Tuesday Ladies

Germany's Andy Kapp displays fine form in this On Ice Pilate's. Notice the fine, "in the air" back leg extension. Most likely not to be considered the best curling form but he sure got this Pilate's thing down pat! But there was some fine curling form last Tuesdays, and fine forms curling as well as the BRCC Belles took to the ice in the Tuesday Ladies.

Ice A: Paula Summers vs Shirley Lemieux. WIN for Summers. Big win for the Summers crew. Despite a tough first half, they are looking to pull it together for the second half and move up the leader board. These ladies win the "Got Our Knickers Pulled Up!" Award. Good work, keep it going ladies!

Ice B: Christie Hagger vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Hagger. Another big win as the Hagger crew knocks off the veteran Iron Bridge Belles. The Belles have hit a bit of a slump but this is definitely a temporary thing for this tough squad. They win the "Pausing For Station Identification" Award.

Ice C: Annie Austin vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Kiernan. The Rez Girls got their curling bells rung by the very solid 'Emerald Isle" crew. Myra and her squad win the "Showin' Em The Rocky Road To Dublin" Award. Oh, and by the way, "Red Bum" Award for my beloved Rez Girls. (I feel your pain.)

Ice D: Team Alloway vs Beth Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute squad have had a really good season and are on a roll. With the way these ladies are playing, they are carving their way towards the top of the leader board. They win the "Cosmic Alignment" Award.

Ice A (Late): Christine Scholburg vs Anita Moran. WIN for Scholburg. Wow, this Scholburg team is awesome. This new squad has the right chemistry and has made quite a splash in the league this year. They win the "Rising Stars" Awards. Look for this team to be in the mix at the top of the leaderboard when the dust settles.

Ice B: Joanna Hammond vs Hayley Horton. WIN for Horton. The Bantam girls line em up and knock em down in this well played match. These girls are still focused and looking to keep improving. They win the "Stellar Attitude" Award. Great job by these young ladies.

So that's how it played out for this round of play in the Tuesday Ladies. This ladies league is a great league and is very strong. Our BRCC Belles should be applauded because their involvement is a significant part of the success of our club. Thanks alot Ladies!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

I know what you're thinking. When did Yvon Valiquette have a shave and play in the World Curling Championship? Well, that's not him, that's Tom Brewster from Team Scotland. Yvon plays in the Thursday Mens League but I am sure he would like to get to a World Championship. For now, however, he will have to settle for Thursday nights at the BRCC. And if he wants to hone his curling skills further, he could join the Monday Mixed and curl 2 nights a week instead of one. The Monday Mixed is an excellent league and everyone has a good time, just like this past Monday.

Ice A:  Bob Villeneuve vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Lemieux squad win their fair share of games in the Monday Mixed League. They have found a good balance between veteran curlers and new curlers and the chemistry has produced good results. They win the "Successful Titration" Award.

Ice B: Jerry Jensen vs Al Viel. This was a "TWIN"...Tie - Win (for Jensen). Apparently this was a tie and then they decided to play one more end and the Jensen crew pulled it out. The Viel crew wins the "Shoulda' Quit While We Were Ahead" Award.

Ice C: Sandy Milroy vs Glen Austin. WIN for Milroy. The Milroy rink continues to be one of the top teams in this league thus far this season. They have won the vast majority of their games so they win the "Who Is Going To Knock US Off The Hill?" Award.

Ice D: Gator Fortin vs Dan McMillan. WIN for McMillan. The Fortin rink has had an up and down season. They win a few and lose a few but ALWAYS have a good time regardless. They win the "Nevermind The Scoreboard, It Interferes With The Game" Award. Great bunch of people, this team!

So that's hot it played out for this Monday Mixed. Just another good evening for those people involved. Want a good night out with your significant other...or just looking for another night to curl, get involved with the Mixed League. Great people, great games!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Now what you have here is the future of our sport. These fine young men are Kale Goudreau, Stephen Berthelot, Dawson Kluding and Jacob May. They had a great weekend of curling and while they will not be going to the Bantam Provincials this year, they made quite a splash at the Regional Playdowns and won the hearts of the fans. I'm hoping they will stay together as a team and play more curling next season. Perhaps join a league and play some regular games. Curling food for thought.

So they were back at it for the second half of the season for the Thursday mens League. Turns out that it was the Michell rink in first place at the break...ahead by 1 point. These are the current club champions and they are having an excellent season thus far. It will be interesting to see if they can maintain this winning streak.

Ice C (Tuesday): Keith Rouselle vs Rick Berthelot. WIN for Rouselle. The Molson Exers are back posting a win for their first night in the second half. The Exers are a solid team and have the potential to get to the top of the leaderboard. They win the "Gittin' A Prescription For 'Curl-Agra" Award.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Dan Berthelot. WIN for Austin. The Thursday Newfie Bullet posts a win to start the second half. We are right on the heels of the Mitchell crew (1 point behind). We win the "Just Waitin' For The Stumble" Award.

Ice A (Thursday): Dave Mitchell vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell team, as stated previous is the current top dog in the league going into the break. They win the "Lonely At The Top" Award.

Ice B: Al Viel vs Jim Kendrick. WIN for Viel. The Kendrick rink has had a win some / lose some kind of season but they have the potential to work their way to the top of the leaderboard. They win the "Flyin' Under The Radar" award.

Ice C: Francois Lemieux vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Lemieux. The Posties are also on the heels of the Mitchell rink and have had an incredible season thus far. They will need to keep it together for a while longer if they want to capture top spot. They win the "Lookin' For Some Glue" Award.

Ice A (Late):  Ben Lemieux vs Brian Tonelli. WIN for Lemieux . The Robb Road Express continues to have a good run. They too hover near the top of the leaderboard and this veteran team seems hell-bent on capturing the Club Championship. They win the "Lookin' To Be King" Award.

Ice B: Yvon Valiquette vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Valiquette. After a slow start, the Valiquette crew is poised for a strong finish. They win the "We Were Just Kidding In The First Half" Award.

Ice C: Chris Zagar vs Jeff Mitchell. WIN for Mitchell. The Mitchell crew was like a bullet out of the starting gate this season but along the way, ran into some turbulence but it is looking like they are back and ready to post some wins. They win the "Lookin' To Recapture The Glory" Award.

Ice D: Bob Villeneuve vs John Hammond. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve rink had a sluggish start to the season but it looks like all that is behind them now and they are moving forward. They win the "To Infinity And Beyond" Award.

So that is how it played out on this Thursday Mens and I must say, it feels good to be caught up again.

In other news, did you catch any of the continental Cup of Curling? BRCC pal Dean Gemmell was playing in it and he showed the curling world that he could pound a rock with the best of them. It was good to see Dean participating in this event and hopefully he will make it back to the US Nationals and eventually the World Championships. Undoubtedly, this team works hard and they will have earned it.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

Perhaps this guy drank alot of coffee and feels he can put this fire out without using conventional methods. He better get his job over with soon or he will be feeling this house's heat. Just like other teams were feeling the "Blind River Heat" just this past weekend at the BRCC Bantams playdowns. Both BRCC teams had a good showing and certainly displayed some heat during several ends of play. And they sure displayed what sportsmanship is all about. Both teams were excellent sportsmen and regardless of anything else, that is the essence of competition. I think both these teams are big winners because of this and similarly, the BRCC is a winner for having them associated with our cool little club.

And they also display lots of good sportsmanship at the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. They all get out there, play as best as they can and have a good time while they are doing it. That's how it is at the BRCC.

Ice A: Vola Roberts vs Warren Neufeld. Win for Neufeld. Although posting a couple losses in the first half, the Neufeld Factor is still a real tough crew to beat. If they can't knock you down on the ice, they will kill you with kindness. They win the "Congenial Curlers" Award.

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew are a touch team at all times. This result was  not surprising but the big plus is that Al took the time to provide a little insight for the Bantam Girls just adding to their grip on the "Roaring Game." Al wins the "Benevolent Curler" Award.

Ice D: Andrew Roberts vs  Tom St Jules.  WIN for St Jules.  Big Daddy and his squad pull out another victory. Big Daddy is a dedicated curler. He is a Curling Chronic in his own right and enjoys playing the game as much as anybody. And you can see his focus when you are playing against him. He wins the "Loyal Curler" Award.

So there it is for the first week of the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. This really is a good league. I am hoping we can fill up the second draw and really make this league rock.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I cannot help but notice how many I pads are out there since Christmas. Seems like everyone has one. Sometimes I think all this technology is not such a good thing. People are getting sedentary when they should be getting out there and doing things. Just like at the BRCC, where on Tuesdays you will find the BRCC Belles playing a game of curling and enjoying themselves. And that's how it should be.

Ice A: Anita Moran vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Moran. The Moran rink continues to be right up there in the standings. They start off the second half with a win. They win the "Just Carryin' On" Award.

Ice C: Paula Summers vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Kiernan. This Kiernan rink has been a force to be reckoned with all season long and continue to show em how it's done. They win the "Dealin' Out Curling Educations" Award....they also deal out Red Bum Awards too from time to time.

Ice D: Hayley Horton vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Bantam girls continue to see this season as an experience builder. And that is exactly what it is. They will all the more stronger next season. They win the "Gainin' Experience As We Go" Award.

Ice B (Late): Beth Laderoute vs Annie Austin. WIN for Laderoute. My beloved Rez Girls need to find their Mojo and perhaps that will get them on track for the second half. They win the "Lookin' For A Cup Of Focus" Award.

Ice C: Makayla Alloway vs Christine Scholburg. WIN for Alloway. The Alloway crew have lots of experience and can play with the best of them. They have the ability to beat the best of them and have done this in the past. They win the "We Can Bring It" Award.

So that's how the Ladies kicked off the second half of their season. The Ladies League is an excellent league. Lots of teams and certainly lots of good games. And if you don't believe me, drop by some Tuesday evening and see for yourself. These ladies know how to enjoy themselves.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Yes, important tip for all you people who like to have snow falling on your tongue. Look up first! That's what they do at the BRCC. They look up first and decide when to sweep. That's what they were doing at the second half of the season opener on Monday night (Past). Yes, this blog is way late but catching up is always hard to do.

Ice A: Sandy Milroy vs Brian West. WIN for Milroy. The Milroy rink continues to be a tough crew to get by. They make alot of shots and certainly inspire the need for opponents to bring their "A" game. They win the "Still Rockin' Em" Award.

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Lemieux. The Lemieux rink wins a few and loses a few but always have a good game. They win the "Never Count Us Out" Award.

Ice C: Gator Fortin vs Al Viel. WIN for Fortin. The Fortin rink, when they win, always seem to win big or they don't win at all. They win the "No Grey Area Here" Award.

Ice D: Bob Villeneuve vs Jerry Jensen. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve rink had an up and down first half but are right on track at this, the beginning of the second half. They win the "Somebody Woke Up The Sleeping Giant" Award.

Ice B (Late)  Glen Austin vs Dan McMillan. Win for Austin. The Monday Newfie Bullet came into this match seeking redemption for the beating they took at the hands of this McMillan rink in the first half. We win the "Payback Is Sweet" Award.

So that's how the second half of the BRCC curling season kicked off. The club will be rocking in this second half with the Ladies Spiel coming up Jan 25 and the Mixed in February (22nd). And don't forget the Mens Closing which is the premiere event that always has the season close with a bang!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic
 

Bantam Regionals At BRCC: Good Times

The BRCC played host to 5 Bantam Boys teams and 2 Bantam girls teams this past weekend. Great bunch of young people and some impressive shot-making. There were 3 boys teams from Sault Ste Marie (Team Rhude, Team Servant and Team Manary), a team from Thessalon (Team Goodmurphy) and a team from Blind River (Team May). For the girls, it was Team Rutledge from Sault Ste Marie and Team Horton from Blind River. Team Servant and Team Manary will be going on to the Provincials as well as Team Rutledge for the girls. Congratulations to these fine young players and congratulations to all the teams who competed for putting on a fine show for the fans.

