I received a release today announcing the start of the World Wheelchair Championships this Saturday in Sursee, Switzerland. Canada’s team will be skipped by Gerry Austgarden.
He takes over for Chris Daw, who has “withdrawn from competition.”
I have to admit that I haven’t followed the goings-on in wheelchair curling as closely as I should, but there seems to be some mystery in Daw’s withdrawal. There was a good column in the last issue of Sweep about it with some cryptic comments about Daw’s absence.
Daw is about the only name in Wheelchair curling that many fans are really familiar with. I’ve interviewed him a couple of times and he seemed like a fine chap. He, of course, led Canada to the gold at the 2006 Paralympics in Turin.
When I first went to watch wheelchair curling, it was back about five or six years ago at the Toronto Cricket Club and I was told at that time that there were only a few teams in the entire country. I know it's grown since then. The competition is serious these days and more and more clubs are making their ice accessible to wheelchairs. It seems as if the sport has just taken off.
There’s even some controversy these days with Big Jim Armstrong – one of my all-time favourites to cover back in the day – trying to get permission to play. As noted in Al Cameron’s fine blog, he’s suffered some debilitating ailments that have almost reduced him to a wheelchair full time. So far, however, the WCF won’t give him a pass, even though it should.
In any case, it’s great to see the sport growing. Very positive for curling.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Gushue's Qualifying Comments
I like Brad Gushue and I especially like his direct and honest approach to things. Sometimes that ruffles feathers, but he’s is oh-so-right with his recent comments about the convoluted Olympic qualifying process.
For those who didn’t see them, here are a few quotes from Kevin Mitchell’s article in the Star-Phoenix. (the full article is here)
To be honest, I’ve read the Trials qualifying process about a dozen times and I’m not sure if I completely understand it. But essentially, it’s play, play, play then play some more and hope you earn a qualifying spot. But this pre-qualifying stuff is just plain silly.
A conspiracy theorist might think the CCA was trying to drag out the process to have more events where it could raise more money.
Here as I see it are the biggest problems.
** The selection process is far too complicated. It leaves your fans (not to mention the players) scratching their heads. (I mean, in my last Globe column, I tried to write about Kevin Koe having qualified for the pre-qualifying and it took about 10 paragraphs. I gave up and said he’d taken another step in the process.)
** The team that wins is chosen far too late. We’re the last country to choose our reps and because of the process, these guys are usually dead tired when the win. When I wrote the book with Russ Howard last year, he walked me through everything that happened to them and I couldn’t believe the team was still standing. Winning the Trials is one thing, but so much happens after that, it’s almost impossible to prepare. Why can’t the reps be chosen say, in October?
** There has to be some allowance for teams that change their lineups. I honestly don’t know what that is, but there used to be something about three of four or the skip and one other player. There are just too many situations where a lineup can change over a four-year period.
** This pre-qualifying stuff is nonsense. There’s no need for it. Go straight to the Trials.
======
Thanks to all those who provided some more curling couples. The most obvious one I missed was the Middaughs.
It also seems that if I was really cruel, I could come up with a list of best divorced curling couples however I digress.
For those who didn’t see them, here are a few quotes from Kevin Mitchell’s article in the Star-Phoenix. (the full article is here)
"I think it's ridiculous. I think it's the stupidest format.”
"We're forcing our teams in Canada to run themselves so thin, because you have to play so much to earn so many points to get into the Olympic Trials," Gushue said. "When it comes to the Olympics, I think the team that goes is going to be absolutely worn out. We experienced that a little bit in (Turin), and this process makes it even worse."
"Like I said to the CCA, if it wasn't broke, why fix it? We've sent six teams to the Olympics and won six medals. That's not too bad."
To be honest, I’ve read the Trials qualifying process about a dozen times and I’m not sure if I completely understand it. But essentially, it’s play, play, play then play some more and hope you earn a qualifying spot. But this pre-qualifying stuff is just plain silly.
A conspiracy theorist might think the CCA was trying to drag out the process to have more events where it could raise more money.
Here as I see it are the biggest problems.
** The selection process is far too complicated. It leaves your fans (not to mention the players) scratching their heads. (I mean, in my last Globe column, I tried to write about Kevin Koe having qualified for the pre-qualifying and it took about 10 paragraphs. I gave up and said he’d taken another step in the process.)
