Sunday, November 1, 2009

Richmond International begins Nov 4 - plus other BC news

Richmond CC hosts Team Canada, Team Korea and Team Alberta as well as local teams in their 3rd Wheelchair International November 4-7th. Korea shocked everyone with their power-hitting style of play at the 2008 World Championships, where they finished 2nd to Norway. They failed to reproduce that form at the 2009 Worlds; a fact that their coach put down to general indiscipline in what was essentially a club side. It will be interesting to see whether they have regained their focus, and the ability to throw accurate 8 second takeouts.

Chris Daw is blogging about life as a new BC resident, and managing the Vancouver CC, a post that will become even more challenging post-2010 when the club moves into the adjacent Olympic curling facility. You can read his blog HERE.

The Vancouver CC are hosting a Canada versus Japan exhibition game November 23 at 1 pm. That may be west coast supporters' last chance to see Team Canada play before the Paralympics.

Maple Ridge's Golden Ears CC featured Ken and Keris, two wheelchair users on their home page. reminding their membership that wheelchair curlers integrate well into the regular game. The club had scheduled a 2 on 2 event November 14-15 with Korea and also Canada's Armstrong and Neighbour expected to take part. It's not on their calendar, so contact the club for details.

Kelowna CC's planning for the 2010 Nationals is getting underway, headed by Gerry Austgarden and Donna Stuike. They'll be looking for plenty of volunteers. Contact the club if you'd like to help. The re-modeled and newly accessible club lounge and bar is spacious with lots of excellent viewing areas, so plan ahead for a March visit.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Will Jim actually be ready to play?

They are starting to get short on events to get him game ready.

Anonymous said...

See him practicing at Richmond, but looks really uncomfortable wheeling up and down the ice.

Anonymous said...

I had the chance to speak with Jim at Richmond. He seems to be in surprisingly good spirits, teasing Darryl, etc.

He says his shoulder is modestly better than when in Scotland, but certainly looks very tired,

Anonymous said...

Does h know he will be banned from the Paralympics (according to Matt D)?

Anonymous said...

Korea is in town, and they look good.....they also watched Jim and Darryl practice for over an hour

Anonymous said...

The Richmond event will have a Chris Daw vs Jim Armstrong game again, with Daw now having a couple of Team Canada players on his team....could be interesting.

Anonymous said...

Chris is not even in the same League as Jim....just a fact of life

Anonymous said...

It will be interesting to see how Armstrong performs for what is early on his season, as well as his unfortunate distractions at home.

We wish him all the best.

Anonymous said...

My guess is that Team Canada will win.

Jim has played a couple of events now, and while he hasn't thrown a lot of rocks, no one can negate his strategy, even when he i not 100%.

Anonymous said...

Ok, leave Chris out of this. I understand is not trying nor ever has tried to compare himself to Jim.

He is doing his own thing, seems happy.

A Bruno Fan said...

So will Bruno play for Alberta at Richmond or sit this one out? Who is on Chris Daw's team? What happened to the Team Canada left overs? Will they be there playing? Will you be reporting the scores on the blog or will you do a live event? So many questions & so little time Eric.

Anonymous said...

WITH ALL DUE RESPECT TO THE LAST POSTER, CHRIS WOULD LIKE TO RE-ENTER THE PROGRAM, AND ONE OF THE OBVIOUS BENCHMARKS TO DETERMINE IF HE CAN OR SHOULD TRY TO MAKE THE COMEBACK IS HOW HE MEASURES UP AGAINST JIM.

I AM SURE THAT JIM WOULD BE A GREAT MODEL FOR THE "NEW" CHRIS DAW, BOTH ON AND OFF THE ICE.

. said...

@BrunoFan - promised updates have never arrived so at present I know nothing more than already posted, which is not much.

Chris D. (Daw for those who need the last name) LOL said...

Dear Readers;

To all of those wonder if I am coming back to the National Program. The answer.....I don't know and not sure and most assuredly not any time soon.

I am focusing on my family and friends. I am expecting the birth of my daughter in March and I have promised my wife not to miss that (as if I would)

I will be curling with a few friends from time to time and who knows what happens if the bug hits me and if I can grow as a curler to the levels expected of Team Canada this day and age.

I would like to put 1 thing to rest...I have not nor would I ever compare myself to Jim and wish Jim, Darryl, Ina, Sonja , Bruno and the Staff Trevor , Joe and Wendy in the pursuit of Gold next March. Not an easy task the first time and no way any easier this time given all the pressures and life changing experiences.

Good Luck to all, and who knows I am see you on the ice!

Anonymous said...

CHRIS DESERVES A SHOT WITH JIM AS MENTOR/TEAMMATE