The Blind River Bantams, consisting of Jacob May, Dawson Kluding, Stephen Berthelot and Kale Goudreau were perhaps the most inexperienced team playing in this competition but there were certainly the MOST entertaining. And they won a game on Saturday night that had the crowd cheering. Great bunch of young fellows!

The BRCC Bantam girls went 0 - 2 but played well and certainly demonstrated their potential. I think next year will be a different story for this team. This was a great experience for them and I was most impressed with their upbeat manner and the way they conducted themselves.

In fact, both BRCC teams were very personable and they did their club proud.

Special thanks to Bob Villeneuve and Terry Fryer who ran this event. Terry donated snacks for the teams..thanks alot Terry! Thanks alot to Cameco...who donated hats and mits to each of the 7 team players. That was a nice touch and the kids certainly appreciated it. Also, thanks to Tod Swan who spent the weekend at the club as the head official. As well, Lucy Ann Trudeau was the girls' coach and Akeeshia Trudeau and Al Viel coached the boys. Akeeshia attends university in Sault, MI and took the weekend to travel to Blind River to coach these boys so thanks alot Akeeshia...that was awesome. Also thanks to Mike Laderoute and Richard Olmstead for looking after the ice. Also, thanks to Kristy Blanchet (and Bella) who inputted scores on the NOCA site.

It was a fun weekend for everyone involved in this event. A good learning experience for the young curlers and certainly some excellent entertainment for the parents and fans. Great job by all.

Rock On

The Curling Chronic

Flood Scheduled for 9 AM, Saturday, Dec 29th

Mike Laderoute wanted me to let you know that the ice will be flooded on Saturday, Dec. 29th @ 9 AM. This will be completely necessary to get rid of the crap that will be left on the ice from the Boxing Day Spiel. Mike is looking for some volunteers to show up for a couple of hours to help him out. This is an excellent way to get those volunteer hours going on and Mike certainly needs your help. Please make an effort to show up if you can.

Merry Christmas to all of you from the BRCC!. Have a fun and safe holidays. Avoid drinking and driving at all costs!!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

It was no tree stand water for the BRCC this past Tuesday. They were enjoying the full-bodied taste of real beverages as they celebrated at their Christmas party. They curled 4 ends and they had a Turkey shoot. Winners of the Turkeys were: Julia Horton (great job Julia!!), Paula Sommers and Christine Scholburg.

The ladies brought presents to donate for local children who need them. Great idea and great job by the organizing committee. Thanks alot ladies for doing your part for the league and the club.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Santa and his cinnamon bun delivery. A couple hours with Al and Maymar Gemmell would have Pere Noel stretchin' it out! They were all stretchin' it out last Monday at the Mixed.

Ice A: Al Viel vs Sandy Milroy. WIN for Milroy. And that is how the Milroy crew will head to the holidays, posting a win. This is a solid team and they have had alot of success in the first half of the season. They win the "Tough Stuff" Award.

Ice B: Bob Villeneuve vs Dan McMillan. WIn for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve squad knock off t a tough crew. They win the "The Stars Have Aligned" Award.

Ice C: Glen Austin vs Gator Fortin. TIE GAME. Excellent game, lots of good shot-making on both sides. Always lots of laughs playing against the Fortin squad. They win the "Fun Factor" Award.

Ice D: Michel Rivard vs Brian West. WIN for Rivard. Michel Rivard has been picking up the pace in both leagues that he is playing in. Last week he tied his Mixed game and this week a win is posted. Michel wins the "I'm Feelin' It" Award.

I noticed that Michel Rivard signed his name to the Mixed Doubles list on the board. This is just a list to see how much interest there would be for a tournament some weekend. If you think you would like to try it, sign up and lets put something together in the New Year. Perhaps this might lead to a new league being formed. One thing is for sure, Mixed Doubles is absolutely excellent for having fun and honing your skills all at the same time. The games are fast and there are plenty of interesting ends. Always lots on rocks in play. Check it out!

Rock On!

The curling Chronic