** The team that wins is chosen far too late. We’re the last country to choose our reps and because of the process, these guys are usually dead tired when the win. When I wrote the book with Russ Howard last year, he walked me through everything that happened to them and I couldn’t believe the team was still standing. Winning the Trials is one thing, but so much happens after that, it’s almost impossible to prepare. Why can’t the reps be chosen say, in October?
** There has to be some allowance for teams that change their lineups. I honestly don’t know what that is, but there used to be something about three of four or the skip and one other player. There are just too many situations where a lineup can change over a four-year period.
** This pre-qualifying stuff is nonsense. There’s no need for it. Go straight to the Trials.
======
Thanks to all those who provided some more curling couples. The most obvious one I missed was the Middaughs.
It also seems that if I was really cruel, I could come up with a list of best divorced curling couples however I digress.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Curling Couples
As mentioned in previous posts, I’m looking to my loyal readers for some help with a few topics I’m including in my next book, on which I’m working right now.
So today, I’m hoping to pick your collective brain for the best curling couples. I’m trying to get couples where the husband and wife have both won significant championships. So far, I’ve got:
Rick and Lorraine Lang
Pat and Jane Perroud
Dave and Heather Nedohin
Ian Tetley/Erica Brown
I’m sure I’m missing some obvious ones. Anyone care to chime in?
So today, I’m hoping to pick your collective brain for the best curling couples. I’m trying to get couples where the husband and wife have both won significant championships. So far, I’ve got:
Rick and Lorraine Lang
Pat and Jane Perroud
Dave and Heather Nedohin
Ian Tetley/Erica Brown
I’m sure I’m missing some obvious ones. Anyone care to chime in?
Monday, January 28, 2008
New Globe Column
Happy Monday.
* My Globe and Mail column on Kevin Koe and his rink is here.
* Why is it I have the jingle from the Capital One commercials running through my head? And the one from the Tylenol commercial? And the one Walter Gretzky sings?
* I think Bruce Rainnie is going to do just fine in his new job. Must be that PEI in him.
* CBC did a good job with the Slam broadcast over the weekend. A nice job with the Don Wittman tribute, another nice job in digging up that Kevin Koe debacle from the Canadian Junior (forgot what he looked like with hair); and an interesting look at what's become an age-old question: why hasn't someone from Saskatchewan been able to win the Brier?
* Not that you'd come here to get the field for the Scotties, but here it is anyway:
Canada: Kelly Scott; Alta: Shannon Kleibrink; B.C.: Allison MacInnes; MAN: Jennifer Jones; N.B.: Sylvie Robichaud; N.L.: Heather Strong; N.S.: Mary Anne Arsenault; Ont.: Sherry Middaugh; P.E.I.: Suzanne Gaudet; Que.: Marie-France Larouche; Sask.: Michelle Englot; Yukon/NWT: Kerry Galusha-Koe. Comments on this field in a future post.
* Watched the NHL All-Star Skills competition and began wondering why curling doesn't have it's version of the Breakaway event. It's similar to the Slam Dunk in basketball where players are judged on their creativity. Wouldn't it be great to see curlers are the Brier perform with unusual deliveries? Think of Stoughton's 360 and you'll get the idea. In my book it sure beats the hell out of the Ford Hot Shots.
* My Globe and Mail column on Kevin Koe and his rink is here.
* Why is it I have the jingle from the Capital One commercials running through my head? And the one from the Tylenol commercial? And the one Walter Gretzky sings?
* I think Bruce Rainnie is going to do just fine in his new job. Must be that PEI in him.
* CBC did a good job with the Slam broadcast over the weekend. A nice job with the Don Wittman tribute, another nice job in digging up that Kevin Koe debacle from the Canadian Junior (forgot what he looked like with hair); and an interesting look at what's become an age-old question: why hasn't someone from Saskatchewan been able to win the Brier?
* Not that you'd come here to get the field for the Scotties, but here it is anyway:
Canada: Kelly Scott; Alta: Shannon Kleibrink; B.C.: Allison MacInnes; MAN: Jennifer Jones; N.B.: Sylvie Robichaud; N.L.: Heather Strong; N.S.: Mary Anne Arsenault; Ont.: Sherry Middaugh; P.E.I.: Suzanne Gaudet; Que.: Marie-France Larouche; Sask.: Michelle Englot; Yukon/NWT: Kerry Galusha-Koe. Comments on this field in a future post.
* Watched the NHL All-Star Skills competition and began wondering why curling doesn't have it's version of the Breakaway event. It's similar to the Slam Dunk in basketball where players are judged on their creativity. Wouldn't it be great to see curlers are the Brier perform with unusual deliveries? Think of Stoughton's 360 and you'll get the idea. In my book it sure beats the hell out of the Ford Hot Shots.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Jones, Official need to do some 'splainin'
Lots of commotion at the Manitoba Scotties, where an alleged rock-burning incident has cast a shadow on Jennifer Jones and her team. The former world champ has come off looking like a bully against a younger opponent. She seems to have broken the unwritten code in curling and in the process has tarnished her reputation.
From the media reports I’ve read, here’s what happened: Kerri Flett’s team was down three in the fourth and the skip needed a raise to the four foot against four Jennifer Jones’ counters. Along the way, her shooter had to slip past a guard. In the process of sweeping the shot, lead Brenna Philp was alleged to have moved the guard, allowing the moving stone to slip past. The shot ended up being made.
But here’s where things get grey. Apparently Jones and her third, Cathy Overton-Clapham felt Philp – who was sparing for Flett – burned the rock and went straight out and accused her of it. When Philp denied that, Jones called an official over and said that Philp had burned the guard and if not, the moving stone would have wrecked.
The official reportedly grilled Philp and got something short of a confession but still pulled the shooter off, giving Jones four points. With Flett being the home town gal, the boos rained down on Jones.
Honestly, if you’re Philp and some official and Jennifer Jones are beating you up, you might break a little too. But from what I can tell she only said that she might have brushed up against the stationary stone, never moved it, which isn't breaking any rules. But if reports are right, then thanks to this official it’s almost as if she was being water-boarded.
"Admit it, you burned that rock, admit it. . . admit it. . . or I'll put you back in the box.
Since the incident, Philp has categorically denied burning the guard, in print and on radio.
And if you're the official, who are you going to side with? Let's face it -- officials in curling are no different than say, the NBA. The calls are going to go in favour of the stars. Still, there are reports that this is an experienced official who should know.
So there’s a lot of head-scratching going on here. First, I always thought that the offending team had to call the penalty on themselves (silly me, that’s when curling was still a gentleperson’s game). In this case, it seems that Jones initiated the call. And let’s be honest here: if you thought your opponent had burned a rock, you probably would have said something, even just stared the person down, right? I don’t blame Jones if she sincerely believed the rock had moved. How she handled it, however, is another matter. Anyone who has curled has probably run into this situation. When it’s happened to me, I might say something in a loud voice so the opponents know what I think, but you never call someone a cheater/rule-breaker, especially when you’re a world champion and the person you’re accusing is a university student. And you also don’t do it right in front of a packed crowd.
I remember when I played for John Kawaja and a similar incident occurred. He asked the sweeper if he burned the rock (note I said asked, not accused), the sweeper denied it and that was the end of it. Except that JK cut a death stare through this guy for about four ends and although the guy never admitted burning the rock, everyone in the arena knew.
Second, I would have figured that the official would work on the basis of having some evidence. Did he? If Philp says she didn’t burn the rock (although a post on curlingzone.com said fans saw the rock burned) and the official didn’t see it then that’s where it should end, right? Sorry Jennifer, but without evidence, this case gets thrown out of court.
And, really, there shouldn’t have even been an appeal. Jones may wish to confront Philp, but if Philp denies it, as a curler, you accept that. Jones apparently couldn’t from the reports.
And in this situation, it seems as if it didn’t end there, which is why something isn’t right. The official essentially overruled Philp, if you believe Philp denied burning the stone. If this was the case in all games, then in any close situation, I could just accuse my opponent of burning a rock and no matter what he said, that rock would come off. As long as I whined long enough, apparently.
Here’s the part I really wonder about. Jones has said nothing in her defence, at least nothing I could find. She hasn’t explained her side of the story and so far, no one has disputed what Philp has said, that she didn’t burn the stone. Something doesn't add up here.
Then there’s the official. Anyone heard from him? Not that I could find.
Right now, Jennifer Jones looks like a bully and most definitely, someone who forgot the code. Maybe there’s more to the story, maybe Jones is in the right, but so far she hasn’t chosen to defend herself. And really, she should in a situation such as this. For herself and also for Philp.
I wasn’t in Gimli to witness this incident, but it sure stinks. Jones and the official could help to freshen the smell if the so desired. Come on, you two. Start blabbering.
UPDATE: A fine article by Paul Wiecik on the incident is here.
From the media reports I’ve read, here’s what happened: Kerri Flett’s team was down three in the fourth and the skip needed a raise to the four foot against four Jennifer Jones’ counters. Along the way, her shooter had to slip past a guard. In the process of sweeping the shot, lead Brenna Philp was alleged to have moved the guard, allowing the moving stone to slip past. The shot ended up being made.
But here’s where things get grey. Apparently Jones and her third, Cathy Overton-Clapham felt Philp – who was sparing for Flett – burned the rock and went straight out and accused her of it. When Philp denied that, Jones called an official over and said that Philp had burned the guard and if not, the moving stone would have wrecked.
The official reportedly grilled Philp and got something short of a confession but still pulled the shooter off, giving Jones four points. With Flett being the home town gal, the boos rained down on Jones.
Honestly, if you’re Philp and some official and Jennifer Jones are beating you up, you might break a little too. But from what I can tell she only said that she might have brushed up against the stationary stone, never moved it, which isn't breaking any rules. But if reports are right, then thanks to this official it’s almost as if she was being water-boarded.
"Admit it, you burned that rock, admit it. . . admit it. . . or I'll put you back in the box.
Since the incident, Philp has categorically denied burning the guard, in print and on radio.
And if you're the official, who are you going to side with? Let's face it -- officials in curling are no different than say, the NBA. The calls are going to go in favour of the stars. Still, there are reports that this is an experienced official who should know.
So there’s a lot of head-scratching going on here. First, I always thought that the offending team had to call the penalty on themselves (silly me, that’s when curling was still a gentleperson’s game). In this case, it seems that Jones initiated the call. And let’s be honest here: if you thought your opponent had burned a rock, you probably would have said something, even just stared the person down, right? I don’t blame Jones if she sincerely believed the rock had moved. How she handled it, however, is another matter. Anyone who has curled has probably run into this situation. When it’s happened to me, I might say something in a loud voice so the opponents know what I think, but you never call someone a cheater/rule-breaker, especially when you’re a world champion and the person you’re accusing is a university student. And you also don’t do it right in front of a packed crowd.
I remember when I played for John Kawaja and a similar incident occurred. He asked the sweeper if he burned the rock (note I said asked, not accused), the sweeper denied it and that was the end of it. Except that JK cut a death stare through this guy for about four ends and although the guy never admitted burning the rock, everyone in the arena knew.
Second, I would have figured that the official would work on the basis of having some evidence. Did he? If Philp says she didn’t burn the rock (although a post on curlingzone.com said fans saw the rock burned) and the official didn’t see it then that’s where it should end, right? Sorry Jennifer, but without evidence, this case gets thrown out of court.
And, really, there shouldn’t have even been an appeal. Jones may wish to confront Philp, but if Philp denies it, as a curler, you accept that. Jones apparently couldn’t from the reports.
And in this situation, it seems as if it didn’t end there, which is why something isn’t right. The official essentially overruled Philp, if you believe Philp denied burning the stone. If this was the case in all games, then in any close situation, I could just accuse my opponent of burning a rock and no matter what he said, that rock would come off. As long as I whined long enough, apparently.
Here’s the part I really wonder about. Jones has said nothing in her defence, at least nothing I could find. She hasn’t explained her side of the story and so far, no one has disputed what Philp has said, that she didn’t burn the stone. Something doesn't add up here.
Then there’s the official. Anyone heard from him? Not that I could find.
Right now, Jennifer Jones looks like a bully and most definitely, someone who forgot the code. Maybe there’s more to the story, maybe Jones is in the right, but so far she hasn’t chosen to defend herself. And really, she should in a situation such as this. For herself and also for Philp.
I wasn’t in Gimli to witness this incident, but it sure stinks. Jones and the official could help to freshen the smell if the so desired. Come on, you two. Start blabbering.
UPDATE: A fine article by Paul Wiecik on the incident is here.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Scotties provincial web sites
Lots of provincial Scotties championship news as most of the provinces wrap up play this weekend. Naturally I’ve had my eye on the Ontario playdowns and it is still quite close despite having eight rounds in the book.
Sherry Middaugh leads at 7-1, a game up on two-time defending champion Krista McCarville. A troika of good teams sit at 5-3 – Jen Hanna, Janet McGhee and Alison Goring (yes, she’s still out there throwing rocks).
They go into a page system starting tonight.
I went to try and find other results from other provinces and it was tougher than I thought. I looked through all the sites and didn’t spend more than a couple of minutes at each. I figured that this high-profile a competition deserved easy access from the home page and if you couldn’t find what you were looking for in that time, you’d probably give up. Unfortunately, in most cases, it wasn’t that easy. I used the links provided on the Scotties Home Page – the national event that is – as my starting point. Here’s what I found:
Alberta – Hopeless. You need about 94 clicks to figure anything out. I gave up.
B.C. – Not bad. Current standings always at the side of the page, draw at the left and current games in the middle.
Manitoba – Once I found the link which was down the MCA home page, it was OK. But why not make it so you can get all the scores of one draw on one page? You have to click each individual game of each individual draw meaning four clicks for just one draw.
N.B. – There was a link on the home page, but it only took me to some standard form page where I could get a link to the host club, the sign-up poster and an entry form, but no scores. I have no idea what’s happening out there.
N&L – hmmm.. . . I clicked on the link and was given an error message that the server at www.golfmax.ca was unreachable. Golfmax?
Ontario – simple, easy and logical. Directed you to the host club site where they’re doing a great job.
Nova Scotia – one of the best. Front and centre on the home page, a couple of clicks to anything.
PEI – ended last week, but lots of good coverage of the final with pictures and game report.
Quebec – my French isn’t what it used to be but I think M-F Larouche won last weekend. Either that or the Canadiens traded Guy Lafleur.
Saskatchewan – Tops in my book. Great coverage, lots of links and pics. Every province could learn from this one.
Territories – event ended but there was notice of the winners – Kerry Koe – front and centre.
Sherry Middaugh leads at 7-1, a game up on two-time defending champion Krista McCarville. A troika of good teams sit at 5-3 – Jen Hanna, Janet McGhee and Alison Goring (yes, she’s still out there throwing rocks).
They go into a page system starting tonight.
I went to try and find other results from other provinces and it was tougher than I thought. I looked through all the sites and didn’t spend more than a couple of minutes at each. I figured that this high-profile a competition deserved easy access from the home page and if you couldn’t find what you were looking for in that time, you’d probably give up. Unfortunately, in most cases, it wasn’t that easy. I used the links provided on the Scotties Home Page – the national event that is – as my starting point. Here’s what I found:
Alberta – Hopeless. You need about 94 clicks to figure anything out. I gave up.
B.C. – Not bad. Current standings always at the side of the page, draw at the left and current games in the middle.
Manitoba – Once I found the link which was down the MCA home page, it was OK. But why not make it so you can get all the scores of one draw on one page? You have to click each individual game of each individual draw meaning four clicks for just one draw.
N.B. – There was a link on the home page, but it only took me to some standard form page where I could get a link to the host club, the sign-up poster and an entry form, but no scores. I have no idea what’s happening out there.
N&L – hmmm.. . . I clicked on the link and was given an error message that the server at www.golfmax.ca was unreachable. Golfmax?
Ontario – simple, easy and logical. Directed you to the host club site where they’re doing a great job.
Nova Scotia – one of the best. Front and centre on the home page, a couple of clicks to anything.
PEI – ended last week, but lots of good coverage of the final with pictures and game report.
Quebec – my French isn’t what it used to be but I think M-F Larouche won last weekend. Either that or the Canadiens traded Guy Lafleur.
Saskatchewan – Tops in my book. Great coverage, lots of links and pics. Every province could learn from this one.
Territories – event ended but there was notice of the winners – Kerry Koe – front and centre.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
The Amazing Lorraine Lang
Lorraine Lang absolutely amazes me. She doesn’t get nearly enough recognition for her prowess on the ice. For those who don’t know, Lang is currently battling it out on the ice in Espanola at the Ontario Scotties. And she’s playing front end for goodness sake, trying to help Krista McCarville’s squad win its third consecutive provincial crown.
Of course this all comes long (sorry LL) after she’s already won the Scott and world championships, back before they had a free-guard zone. That would be circa 1988 and '89. At that time, Lorraine was third for Heather Houston.
And she also has a Canadian mixed crown in her bag, playing with husband Rick.
So tell me . . . how many other Ontario curlers – north or south – have that full a resume and are still at it?
As I said, simply amazing.
Of course this all comes long (sorry LL) after she’s already won the Scott and world championships, back before they had a free-guard zone. That would be circa 1988 and '89. At that time, Lorraine was third for Heather Houston.
And she also has a Canadian mixed crown in her bag, playing with husband Rick.
So tell me . . . how many other Ontario curlers – north or south – have that full a resume and are still at it?
As I said, simply amazing.
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