's how it played out on Wednesday Evening. Lots of Curling action left this week as the Thursday Mens is back on the sheets tonight and there's another story in itself. Lots of jockeying for position on that leader board. Lots of good teams and lots of up and coming teams. An excellent mix making an excellent league.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic