Tuesday Ladies

Yes, I would have to say thinking is extremely important in this situation. But I would say thinking is important in most situations. This guy could use a cup of focus. The BRCC Belles were full of focus at the Tuesday ladies. They were out there doing lots of thinking about the Roaring Game.

Ice A: Shirley Lemieux vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Rouselle rink have been having a wonderful season. They have been on a roll and they are one of the top teams in the league. They win the "Back In The High-Life Again" Award. Stevie Winwood would be proud (if he was a curler).

Ice B: Anita Moran vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Moran. Although it has not been the second half that the Iron Bridge Belles have been hoping for, this slump is not indicative of just how solid this team really is. And these lovely ladies love the Roaring Game and they make the trip every week to get to the BRCC to play. They win the "We Did It For Love" Award. Peter Ceterra would agree (if he was a curler).

Ice B (Late): Beth Laderoute vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute rink are having a good season for sure. They have had lots of wins this season and they have had many great games. They may not win every game but it would be hard to find a squad that is more friendly and personable than these ladies. They win the "Thank You For Being A Friend" Award. I'm sure the Golden Girls would be on board with that (if they were curlers).

Ice C: Hayley Horton vs Annie Austin. WIN for Horton.  Once again, the Bantam Girls demonstrate just how improved and together they really are. It has been a treat this season to watch them grow into the Roaring Game. It is impossible not to be a fan of this popular young squad. They win the "You're Flying On Your Own" Award. I am positive Rita McNeil would concur (if she was a curler).

So, that's how the rocks came down the ice for this week of the Tuesday Ladies. Won't be long now and the Scotties Tournament of Hearts will be kicking off. Just a quick update, it WAS Andrea Crawford (nee Kelly)...alias Bunny Eyes, who won the New Brunswick Scotties. They will represent NB and this team has really improved. You never know, they could get on a roll and get to the playoffs. We'll know for sure in a couple of weeks. The STOH is an excellent tournament. Women's curling, although a different game than the Men's, is just as intense and entertaining and I, for one, am looking forward to Scotties time!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Fortunately, we wear curling shoes at the BRCC and they do not have bunny ears so there is  no possibility of something like this happening. Easter will be in March this year which means the Mens Closing Spiel will be a week earlier on the 21, 22, 23 and 24th. But before that happens, the BRCC Mixed is happening on Feb 22 and 23rd. This is a 2 day spiel, an idea which people seem to have warmed up to. But in these 2 days, there are lots of games and there is a dance on the Saturday night. Last year was a blast..I imagine it will be the same this year. The BRCC always has fun events...the best on the north shore. Just ask around, and you will see that everyone knows where the BRCC is! Brian and Nancy West run this spiel and they do an excellent job. This couple has always been active in the club and here is another duo that is a huge asset to the BRCC. And they are great people too...fun to hang out with and certainly fun to play against.

Ice A: Gator Fortin vs Brian West. WIN for Fortin. The West squad enjoy their curling. And they are fellow curling chronics. Winning is not paramount for them..they enjoy playing the game and hanging out with people at the club. They win the "Social Butterflies" Award.

Ice B: Jerry Jensen vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. The Jensen crew, with Scotty Smith at the helm, were forced into a second place finish by the tough Viel squad. It's the "Red Bum" Award for Scotty and he also wins the "Takin' One For The Team" Award.

Ice C: Michel Rivard vs Bob Villeneuve. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve crew had a close one going with the Rivard rink for a good part of this game but things got away from them in the latter stages. The Villeneuve crew is a pretty consistent crew and they win the majority of their games. Bob has Terry Fryer in the second position and these two have good curling chemistry. They also curl together in the Thursday Mens. They win the "Iggy And Squiggy Of Curling" Award.

Ice B (Late)  Glen Austin vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Austin. The  Monday Newfie Bullet could not be caught by the Lemieux rink, but there was no Stinkin Thinkin by them. They win the "Sinkin' Thinkin'" Award.

And that's another Monday Mixed for the record books. The curling season will be ramping up outside the BRCC as the Scotties Tournament of Hearts will be starting in a couple of weeks and not long after that, the Brier will be televised. There will be lots of curling to think about, that's for sure. Been thinking about the Continental Cup of Curling? Well, in January 2014, it is going to be held in Las Vegas. I'm stoked. We have already purchased our tickets and booked our hotel. Why not give it some thought. It would be awesome to have a Blind River contingency at this event. It may be one of the very few times that you will go to Vegas to watch curling. Curling food for thought.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

That's right! There is No "I" in curling. That's the beauty of the Roaring Game...it's a Team sport. You win or you lose as a team and to be a good team, you have to work as a team. And there were lots of teams, as usual in the Thursday Mens still trying to move up the leaderboard. With only 3 weeks left to go in regular season play, there will surely be some teams making their move.

Ice C (Monday): Rick Rouselle vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Rouselle. The Posties have been awesome this year. But so has the Hagger rink. This is a new team, this year, and they have made quite a splash in the Mens League. They have had many close, entertaining games and if this squad stays together, they will be a force to be reckoned with next season for sure. They win the "Metamorphosis Complete" Award.

Ice C (Tuesday): John Hammond vs Francois Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. It's been an uncharacteristic second half for the Hammond rink. They have had their share of struggles and this is a team that is usually a tough customer. With the playoffs approaching, I think they will be looking to make their move. They win the "We've Fallen But We Will Get Up" Award.

Ice D: Chris Astles vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. The Laderoute rink has had a great season. They are on a streak and continue to be a presence on the ice in each and every game. They win the "Big As Life" award.

Ice A (Thursday): Rick Berthelot vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Berthelot. The Berthelot rink have been up and down but in the second half of this season, they have strung some wins together and certainly have the wherewithall to get on a roll and be a serious contender in the playoffs. They win the "Always Been In It" Award.

Ice B: Dan Berthelot vs Craig Roberts. WIN for Berthelot. The Roberts rink is a new rink this year and they have been forced to go through the growing phase as most teams with newer players must. However, they are a committed bunch and they keep workin' it and eventually, they will be stringing together the wins. They win the "Not Doin' Our Time For Much longer" Award.

Ice C: Ben Lemieux vs Jim Kendrick. WIN for Lemieux. The Robb Road Express.....can they be stopped? They have been dealing out the beatings for quite a while now. This veteran squad is one of the teams to watch as the season winds down. You will recall they lost the Club Championship final last year so it is not surprising they are looking to spit out that bitter taste. And they have had lots of help from Robin St Jules in the third position. He continues to punish his opponents by making shot after shot. He wins the "Enforcer" Award which means he also wind the "Go Ahead, Make My Day" Award.

Ice D: Keith Rouselle vs Glen Austin. WIN for Austin. The Molson Exers came out swinging in this one but let it get away from them in the latter stages of the game. They win the "Trouble Closin' The Deal" Award. This is still a solid crew and they also have the potential to make a big splash in the playoffs.

Ice A(Late): Dave Mitchell vs Jeff Mitchell. WIN for Dave Mitchell. In this battle of the brothers, it was the shorter one that came out the victor. Dave wins the "Kin Don't Mean Nothin' In Curling" Award.

Ice B: Bob Villeneuve vs Al Viel. WIN for Villeneuve. With Terry Fryer at the helm, the Villeneuve crew continue to move up the leaderboard. They have had a much better second half. These guys have always been a tough squad so it is not surprising to see them stringing some wins together. They win the "No Crabs In The Can Syndrome For Us" Award.

Ice C: Yvon Valiquette vs Brian West. WIN for Valiquette. The Valiquette squad have not had the season that they had last year but since everyone makes the playoffs, they are just as big a threat as any other team out there. It is so typical in curling for a team to escape the doldrums just at the right time and get on a roll. I see this as a possibility for this crew. They win the "Never Discount Us" Award. I would never count these guys out...that would be a huge mistake.

Ice D: Brian Tonelli vs Chris Zagar. WIN for Tonelli. The Friendly Giant did not have the season that he had hoped for but it sure was nice to see Brian get back into the game after going through knee surgery last year. He may not have won alot of games this year but you will not find a nicer guy on the ice. He wins the "Most Sportsman-Like Player" Award. I believe being the good sportsman that he is, is just as prestigious as being a club champion.

So that's how it worked out for this past Thursday Mens. There are 3 weeks of regular season play left and then the play offs start. This year, everyone makes the playoffs so if your team has had an off year, don't swear it because if you get on a roll at the right time, none of this will matter and you can still come out on top. And at this point, it is difficult to say who will be the next BRCC Club Champion. Kudos to Dave Mitchell who has looked after the Mens League for many years. The Mens League is very strong and lots of good teams in it. And the atmosphere at the club on Thursdays is fun and you can always count on good games. Dave has alot to do with this and the BRCC (and the players) owe Dave a debt of gratitude. If you see Dave around, mention this to him. Let him know that you appreciate the time, effort and support that he has given the BRCC. He's another of the great assets of the club and I am proud to call him a friend. Thanks alot Dave!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Scotties Shaping Up

Team Homan: Rachael Homan, Emma Miskew, Allison Kreviasuk and Lisa Weagle. This Ottawa foursome will be representing Ontario this year at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. And they are a tough team too. I fully expect them to be in the playoffs at the end of the week, at the very least. Northern Ontario's Tracy Horgan did not fare as well this year and did not make it to the final. It was Cathy Auld and although this Auld squad had a great week, they could not get by this Homan powerhouse. Some regulars from the other provinces will be there and some new names will also grace the sheets in Kingston.

Team Canada: Heather Nedohin...the Edith Prickly (remember SCTV?) of Curling. I enjoy watching this crew. They are colorful and talented. Personally, I think Heather and her personality are perfect for TV curling.

BC: Kelly Scott...the Smurfette of curling. Great player and a solid team. I expect they will make a play off spot but I cannot see them winning. Nonetheless, Kelly Scott is one of the most polite curlers you will ever see. I like this squad.

Alberta: Kristie Moore. New name in the Scotties field but they must be good! They beat alot of good teams to get to the Scotties. I don't see them making the playoffs but you never know.

Saskatchewan: Jill Shumay. Another new name to the Scotties but not really that new in Saskatchewan curling circles. Once again, this squad beat a tough squad in Stephanie Lawton to get to this National Championship so they can't be slouches. I'll be interested in seeing how they make out.

Manitoba: Jennifer Jones. Not a shocker. This is still a solid crew and I fully expect to see them in the playoffs at the end of the week. I have never been much of a Jennifer Jones fan but I must admit, I have warmed up to them a bit in the past year. Would I root for them to win the Scotties?...let's not get carried away. But you have to hand it to them, they are good and the possibility of them winning the Scotties is very real. Despite knee surgery and having a baby in the last year, Jennifer is back to her normal, tough-shootin' self.

Quebec: Allison Ross. What, no Marie France Lerouche. As much as I like Marie France (I've been a fan since Sudbury in 2001), it is refreshing to see some new talent coming out of this province.

New Brunswick: Not decided yet but Andrea Crawford (nee Kelly)...alias Bunny Eyes will definitely be a strong contender in this provinces' provincial which is being played as I type this. Another strong team that could get to the Scotties out of NB is Sylvie Robichaud. Excellent rock chucker! Stay tuned but rest assured, a tough crew will be coming out of this province.

PEI: Suzanne Birt. You might remember her as Suzanne Gaudet. She was a rising star out of the juniors a few years ago. This is NOT her first Scotties, in fact this will be her 4th or 5th trip I should think. Her third is Shelly Bradley and I am a huge fan of this lady. You might remember Shelly Bradley having her own squad back in 2001 and going 5 or 6 straight before the bottom came out and they imploded. I felt her pain. She has been to several Scotties either as a skip, a vice or as a 5th. I hope for good things from these ladies. I have a soft spot for PEI Teams, especially since the final in Sault Ste Marie with Erin Carmody at the helm.

Nova Scotia: MaryAnne Arsenault. You won't be seeing the talented Heather Smith Dacey this year. BUT, Mary Ann Arsenault is no stranger to the Scotties. In fact, she is a world champion. She'll be joined by the infamous Colleen Jones and Kim Kelly. This team will hopefully have a good showing. I like them alot. I'm sure Wrigleys gum is stoked that Colleen is going to this National Championship.

Newfoundland / Labrador: Stacy Devereaux. This squad has been to the Scotties before. They did not have the best showing but I am hoping that they are more seasoned and will get to a play off. I HAVE to hope for this because they are from my beloved "Rock" and I would be remiss not to root for them.

Territories: Kerry Galusha. Not a big surprise here Kerry is the # 2 Smurfette of Curling. There are not alot of contenders coming from the territories and Kerry is always a crowd favorite. I do not expect to see them in the playoffs but I do expect to see some real good games from this crew. They may not be the strongest team there but they are entertaining and it is fun to watch the crowd get behind them.

PREDICTIONS?: Playoff Spots will go to Jennifer Jones, Heather Nedohin, Rachael Homan and Kelly Scott. Homan and Jones in the final and Homan goes to the Worlds. Of course, this is only a prediction and anything could happen. The one prediction I have that is for sure is that this year will have some excellent curling and I'm stoked for the Scotties to begin.

Whomever comes out of the Scotties will not have a cakewalk at the Worlds. There are awesome teams out there like Ott (Swiss), Sigfridsson (Sweden), and don't forget Anna Siderova from Russia who is a shooting star.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

I know what you're thinking. Is Scotty Smith in touch with his devilish side? And who is he trying to scare with that pink demon suit. Well, that's not him but I'm sure Scotty has a devilish side that sneaks through every now and then. But we all have that now don't we? Scotty plays in the Monday Mixed with his wonderful wife, Wendy and also in the Thursday men's. In fact, Scott is part of the Mitchell rink and is, in his own right, a BRCC Club Champion. Plus he's a great guy and an asset to the BRCC. But there were lots of BRCC assets out there last night at the Wednesday Open 8 Ender. In fact, it was an excellent turnout for a stormy Wednesday night.

Ice A: Tom St Jules vs Al Viel. TIE GAME. Big Daddy took on the tough Viel crew and stayed right with them, right to the end. A good night for this squad. They win the "Diggin' In Our Heels" Award.

Ice B: Andrew Roberts vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Roberts. Wow, the Roberts crew knock off the extremely tough Neufeld Factor. This team sure has come a long way. They have been having great games all year. Natasha Hallet is a natural in this sport. She has not been playing for all that long but she certainly has become a real nice curler. She wins the "Progress Without Roids" Award. Good job by this Roberts squad.

Ice C: John Hammond vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Hagger crew are always a tough team to get by. As for the Hammond rink, they are back i n the building phase. Perhaps John is distracted and still dreaming of beaches and bananas. He wins the "Send Me Back To The Sun" Award.

Ice D: Hayley Horton vs Vola Roberts. WIN for Horton. I cannot mention enough how impressive the growth of the Bantam girls team has been this year. Their passion for curling is evident every time they go on the ice. If there was a prize for maturity and growth on the ice, it would have to go this popular young team. They win the "Lookin' To Give Back All The Red Bum Awards That We Received" Award. They also win the "We Be At The Club So We Ain't In Trouble" Award. These young ladies are awesome!

So there you have it for another Wednesday night. This league has lots of potential to grow. For those that may have been hesitant to play in the Wednesday Open 8 Ender, you should know that this is a great league and there is room to add teams for next season. We would love to see more teams involved and really grow this league. Curling food for thought.

As for the ice, I'm sure you will all agree that the ice sure has lots of curl these days. Our ice guys have spent alot of time working on our ice and there is lots of curl on all the sheets. What you should know is that our ice guys give it alot of thought and they try different things to keep the ice curling. They should be commended for listening to feedback and working hard on the ice. Great job guys. Thanks alot for your hard work.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

I know what you're thinking. Did Al Viel dye his hair? Well that's not him. Al is too busy curling and renovating to find time for hair dye. Al curls three times a week which makes him a fellow curling chronic. And he's been having a pretty good year too. He is right up there in the standings in The Mens and wins alot of his games in the Mixed and the Open 8 Ender. Al was one of the people running the shooter bar at the BRCC Ladies Woodstock spiel last weekend. Al gives alot of his time to the BRCC and the club benefits big time from his efforts. Thanks alot Al.

There are lots of people that volunteer at the BRCC, and you will find many of them curling in the Ladies League. This league is 13 teams strong and is an important part of the club. We could not manage without them for alot of reasons. And they were all out there this past Tuesday, playin' hard and trying to move up the leader board.

Ice A: Hayley Horton vs Myra Kiernan. WIN for Horton. The Bantam girls continue to impress as the scoop the win over the Emerald Islanders. Not an easy team to get by but the bantams found a way and posted the win. The win the "We're Winners And That's No Blarney" Award. Good job girls!

Ice B: Beth Laderoute vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Rouselle. The Laderoute crew had to accept second place for the second week in a row. This coming after a good winning streak. But the loss does not reflect the way these ladies are playing. They have had some very good games so losing is actually secondary. They win the "It's Not If You Win, It's How You Play The Game" Award. Great group of gals on this team!

Ice C: Christie Hagger vs Joanna Hammond. WIN for Hammond. The Hammond squad knocked off a tough team this week with a win over the intense Hagger rink. Joanna must be invigorated after 3 weeks in the Jamaican sun. She wins the "Sun, Sand and Pina Colada" Award.

Ice D: Anita Moran vs Paula Summers. WIN for Moran. The Moran rink continue to dominate the league. They really are a solid squad and it is imperative to bring your "A" game when playing against these ladies. But that is not a bad thing, quite the opposite really. Playing tough teams is the best way to hone your skills. The Moran rink win the "Givin' Out Free Lessons" Award.

Ice B (Late): Annie Austin vs Marg Tivy. WIN for Austin. My beloved Rez Girls hand a loss AND the "Red Bum" Award to the Iron Bridge Belles. After a slow start to the second half of the season, the Rez Girls are lookin' to get down to business and move up the leader board. There is still lots of season left to this league so they have lots of time to get on a roll. They win the "Gittin' The Lead Out" Award. Good work ladies.

So that's how the rocks curled this week at the Tuesday Ladies.  Jave you thought about playing in the Elliot Lake Ladies Vegas Spiel. There is probably time to get your team in and Danielle would love to hear from you. Don't be afraid to curl 2 weekends in a row. YOLO!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

Well, if you can't beat em, pull their pants off I suppose. That's just another reason why I love the Roaring Game. When we lose, there is no pulling of pants, it's just a trip to the lounge for a beverage. To me, this is much more acceptable. And that is exactly what they did this past Monday at the Mixed. I did not see one pair of pants pulled down, because that's not how they roll at the BRCC. Everyone just likes to get off the ice and head to the bar, and that's the way it should be.

Ice A: Glen Austin vs Michel Rivard. TIE GAME. With Debbie watching the baby, they had their lovely daughter Kyrie step in at the vice position. She hadn't curled for a couple years but you sure wouldn't know it. She made some great shots and helped her team out big time. She wins the "Just Like Ridin' A Bike" Award. It was nice to see her at the BRCC and I'm sure Mom and Dad are happy to have her visiting.

Ice B: Sandy Milroy vs Dan McMillan. WIN for McMillan. Big win for Dan and his squad, knocking off a tough crew. They win the "Jack In The Beanstalk" Award...they never climbed a giant vine to take down the giant but they slid up the ice all the same.

Ice C: Jerry Jensen vs Gator Fortin. WIN for Fortin. The Fortin crew got ahead in this one and did not look back. They win the "Beatin' All The Swamp People" Award. Not even Troy Landry could have taken down this crew on Monday night. (You have to watch the show Swamp People to get that one!)

Ice D: Francois Lemieux vs Brian West. TIE GAME. The West crew stayed right with the Lemieux squad to make this game a tie. It was nice to see Nancy West back in the mix after a brief hiatus. She wins the "Welcome Back Kotter" Award. I probably just dated myself.

Ice C (Late) Al Viel vs Bob Villeneuve. NO INTEL. This would have been a good game. The Viel crew have been on a roll  but the Villeneuve crew are no slouches so this one could have gone either way. I'm sure Al would have liked to keep his streak going and he wins the "Still Beatin' My Chest" Award.

So that's how it all ended up on this Monday past. This really is a fun league to play in. Although no one really cares about the wins and losses, everyone does enjoy each other's company and that what makes this such a great night out. It becomes a toss up as to what is more fun, the game itself or the hanging out afterwards. That in itself embodies the spirit of curling in general and for sure the spirit of curling at the BRCC!

And here's one more thing that might interest you. I can go in and see which countries are reading our little blog and you would be surprised to know that besides Canada, there are readers from the USA, Russia, Germany, France, Ukraine, Sweden, Australia (I know who that is!), Poland and Taiwan. That is truly amazing. I would be interested in hearing from these people just to see how it is that they visit our site.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Here's one triple lutz that did not land as planned. Perhaps this maneuver should be called the "Triple Klutz". And here's another reason why curling is the game for me. No big jumps, just sweepin' and shootin'. Oh, I've taken a few spills over the years but only have a bruised ego to show for it...not once have I gone through a wall. And nobody went through a wall at the BRCC last Thursday as the Men's League continued to jockey for position on the leader board. I don't know where the time has gone but there are only 4 more weeks left of regular season play and then the playoffs start. And there are lots of teams making a move and quite a few within striking distance of the top spot.

Ice C (Monday): Brian West vs Chris Zagar. WIN for West. With Andrew Roberts at the helm, the West crew are moving in the right direction up the board. They win the "Positioning Ourselves" Award. A few more wins and these guys are right there.

Ice C (Tuesday): Dave Mitchell vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Laderoute. It was a swing and a miss for the Mitchell crew this week. They are still near the top in the standings and will  most likely be one of the teams to beat in the playoffs. They win the "Slipped On A Banana Peel" Award.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Al Viel. WIN for Viel. The Viel crew had an excellent showing and sent the Thursday Newfie Bullet careening off the tracks. It's the "Helen Reddy" Award for Al Viel...I am curler, Hear me Roar!

Ice A(Thursday): Brian Tonelli vs Rick Berthelot. WIN for Berthelot. The Berthelot rink continues to move up the leader board and can certainly be a significant force to be reckoned with when the play offs roll around. They win the "Conditioning Is Over, We're Back" Award.

Ice B: Bob Villeneuve vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. The Robb Rd Express continue to punish it's opponents and continue with the amazing season they are having. MVP for this game?....Robin St Jules who made some fabulous shots all game long. He wins the "Buckin' For Ben's Job" Award.

Ice C: Dan Berthelot vs Yvon Valiquette. WIN for Berthelot. The Berthelot rink (minus Murray Fullerton) puts one on the plus side. This is another Dark horse team that could easily get on a roll and get to a final in the playoffs. They win the "Don't Be Countin' Us Out" award.

Ice D: Craig Roberts vs John Hammond. WIN for Hammond. After 3 weeks in the Jamaican sun, John is back, rested up and ready to deal out some curlin' hurtin'. He wins the "We Be Jammin'" Award. Welcome back John.

Ice A (Late): Keith Rouselle vs Ryan Hagger. WIN for Hagger. The Molson Exers continue to do the roller coaster thing, but should have no trouble making the playoffs and it might be then that they make their move. They win the "Wolves In Sheep's Clothing" Award.

Ice B: Francois Lemieux vs Chris Astles. WIN for Lemieux. The Lemieux crew have had another solid season. They may not have won every game, but they have certainly won their share and they will be around during the playoffs. Frank is a former club champion so he is no stranger to the podium. He wins the "Lookin, To Recapture My Former Glory" Award.

Ice C: Rick Rouselle vs Jeff Mitchell. WIN for Rouselle. The Posties are still right up there on the leader board. They have had a spectacular season and I am sure they intend to continue this rampage they are on. They win the "Intent On Tearin, Up The League" award.

Ice D: Jim Kendrick vs Michel Rivard. WIN for Kendrick. Dennis Roberts plays on this team and he curled through this game feeling poorly from the flu. In fact, he went on to play at the Senior Mens Regionals this past weekend in spite of the fact that he was under the weather. He wins the "Fightin, The Flem" Award. My hat is off to this guy, he's a trooper for sure!

So that's how it all played out for this past Thursday. As usual, the BRCC Mens is heatin' up as the season progresses. I hear guys talking about the Men's Closing already. Got your cheque in? They were due December 1st so i am assuming that all that has been settled and it's all systems go. Everyone looks forward to this curling hootenanny...it's quite the thing to end the season and I guess that's where the anticlimax lies, curling is over after this tournament is done. Perhaps not for all of us...there are a few of us curling chronics that look for a couple of tournaments in April just to prolong the season!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Elliot Lake Ladies Having Las Vegas Spiel

I absolutely love Las Vegas. I've been there twice and I will be returning in January 2014 for the Continental Cup of Curling. But, if a trip to Vegas is not in your budget, then the Elliot Lake Ladies at the Deer Trail Curling Club have the solution for you. They are hosting the Women's Vegas Spiel this coming weekend, February 1 - 3. There is still time to get in so make a plan and go there for some good curling and good times!

For $180.00 per team, you can enjoy a guaranteed 3 games, dinner, entertainment and a dance Saturday night. And that's not all, they are having a Casino night on the Friday night. This promises to be an excellent time so make a quick plan and get your team in there.....there is still time.

The ice will, for sure, be fantastic and you will enjoy quick ice with lots of curl.

Give the Elliot Lake Ladies some support and join in on their spiel this coming weekend. Call Danielle @ 705-848-6410 or email her: dblahey@sympatico.ca. I'm sure she would lave to hear from you.

And don't forget, "What Happens In Elliot Lake, Stays In Elliot Lake!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Open 8 Ender

Yes, hippies sure are colorful people. And as hippie week continues at the BRCC, preparations are under way for the BRCC Ladies Woodstock Spiel coming up this weekend. I have no doubt you will see some very colorful hippies kickin' around the BRCC. Join in the fun and watch some good curling while you are at it.

There was some good curling last night at the Wednesday Open  Ender. All the sheets were full and some good games ensued.

Ice A: Hayley Horton vs John Hammond. The Horton team won this one by default BUT, they lent a player to the Hammond squad and went on to win a "Red Bum" Award. I am thinking the Hammond crew would make good hippies. I'm picturing John Hammond in a tie die shirt and sandals and I think yep, this look could work for him. He wins the "Hippie In Hiding" Award.

Ice B: Ryan Hagger vs Tom St Jules. WIN for Hagger. Big Daddy tried to mount a come back but it was not to be against the tough Hagger squad. And how about Ryan Hagger as a hippie. I think he would embrace the peace and love thing but I am positive he would not embrace the fashion. I mean it took a few years just to get him into a pair of curling pants so I'm thinking bell bottoms and a Chinese collar shirt are just a little bit OUTSIDE the box for him. He wins the "I'll Feel Like A Hippie But Don't Expect Me To Look Like One" Award.

Ice C: Vola Roberts vs Andrew Roberts. WIN for Roberts. Excellent game here for both teams. Close all the way through with Andrew having to make his last shot to secure the win. This Andrew Roberts crew could easily do the hippie thing. Andrew could easily trade his Carlos Santana hat for a headband and everybody would start flashing him a peace sign. Him and Natasha win the "Heavenly Hippie Match" Award.

Ice D: Glen Austin vs Warren Neufeld. WIN for Neufeld. The Wednesday Newfie Bullet was no match for the Neufeld crew (with Al Viel at the helm) last night and had to accept a "Red Bum" Award. I have look at myself and wonder how I would be as a hippie. I was around for the bell bottom age and I remember this guy having a Canadian Flag sewn into his pants to make the biggest bell bottoms you ever saw. I wanted a pair like oxygen. BUT, by the time I was old enough to have my fashion wants acknowledged (by my mother who bought my clothes), the bell bottom thing had ended and I missed it. I win the "Too Late For Hippiedom" Award but to my credit, I flash the peace sign on a regular basis so based on that, I should also win the "Latent Peacenik" Award.

So, that's how it played out for this Wednesday. Just a couple more days and the BRCC Lady hippies will take to the ice and the good times will begin. I have to hand it to the BRCC Ladies, they sure know how to plan and put on a good time. My regional playdowns (Senior Mens) are this weekend in Elliot Lake and I will miss alot of the action at the  BRCC. I hope I get to see a few games anyway.

Myself, Mike Landry, Dan Horton and Dennis Roberts will be playing this weekend in the Senior Mens. There are also 4 teams from the Soo playing in this and 2 out of the 5 teams will go on to the provincials.

And, the National (a Grand Slam) event will be broadcast on Sportsnet today and over the weekend. It's being held in Port Hawkesbury, NS. So, this will be a curling weekend for sure!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic