Harnden Wins BRCC Mens Closing

Peer Pressure. One of the pleasant surprises from this past weekend at the BRCC Mens Closing. They made it through to Sunday and lost in the D Event Final. But it sure was fun to watch them. A new addition to this squad was Hassan Aziz, a new curler and it was particularly exciting to see him in a final. He curled his a** off and managed to win a prize. You might cherish this picture since word is that this could be the last appearance of Peer Pressure. What an incredible bummer. I love these guys!

 Winners of the A Event. Team Al Harnden. These guys might have won, but they had lots of tough games to win to get there. one of their tough games was against A Blind River rink, Ben Lemieux. Harnden had to make his last shot to win this one.

Rock Lemieux. You'll remember him from a couple of years ago when I posted a picture of him playing a harmonica at the jam session. Well, this year he played the drums. This little guy is absolutely incredible! A very talented and polite little guy. I never tire of seeing him doing his thing...he's awesome!


OTHER WINNERS were" B Event: Team Rick Rouselle (Blind River).

C Event: Team Gray Graham (Soo Curlers).

D Event: Team Chris Astles (Blind River).

So that's the end of another excellent season at the BRCC. This spiel was incredible le. Thanks alot to Francois Lemieux for organizing the jam session..it was the best! And thanks to the awesome performers. A special thanks to Nancy and Brian West for organizing and running this event. The prizes were phenomenal! Also, thanks alot to Richard Olmstead who was at the club early every morning and throughout the day to help with the ice. And Chauchi did his normal excellent job. Also, thanks to Anita and Joanna who played the good tunes and helped clean the club after the dance Saturday night. And I should mention the good job done by Adam Valiquette in running the bar and maintaining the club over the weekend.

It was a great season once again and I am sorry to see it end but I am stoked for summer and the camp. I enjoyed writing the blog and I enjoyed hearing all the positive feedback from those that took the time to read it. Our readership is growing every year and I hope that's an indication that our club will keep growing. Remember, try to get your friends involved this coming year. Let them know how much fun curling is and how much fun it is at the club.

Keep an eye on this site. I'll still be making posts as time goes on. There is still the Mens Worlds to comment on (I'm keeping an eye on our pal, Dean Gemmell) as well as the last slam event. Keep an eye on the Gushue for the last Grand Slam..he's going to yet again have a new crew! Lots to report to you yet!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Team Mitchell Wins Club Championship

Dave Mitchell, Gator Fortin and Richard Olmstead look on as Robin St Jules holds the broom for his skipper. This end went south on the Robb Road Express and Ben was left with a very difficult double tap back to the button. This end WAS the TSN turning point and ultimately, the Robb Road Express was knocked off the tracks and Team Mitchell became the Mens League Champions. Our new champions will be playing in the Dominion of Canada Championship next year. Well done guys! And kudos to Team Lemieux who had an excellent post-season run and made it to this final.

It's all down to the Mens Closing now which kicks off tonight with the games starting at 6 pm. This tournament is the premiere event of the year and I'm stoked. There will be 48 teams participating and this will run until Sunday.

I should mention that the BRCC Mens League is an incrdedibly successful league and has been for several years now.  The league is run by Dave Mitchell

Dave is an excellent supporter of the BRCC both with his time AND financially. Not only that, but he contributes to lots of organizations in town. Mitchell Pahrmacy is a very generous organization and the BRCC owes them a debt of gratitude. Thanks alot for everything Dave. And congrats on the win.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

BRCC Latter Season Curling News

Mirjam Ott, Skip of Team Switzerland, winners of the Womens Curling Championships. And what an excellent win it was. They played excellent, (as did Sweden) and in the end, captured the gold! Team Canada had to settle for bronze but after watching them all week, I was of the mindset that they were not the strongest team there and would most likely not win gold. Not that I did not hope for them...the Saturday afternoon 3 - 4 game against Korea was a nail-biter and I was devastated following their loss. The Koreans, however, were impressive. Their mechanics were excellent..they will be tough to beat in the Olympics. The Chinese, I was surprised by their dismal performance....I expected them to be right in the mix. And the Swedes, well, they were incredible. What a tough squad. Particularly Maria Prytz who was the model of composure. And man, could she make shots! Although they did not win gold, I felt they were the strongest team there.

And it's a gold medal for Anita Moran and Joanna Hammond who put on an excellent banquet for the BRCC Ladies. What an excellent way to end the season...a Thai Food Dinner and a hypnotist. The food wasa excellent, served by some BRCC Men who made sure every table was pampered. Thanks alot to Edwin Chiblow, Jerry Edwards, Chris Zagar, Chris Melmoth,  Mike Landry and Dennis Roberts. (I was there too but it's hard to thank yourself)! First place trophy was handed out to Team Maymar Gemmell who curled up a storm all season long. Word is, there will be new conveners next year for the Ladies and they will have some big shoes to fill. Anita and Joanna did an awesome job but at least this is not goodbye, they may be stepping down as conveners but they will be returning to curl in the league.

IN THE MIXED, it's the wrap up tonight as teams from Monday night play against the Wednesday night teams. The Mixed league has just ended another successful year. The ice was great all season and that is good news for new curlers who play in the Mixed. Heck, for that matter, it's good news for the experienced members as well. Great to see all the curlers this year in the Mixed. I hope to see this league grow even more next year!

MENS League action continues as the Playoffs are now down to Two teams playing in the final on Tuesday night. The Villeneuve rink won against Steph Lemieux's crew but the lost to the Mitchell squad. And, Team john Hammond ended an excellent crew by being upended by the Robb Road Express. So there's your final: Dave Mitchell vs Ben Lemieux. The Dave Mitchell team always seems to find its way to the final so that result is no real surprise. As for the Ben Lemieux squad, they had a rough season but pulled it all together in the latter part of the year and got on a roll at the right time finding their way to the final. That is so typically "curling" and my hat is off to these guys.

Need something to do on Tuesday night, come check out the final..I'm sure it will be entertainment for all!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

More Thursday Mens

Heather Nedohin. Just handed her first loss last night by Denmark. They almost came back to win it but they stumbled in the first part of the game and it came back to haunt them. And speaking of stumbling, a couple more teams ended their Mens League curling season last night and a couple more moved on to the third round.

Glen Austin vs Ben Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. In a hard fought match, the Robb Road Express pulled off a late game come back and sent thr Newfie Bullet careening off the tracks. The Lemieux rink will move ahead and be one of 4 teams left in the club championship. It's the "Kansas" Award for the Newfie Bullet, because all we are is Dust In The Wind.

John Hammond vs Shane Boyer. WIN for Hammond. Still in the hunt to be crowned club champions, the Hammond rink is still focused on the big picture.  The Boyer squad had a good run this year but it's the "Frank Sinatra" Award for them as they tell us "I'll Be Seeing You" (at the Mens Closing!)

So that's it as two more squads move on! There are a couple more games slated this week as Steph Lemieux takes on Bob Villeneuve and Dave Mitchell meets Rick Berthelot. And after this happens, only 4 teams will remain. Good luck to all the remaining teams!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

I know what you're thinking. When did Chad West go to Florida? Well, that's not him but if it was, you would be able to ask him yourself at the Mens Closing which begins at the end of next week. Chad will be here, as he is every year to play for his dad, Brian West. You'll know Chad by his Michael Jackson dance moves. Undoubtedly, they will be evident when the Saturday night comes. It's worth the wait! In the meantime, it's still the Mens League playoffs and we are down to 8 teams from the original 16 qualifying teams.

Glen Austin vs Dan Berthelot. WIN for Austin by default. Not the best way to secure the win but the Newfie Bullet steams on to the second round. We win the Huey Lewis and the News / Gwyneth Paltrow Award since we are Cruisin' to the second round.

Ben Lemieux vs Rick Rouselle. WIN for Lemieux. After a mediocre season, the Robb Road Express is enroute to trying to capture a club championship. Looks like they saved the best for last. They win the "Christopher Cross" Award because right now they are Sailing. However, they will have to try to not get sunk because they will be going on a ride on the Newfie Bullet tonight.

Dave Mitchell vs Mike Laderoute. WIN for Mitchell. After an excellent season, the Laderoute squad is forced to say Adieu. They win the "Elton John" Award as the say Goodbye Yellow Brick Road!

John Hammond vs Frank Lemieux. WIN for Hammond. It has been a great year for the Francois Lemieux squad. They won alot of games and were on the top half of the leaderboard when the dust settled. They win the "Meatloaf" Award because all season they were like a Bat Out Of Hell.

Bob Villeneuve vs Brian West. WIN for Villeneuve. The Villeneuve squad stays alive and moves on to the second round. With Bob absent, looks like Terry Fryer will be at the helm to try to get this squad to the championship. Terry wins the "Beatles" Award because he will have to Carry that weight.

AND NOW FOR THE UPSETS:

Yvon Valiquette vs Steph Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. After an incredible season, the Valiquette crew were forced out of the playoffs by the newly formed Lemieux crew. Steph had a new front end and they struggled most of the season. However, the turmoil payed off as they move on to the  second round. "They win the "David vs Goliath" Award but I don't know of a song about that!

Rick Berthelot vs Al Viel. WIN for Berthelot. The Viel rink finished off in a two way tie for 3rd place. They were a strong team all season but imploded in the first round. They win the "Polly Brown" Award because they were Up, Up, Up In A  Puff Of Smoke.

Shane Boyer vs Keith Rouselle. WIN for Boyer. The Molson Exers are another team that has had an excellent season but were dispatched early by the Boyer crew. They win the "Toby Keith" Award because regardless of anything, They Love This Bar!

So that's it, we are down to 8 with the next round of playoffs starting tonight. Chauchi did a controlled melt on the ice so we should be playing on good, fast ice. Not that it hasn't been fast before, but it should have lots more curl.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic 

Tuesday Ladies

Team Sandra Schmirler. I still remember this like it was yesterday. I was a HUGE "Schmirler the Curler" fan. Sandra Schmirler was a big part in enhancing the TV fanbase for curling. And you know what else, I'm a huge fan of the BRCC Ladies League. Oh sure, they don't demonstrate the caliber of curling that Team Schmirler did, but that was never expected. What they did provide all year long was some good games and lots af laughs. And THAT is what club curling is all about. This week marked the end of the season for the Tuesday Ladies and I say that with regret. Their banquet is next week and if you do not have your ticket yet, I suggest you get it soon. There are also non-member tickets available as well. I am sure Anita and Joanna will have a great time planned.

The top team in the league as far as I can tell was Team Gemmell. Team Moran took second spot in an incredible finishing kick. Third place went to Team Tivy.

With the league wrapping up last night, I do have some personal thoughts. First, Anita Moran and Joanna Hammond did a fantastic job of caring for this league. I can attest to the fact that they took alot of their time to plan and set up events for the ladies. And they made it fun. I think they deserve special mention for the job they did and whoever takes over the league next year will have some big shoes to fill.  Very impressive job ladies!!

The participating teams in the ladies league made the season a success. There were teams that did not post very many wins but they still had fun and they learned the game more as the year progressed. This is the process of curling and that is what it is all about. The fact that you come out and participate is the main point to be made and I sincerely hope that you all return next year because the Ladies League is integral in our club.

Lorraine Liss deserves special mention as well. She has been running the BRCC Ladies Spiel for two years now. This year was an overwhelming success and I think some records were made. The speil was a great time, the prizes were great and I think Lorraine deserves a pat on the back for all the time she put in to organize this event. The people that helped her were also instrumental in making this a success.

I could go on and on naming ladies who do things to help our club...but I'm afraid I would miss someone and then that would be not good. So, I'm hoping you ladies know who you are. The club would be nowhere without you. In the end, I should sum it up by saying how much we need our BRCC ladies...their presence is paramount!

Well ladies, I guess that's it for this year. Thanks for the entertaining evenings and your contributions to the BRCC. You ladies are tops in my book! I'll look forward to seeing you next season.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Monday Mixed

So, what do these two curlers have in common? Well, here's a bit of curling trivia that you did not know. These two played against each other 30 years ago in juniors. Now, 30 years later, they will play against each other again in the World Curling Championship in Basel, Switzerland. Now, that IS cool! By now, I don't have to tell you that the top picture is Dean Gemmell, son of BRCC's own Al and Maymar Gemmell. He'll be playing with Team USA (Team Heath McCormick). The bottom pic is Wayne Middaugh, vice for Glen Howard. Personally, I think McCormick will need his A Game for that match up and I will be torn as to who to cheer for. But, I will be watching nonetheless.

The Monday Mixed was pretty quiet this week. I guess March Break took its toll. There were, however, two regular games and 1 game of Mixed doubles.

Ice B: Glen Austin vs Malisha Alloway. WIN for Alloway. The Alloway squad played a great game and in the end, knocked the Monday Newfie Bullet off the tracks. It's the Linda Ronstadt Award for the Newfie Bullet as it sits in the Blue Bayou.

Ice C: MIXED DOUBLES  Lucy Ann Trudeau / Chauchi vs John Hammand / Adam Valiquette. WIN for Hammond/Valiquette. They played 8 full ends and it was a blowout at first then tied in 6 but lost in 7 and no recovery in 8. Excellent game....I was watching from my sheet.

Ice D: Jerry Jensen vs Dan McMillan. NO INTEL  This was a close game but I did not see who ended up winning. Could have been either squad. Ben Lemieux was using this game for practice for the playoffs so no chance he was going to miss.

The Mixed has just a coulpe more weeks left and the season will be over. Man, the year went fast. It's been a great year for the Mixed League...but as I have said many times before, the leagues are only as good as the members. It is imperative that we keep our membership strong so we can have healthy leagues. Talk to your friends this summer. Get them involved in the Mixed League. Help them find a team. The more teams we have, the better the league becomes...and the stronger the BRCC remains!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Thursday Mens

Team Glen Howard wins the 2012 Brier. I must admit, I did not see it happening but boy, I could not have been more wrong in my predictions. I saw Gushue and Jacobs making the play offs but both fell short. Instead, the real story of this Brier was Jamie Koe making the playoffs. Rob Fowler had a great Brier and captured the Bronze. I have to hand it to Howard, this team was excellent all week and they totally deserved to win. I'm confident they will be a contender to win the Worlds.

In the Thursday Mens, regular season play has ended. After the dust settled, it was Team Gemmell and Team Hammond in a tie for first place. Team Valiquette was 1 point behind in second place. The rest of the teams making the playoffs are as follows:  Glen Austin, Al Viel, Dan Berthelot, Rick Berthelot, Shane Boyer, Mike Laderoute, Ben Lemieux, Francois Lemieux, Stephane Lemieux (I am sorry guys, I said in an earlier blog that you might not make the play offs but in fact, you did!...Congrats!!), Dave Mitchell, Keith Rouselle, Rick Rouselle, Bob Villeneuve and Brian West.

So, it's all sudden death from here on in. Lose a game, and that is it for your play off run. Don't forget, the winner will not only be the club champion and bask in some braggin' rights, but also that team will go play in the Dominion Club Championships next season. Certainly worth playing for.

Good luck to all the teams. Anyone can win this...it's club curling afterall!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Wednesday Mixed

Team Jacobs as I type this sit at 4 losses. But they are a tough squad and if they can pull off a couple of wins today, they will make the 3 - 4 game. One of their games today is against Manitoba, who have been hit and miss. Both teams have beat Alberta and I'm sure that game is going to be a barn burner. In the meantime, the Wednesday Mixed went off last night as the season winds down for them. There were three games last night to report. here's how it went.

Ice A: Warren Neufeld vs Sandy Milroy. WIN for Milroy. The Milroy squad have been a top contender in this league all season and this is further solidified by this win over a team that has also been tough all year. The Neufelds are a big presence in our club. Warren is ALWAYS helping and so is Rose. BRCC is so fortunate to be blessed with the "Rose Factor". Rose may not be in the forefront in all she does, but undoubtedly she is by far, the most effective behind the scenes volunteer I have ever seen. The Neufelds win the "Beatles" Award because they are always a source of constant Help! Thanks guys, the BRCC would NOT be the same without you.

Ice B: Mike Laderoute vs Vola Roberts. WIN for Laderoute. It's been a great year for Mike Laderoute both in the Mixed League and the Mens. There is a rumour that this might be Mike's last year but I am hoping that this is just a rumor. Mike has been a presence in the club for a whole lot of years and given his performance this year, I think he has some good competitive years ahead of him so Mike wins the "Bill Fay" Award because We Want You To Stay. Don't quit Mike, you'll miss the game too much and we'll miss you.

Ice D: Danny Horton vs Rick Berthelot. TIE GAME. Danny Horton is a mainstay in the BRCC. He plays as much curling as I do so I put him in the same category as me, a Curling Chronic. He is not only a big presence in the club, he is also another one of these people that help out the club whenever required. He has saved the club from impending doom countless times because of his prowess in the plant room. All in all, Dan Horton is a great player and a great guy. He wins the "Boys ll Men" Award because he is such a Good Guy.

So, there's another Wednesday done. The season is winding down as is the week of the Brier. It is now Thursday, the last day or regular play. As I type this, Jacobs is still in the mix. It would be phenomenal to see him get into the playoffs. It would be colossal to see him get on a roll and win the Brier. Not such a stretch, this is a solid team and win the right games, it is possible to win the Brier. Just ask Mark Dacey...he did exactly that a few years ago. I would expect nothing less from the Jacobs crew.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Tuesday Ladies

Vic, Linda and Russ. I'm a fan. I've been a TSN Curling Coverage fan ever since they started doing it. But I have to say, I'm am getting tired of the Glen Howard / Wayne Maddaugh Love In that has been going on all week! I'll be the first to say that the Howard team is good and that Howard and Middaugh are excellent players. But man, after hearing the constant round of accolades coming from Russ and Linda (especially), I think I am going to need a huge prescription of cream to fight the giant rash that I am developing. In the meantime, Northern Ontario is sitting    at 4 - 4. I am hoping they can stick with it and make it to the playoffs. The ladies of the BRCC will not be worrying about play-offs this year. The season will play out and a Womens' Champ will get named at the end of regular season play. Right now, it's a dogfight between Team Tivy and Team Gemmell. With only a couple of weeks left, it seems unlikely that these two teams can be caught. But I will be going to the club later this week to do some math and I will have a clearer picture for you after that.

Ice A: Paula Summers vs Tammy Lemieux. WIN for Lemieux. Excellent finishing kick for the Lemieux team. It was a tough year on the learning curve for this squad but it seems they have found their mojo and have some serious game. The win the "Rolling Stones" Award because they have shown us what happens when The Whip Comes Down!

Ice B: Shirley Lemieux vs Christine Owl. WIN for Lemieux. The Shirley Lemieux must be right up there in the standings because they have posted alot of wins. I'm interested to see where they end up. They win the "Trooper" Award because this crew can always Raise A Little Hell!

Ice C: Maymar Gemmell vs Denelda Cada. WIN for Cada. The Rez Girls looking to finish with a bang. They were on a downward spiral for several games but have strung a couple of wins together which makes me happy. They win the "Led Zeppelin" Award as they Bring It On Home.

Ice D: Malisha Alloway vs Liz Rouselle. WIN for Alloway. The Alloway girls may not win first place this year, but they have been consistent and have certainly won most of their games. They show up every week and love to play the game. They win the "Queen" Award because they know how to Play The Game. Malisha will be leaving us this year...going away to school and I for one will miss her. She plays in two leagues and it gives me enjoyment to see the enjoyment she gets from the Roaring Game. Fortunately, Makaila will still be around and this young lady also has some serious game. Hopefully she takes to skipping her own team.

Ice A: (late): Beth Laderoute vs Anita Moran. WIN for Moran. The Moran squad will not finish in first place but they will be right up there in the standings. Joanna Hammond is definitely one of the harder sweepers out there and she is focused in on each and every game. She wins the "Huey Lewis And The News" Award because she's Makin' It Work on a weekly basis.

Ice B: Marg Tivy vs Christie Hagger. WIN for Tivy. It's going to be close but it might be Tivy in sole possession of first place with the Gemmell rink taking a loss this week. I'll definitely have to do the math to make sure. The Tivy rink were not in first after as tough first half but have steam rolled their way through the second half. They might have been lost but they found their way, so they win the "Hannah Montana" Award because they know how to Find Your Way Back.

So, as the BRCC ladies winds down, it comes down to a wee bit of math to find out who gets top spot this year. Kudos to Team Tammy Lemieux who stuck with it and found some game. Also to Team Paula Summers who had some great games and made for some fun times in the league. A word of encouragement to the Rez Girl Newbies...stay with the game and you will find that you learn more and win more. It's a process! And for all the BRCC ladies, thanks for another entertaining year!
The BRCC ladies banquet is on March 20. Posters are up at the club. Get your tickets.
There will be men there to serve you, including yours truly.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic