Junior Curlers...The Future of the Roaring Game

This is Cathlia Ward. You might remember her from an article I wrote about her last year. If you don't, she was on the junior ladies team that represented Canada at the Junior Worlds in Russia (last year). When I look at this picture I see two things: one, I see the lovely young daughter of my good friend, Mark Ward (lead, Team Gushue @ 2003 Brier in Halifax) but more importantly, I see the future of curling.

You can make no mistake about it, the future of curling lies with our junior curlers (and that includes the little rockers and the bantams of this curling world). Just this past weekend, I had a conversation with a friend of mine about this very topic. It was his opinion that curling was destined to be a dying sport because fewer and fewer youths are playing curling. While he made some valid points, I tended to disagree with much of what he had to say. I'm sure curling organizations (such as the CCA) have recognized this and have been looking at strategies to market the Roaring Game to the younger generations. In the end, I think curling will be fine and it is young people like Cathlia that make me think that my confidence in curling's future is well-founded.

Cathlia is only 19 and is very much a "curling chronic"...just like me! Not only does she play competitively, but she also works with the Little Rockers at her club. And just recently, she is a curling scribe for the CCA. Impressive to say the least.

So, when you hear someone looking ahead at the plight of curling's future, think about people like Cathlia Ward and know that curling is actually going to be just fine.

You can read what Cathlia has to say by checking out this link:  http://www.curling.ca/blog/2013/09/23/inside-junior-curling-tales-of-a-curling-addict/

Or you find her on the CCA website:  Tales of a Curling Addict

Meanwhile, at the BRCC, there are only 2 spots left for the Iron Broom coming up this weekend. If you are on the fence, you best hop off it now and git yer cheque in! This promises to be an excellent spiel and don't forget, along with your 2 eight ends of curling as well as 18 holes of golf...you will also get a great supper and you just know that the dance will be quite the hootenanny as they always are at the BRCC. Get hold of Bob Villeneuve if you want in.

Leagues will start up on the 7th October. Haven't got your registration in yet? Please do it soon so you can secure your place in the leagues.

Al and Maymar Gemmell will be putting on a curling clinic this week,  Oct 2 and 3 (Wednesday / Thursday). The fee is only $15.00 and the instruction you get will be priceless. make a point of being there...for that price you just cannot miss!

In other news, I see Jacobs has once again qualifies in another tournament. They are playing the Point Optical in Saskatoon and the tournament wraps up today. Jacobs qualifies straight through the first event and looks to be poised to capture yet another title. Don't forget, Team Jacobs is currently the number one rated team in the world. Absolutely outstanding! I'm guessing I'll be seeing this crew at the Continental Cup in Vegas in January. Meanwhile, my beloved Gushue had a rough spiel and failed to qualify but they still are looking good and I think they will get to the Trials in Winnipeg out of Kitchener. At least I hope they do. Team Jacobs will also get to Winnipeg I'm thinking and gee, these guys have got game in the biggest kind of way. I can see them going all the way and representing Canada at the Olympics. I think alot of those other teams can see the same thing...no doubt they see Jacobs as a serious contender.

So that's it for now. Check out Cathlia's blog. She has a nice writing style and if you are a junior, there is an excellent role model. Heck, she's even a role model for me! I might be 52, but I'm never too old to learn something new, and this young lady has many worthwhile things to say!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Jacobs Wins Another One!

Shorty Jenkins. Never to be forgotten. The AMJ Shorty Jenkins Classic was held last weekend in Brockville, ON. And it is Team Jacobs pulling out the win over Jeff Stoughton in the final. The Northern Ontario foursome have once again proven that they can beat any team. Awesome showing for these guys! And not a bad spiel for Gushue either who managed to make it to the semi-final.

On the womens' side, it was the Swiss ladies, Team Ott, who captured top spot over Team Homan. Great showing for Homan who lost just 2 games during this tournament, and both losses were to Ott. Hmmm....little bit of redemption in the works.

Meanwhile, at the BRCC, registration night is over and it was an excellent turnout. It was excellent to see people that I had not seen all summer....my "seasonal" friends I suppose. There are many others that have not registered yet and I am thinking they will get around to it in the next couple of weeks. Don't wait too long, as the leagues kick off on Monday, Oct 7.

The Iron Broom is just around the corner now. Oct 4 - 5. If you have not entered a team yet, there is still time I think. Call Bob Villeneuve!

Men's League....There are teams looking to curl in the Mens League that do not have full squads and are actively looking for players. Ask a board member and they should be able to steer you in the right direction.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

BRCC News

The new and improved twosome of the new and improved Team Martin and it looks like they are off to a good start as they won the Shoot Out in Edmonton last weekend. This weekend they'll be playing in the Shorty Jenkins Classic. They will have to play well because all the other big boys will be there as well. I noticed on the women's side, Homan is in the mix. I'm interested to see how they will fare.

Things are coming together at the BRCC. Just this past weekend, a crew of dedicated members showed up and cleaned the club. Thanks alot to: Kristy and Bella Blanchet, Janine and Don Timmermans, Brian and Debbie Tonnelli, Al and Maymar Gemmell, Judy Laframboise and (new member!) Ron Coventry. Also thanks to Lorraine Liss who cleaned the kitchen.

Al Viel has been hanging out at the club getting the new cash register system ready. But that's not all, he was there with Richard Olmstead and they installed a new ice maker. Awesome, thanks guys.

NEWS from MICHEL RIVARD (Ice Chairman):  Michel reports that he could use some more volunteers for the ice crew. So if you have time, get with Michel and help out with the ice. Your help is greatly needed and would be greatly appreciated.

Michel also reports that for this season, only those sheets scheduled to be played on (for any given night) will be prepared. So, if you are scheduling a game or a practice that is outside of what is already scheduled, you will have to give the ice crew (or Brian St Pierre) a heads up so they can prepare a sheet for you as well.

ICE PEBBLING WORKSHOP: On Sunday, September 29 @ 1 pm, Mike Laderoute will be holding an ICE PEBBLING WORKSHOP. I cannot stress enough the importance of pebbling correctly so if you want to learn how to do this, drop by the club and attend Mike's workshop. This is a great thing to learn and Mike has generously given his time to show anyone who wants to learn. Check it out.  And thanks Mike.

And thanks alot to the ice crew in general. They have been behind the scenes getting everything ready for this upcoming season. I do not know the names of ALL those involved yet but will let you know when I find out. These guys dedicate alot of time to the club and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

Don't forget REGISTRATION night is Monday, Sept 23  7 pm - 9 pm. If you are a convener of a league, please make it a point to be there.

Thanks alot to Brian West. He has graciously taken over as convener for the Men's League. And thanks alot to Dave Mitchell who has looked after this league for years. Dave has been a valuable member for alot of years and the BRCC is indebted to him.

EQUIPMENT: There will be curling equipment on display at the club on registration night. This will be an excellent opportunity to buy some new gear. If it needs to be ordered, we can do that and you will have it quick. Order early, and it's out of the way.

NEW MEMBERS NEEDED!! The success of our club is in the membership. Keeping the number of members up is key. That said, please try to get your friends involved. Curling at the BRCC is fun and as you all know, the BRCC is a pretty happening place in the winter months. If the BRCC walls could talk.......

MIXED DOUBLES (or DOUBLES in general): Al and Maymar are looking to play some Mixed Doubles again this year. They want to compete competitively and are looking for all the practice games they can get. So, if you are looking to try something new and very cool, try Mixed Doubles. You'll be pleasantly surprised. Doubles curling is a fun game and an excellent way to hone your skills. There is even potential for developing a new league or even having a Doubles Tournament.

That's it for now. See you on registration night!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Business of Curling and Danny Lamoureux Coming to BRCC

Danny Lamoureux represents the Canadian curling Association and he is a huge advocate for the Roaring Game. For the past few years, he has been going around the country conducting symposiums for the Business of Curling. I have heard this man speak (at a Business of Curling Symposium in Sudbury) three or four years ago. It was inspiring and I think you will feel the same way. Mr Lamoureux will be at the BRCC on Saturday, September 28. Make it a point to show up and be a part of this.

Curling is big in our neck of the woods but with that said, it is important to keep growing our beloved sport.

Come out to the BRCC and hear what the message is.  Like they say, you are never too old to learn.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Jacobs Rink Back In The Saddle

Team Jacobs. Winners of the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard held last weekend. If there is anyone thinking that last year's run for this team was just a lucky run, then they are sadly mistaken. This team is a powerhouse and they have proven once again that they are a curling force to be reckoned with.

And you can bet that they will be a tough squad when the Pretrials come in November in Kitchener. I fully expect that they will be one of the teams coming out of Kitchener qualifying for the Olympic Trials in Winnipeg.

Northern Ontario curling is on the map partly due to the efforts and success of this team. They are a prime example of what hard work and good coaching can do for a squad that wants to achieve their goals.

And with that said, good coaching can help anyone's game. We are fortunate to have 2 excellent coaches in our club...you guessed it, Maymar and Al Gemmell. On Oct 2 and 3, Maymar and Al will be putting on a curling clinic at the BRCC. The cost is only $15.00 per player. Small price to pay for first rate instruction. Want to learn some basic skills? Or perhaps you are an experienced curler looking to hone your skills. This will be an excellent opportunity to do it. Get out there on Oct 2nd and 3rd and rekindle your love for the Roaring Game and learn a bundle while you're at it!

Best of luck this season to this awesome Jacobs crew. I look forward to seeing them play this season.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

IRONBROOM UPDATE!!!

Ironbroom CORRECTION!!!  In an earlier post, I mistakenly announced that the Ironbroom would consist of 9 holes of golf. This was INCORRECT! Actually, the Ironbroom will have 18 holes of golf. (As well as 2  8-end curling games). Sorry about that....we are filling up so get your team registered!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

BRCC Linked To Kalamazoo Curling

Now here's an interesting story about curling, curling beginnings and the love of the Roaring Game. Perhaps you might recognize the guy second from the right. It's Kent Elliot, a longtime BRCC pal and a pal of Dean Gemmell as well as our own Al and Maymar Gemmell. This picture was taken just after Kent (with fellow teammates) won the USA National Arena Curling Championships. This is a tournament open to US clubs that only curl on arena ice. Huge achievement for Kent and here's the interesting thing, he got his start in 2001 at the BRCC!

Yep, that's right...our cool little club gave this guy his curling beginnings. So here's how it all went down. Back in 2001, BRCC pal Dean Gemmell brought his friend Kent Elliot to play in the BRCC Men's Closing. Kent had never thrown a stone in his life, yet he was coming to play in the hoedown of all hoedowns on the north shore. After 2 hours of instruction in Windsor, Dean and Kent made the trek to Blind River and teamed up with Al (Gemmell) and it was game on. Turns out, they lost the "A" final to Al Harnden and then 2 things happened. First, they got an great prize because the prizes are excellent at the BRCC Mens Closing. But more than that, Kent was hooked on curling.

Kent returned to Blind River to play in the Closing for several more years and all the while he was doing this, he was also busying himself with getting curling started in Kalamazoo. In fact, he was instrumental on getting the game going down there, along with Garnet Eckstrand (who was Kevin Martin's best man at his wedding....the guy at furthest right in the photo).

Al and Maymar, along with Tom and Mary Coulterman (Tom Coulterman is the coach of Team Brad Jacobs) went down to Kalamazoo and put on a curling clinic one Saturday evening. At any rate, the club has grown and over the years and there you have it: curling is alive and well in Kalamazoo, MI. And, it it's own small way, the BRCC is a part of this process.

How's that for an awesome story! According to Al, he's going to try to get Dean and Kent back to play in the Mens Closing this year! This, of course, is unconfirmed, but it sure would be cool. Kent and Dean are huge curling advocates and it would be the BRCC's great honor to have them visit.

Meanwhile, registration is ahead at the BRCC on Sept 23  7pm - 9 pm. There will be equipment on display there. Need some equipment? Check us out. The prices are good and if we don't have it, we can get it pretty quick!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

Curling Clinic Coming To BRCC

With the start of the new season at the BRCC, there will be curling instruction offered on Wednesday / Thursday; October 2 - 3, 2013. Maymar and Al Gemmell will be hosting these 2 nights of instruction. The cost for this is $15.00 per person. Well worth it whether you are a new curler or an experienced player.

Al and Maymar are well-seasoned instructors and can give you the proper start or enhance your existing game.

Try to make it a point to get out for these nights of instruction. If you know people that are joining curling for the first time, encourage them to check this out because it will such a worthwhile start.

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic

New Season Starting Up!

Brad Gushue. Off to a good start as he wins the Baden Masters in Switzerland just this past weekend. This team was looking good last season as they had an excellent showing. This year, it looks like they have a full schedule and you can be sure they are stoked to do well enough at the Pretrials to get to the Roar of the Rings. They are playing again this weekend at the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard. Team Brad Jacobs will be there as well. Here is another team just brimming with potential and after the stunning season they had last year, you can be sure that this is one of the teams to watch in the Pretrials. Interestingly enough, I noticed Team Homan is not on the roster on the ladies' side in this Oakville spiel.

And it is near the beginning of another season at the BRCC as well. After a summer of repairs and preparation, the BRCC will be ready to rock n' roll for another season. The Brine Headers were replaced as well as the compressor. No small task but we needed it!

Brian St Pierre will be our new club associate so please make him feel welcome when you see him.

Here are some important dates to remember:

Sept 14: CLEAN UP DAY.  We need volunteers to show up at the club and help get rid of the cobwebs and get our club in shape for the upcoming season. This is an excellent way to get your volunteer hours out of the way early!

Sept 23:  7 pm - 9 pm. REGISTRATION! Git yer teams together and git them registered!

Oct 4 - 5: IRONBROOM.  This spiel has been resurrected. It features 8 ends of curling on Friday evening, 18 holes of golf on Saturday am (4 man scramble...shotgun start) and 8 ends of curling on Saturday evening. Also, there's a dinner and a dance. This is an Open format so mixed, ladies or mens teams are welcome. Cost is $240.00 per team. Leave your payment at the Huron Pines Golf Course or get hold of Bob Villeneuve. First 24 "paid" teams are in! Don't wait too long!

Oct 7: Leagues start up. Awesome...we'll be on the ice early this year!!

So here we go! Another year starting up and another year blogging. I'm stoked!  and I hope you guys are too!

Rock On!

The Curling Chronic