Wheelchair Curling Blog

Thank you

2012-01-07T18:52:00.000-08:00

I'd like to thank those who took the time to thank me for the website and blog.

Chis Daw has begun a new wheelchair curling blog that deserves support. I will certainly post comments there as they occur to me.

You can find it at http://wheelchaircurler.blogspot.com/

I will also endeavour to keep the website calendar updated, and continue the twitter feed. Follow it at: https://twitter.com/#!/WheelChairCurl

All the best
Eric

And so it goes

2011-12-31T11:44:00.000-08:00

The wheelchaircurling.com website, and later this blog which allowed me to add photos to posts, grew from a desire to promote curling as a viable winter recreation choice for wheelchair users. I also hoped to influence the direction of the sport's development, by sharing my ideas on how the game might be played and how it might be organised.

Since 2005 I have been the sport's unofficial archivist, reporting what would otherwise have gone unrecorded; understanding that a sport grows from its history. But it was never intended to be a lifetime commitment and I am drawing it to a close before it becomes a chore rather than an enthusiasm.

I will keep the website and blog open, the articles and records available. Anyone who has read the articles and blog post comments will know my opinions. They have never been a secret and do not need a valedictory.

My thanks to those who have supported my efforts over the years. I have made many friends through my involvement in wheelchair curling, and I will continue to follow the sport with interest. If I have one regret it is that I lacked the physical skill to play competitively. I hope that my contributions in other areas have made a difference.

Answers to the 2011 Christmas Quiz

2011-12-27T22:17:00.000-08:00

Here are the answers to our 2010 CHRISTMAS QUIZ. Maximum score 20 points. The questions are in a previous post, or you can just read the answers and make up your own questions.

I. Cate's answer was they are all blondes, but I cannily did not admit to having noticed. The official answer is they are all featured in the 2012 Women of Curling Calendar.

2. Sweden's Jalle Jungnell cut his 2010 Paralympic Bronze medal in half, and used the two halves to make new medals. He gave one to his 3rd, Glenn Ikonen who failed a drug test just before the playoffs and thus was not awarded his own medal.

3. Michael McCreadie represented Scotland and was the only wheelchair user at the 4 Nations Tournament at Fenton's CC in Kent, England last January, winning the Tom Ballantyne trophy - a five match competition between Scotland and England.

4. Sheila Swan coached the Scottish side at the 2011 Worlds in Prague because newly appointed British National Coach Tony Zummack was still waiting to receive his work permit.

5.Russia were 4th at the 2011 Worlds, losing the bronze medal game to Norway.

6.Norway's Tone Edvardsen was the first power-chair user to compete at a World Championship

7. Sweden, Germany and the host Czech Republic finished the 2011 Worlds tied with a 2-7 record. After tie-breaks, Sweden qualified for 2012 as the 8th place finisher.

8. Aileen Neilson was the first female skip at a World Championship, though in 2010 she had thrown 4th stones for Great Britain on a team skipped by Michael McCreadie.

9. Jalle Jungnell of Sweden switched from skip in 2010 to coach in 2011, and is expected to revert back to skip in 2012.

10. Japan cancelled their national championships scheduled to begin shortly after the earthquake and tsunami that destroyed much of the infrastructure where Japan's curling is based.

11. The $1,000 prize was offered by R. Vallee Home Rentals at the 2011 Nationals in Edmonton for a shot that covered the pin during the pre-game throws to decide hammer.

12.Although no one covered the pin, Manitoba skip Chris Sobkowicz threw a stone that finished within 4cm, winning him the $200 consolation prize

13. In 2011 Manitoba broke BC's streak of National Championship titles from 2007 - 2010. Prior to then, Team Canada were National Champions.

14. Jimmy Joseph is the only survivor of the four ever-present Team USA members from 2008 through 2011. Goose Perez, Jim Pierce and Jacqui Kapinowski all retired this year.

15. Slovakia will be the only rookie team at the 2012 Worlds in South Korea.

16. Norway won the 7th Annual Cathy Kerr Memorial, playing without skip Rune Lorentsen, who did not travel with the team.

17. Quebec's Team Lessard won the 6th US Open in Utica the week before the Cathy Kerr, going undefeated during an 8 team round robin.

18. The South Lanarkshire WCC used a donated haggis as a target at a fun spiel, possibly as an alternative to having to eat it.

The 2011 CHRISTMAS QUIZ

2011-12-24T10:30:00.000-08:00

Please consider a donation to support this blog

CHRISTMAS QUIZ

Welcome to this year's Christmas Quiz. The questions have all been taken from posts written during the course of 2011 and reflect our international readership. Good luck. The 20 answers will appear in a couple of days.

1. What do Canada's Sonja Gaudet and Heather Smith-Dacey have in common with Scotland's Eve Muirhead and Sweden's Anette Norberg?

2. Who cut his Paralympic medal in half? Why?

3. Which wheelchair user represented his country in an international curling tournament at which all the other players were able-bodied?

4. Who coached Scotland at the 2011 World Championships?

5. Canada repeated as World champions in 2011 - which play-off team failed to win a medal?

6. The 2011 Worlds allowed powerchair users to compete for the first time. Who was the first athlete to compete using a powerchair?

7. Which of the 3 national teams teams involved in relegation tie-breaks avoided having to re-qualify for the 2012 Worlds?

8. Who was the first female to skip at a World Wheelchair Curling Championship?

9. Who was the first wheelchair user to coach a national team at a World Wheelchair Curling Championship?

10. Which country had to cancel their national championships in the face of natural disaster?

11. At what event did a sponsor offer a $1,000 sponsors prize for a hammer-deciding throw that covered the pin?

12. The $1,000 prize was not won, but someone won a consolation $200 for a shot that ended less than 4 cms from the pin? Who made that throw?

13. Which province broke BC's stranglehold on Canadian national titles?

14. Four Americans were ever-present on Team USA for the 4 years from 2008 through 2011. Of the four, who's been chosen compete in 2012?

15. Nine of the ten teams at the 2012 World Championships will have competed at that level before. Who's the tenth?

16. Norway travelled to Canada to compete at the 7th Annual Cathy Kerr Memorial Spiel. How did they do? Who was missing from their team?

17. Team Lessard from Quebec were beaten finalists at the Cathy Kerr. What event did they win the previous week?

18. The South Lanarkshire WCC changed the rules at a recent fun event. What Scottish delicacy was used as the target?

A very Happy Christmas to you all from Eric and Cate.

Michael McCreadie quits international stage

2011-12-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

[photo - scottishdisabilitysport.com]
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Scotland's Michael McCreadie has announced his resignation from international competition.

"I am no longer a member of the World Class Performance Squad," he told me. "Since the summer, although playing reasonably well and achieving some good results in International competitions, my heart wasn't in it any more - the enjoyment had gone. It was not an easy decision to make. I had to do what was best for me and ultimately the squad.

"I wish the coach and the squad every success in the future."

Tony Zummack, the national coach, responded: "I do feel that Michael McCreadie will continue to be involved and support wheelchair curling in the future. I respect his decision to retire from international competition and also respect the time and commitment he made to the National Program."

Michael, 65, was a member of the Scottish team that contested the first World Championship in Switzerland, 2002, where he won a bronze medal playing 2nd under Frank Duffy. He won gold medals playing 3rd at the 2004 and 2005 Worlds, and was the British flag bearer in Torino in 2006 where he won silver.

He followed Duffy into retirement after the crushing last rock Torino defeat, but was soon back and skipped his country to bronze at the 2007 Worlds, a success that eluded his teams the following 3 years.

After the Vancouver Paralympics, where he skipped but threw 3rd stones, he announced he would take a year off. He returned this season, but with the Scottish team committed to his partner Eileen Neilson at skip after her silver medal at the 2011 Worlds, his role was to skip Scotland's B team. That is the position he has now quit.

Zummack is not immediately replacing him. "I am keeping the National Squad at 7 athletes and have had some of our development athletes come in to train and play with us and will have someone in place for the Lanarkshire International." (Jan 17-18)

Michael McCreadie played in 72 World Curling Federation events, ending with a 45-27 record, 2 gold and 2 bronze Worlds medals and a Paralympic silver medal.

Nova Scotia has new champions

2011-12-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

Team Brown - Nova Scotia Champions coached by Bill Fletcher

Richard Brown, Terry Cousineau, Steve Parfitt and Paige Fougere

Richard Brown, Nova Scotia wheelchair curling's other skip, finally broke through to win his first provincial championship over the 5 time champions Team Rutt at the Lakeshore CC this weekend.

Brown, who skipped the winless NS Host team at the 2009 Nationals, faced opponents missing the services of skip Mike Fitzgerald who had relocated to New Brunswick, but as the best of five series began, his team of Terry Cousineau, Steve Parfitt and Paige Fougere could have been forgiven for thinking little had changed. Laughie Rutt, stepping up to skip but throwing 3rd stones in favour of Trendal Hubley-Bolivar, led his title defenders to a 10-2 opening night victory.

Game 1
Rutt * 1 0 1 1 3 1 3 x 10
Brown 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 x 2

Team Brown regrouped Saturday to steal the first 4 points of Game 2, and then hang on as Rutt, down 7-4 after 7, fell just a point short of forcing an extra end.

Game 2
Rutt * 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 2 - 6
Brown 3 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 - 7

It was deja vu in Game 3, as Brown again stole 3 in the 1st and added another in the 2nd before surrendering a 4 spot in the 7th to fall behind 7-6. Brown took one with hammer to force an extra and then stole 2 to lead the series 2-1.

Game 3
Rutt * 0 0 1 2 0 0 4 0 0 - 7
Brown 3 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 2 - 9

Sunday saw Team Rutt return to the form they showed in the opener as they posted 8 unanswered points to level the series at 2-2, after again giving up an opening end steal.

Game 4
Rutt * 0 2 4 1 1 x x x - 8
Brown 1 0 0 0 0 x x x - 1

The series decider returned to the pattern of Saturday as Team Brown, despite never earning the hammer, stole 2 in the 1st, added a single in the 2nd and stole 2 more in the 5th, finishing 8-3 winners and Nova Scotia Champions.

Game 5
Rutt * 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 x - 3
Brown 2 1 0 2 2 0 1 x - 8

Scots put haggis to good use

2011-12-18T17:24:00.000-08:00

Bill Masterton, Gary Marshall, Jan Drife and Steve Sutherland
[photo - Paul Webster]

The STV website reports that South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club marked St Andrew's Day (November 30) with a haggis curling competition.

The huge haggis, donated by sponsors Damn Delicious of Lanark. was used as the target in the competition that drew over 30 curlers to the Hamilton Ice Rink.

Bill Masterton, Gary Marshall, Steve Sutherland and individual winner Jan Drife secured the inaugural title. (photo on blog)

South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club chairman Arthur Bell described the day as "filled with lots of skill, sometimes a bit of luck as the beastie was whacked away, and always lots of fun. That's what amateur sport should be about."

Learn To Coach course in Greenock (SCO) January 8th

2011-12-18T16:32:00.000-08:00

The Royal Caledonian CC, guardian of curling in Britain, is offering a workshop introducing coaches to wheelchair curling. The session costs £15 and will cover the basic delivery styles and skills used when teaching wheelchair curling.

CLICK HERE for details and a registration form.

Slovakia catches the attention of the IPC

2011-12-16T23:00:00.000-08:00

Radoslav Duriš, Branislav Jakubec, Dušan Pitoňák, Monika Kunkelová

Slovakia, surprise winners of the recent Qualifying Tournament for entry to the 2012 Worlds in Korea, were featured on the International Paralympic Committee website.

Curling began in Slovakia ten years ago and wheelchair curling five years ago, but progress has been swift. The skip, Radoslav Duris, was formerly a swimmer and hockey player a car accident in high school.

“All of our players were sportsmen before, so they all have the hearts of sportsmen,” team coach Milan Kalis said.

Read the whole article HERE

Team Rutt off to strong start in Game 1 Nova Scotia Provincials

2011-12-16T22:26:00.000-08:00

Team Rutt took an early one game lead against Team Brown in their best of 5 provincial championship at the Lakeshore CC in Nova Scotia.

Rutt * 1 0 1 1 3 1 3 x 10
Brown 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 x 2

Games 2 and 3 at 2.30 and 6.30 Saturday 17th.

Nova Scotia Provincials begin December 16-18

2011-12-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

Two teams will compete at the Lakeshore CC in a best of 5 match for the right to represent Nova Scotia at the 2012 Nationals in Thunder Bay, March 18-25.

With Nova Scotia stalwart Michael Fitzgerald decamped to New Brunswick, his championship defending team will be skipped by Laughie Rutt, who will continue to throw 3rd stones. Trendal Hubley-Bolivar will throw 4th, with lead Debbie Earle and a returning Keith Williams, back from a year off preparing for basketball at the Canada Games.

They will face perennial challengers Team Brown: Richard Brown at skip, 3rd Terry Cousineau, 2nd Steve Parfait and Paige Fougere at lead.

First game is Friday 16th at 8.30, with Saturday games at 2.30 and 6.30 plus Sunday games at 3 and 7pm if necessary.

BC Provincials scheduled February 2-5 in Kamloops

2011-12-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

BC's Provincial Championship will be held at McArthur Island (Kamloops) from February 2-5, though as only two teams submitted entries by the December 9 deadline, that schedule may be compressed.

Team Cormack, last year's surprise winners over a Jim Armstrong team featuring Darryl Neighbour and Chris Daw, will defend their title over a team skipped by Darryl Neighbour. Details when available will be published here and on playdowns.com.

BC were slow to adopt a playoff format for the Provincial team, but had 4 teams registered in 2009, and 3 in 2010 and 2011. This year's entry is very disappointing, considering how BC athletes have dominated the national team since 2007. Success at the national and international level is clearly no spur, at least in BC, to increased grassroots participation.

Team Canada miss out on IPC Best Team Award

2011-12-15T17:32:00.000-08:00

The final round of awards from the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics was held in Beijing last Saturday: the International Paralympic Committee's Best Team Award went not to Canada, but to Japan's silver medal sledge hockey team. While it is possible that scandal may have influenced the Committee's decision, the citation emphasised that Japan's team had not been expected to medal before the Games began.

Team Canada have kept a very low profile this year. Rather than repeatedly traveling to compete internationally, much of the budget has been spent bringing in new people either to training camp or domestic competition to work with the six currently carded team members.

Team Canada 2012 has not been officially announced but Jim, who has now moved to Ontario, Darryl, Ina and Sonja will be in Richmond BC this weekend for one of two scheduled training camps prior to the 2012 Worlds in Korea, February 18-25. A January training camp has yet to be scheduled, though the team will compete in a Mixed Cashspiel in Prince George January 16-18.

Wes Smith, USA Paralympian, 1940-2011

2011-12-07T15:16:00.000-08:00

Wes Smith at the Torino Paralympics 2006
[Photo: Joe Kusumoto]

The Bangor Daily News reports that Wes Smith died on Monday in Florida. Wes played in the inaugural Wheelchair Curling World Championships in Sursee SUI in 2002. He was also, at 65, the oldest competitor at the 2006 Torino Paralympics, a record overtaken by Japan's Takashi Hidai who was 75 when he curled at the Vancouver Paralympics in 2010.

USA selects team for 2012 World Championships

2011-12-05T20:06:00.000-08:00

The five athletes who will represent USA at the 2012 World Championships in South Korea next February 18-25, have been announced though playing positions have not yet been decided.

The players are:

Patrick McDonald (Madison, Wis.)
James Joseph (New Hartford, N.Y.)
Penny Greely (Green Bay, Wis.)
David Palmer (Mashpee, Mass.)
and Tim Kelly (Rockford, Ill.) chosen as alternate.

Players were chosen based on their performance at an open-call training camp and at the US Open and Cathy Kerr Spiel.

USA lost their skip Augusto Pérez, 3rd Jim Pierce and lead Jacqueline Kapinowski to retirement after a tough 2011 Worlds campaign that saw them finish just one win above the relegation zone. This season they'll be led by Patrick McDonald who returns from shoulder surgery that kept him out of last year's championships. Experienced Jimmy Joseph and Penny Greely, last year's rookie alternate, return to the squad which has two newcomers; David Palmer and Tim Kelly.

Rockford's Channel 13 TV station interviewed Kelly after he made the team.

wheelchair curling thriving at Ilderton CC

2011-12-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

For those not beholden to national fundraisers like Own The Podium, wheelchair curling is about enjoyment - something easily forgotten amidst reporting's natural emphasis on competition and drama.

Ilderton Ontario's program has been rebuilt on that firm foundation. The coach, Ernie Comerford, after relocating to London Ontario and looking to recreate the success he helped biuld in Calgary, saw Ilderton CC had the closest accessible ice. It also had a storied history, hanging three Canadian Championship banners plus the Torino Paralympic Gold Banner; a leagcy of Chris Daw's early involvement at the club. But participation had collapsed post Torino, and it took a whole winter to encourage the first two wheelchair users to enter the ice in the Spring of 2008.

Since then there has been a steady growth in participation at the recreational level, while two teams played in this year's Cathy Kerr, one reaching the semis. Two players, Mark Ideson and Mike Munro, attended the National Training program and participated on Team Canada II in Richmond in November.

This season the recreational group meets on Sundays from 11 am until 1 pm. The competitive group plays in a regular mixed league weekly and attends separate practices during the week. The Club intends to enter two teams in the January 2012 Provincials near Ottawa, with the hope that will expand to three in the future.

The Club belives in outreach, and owns a set of demonstrations rocks to promote the game and recruit newcomers at local malls.

Here is a video af highlights from the 2010-2011 season that gives a taste of the positive energy that motivates the club.

Wheelchair Curling is alive and well in the London area and it keeps getting better, says Ernie. Anyone interested should contact Ernie Comerford at 519-203-0087 or by email at erniecomerford@rogers.com.

Calgary's curlers facing challenges

2011-12-03T16:18:00.000-08:00

Calgary's wheelchair curlers lost their Ogden CC home when the curling club disbanded over the summer, and have struggled to find viable alternatives to their old fully accessible venue. They have been playing in an able-bodied league at the Calgary CC, and that club have been very supportive, going so far as to purchase an expensive (and heavy) ramp to allow side door ice access.

Getting suitable practice time at what may be Canada's busiest club, however, has proven impossible. The Garrison CC has provided practice ice late Sunday afternoon; an awkward time that has meant a drop off of attendance especially among the recreational players.

Bridget Wilson - founder and 6-time Alberta champion
at the 2011 Nationals in Edmonton

The team itself. together for over seven years, is adjusting to the absence of a founding member. Bridget Wilson. Bridget got wheelchair curling started in Alberta but always found traveling a strain. She spends most of the winter in Arizona and decided to step back for a year at the conclusion of last season; spending more time with her family and not concerning herself with being match ready come the 2012 Nationals.

Bridget remains part of the team and is playing in a fun league while in Phoenix, though Martin Purvis will play front end at this season's competitions. Martin joined the team in 2009, winning silver at the 2009 and 2011 Nationals while playing 2nd, and also made the All-Star roster in 2010.

Martin Purvis steps up to front end

There is a possibility that Calgary will be challenged for the southern Alberta slot at Provincials by a team from Lethbridge, who recently brought six players to Calgary for an afternoon pof curling. Medicine Hat is also rumoured to be preparing a team.

Russia wins 6th Czech Open

2011-11-30T09:49:00.000-08:00

Russia - 1st place
[photo - Pavla Vrbova]

Russia topped the seven team field at the 6th Czech Open last weekend in Prague, dropping just one point in a 5-5 tie with the Italian Trentino team. Poland finished second and Sweden third.

Poland - 2nd place[photo - Pavla Vrbova]
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Sweden - 3rd place[photo - Pavla Vrbova]

Two Czech teams and Slovakia also competed. Slovakia, with three of the four players who won promotion to the 2012 Worlds from the Qualifying Tournament, finished 6th with four losses and a tie.

Full event details including line scores and team members can be downloaded HERE.

Sweden's Patrik Burman, Paralypic bronze medalist, profiled

2011-11-29T19:36:00.000-08:00

Patrik Burman at 2011 Worlds
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Patrik Burman, who started at second on Sweden's 2010 Paralympic team before stepping up to 3rd to replace Glenn Ikonen in the playoffs, is profiled HERE.

Patrick played 3rd on the 2011 Worlds team that narrowly escaped relegation, but suffered a shoulder injury in the summer and will miss this season, his place taken on the reconstituted Paralympic team likely to compete at the 2012 Worlds in Korea, by namesake Patrik Kallin.

English team looking for some support

2011-11-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

Stephen McGarry, Jeff Ward, Stewart Pimblett and Paula Longrigg
as featured on Bob Cowan's blog

Four avid wheelchair curlers, fairly new to the ice but experienced in other sports, are looking for coaching support and sponsorship towards their goal of becoming a competitive team worthy of representing England.

Stephen McGarry, Jeff Ward, Stewart Pimblett and Paula Longrigg live in the north of England, and travel to Kelso for their curling. They competed at the 2011 British Championships, finishing with a 2-2 record after a narrow 6-5 defeat by pool leader Rosemary Lenton in the final round robin draw.

At present Scotland dominates British curling because they have the curling ice. Though England and Wales have competed at World events in the past, Team Scotland inevitably becomes Team Great Britain, and indeed any Paralympic qualification points that might be earned in Britain outside of Scotland are by agreement ceded to the Scots.

As an ex-pat Englishman I'm cheered to see a challenge to this hegemony and I hope there are people left in England who can provide these pioneers with some much needed support.

Team Ewan take 2011 British Championship

2011-11-27T19:38:00.000-08:00

Ewan and Gault weren't singing the blues at the 2011 British Cahmpionships

[photo courtesy Bob Cowan's Skip Cottage Blog]
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Gregor Ewan skipped his team of Jim Gault, Ian Donaldson and Gil Keith to victory at the 2011 British Wheelchair Curling Championship at The Galleon Ice Rink, Kilmarnock SCO. this weekend.

Twelve teams competed in 2 pools, with crossover semi-finals for the top two in each pool. Pool A leader Rosemary Lenton gave up a steal in the 6th (final) end of her semi against Paul Webster to lose 5-3.

Ewan saw off National teammate Aileen Neilson 11-2 with a series of big end steals in the other semi. He then went one better in a repeat performance, dispatching Webster 12-1 in the final. Neilson beat Lenton 6-3 to take bronze.

Ewan 0 3 1 3 5 x - 12
Webster 1 0 0 0 0 x - 1

Neilson 0 2 1 0 3 0 - 6
Lenton 1 0 0 1 0 1 - 3

Line scores for all the matches are presently available HERE and a digest of the final day is available HERE. Team members are HERE.

Bob Cowan has some excellent photos from the event on his Skip Cottage Blog.

Anne Hibberd is CCA's featured athlete of the week

2011-11-24T12:23:00.000-08:00

Team Alberta 2nd Anne Hibberd in action at 2011 Nationals

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Aussie transplant Anne Hibberd, an integral part of Team Alberta for the past 6 years, is featured in the CCA's continuing promotion of wheelchair curling through their "featured athlete of the week."

In addition to earning two silver medals at National championships, and recently playing in the Team Canada squad, Anne has served as president of the Calgary Wheelchair Curling Association since 2005.

See what she has to say about her life in and out of curling, HERE.

Norway takes Cathy Kerr final over Quebec as USA I fades

2011-11-20T17:25:00.000-08:00

1st - Team Norway
Jostein Stordahl, Terje Rafdal, Per Fagerhøi, Sissel Løchen, Ole Fredrik Syversen
with coach Thoralf Hognestad
.

Norway, playing without skip Rune Lorentsen who did not travel, took the $400 first prize at the 7th Cathy Kerr Memorial Spiel at the RA in Ottawa. They beat Chris Sobkowicz's national champions Team Cancade 7-3 in the pool cross-over semi-final, then faced Quebec, who handed USA I their first defeat 13-3 in the other semi.

2nd - Team Quebec
Johanne Daly, Sebastien Boisvert, Carl Marquis, Benoit Lessard
with coach Germain Tremblay

The final went 9-5 to Norway; the margin, two in the 7th and a steal of two in the 8th.

Team Cancade edged USA I 6-5 for 3rd place.

3rd - Team Cancade
George Horning, Chris Sobkowicz, Melissa Lecyer and Mark Wherrett
with coach Rob Lamb

Scores from the other cross-over games and results from all draws, plus team members, can be viewed HERE.

Final standings

Norway - gold
Quebec - silver
Cancade - bronze
USA1
USA2
Nfld & Lab
Cameron
Ilderton
Toronto
Sudbury
Bradford
Fraser

In the recreational division Quebec visitors Lenoxville prevailed over Michel with Simpson 3rd.

Lennoxville with coach/mentor Al Whittier
Winners of Recreational Division 2011 Cathy Kerr

Photos courtesy of Katie Paialunga's iPhone

USA 1 & Norway top their pools after round robin at Cathy Kerr

2011-11-19T18:15:00.000-08:00

USA I, playing with just three members after Dave Palmer had to return home for a family emergency, went 5-0 in round robin play at the end of Day 2 of the 7th Annual Cathy Kerr Memorial Spiel at the RA in Ottawa, Ontario. They beat Ken Gregory's Bradford 6-3 and Newfoundland/Labrador 6-5.

Norway also went undefeated, topping their pool after dropping only a point in yesterday's tie with Toronto. Today they inflicted Quebec's only defeat, 8-5, and finished with a 7-5 defeat of Sudbury. In the absence of skip Rune Lorentsen, who did not travel with the team but who will lead them in Korea, Jostein Stordahl has proved an effective replacement. The other members of the team have rotated positions but tomorrow will play Sissel Løchen at lead, Per Fagerhøi at 2nd and Terje Rafdal at 3rd.

Chris Sobkowicz's Manitoban Team Cancade, with recent implant Mark Wherrett playing 2nd, beat Ilderton 9-3 in the morning then piled on winless Team Fraser, 18-0 after 6 ends. Their alternate, George Horning, played on the Newfoundland/Labrador team replacing a player who fell ill.

Quebec rebounded from their morning loss by beating USA II 6-5 in the afternoon.

That set up top of the table cross pool match-ups of USA I vs Quebec and Norway vs Cancade at 9am, the winners playing for the $400 1st prize, and the losers playing for 3rd, at 2.15pm.

Tables after Round Robin

Pool A          Pool B
Norway 4-0-1   USA I       5-0
Quebec 4-1 Cancade     4-1
USA II 3-2     Ilderton    3-2
Cameron 2-3     Newfld/Lab 2-3
Toronto 1-3-1 Bradford    1-4
Sudbury 0-5     Fraser      0-5

Results from each draw can be viewed HERE. The schedule is available HERE

In the recreational division, visiting Lennoxville (3-1) from Quebec won both their games to top the table over Michel (2-2) Wong-Sing (2-2) and Simpson (1-3).

Quebec and USA I off to perfect start on Day 1 of Cathy Kerr

2011-11-18T21:32:00.000-08:00

Ben Lessard's team from Quebec continued the run of form that saw them go unbeaten at last weekend's US Open, by posting a 3-0 start in Pool A on the opening day of the 7th Annual Cathy Kerr Memorial Bonspiel in Ottawa, Ontario.

They beat host club organiser Bruce Cameron in the early morning (8.30am) draw 8-7 and then posted large margin wins over reigning Ontario provincial champion Chris Rees 8-1 and relative newcomers Sudbury 10-2.

In Pool B USA I were also unbeaten, topping the Manitoban national champions Team Cancade 8-1, before seeing off Ottawa's Fraser 9-4 and Ilderton 12-3.

The USA teams had struggled at their Open and the players have this event as a final opportunity to impress their coaches before Team USA 2012 is announced.

Norway's long-time skip, Rune Lorentsen, was unable to travel with the team, so everyone moved up a position. They won two games after an opening 7-7 tie with Chris Rees.

Tables after Draw 3

Pool A          Pool B
Quebec 3-0     USA I       3-0
Norway 2-0-1 Cancade     2-1
USA II 2-1     Ilderton    2-1
Cameron 1-2     Bradford    1-2
Toronto 0-2-1 Newfld/Lab 1-2
Sudbury 0-3     Fraser      0-3

Results from each draw can be viewed HERE. The schedule is available HERE

In the recreational division where all four games over the two draws ended within 2 points, Team Wong-Sing won both their games and Michel and visitors Lennoxville split while Simpson will have to wait another day.

CTV's cameras were on the ice this morning talking to Ottawa's Bruce Cameron and Richard Fraser. You can see the segment HERE. Click on the November 18 wheelchair curling link.

Ottawa hosts 7th Cathy Kerr Nov. 18-20 - world's largest bonspiel

2011-11-14T19:10:00.000-08:00

The 7th Annual Cathy Kerr Memorial Spiel will take place next weekend at Ottawa's RA Curling Club with the first draw starting at 8.30 AM Friday.

With 12 teams registered for the Competitive Division and 4 more playing in the Recreational Division, the bonspiel is once again the largest wheelchair curling event in the world.

The field is headed by Team Norway, defending champions Team Quebec, Canadian champions Team Cancade from Manitoba and previous winners USA 1. Chris Rees brings his 2011 provincial champions, one of five Ontario teams plus teams from Sudbury, Newfoundland and Labrador and USA II that round out the field.

The recreational division is made up of Team Lennoxville (PQ) and three teams from the host Capital Wheelchair Curling Club.

The full draw schedule is HERE

Organisers would still welcome volunteers to clean and move rocks during games. If you can spare some time please contact Johanna at 613-521-0404

Jungnell returns but Scotland wins 5th Rolli Trophy, Bern SUI

2011-11-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Sweden's Jalle Jungnell, who announced his retirement last season, choosing to coach rather than skip his national team at the 2011 Worlds, returned to the ice with his 2010 Paralympic bronze medal team at the 5th Annual Rolli Trophy in Bern, Switzerland this past weekend.

It was Scotland however who took the top two places in the 7 team field, with Aileen Neilson skipping Angie Malone, Tom Killin and Gregor Ewan past her partner Michale McCreadie's Scotland II squad. Sweden placed 3rd.

Lausanne Olympique's Eric Décorvet was the only player on the three Swiss and one Italian team to have competed in Finland last week.

Full details from the event can be found HERE

Quebec take 6th Annual US Open in Utica, NY

2011-11-13T20:06:00.000-08:00

Benoit Lessard, Carl Marquis, Johanne Daly and Denis Grenier
with coach Germain Tremblay
.

Ben Lessard skipped his Quebec teammates to a 7-0 sweep of the competition at the 6th Annual US Open in Utica, NY this weekend. The win, their first since the 2010 Cathy Kerr. builds on their 3rd place in Richmond earlier this month. Lessard, Carl Marquis, Johanne Daly and Denis Grenier play out of the Magog CC under coach Germain Tremblay. Their regular 2nd, Sébastien Boisvert, will rejoin the team at the Cathy Kerr.

Bruce Cameron's Ottawa team (5-2) were 2nd and Ken Gregory's Bradford squad (4-3) were 3rd.

The two USA teams finished a combined 5-9 and will be hoping that the rebuilt programme will make enough progress to avoid relegation at next February's Worlds.

Final standings after Round Robin

Quebec 7-0
Ottawa: 5-2
Bradford: 4-3
Toronto: 3-4 *defeated Nova Scotia and USA #1 head to head
Nova Scotia: 3-4 *defeated USA #1 head to head
USA #1: 3-4
USA #2: 2-5
Can/Am: 1-6

You can see some familiar faces in this video from YNN.

Full line scores are available HERE. The Draw Schedule and Rules are HERE

Chase Curling Club in central BC looking for wheelchair users

2011-11-11T19:54:00.000-08:00

Wheelchair users in the Chase area, from Kamloops to Salmon Arm and beyond are invited to make use of the very wheelchair friendly facilities at the Chase Curling Club.

Andrew Casavant tells me he is looking to get in contact with individuals or groups catering to wheelchair users who might be interested in taking up curling, and especially stick curling, which is probably the format best suited to wheelchair play. He can be reached by email for more information.

Slovakia and Italy prevail at Worlds Qualifying

2011-11-10T14:09:00.000-08:00

Radoslav Duriš, Branislav Jakubec, Dušan Pitoňák, Monika Kunkelová

The top two teams after round robin play were also the two teams who qualified for the 2012 Worlds after the Page playoff, but it wasn't easy.

Italy (7-1) got off to a fast start against Slovakia (5-3) taking 2 with hammer and then adding a steal, only to fall behind 4-3 in the 3rd. A 3 of their own saw Italy's lead restored at the break, but Slovakia tied the game with 2 in the 5th.

Again Italy struck back, posting 3 in the 6th only to give two back in the 7th. With the hammer and the score 9-8 in their favour, the Italians looked to put away the nightmare of the 2010 playoff by keeping the house clean. That didn't happen.

With Slovakia sitting shot, Italian skip Andrea Tabanelli missed a peel with his first stone. Slovakia drew for second shot behind a guard and Tabanelli missed his take-out attempt, giving up a steal of 2 and allowing Slovakia, in just their third year of competition, to take the first of the two Qualification slots.

Slovakia     0 0 4 0 2 0 2 2 - 10

Italy *      2 1 0 3 0 3 0 0 -  9

A surprised Slovak Skip Radoslav Duriš, said: “It’s very impressive. There were highs and lows in this game for both teams but in each end we thought we could do it. The win for us is amazing.

“We lost four games in a row in the middle of this event and at that point we said ‘Houston we have a problem!’ but since then we have won every game. It was a dream for us to go to Korea – and now we are going.”

The 3 vs. 4 game Germany faced Finland without their skip. Jens Jäger injured his had the previous evening and Caren Totzauer moved up, but gave up a 6 ender and then a steal of 4 either side of the break before losing 13-2 in six ends.

Finland  *  1 2 0 6 4 0 x x  13

Germany      0 0 1 0 0 1 x x   2

That set up a match between Finland and Italy. Skip Andrea Tabanelli later professed to feeling lucky to get a second chance.

He rode his luck all the way to the last rock of an extra end.

Italy began with a single with hammer but immediately gave up 3 and then a steal of 1 before taking a point to go in to the break down 4-2. A steal of 1 in the 5th and a 2 with hammer in the 7th levelled the scores at 5.

Early in the 8th Italy looked good to steal the game. But Markku Karjalainen made a great shot on his first stone to double out Italy's shot rocks. Tabanelli drew partially behind a centre stone to count one and Finland had a hit and stick for the win. They hit but rolled out, forcing an extra end but keeping the hammer.

Both teams showed signs of mounting pressure in the final end but Markku Karjalainen again threw a double take-out with his first throw. His second take-out attempt, however, may have been slightly over-thrown. It missed and Italy could finally put 2010 behind them and celebrate the steal that qualified them for South Korea next February.

Finland  0 3 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 - 5

Italy *  1 0 0 1 1 0 2 0 1 - 6

Team Italy

Andrea Tabanelli, Angela Menardi, Emanuele Spelorzi, Egidio Marchese, Rosanna Menazzi

A relieved Andrea Tabanelli said: “I was upset this morning, due to a mistake I made with my last stone, I lost us the game. We are very lucky to have a second chance and play again this afternoon. I am delighted that we won. This win is for my team, who are fantastic and have managed to form a strong bond.”

Finnish skip Vesa Hellman was philosophical. “We’ll try again next year. We showed massive improvement this year, so we will be coming to next year’s competition with a completely different mindset. After a couple of days, I’m sure we’ll be able to enjoy this achievement too, even though we didn’t manage to achieve the spot at the Worlds.”

Italy and Slovakia join Canada, Scotland, Norway, Russia, China, Korea, USA and Sweden at the 2012 Worlds in Chuncheon City, South Korea February 18 -25.

The 2012 Worlds Qualifying event will return to the Kisakallio Sports Institute, Lohja, Finland from the 3-8 November. Kate Caithness, President of the World Curling Federation, said: “The Finnish Curling Association and Kisakallio Sports Institute have delivered an excellent event. The institute provides top class facilities and optimal competition conditions for disabled athletes. We are delighted to return to Kisakallio once more and would like to thank the organizing committee for all their hard work this year.”

Click HERE for full statistics, line scores and team line-ups. The event also has a Facebook page.

Wheelchair and visually impaired spiel at Idleton CC Nov. 12

2011-11-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

Mike Munro, Ernie Comerford, Jacqui Kinahan, Tony Reynen
[photo - Chris Montanini Londoner]

The Idleton CC near London ON is hosting a wheelchair and visually impaired spiel on Saturday November 12. Wheelchair curling at Idleton is coached by Ernie Comerford who has seen a rapid rise in the numbers participating as well as having two of his players invited to play in Richmond BC by national team coaching staff.

You can read about Saturday's event in this article.

Worlds Qualifying Day 5

2011-11-09T16:04:00.000-08:00

Slovakia's Branislav Jakubec and Dušan Pitoňák
[Photo: Katja Kiiskinen/World Curling Federation]

At the start of the final day of round robin play at the Worlds Qualifying Tournament in Loja, Finland, seven teams held their own fate. They just had to avoid defeat in the final two draws to join Italy in the playoffs. Only one, Slovakia, succeeded, beating their Czech neighbours 8-4 in the morning and Germany 7 -5 in the afternoon.

The Czechs then had to beat Italy to hope for a tie-break, but the confident Italians, leading the round robin table as they had in 2010, were in no mood to be beaten, eliminating the Czechs 7-1.

Italy's morning opponents, Denmark had only to win one of their final two games to clinch a playoff spot, but lost to the leaders 8-4 and then lost to Japan 6-5 in the day's tightest game. Japan were ahead 4-1 at the break, but saw the Danes level the score with a steal of 2 in the 8th. Japan, already eliminated after suffering a 5th loss to Finland in the morning, played spoiler by taking the extra end for a 6 -5 win that pushed the Danes into a tie-break.

Germany and Switzerland could not both avoid a 4th defeat as they played each other in the morning, Germany coming out on top 6-3. Switzerland salvaged a tie-break chance by beating bottom of the table Latvia 9-4 in the final draw.

Finland's skip Vesa Hellman[Photo: Katja Kiiskinen/World Curling Federation]

With Italy facing Slovakia in the Page 1 vs.2 game, there were four teams on four losses to decide who played in the Page 3 vs. 4 game, In the tie-breakers, Germany completed a miserable day for Denmark by posting a 4 in the 2nd end and holding on for a 7-5 win. Hosts Finland gave the home fans a stake in tomorrow's playoff round, beating Switzerland 7-3 after getting off to a 4-0 lead after 3 ends.

The winner of tomorrow's Italy vs Slovakia game will claim the first qualification spot, while the loser will play the winner of the Germany vs. Finland game to decide who gets the second qualification place The two teams will join the eight (Canada, Scotland, Norway, Russia, China, Korea, USA and Sweden) already qualified for the 2012 Worlds next February 18-25 in South Korea.

Standings after Draw 9 and tie-breaks

Italy       7 - 1
Slovakia    5 - 3
Finland     5 - 4 won tie-break
Germany     5 - 4 won tie-break
Denmark     4 - 5 lost tie-break
Switzerland 4 - 5 lost tie-break
Czech Rep . 3 - 5
Japan       3 - 5
Latvia      2 - 6

Click HERE for full statistics, line scores and team line-ups. The event also has a Facebook page.

6th Annual US Open in Utica NY - November 11-13

2011-11-08T16:00:00.000-08:00

The 6th Annual U.S. Open begins this Friday in Utica, NY. Eight teams will play a full round robin with head to head records, total ends or if necessary total points as tie-breaks.

There are eight teams registered. Patrick MacDonald skips the new-look Team USA I with Penny Greely, James Joseph and David Palmer. Bob Prenoveau skips USA II with Tim Kelly, JR Wynne and Meghan Lino. The American teams will be coached by Rusty Schieber.

Laughie Rutt, promoted to skip after Mike Fitzgerald's move, is bringing a Nova Scotia side of Trendal Hubley-Bolivar, Debbie Earle and newcomer Keith Williams (see comments).

There are three Ontario teams who will be challenging again for provincial honours this season. Ottawa's Bruce Cameron brings Doug Morris, Jamie Eddy and Christine Lavallee. Branford's (ON) Ken Gregory skips Collinda Joseph, Frank Cannarella and Jim Primervera. Toronto's Chris Rees leads Carl Bax, Alec Denys and Shauna Petrie.

Benoit Lessard's Quebec team includes Carl Marquis, Sébastien Boisvert and Johanne Daly. Ontarian Katie Katie Paialunga is in charge of a mixed Canadian/American squad with Jimmy Kenner, David Sawyer and Pam Wilson.

The Draw Schedule and Rules are HERE

Worlds Qualifying Day 4

2011-11-08T14:58:00.000-08:00

With just two more draws to play, eight of the nine teams at the 2011 Worlds Qualifying Tournament in Lohja, Finland, are still in with a chance of making the playoff. The one certainty: Italy with just one loss after 7 Draws, is guaranteed a berth.

Italy's only defeat was to Japan in the morning draw. Japan, Vancouver Paralympians, lost their opening 3 games but their narrow win over table-toppers Italy was their second.

Down 5-2 after 3 ends they stole the next 3 points to inch ahead, but gave up a single in the 8th to see the score tied at 6. They then took 2 with hammer in the first extra end of the event to post an 8-6 win.

Kaneko Emi from the Japanese Curling Association said: “The team was feeling down after losing our first three games but all the other teams and our own technical staff have been very supportive. After two wins the team is feeling much more positive and happy now and hopefully we can continue that in our final games. We have a new team this year with two new players, both of whom bring a lot of positive energy to the group.”

Unfortunately for the Japanese they were unable to maintain momentum, giving up an 8th end 2 to the Czechs in a 5-4 loss this afternoon.

Czech Republic
Radek Musilek, Stepan Benes, Martin Tluk, Michaela Charvatova, Jana Brincilova
[Photo: Katja Kiiskinen/World Curling Federation]
.

Four losses may still qualify for the playoffs as tomorrow's draws pit Germany and Switzerland, and the Czechs and Slovakia, each with 3 losses, against each other.

The host Finns, coming off a run of 3 consecutive victories, fell to Slovakia in the morning draw, tying the game at 6 with a 2 in the 8th, but unable to prevent Slovakia taking the winning point in the extra. Another narrow loss, 6-5 to Italy this afternoon drops Finland down the table with 4 losses, needing help to get to the playoffs.

Slovakia and Latvia, the least experienced of the competing sides, played a very tight game in the afternoon draw. Latvia went ahead on two double steals, but surrendered the last 4 points to lose 6-5, and drop out of contention. Slovakia moved to 3-3 and hold their fate in their own hands.

Team Slovakia
Radoslav Duriš, Branislav Jakubec, Dušan Pitoňák, Monika Kunkelová[Photo: Katja Kiiskinen/World Curling Federation]
.

Germany, who had started so brightly, lost their only game today 9-4 to the Danes who then went on to edge the Swiss 6-5 this afternoon. The Danes leapfrogged Germany and Switzerland in the table and with the four teams below them playing each other tomorrow, need just one win tomorrow to clinch a playoff spot; against either Italy or Japan.

Standings after Draw 7

Italy       5 - 1
Denmark     4 - 2
Czech Rep . 3 - 3
Slovakia    3 - 3
Germany     3 - 3
Switzerland 3 - 3
Finland     3 - 4
Japan       2 - 4
Latvia      2 - 5

Click HERE for full statistics, line scores and team line-ups.2 The event also has a Facebook page.

Worlds Qualifying Day 3

2011-11-07T14:54:00.000-08:00

As play began on Day 3 of the Worlds Qualifying Tournament in Lohja, Finland, three teams were unbeaten. By the end of Draw 5 just one had a perfect record: Germany and Switzerland both losing to Italy.

Italian coach Giulio Regli was delighted with his team’s performance. Remembering that the Italian team had faltered after finding themselves in this position only a year ago, he cautioned that there were still four games of the round-robin to go.

"The team had to keep focused," Regli said.

Switzerland were first to face the new leaders, and nosed ahead 3-2 on a steal of 2 after the mid-game break. Italy came back to steal 2 in the 7th, and sealed the win 5-3 with a final stolen point in the 8th.

Italy then faced Germany, who had lost to Finland 7-4 this morning, after allowing 4 stolen points. They also may have lost some confidence as they surrendered seven more stolen points to Italy in an 11-1 loss.

Switzerland, like Germany, failed to recover from their morning defeat, allowing the Finns to grab an 8 -6 win with 3 in the 8th.

Denmark's Sussie Neilsen bracing Proben Neilsen
.

Per Christenson, Denmark's very experienced (and ex-Norway) coach, may have had some tough words for his under-performing national squad; whatever was or was not said, the Danes came out fighting today, blowing away the Czechs 13-5, and Latvia 15 -3.

Latvia's lead Vita Miezite
.

Rookies Latvia had earlier disposed of Japan 10 - 6, stealing the game's final 5 points. Paralympics skip Yoji Nakajima's team may be feeling the absence of preparation occasioned by the series of natural disasters that hit his homeland this year, though Japan did regroup to post their first win, 9-3 over Slovakia in Draw 5.

Japan controlled that game with some great set up shots from the front end. Here's an observer's description of some fine play in the 3rd end that resulted in a steal of 2.

Japan and Slovakia each had a stone in the 4ft, both well hidden behind guards but Slovakia had other counting stones in the house, and the hammer.

Skip Yoji decided to play a hit and roll off a stone in the 12ft. to attempt to remove or make sure of the stealing point. The first two ends had been decided on a measure for the point.

He made it perfectly, pushing the Slovakian counter out of the 4ft, and sitting 2 buried. Radoslav Duriš attempted a raise but was unable to outcount Japan's stones, giving up a steal of 2.

Standings after Draw 5

Italy       4 - 0
Finland     3 - 2
Germany     3 - 2
Switzerland 3 - 2
Denmark     2 - 2
Latvia      2 - 3
Czech Rep . 1 - 3
Japan       1 - 3
Slovakia    1 - 3

Click HERE for full statistics, line scores and team line-ups.2 The event also has a Facebook page.

Worlds Qualifying Day 2

2011-11-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

Team Italy

Andrea Tabanelli, Egidio Marchese, Emanuele Spelorzi, Angela Menardi, Rosanna Menazzi

Italy are a Cinderella team. They dropped into the qualifying pool by losing in a 5 way relegation tie-break at the 2009 Worlds, and last year in this event, made the 1 vs. 2 game before losing to both China and Russia.

Their two-time Paralympics skip, Andrea Tabanelli, had to leave before play began last year, but after an opening bye, has steered his team to two wins on Day 2, 9-2 over Slovakia and 10-4 over Latvia.

A very experienced neutral observer reports: "Latvia tied Italy after 5 ends but missed their opportunities to pressure Italy when it mattered. Their lack of strategic understanding often let Italy off the hook. Latvia missed opportunities to score a big end on numerous errors."

A tough assessment of a rookie team, but probably more useful to them than the usual anodyne public relations coach-speak if the team is serious about competing at the world level.

Team Latvia
Aleksandrs Dimbovkis, Ojars Briedis, Maris Dzelzkalns, Polina Rozkova, Vita Miezite

Germany and Switzerland also posted two wins. Germany beat newcomers Latvia 9-5 and were gracious in post game remarks.

"We were really surprised by how strong a team Latvia was," said skip Jens Jäger. "They are very precise and good players and have clearly very good team spirit. It is always a great feeling when the wheelchair curling family grows and grows."

Germany blanked Japan 12-0 in the afternoon draw.

Co-leaders Switzerland stole their way to an early 7-2 lead against the Czechs in Draw 2 before hanging on for a 7-6 victory. They repeated the pattern against Slovakia in Draw 4, leading 7-0 after two ends before cementing a 10-6 win with 2 in the 8th.

Hosts Finland posted their first win with a 5-ender and a 4-ender in a 14-1 rout of Denmark. The Finns shot an impressive 67% as a team.

"It was like having a different team on the ice," said lead Tuomo Aarnikka. "We had a great start to the game. We stole five points in the second end and after that we managed to keep the game simple for us and the opposition was the one who had to keep taking the risks."

The Finns were unable to maintain momentum, however, surrendering 6 steals in an 8-1 loss to the Czech Republic in Draw 3.

Standings after Draw 3

Germany      3 - 0
Switzerland 3 - 0
Italy        2 - 0
Czech Rep.   1 - 2
Latvia       1 - 2
Finland      1 - 2
Japan        0 - 2
Denmark      0 - 2

Click HERE for full statistics, line scores and team line-ups.

Canada I sweeps to victory at Richmond International

2011-11-05T19:44:00.000-07:00

Jim Armstrong's World Champion Canada I team of Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forest and Sonja Gaudet completed their round robin with a seventh win, gently over RCD 6-2, while second place Cancade pounded Alberta 10 - 1, stealing the last seven points.

USA took 3 in the 5th in a 6-2 win over BC, enough to lift them above Canada II who lost to Quebec 4-2 with just 5 ends played.

In the playoff, Canada I faced Manitoban Team Cancade for the $1,000 first prize and got off to a fast start, taking 3 with hammer. Cancade held them close the rest of the way but lost 7-5, earning the $600 second prize.

Quebec blanked USA 10-0 to take home $400 for third. Teams also earned $50 for each round robin win.

Standings after Draw 7

Canada I   7 - 0
Cancade    5 - 2
Quebec     5 - 2
USA        4 - 3
Canada II 3 - 4
Alberta    2 - 5
BC         2 - 5
RCD        0 - 7

Draw and rosters are available HERE

Draw 7 line scores are available HERE and playoff line scores are available HERE

Worlds Qualifying Day 1

2011-11-05T18:48:00.000-07:00

Team Switzerland
Manfred Bolliger, Felix Wagner, Claudia Heuttenmoser, Eric Decorvet, Melanie Villars

[Photo: Katja Kiiskinen/World Curling Federation]
.

The World Wheelchair Curling Qualifying Tournament began today in Lohja, Finland, with nine teams competing for the final two places in the ten team 2012 World Championship in South Korea next February.

Manfred Bollinger, the tournament's most experienced skip, edged his team to a 7-6 win over Japan in the opening draw. Team Japan had interrupted their Qualifier training camp to compete in the Friendship league in Hokkaido, Japan, at the end of October (where they finished bottom of the table) and with Japanese curling centred in the north of the country so badly affected by the earthquake, tsunami and its repercussions, had not had the easiest of preparations. So holding the Swiss was an encouraging result for their experienced skip Yoji Nakajima and his rookie squad.

The good times were rolling again for Germany, whose skip Jens Jäger had been alarmed at my previous description of ebullient. (It had somehow become mangled in translation.) They beat the Czechs 7-4.

Team Germany has a new coach (Bernd Weiser) and traveling team official Petra Schlitt professing general happiness with everything, adding: "This new group has great team spirit, and more than anything else, they want to keep the playing fun for everyone." Those of us who fondly remember their traveling supporters singing in the stands at the 2009 Worlds, hope the fun lasts the week.

Team Finland
Vesa Hellman, Tuomo Aarnikka, Markku Karjalainen, Sari Karjalainen, Riitta Särösalo
[Photo: Katja Kiiskinen/World Curling Federation]
.

Hosts Finland were feeling confident before their opener against Latvia. Their skip, Vessa Hellman, said: "Practice went well and the ice feels quite good. The stones are quite a lot less swingy than last year, but they give us a good amount of curl."

Unfortunately for the home fans, the Finns lost to Latvia 3-7. It was Latvia's first win at this level. "Playing in Scotland last month was good preparation," an excited vice-skip Ojars Briedis said.

Slovakia, also relative newcomers to the sport at the World level, beat Denmark 11-4 in the remaining match, while Italy had a bye.

Rock moving and time-keeping duties are being performed by student volunteers led by Jari Moberg "The students are extremely active in helping out in the tournament. It serves as good practice for them in how to organise and help out in sporting events and thus it is a useful experience for them also in their studies. The fact that it is an international event is always a nice addition because the students get a chance to use English."

Draw 2 begins at 10.30 local time. Tournament organizers plan live webcast coverage of some games.

The draw and game schedule can be found HERE. Results will be posted HERE.

Richmond International Day 3

2011-11-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

Canada I continued their cruise through the field on the third day of the Richmond International, stealing four ends against USA in the morning before allowing a two in the 6th and final end of a 10-2 win. In the afternoon they beat BC 9-2, padding the score with a steal of 4 in the 7th; the only game of the eight played past the 6th end.

Quebec, lying 2nd in the table at start of play, started strong against Alberta, stealing 3 in the 1st, the winning margin of the 7-4 result. In the afternoon they met Manitoba's Cancade team and lost 6-4. Chris Sobkowicz's side had earlier beaten Canada II 7-2 and their double put them in second place at the end of play. Alberta slumped to a second defeat, losing to Canada II 7-6 in a game where multiple points were scored 5 of the 6 ends.

The pick-up team representing the RCD hosts took another beating in the morning 12-0 defeat by BC, but regrouped in the afternoon though still losing 5-4 to USA on a stolen final point.

Standings after Draw 6

Canada I 6 - 0
Cancade 4 - 2
Quebec    4 - 2
Canada II 3 - 3
USA       3 - 3
Alberta   2 - 4
BC        2 - 4
RCD       0 - 6

Draw and rosters are available HERE

Draw 5 line scores are available HERE and Draw 6 line scores are available HERE

Richmond International Day 2

2011-11-03T18:39:00.000-07:00

Canada I were caught napping with an 8-1 lead allowing Chris Sobkowicz's Manitoban Cacade team to post a 4 in the 6th end. They awoke to post a 4 of their own and complete a 12-5 victory in the morning draw. They posted another 12 in the afternoon, allowing Quebec just a single point in seven ends: Quebec's first defeat after their morning 6-1 defeat of BC.

Canada II have settled on an unusual line-up with Mark Ideson skipping from lead, in front of trendal Hubley-Bolivar, Darlene Jackman and Mike Munro. They posted their first win, 5-4 over USA in 6 ends in the morning draw before whitewashing the RCD host team 11-0 in Draw 4. RCD could be forgiven if they felt a little shell-shocked having been hammered 13-0 in just 3 ends by Alberta in the morning.

USA stole 2 in the 7th and final end in a 6-4 win over Bruno Yizek's Alberta and BC suffered their second loss of the day - 9-3 to Manitoba's Cancade.

Standings after Draw 4

Canada I 4 - 0
Quebec    3 - 1
Alberta   2 - 2
Cancade   2 - 2
USA       2 - 2
Canada II 2 - 2
BC        1 - 3
RCD       0 - 4

Draw and rosters are available HERE

Day 2 line scores are available HERE

Worlds Qualifying begins Nov. 5 in Lohja, Finland

2011-11-03T17:58:00.000-07:00

The World Wheelchair Curling Qualifying Tournament begins Saturday November 5th at the Kisakallio Sports Institute in Lohja, Finland, site of last year's event. Nine teams will compete: Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Slovakia and Switzerland.

They will play a full round robin, the top four teams entering a Page playoff on Thursday November 10. The top two finishers join the top eight from the 2011 World Championships, and will compete at the 2012 Worlds in Chuncheon City, South Korea next February 18-25 for Sochi Paralympics qualifying points.

Competition between the top teams is likely to be especially tough this year as Germany, Italy, Japan and Switzerland all competed at the Vancouver Paralympics, while the Czechs have the experience of hosting the 2011 Worlds.

There was a great deal of drama surrounding team Germany post Vancouver, with ebullient skip Jens Jäger shown the door after failing to build on his bronze medal performance at the 2009 Worlds. Unfortunately for Germany, Jäger's successor and ex-3rd, Marcus Sieger, was unable to avoid relegation in 2011 leading to Jäger's return to the national team.

Jäger has been traveling to European spiels with his own team, the Mainhattan Ice Wheelers, with mixed success, but arrives in Finland with a new coach as a favourite to gain at least a playoff spot.

No-one in Lohja has more experience than Swiss skip Manfred Bollinger, who impressed international coaches at the recent Kinross spiel where Switzerland defeated Canada en route to the final.

The other skips with Paralympic experience are Italy's Andrea Tabanelli who skipped the host side in Torino (2006), Denmark's Kenneth Ørbaekalso, also in Torino and Japan's Yoji Nakajima in Vancouver.

In a continuing trend, 8 of the 9 teams list two female members while the other, Slovakia, travel with just a four person team.

Hosts Finland are still looking for their first Worlds appearance. Radek Musilek returns to skip the Czech’s after their 10th place finish on home soil at the 2011 Worlds which sent them back to the qualification event.

Latvia, skipped by Aleksandrs Dimbovkis, are competing at the international level for just the second year. Slovakia’s Radoslav Duriš and his team hope it will be third time lucky after finishing 6th last year.

Tournament organizers plan live webcast coverage of some games.

The draw and game schedule can be found HERE. Results will be posted HERE.

You can see results from all major championships from 2006 by using the links on the events page at wheelchaircurling.com

Richmond International Day 1

2011-11-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

The first of four days of very competitive wheelchair curling began this morning at the Richmond CC as 8 teams started a full round robin to decide who will playoff for the $1,000 1st prize next Saturday.

The event, sponsored by the Richmond Committee For Disability (RCD) saw Canada bring their World Champion team, as well as a neophyte Canada II team, while BC, Alberta, Quebec and Manitoba (Cancade) all fielded strong established teams with lots of competitive experience. USA featured only one player from 2010, skip Patrick MacDonald, while a mixture of players from Richmond and Portland (OR) represented the RCD hosts.

Canada I crushed Canada II in the opening draw and more significantly took out Bruno Yizek's Alberta 9-3 in Draw II.

Gary Cormack's BC were edged 6-3 by Alberta in the opener but rebounded to hand Canada II their second loss, 9-5 in the afternoon.

Quebec handled USA 5-1 and blanked RCD 9-0, while Chris Sobkowicz's Cancade team also blanked RCD but were then beaten by USA, 7-4 in Draw 2.

Play was generally slow, with most games ending in 6 ends, a couple managing just 5, and only one game lasting 7 ends.

Standings after Draw 2

Canada I 2 - 0
Quebec    2 - 0
Alberta   1 - 1
BC        1 - 1
Cancade   1 - 1
USA       1 - 1
Canada II 0 - 2
RCD       0 - 2

Draw, Scores and rosters are available HERE

Home favourites take 4th Wetzikon Invitational in Zurich

2011-11-02T19:23:00.000-07:00

Manfred Bollinger at the 2010 World Qualifying
photo - Katja Kiikinen

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Manfred Bollinger skipped his national team to a decisive win at the 4th Annual Wetzikon Invitational in Zurich, Switzerland October 22-23.

A ten team field often used as a World's Qualifying warm-up, this year attracted Italy, the Czech Republic and Team Germany, skipped once again by Jens jager, back from the wilderness and with a new coach after Germany's failure at the 2011 Worlds.

Final standings and team members are HERE

Team Canada introducing new faces at Richmond International

2011-10-31T20:07:00.000-07:00

Mark Ideson and Mike Munro with the Brier Trophy
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Team Canada is bringing five athletes less familiar to west coast fans to compete in the Richmond International. Nova Scotia's Trendal Hubley-Bolivar and Newfoundland and Labrador's Darlene Jackman are likely to play with rookies Mark Ideson and Mike Munro from London, Ontario, on Canada II, while Ontarian Collinda Joseph replaces Anne Hibberd on Bruno Yizek's Alberta side.

Though Mark and Mike have only been curling a year, their coach Ernie Comeford is impressed with their rapid progress and is convinced they will be major players in the future.

"After all Jim, Daryl and Bruno are over 60 and both Mark and Mike are in early 30s at the most. The potential is there," he said.

They also fit a physical profile attractive to the national coaching staff.

You can watch them and seven other teams at the Richmond CC starting this Wednesday. Draw 1 begins at 9.30am. You can see the teams and the Draw HERE

Mark Wherrett moves to Winnipeg, Ficek looking for a third

2011-10-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

Mark Wherrett at the 2011 Nationals
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Mark Wherrett, who appeared on all four Northern Ontario national championship teams, the past three as vice to Wayne Ficek, has relocated to Winnipeg.

"I moved back to Winnipeg late last summer," he said, "and have been curling with the gang in Winnipeg, I played basketball with Chris, George and Dennis in the eighties. I also lived in Winnipeg up to 2000 so it was more like coming back home. The curling rink in Dryden closed this fall so it turned out to be a good move for me with being able to continue to curl."

Mark replaces Don Kalinski on the Manitoban "Team Cascade" at this year's Richmond International, but leaves Wayne Ficek short of a third back in Northern Ontario. Team Ficek's Chester Draper and Cindy Hoffstrom also curled out of the defunct Dryden CC and their playing status for the coming season is unclear.

News from Manitoba

2011-10-30T18:28:00.000-07:00

Chris Sobkowicz at the 2011 Nationals
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Manitoba, the current national champions, were a team born into controversy with some consideration given by the Province to not appearing at the 2011 Edmonton Nationals. Gold medals probably eased any Curl Manitoba qualms about sponsoring a self-selected and unopposed provincial representative.

A proposed Spring meeting to discuss minimum playdown requirements and/or selection protocols apparently did not materialise, but as this season begins, skip Chris Sobkowicz has gathered a group of eight who are participating in a development program sponsored by Cancade Inc.

They play in 3 mixed leagues, practice twice a week, and play in 3 different two person stick leagues.

"It's completely open to anyone," Chris told me. "It's like a sports academy where we all learn the same strategies and techniques, work collectively on our program of activities with a competitive angle, and of course enjoy each other's company.

"We'll be hosting a "You can Do it" camp later in November headed by coach Rob Lamb and the MCA. This will focus mainly on people new to the game, and offer a recreational component."

"Team Cascade" will compete in next week's Richmond International, with Northern Ontario transplant Mark Wherrett replacing Don Kalinsky from the national championship squad.

The 2012 Team Manitoba will be chosen by provincial team coach Rob Lamb from those participating in the Cascade programme.

Richmond Centre for Disability hosts 5th International Nov 2-5

2011-10-28T14:19:00.000-07:00

The 5th Annual International Bonspiel organised by the Richmond Centre For Disability begins Wednesday November 2nd at the Richmond CC, with a full 8 team round robin ending with the playoff round Saturday November 5th.

Team Canada will be fielding its World Champion team in their final competitive appearance before they defend their title in South Korea, Feb. 18-25.

Also competing for the $1,000 first prize will be the 2011 Quebec champions, the Manitoban and Albertan finalists at the 2011 Nationals, 2010 National Champions BC's Team Cormack, Team USA, a mixed US and Canadian RCD team, and a Canada II team tba.

The event boasts the most compettive fireld outside of the natonal championship, and viewing is free. Teams can practice Tuesday afternoon, and Draw One begins Wednesday at 9.30am.

Full information is HERE

Lots of opportunities to learn in Nova Scotia

2011-10-28T14:16:00.000-07:00

Trendal Hubley-Bolivar at 2011 Nationals

CurlAtlantic is sponsoring eight weekends where wheelchair users and anyone interested in wheelchair curling can learn, practice and develop their playing and/or assistance and coaching skills.

The free sessions will include on and off-ice time and will be led by Trendall Hubley-Bolivar, a 3-time Provincial Champion and current National bronze medalist.

They begin at Halifax's Mayflower CC on November 5, 2.30 - 5pm, and at the New Caledonia CC in Pictou, NS, on January 14. You can view the announcement and full schedule HERE

Contact Katarina Hakansson (902 240-9870) for more information.

3rd Annual Asian Friendship League, Hokkaido, Japan, Oct 28-30

2011-10-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

The 3rd Asian Friendship League begins Friday, October 28 through October 30, at Moseushi Curling Hall, in Hokkaido, Japan. Six teams are competing with China's Prague World Championship team joining Korea's 2011 World's silver medalists challlenging four Japanese teams.

More information for readers of Japanese is available HERE, while entering the page url into Google Translate is an option for the rest of us.

Sonja Gaudet graces the 2012 Women of Curling Calendar

2011-10-27T18:55:00.000-07:00

Two time Paralympian gold medalist and current Team Canada lead Sonja Gaudet, already the photogenic ambassador for Canadian wheelchair curling, will grace a month of the 2012 Women Of Curling Calendar, being sold as a fundraiser for Shoot For A Cure, a spinal paralysis research charity.

You can read more, and order a copy of the calendar, HERE.

USA team pool announced after tryout camp

2011-10-26T18:59:00.000-07:00

Eight US wheelchair curlers have been selected to form the playing pool from which Team USA 2012 will be chosen after a 14 candidate three-day individual tryout competition at the Madison CC in McFarland, Wis.

Patrick McDonald (Madison, Wis.)
James Joseph (New Hartford, N.Y.)
Penny Greely (Green Bay, Wis.)
Bob Prenoveau (Chittenango, N.Y.)
David Palmer (Mashpee, Mass.)
Meghan Lino (East Falmouth, Mass.)
Tim Kelly (Rockford, Ill.)
Gerald Wynne Jr. (Plover, Wis.) who received a donated wheelchair from Ki Mobility of Stevens Point, Wis., to assist in his quest to make Team USA.

The first four all have previous international experience.

The selection was based on individual skills testing, game participation and strategy assessment as well as interviews to determine team/player compatibility. The squad will participate in the several highly competitive wheelchair curling events in November to help determine Team USA at the 2012 World Wheelchair Curling Championship Feb. 18-25 in Chuncheon City, South Korea.

Daw "released" as manager as Vancouver CC moves to Hillcrest

2011-10-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

Torino gold medal skip Chris Daw has been "released" from his contract as Manager of the Vancouver CC just prior to the club moving into its new premises as part of the Hillcrest Centre, the 2010 Olympic venue.

He has now returned to Ontario with his family. You can read his account on his blog.

The Hillcrest Centre officially opens this Saturday, October 29th, and the curling ice will be fully wheelchair accessible.

Russia II over Scotland II for Kinross title

2011-10-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

Boris Gorchakov, Konstantin Kurokhtin (skip),
Daria Shchukina,Mikhail Mokretcov, Aleksandr Dmitriev
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Russia II proved the class of the field, winning the final of the Kinross International 9-4 over Scotland II. Switzerland won their last two games to take second place in Group A, going on to beat Group B runners-up Norway 9-4 for 3rd place. Norway earned their playoff spot on ends scored, after tying with Canada II and Scotland 1 in round robin play.

Final
Russia II * 1 1 0 4 0 0 3 x - 9
Scotland II 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 x - 4

3/4 Game
Switzerland * 0 1 0 2 0 1 5 x - 9
Norway 2 0 1 0 1 0 0 x - 4

Tables after Round Robin

SECTION A
TEAM		W	L	T	Ends	Shots Up	Total shots	Pts

Scotland 2	4	3	0	1	16	+5	26	7
Switzerland	4	3	1	0	18	+10	30	6
Canada 1	4	2	2	0	13	+1	20	4
Russia 1	4	1	2	1	11	-6	22	3
Scotland 3	4	0	4	0	12	-15	19	0

SECTION B
TEAM		W	L	T	Ends	Shots Up	Total shots	Pts

Russia 2	4	3	0	1	20	+9	30	7
Norway	4	2	2	0	17	+3	26	4
Canada 2	4	2	2	0	13	+1	20	4
Scotland 1	4	2	2	0	13	0	26	4
Latvia	4	0	3	0	1	-13	21	1

Ina Forrest rejoined her Canada I team in Amsterdam prior to their flying to Scotland. TC coach Wendy Morgan professed everyone was pleased with the result though neither Canadian team qualified for the playoffs. "Early season tweaking ... everyone pleased." Bruno Yizek and Chris Sobkowicz shared skipping duties on Canada II.

An organiser's report on the final day can be read HERE.

Michael McCreadie (skip), Michael McKenzie, Jim Gault, Ian Donaldson,
Gill Keith

Claidia Huttenmoser, Felix Wagner, Melanie Nadja Villars, Eric Decorvet,
Manfred Bollinger (skip)

Terje Rafdal,Rune Lorentsen,Maria Duncan,Sissel Lochen,Jostein Stordahl.

And Goose makes three, leaving USA 2012 wide open

2011-10-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Augusto 'Goose' Perez was the third Tam USA member, with Jacqui Kapinowski and James Pierce, to quit the program over the summer. This throws team selection wide open as 14 candidates gather at the Madison CC in McFarland, Wisconsin, the new centre for wheelchair curling in America, for the annual selection camp October 20-23.

Jimmy Joseph (49, New Hartford, NY) is the one survivor from the 2006 and 2010 Paralympic team and he will be joined by 2010 Paralympian Pat McDonald (44, Madison WI) who has moved his family from California to be more involved with the program. Penny Greely (40, Green Bay WI) returns from the 2011 team, and Bob Prenoveau (46, Chittanango NY), who was a part of the 2005 and 2007 World Championship teams, is the other athlete with international wheelchair curling experience.

The 3-day camp will select eight who will then compete at two November events before the five person team for the 2012 Worlds is announced. National coach Steve Brown heads a five person selection committee looking for individual skills, game participation, strategic understanding and that catchall loved by coaches, "team/player compatibility." The eventual five will also have impressed in cumulative performance, on/off ice behaviour, team dynamics and training regimen.

Joining Jimmy, Pat, Penny and Rob are:

Catherine Cummins - 47, Portland, OR
Tyler Halatek - 40, Green Bay, WI
Stephen Hart - 62, Portland, OR
Tim Kelly - 38, Rockford, IL
Jimmy Kenner - 50, Green bay, WI
Megan Lino - 27, East Falmouth, MA
David Palmer - 51, Mashpee, MA
Steven Roberts - 16, Vancouver, WA
Pam Wilson - 56, Westminster, CO
Gerald Wynne Jnr. - 45, Plover, WI

Scots and Russian second strings lead at end of Kinross Day 2

2011-10-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

Scotland II beat Switzerland 8-6 on the strength of a 5 spot in the 3rd end of the morning sraw, and continued with a 7-6 defeat of Scotland III to stay top in Pool A at the end of Day 2 at the Kinross International.

Russia II beat Canada II 6-4 after three consecutive steals put them ahead 3-0 at the midway break, maintaining their unbeaten record atop Pool 2.

Canada I bounced back from their opening defeat, beating Scotland III by 8-4 and Russia I by 10-3.

Tables and full line scores can be seen HERE

Team Canada finalist for IPC 2010 Paralympics Best Team Award

2011-10-19T09:35:00.000-07:00

Team Canada is one of five finalists for the International Paralympic Committee's "Best Team" Award. Jim Armstrong, Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forrest, Sonja Gaudet and Bruno Yizek defended Canada's Paralympic title with a 7-2 round robin record before beating Sweden, and then Korea in the final.

Also being considered are the US and Japanese Sledge Hockey teams and the Russian Men's and Women's Cross Country Skiing Relay Teams.

The winner will be announced in December. The IPC news release is HERE.

Scots sweep Canada in opening draw of Kinross International

2011-10-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

Canada's two teams played in the final of the Norway Open on Sunday and two days later faced Scotland's best on the opening day of the Kinross International in Scotland. They lost both games, giving up a steal in each final end.

Canada 1    *   0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0  3
Scotland 2      0 1 0 0 2 0 1 1  5

Canada 2    *   0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0  2

Scotland 1      0 0 3 0 0 0 1 1  5

The ten team tournament includes teams from Norway, Latvia, Russia and Switzerland competing in two pools, with the first and second in each pool competing in Thursday afternoon's playoff.

In other results, Switzerland beat Russia 1 by 7-5, and Russia II beat Norway 8-5. Latvia and Scotland III had byes.

You can see the table and full line scores HERE and the tournament program with team line-ups HERE

Wheelchair curling club needs your online vote NOW

2011-10-17T16:07:00.000-07:00

Members of the South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club Pic: © STV

The South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club is applying for a community development grant from the Royal Bank of Scotland. You can read about their application HERE.

The club trains regularly at the Hamilton Ice Rink and will host an international event next January 18 and 19.

Secretary David Morgan said: “The money would go towards the international event as well as the development of the club.

“It’s important for people to vote for us because there’s so many wheelchair users that are caught up in poverty and can’t get access to funding which leaves them isolated because they can’t get out.

“This funding would help the social aspect and it’s a great initiative bringing an international event to South Lanarkshire.”

The organisation is hoping to run a special event on St Andrew’s Day this year and preparations are also underway for 10th birthday celebrations in February.

Voting closes at midday (7am eastern time in north America) on October 24. Here's the RBS voting page. It's a bit of a pain as you have to register before voting, but it's worth the 3 or 4 minutes that will take too support a club that is showing real initiative.

Armstrong over Yizek in all-Canada Norwegian final

2011-10-16T13:52:00.000-07:00

Jim Armstrong's Canada 1 took the 2011 Norwegian Open with a 7-3 win over Bruno Yizek's Canada 2 team. Denmark beat Finland 4-3 to take 3rd place.

Canada 1 were one player short (see yesterday), which in a game without sweeping and all other things equal, offers an advantage to the players throwing three stones.

Full results can be found HERE

Canada sweep into final of Norwegian Open

2011-10-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

Norway 1 only got to play one match against Canada in this weekend's Norway Open and were comfortably handled by Bruno Yizek's Canada 2 as the Canadians swept into tomorrow's final. Finland play Denmark for 3rd place.

Ina Forrest was unable to travel because of a family bereavement, but will join the team in Scotland.

Canada 1: Armstrong, Sobkowicz and Hibberd
Canada 2: Yizek, Neighbour, Smart and Gaudet

Full results can be found HERE

Wayne Ficek is CCA's featured athlete of the week

2011-10-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

Jean Mills' fascinating series of athlete profiles for the CCA continues to include wheelchair curlers with this week's focus on Northern Ontario champion skip Wayne Ficek.

Read Wayne's take on a rule change that would improve the sport, and much more, HERE.

Canada posts big margin wins at Norwegian Open

2011-10-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

Both Canadian teams posted big margin wins in the opening draws of the Norwegian Open at the Halden Curling Centre. The draw and results are available HERE.

Team Canada off to Norway and Scotland

2011-10-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

Team Canada's only international trip before defending their World title in South Korea next February is to Norway, where they play this weekend, then on to Scotland the following week.

The Norwegian Open, to be held at the Halden Centre starting Friday, failed to attract any other contending teams and will serve as a warm-up for the Kinross event beginning next Tuesday.

Canada is fielding two teams with Calgarians Anne Hibberd and Jack Smart joining the six carded squad members. In Norway, roles and positions will be flexible, but Canada's medal team expect to play together in Scotland.

The eight teams in Norway include four local teams, plus Finland and Denmark.

The ten teams that will compete in Kinross include two from Russia, plus Norway, Switzerland, Latvia and three Scots teams. Team members can be seen HERE

NB's Capital Winter Club access fundraising close to $60K target

2011-10-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

As part of its 50th Anniversary celebration, the volunteer run Capital Winter Club in Fredericton NB has almost reached its $60,000 fundraising target that will, with matching provincial funds allow the installation of a lift to the upstairs viewing area.

Club president Rob Wight told The Daily Gleaner: "we're hoping to extend that at some time in the future to where we can actually have wheelchair curling and give people with disabilities access to the ice."

Give-it-a-go at The Peak in Stirling (SCO) October 5th

2011-10-04T22:39:00.000-07:00

There will be a "taster" session at The Peak in Stirling from 2.30 to 3.30 on Wednesday October 5th. Stirling WCC has 13 regular curlers and is actively seeking members.

Aileen Neilson voted "Athletes' Athlete" by Scottish peers

2011-10-04T22:37:00.000-07:00

[photo - Alastair Stephen Photography]

Team Scotland skip Aileen Neilson was awarded the coveted Gordon Brown Memorial Trophy at the Scottish Disability Sport's AGM on September 28th. This honour is voted for by fellow athletes to the individual who has excelled at the highest level in their sport.

Aileen skipped her team to a silver medal at the 2011 World Championships in Prague, a return to the podium for the former wheelchair curling powerhouse after several years. You can read the RCCC report on the event HERE

Team Canada devlopment camp begins in Richmond BC

2011-09-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

Twenty six wheelchair users and a dozen coaches will gather this weekend at the Richmond CC in British Columbia, the pay-off to last season's promise that the regional development camps held across the country would lead to opportunities to connect with the present Team Canada squad and their coaches. Attendees will have an opportunity to learn what it takes to win at the international level, and use those insights to strengthen their provincial programmes.

It's easy to underestimate just how much work, and how many hours go into developing the skills that underpin winning performance, hours that for the national squad are eased by financial support, and guided by coaching staff with the resources to analyse and adjust performance. While Canada is blessed with enormous coaching experience across the country, specific experience in wheelchair curling is very limited outside of the national program, and the efforts of a handful of provincially based coaches volunteering their time.

So the weekend will be an opportunity to spread the word about good practices and proven methods that can improve standards nationally. It will also probably demonstrate how wide is the gap both in execution and ambition between those athletes with access to expert coaching and training and the resources to devote significant hours each week to their sport, and those making their own way.

Expert coaching can change that equation, especially in the area of technique, on which all else rests, and which even experienced able-bodied coaches will find alien. A stable repeatable delivery is essential to success, and while individuals will differ in their throwing motions, delivery positions, and stick configurations depending on their physique, an educated eye can help maintain the consistency that eventually allows for measured change of force, and the ability to judge distance.

Anyone disappointed at not receiving an invite to Richmond can console themselves knowing that with a settled squad holding both Paralympic and World titles and unlikely to voluntarily give up carding system booty, the opportunity to break into the squad before 2014, baring accident, illness or even more dramatic legal imbroglios than a felony drug distribution conviction, remains slim to none. The true worth of the weekend will be whether teams competing in Thunder Bay next March arrive better prepared to bridge the gap between the National Champions, and the chosen.

Quebec's Johanne Daley is this week's CCA featured athlete

2011-09-29T12:18:00.000-07:00

Johanne Daley playing lead for Quebec at 2011 Nationals

Johanne Daley, who brought a wealth of high performance sport experience to her debut on curling ice in 2008, is this week's featured ahlete on the CCA website. Discover what rule she'd change, and how hard she can throw a takeout and much more in Jean Mills' profile HERE.

Wheelchair curling in the Yukon?

2011-09-28T10:18:00.000-07:00

The Yukon Curling Association, in a news release reported by the Whitehorse Daily Star, suggests they are interested in starting wheelchair curling in the territory. There were no details given for locations, or what if any clubs might be wheelchair accessible, but Yukon wheelchair users interested in participating should contact the YCA office at 867-668-7121 or by e-mail at yca@sportyukon.com

Calgary change of venue and Edmonton's ice is in

2011-09-27T18:12:00.000-07:00

Team Yizek practicing at the Calgary CC this month
[photo - Andy Jones]

The Ogden Legion CC, host for seven extremely successful years to Calgary's wheelchair curlers, succumbed to financial pressures and closed its doors this summer, forcing the wheelchair curling program to relocate to the Garrison Curling Club.

Regular weekly Sunday evening sessions resume at 4.45pm, commencing October 16th.

The ice is in at the Jasper Place CC, site of last year's Nationals and also host of this season's Provincial Championship January 20-22, 2012. A tweet from Cathy, the club manager (@1CathyC) suggested a wheelchair curling clinic is planned for the October 1st weekend. Contact her for more information.

Invitation to 6th Open Czech Tournament 2011

2011-09-23T18:59:00.000-07:00

The 6th Prague Open will be held in the Czech Republic from November 25th to November 27th at the Prague curling hall.

Entry forms and hotel information are available HERE and the booking deadline is October 24.

Ohioans offered an opportunity to learn to curl

2011-09-22T16:54:00.000-07:00

Columbus (Ohio) Curling Club is holding another learn to curl session on Sunday October 2nd from 9 - noon. The session is designed introduce wheelchair athletes to the sport of curling, as well as for able-bodied curlers interested in learning to teach wheelchair curling.

Cost is $10 per participant and veterans are free. Visit the club's website for more information and to sign up.

McCreadie steers Scotland II to season opening win in Denmark

2011-09-21T16:47:00.000-07:00

Scotland II winners of the 5th Danish Open
Gregor Ewan, Ian Donaldson, Gill Keith, Jim Gault and Michael McCreadie
[photo Aileen Neilson via Bob Cowan's blog]
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The 5th Annual Danish Open in Tårnby September 9-11 attracted a full complement of ten teams to open the 2011/2012 competitive curling season. Scotland, Russia and Norway each sent two teams, and Germany, Finland, Czech Republic and Denmark also competed.

Scotland II and the Czechs topped their groups (which were scored on more than won/loss records) with the Scots running our easy winners in the crossover gold medal game and Russia I taking 3rd. Gregor Ewan moved from Scotland I for the final two games replacing an injured Jim Gault, and did a fine job of calming any rookie nerves from Ian Donaldson and Gill Keith, according to coach Tony Zummack.

Final Standings - teams played a final crossover game between the two pools.
GB 2 beat Czech Republic for Gold
Russia 1 beat Norway I for Bronze
Russia 2 beat Finland for 5th
GB 1 beat Denmark for 7th
Germany beat Norway 2 for 9th

The Scots were coming from an intensive two week camp that straddled the end of August, one of several innovations their full-time coach has introduced this season. As reported by Bob Cowan, the wheelchair curlers attended as part of the newly integrated Royal Club/British Curling World Class Performance Programme, sharing ice and classroom time.

Gregor Ewan practicing his delivery line
[photo courtesy Bob Cowan's blog]

.
"It was a really good camp," said Zummack, and after eight days we had the opportunity to bring in some other competitive wheelchair curlers for a day, and then finish with a well-attended "give-it-a-go" session for wheelchair users and people interested in coaching, that several senior players stayed around for.

"We're spending a lot of time on the ice in supervised practice," he said, possible with a full-time national wheelchair coach. "From now on the squad of eight will be spending at least two 4-hour practice sessions a week, some where they will come to me, and some where I will travel to them. This hasn't been done in Scotland before, and we'll see how it goes this season, then evaluate.

"Six of the squad are using a parallel delivery and seven are using the (Eales) off-side brace, but the most important thing is they use a delivery that fits their body and with which they feel comfortable." It also appears they have dropped the long-range shooting style favoured by the previous regime.

Manitoba's Dennis Thiessen featured on CCA website

2011-09-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

Team Manitoba 3rd Dennis Thiessen is the featured athlete on the newly revamped CCA website.

2011, after some local controversy over team formation, was a big year for Dennis and his teammates when, as Team Manitoba, they converted a string of three bronze medals into gold at the national championships in Edmonton. That win earned them an invitation to the end of September Team Canada Development/Evaluation camp in Richmond BC.

Find out who Dennis would invite to dinner, and what his favourite website is, by reading Jean Mills' profile HERE.

News from Team Canada

2011-09-19T11:00:00.000-07:00

There are six Canadian athletes currently receiving financial support through the national carding system; the five who won gold at last year's World Championships in Prague, plus Manitoban Chris Sobkowicz, skip of the current national champions, who receives a smaller "development" grant.

The six all participated in the optional monthly training camps at Edmonton's Saville Centre over the summer, and will be joined by 20 invitees and 9 coaches at a Development/Evaluation Camp that will be held in Richmond BC from September 30-October 2.

This camp, which had initially been proposed for the end of last season, is a follow-on from the series of regional camps held by national team staff and athletes throughout last season. Invitees to Richmond were chosen in part on impressions gained at those camps, as well as performance at observed competitions, and recommendations from regional coaches.

With the present Team Canada appearing as both Paralympic and World Champions, the camp is probably less about breaking into the national team than an opportunity for athletes and coaches to familiarise themselves with national training procedures that may be carried back into and improve regional programs.

A full list of Richmond invitees can be seen at the end of this post.

An eight person TC squad will travel to Norway (October 14-16) and then with just a day's turnaround, compete at the Kinross event in Scotland (October 18-20). Albertans Jack Smart and Anne Hibberd will join the squad for those two events. In Norway the team lineups will be flexible, but the world champion team is expected to play together in Scotland.

Canada will also field two teams at the Richmond International (November 2-5) though personnel may change.

A further but smaller development camp is planned for later in the season.

Expected to attend the Richmond camp

National Team coaches Laura Farres, Joe Rea, Wendy Morgan, Gerry Peckham

National squad members Jim Armstrong, Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forrest, Sonja Gaudet, Bruno Yizek, Chris Sobkowicz

National Champions Manitoba coach Rob Lamb, with Dennis Thiessen, George Horning, Don Kalinsky, Melissa Lecuyer

BC coach Karen Watson with Frank Labounty and Alison Duddy

Alberta coach Andy Jones with Jack Smart and Anne Hibberd

Saskatchewan coach Lorraine Arguin with Darwin Bender and Gil Dash

N. Ontario coach Dave Kawahara with Carl Levesque

Ontario coach Carl Rennick with Collinda Joseph, Chris Rees, Mike Munro and Mark Ideson

Quebec coaches Germaine Tremblay/Alan Smith with Benoit Lessard
and Carl Marquis

Atlantic region coach LeslieAnn Walsh with Joanne McDonald, Darlene Jackman and Trendal Hubley- Bolivar

Highland Wheelchair Curling begins in Inverness Sept. 27

2011-08-28T04:26:00.000-07:00

The Highland WCC would like to encourage wheelchair users and all those with mobility problems, to join them on Tuesdays from 1.30 to 3.30pm during the curling season at the Inverness Ice Centre. Sessions begin September 27 and you don't need to stay the full two hours.

Mo Simpson says: Wheelchair Curling is an enjoyable and social sport from grassroots to elite level. It is also one of a number of sports which can be played on an equal basis, alongside and with non-disabled people. The club will provide trained coaches and any equipment needed; just wear layers of clothing, gloves and a hat if required. Should I not be available when you come, please ask for Morven Marwick, Curling Development Officer, or Ron Wynton, Wheelchair Coach.

For further information on wheelchair curling or to book a Come and Try place please contact Mo Simpson at wheels77uk@yahoo.co.uk or tel: 01463 716227 or 07798 710404.

The Callie Commitment

2011-08-28T04:24:00.000-07:00

As part of its commitment to bring new participants into the club, Regina's Callie CC is continuing its wheelchair curling program. If you use a wheelchair or know someone who does, join the fun. Contact Bob Capp at (306) 789-0367 or contact the Callie.

Entry deadline for 4th Annual Wetzikon (Zurich) Open is Sept. 30

2011-08-27T16:26:00.000-07:00

The 4th Annual Wetzikon Invitational will take place October 22-23 at the Wetzikon Curling Centre, near Zurich SUI.

Competition details, including fees, accommodation and map can be found HERE along with an entry form to be completed by September 30.

Norwegian Open October 14-16. Registration deadline August 19.

2011-08-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

This year's Norway Open will be held at the Halden Curling centre from October 14-16. The registration deadline for this event is Friday August 19 and full details including cost, transportation and accommodation can be found HERE. Email Anne Grethe Bremnes for more information.

Nova Scotia loses a skip. New Brunswick gains a mentor

2011-08-08T09:36:00.000-07:00

Nova Scotia skip Mike Fitzgerald on home ice at 2009 Nationals

[photo - Ian Readey]

Nova Scotia skip Mike Fitzgerald, who shares with Colleen Jones a record of four consecutive provincial titles, is retiring from his job and moving to New Brunswick where he and his wife Anna spent their childhood.

“I depart with mixed feelings," said Mike. "Loss in leaving a team that had success from a great work ethic and good coaching. Then there is the excitement of retiring and moving home knowing I have plenty of time to help the New Brunswick program develop.

“I have learned a great deal about wheelchair curling. In the beginning there was little instruction. Now I can use all that knowledge about skill development and team dynamics to assist others who are just beginning.”

Friend and teammate Laughie Rutt said, “It's sad to see him move on but it is something Mike had planned for years. Mike took us very close to the big prize. He remains one of the premier curlers in Canada.”

Fitzgerald was known in Lakeshore Curling Club as the ultimate competitor. He could be found at the club at least six times a week either practising or playing. He also worked with new curlers to improve their skills. Quiet and reserved off the ice, you would never find him talking of his accomplishments.

Good luck, Michael. We'll be looking forward to New Brunswick challenging at future Nationals.

Deadline fast approaching for 5th Annual Kinross International

2011-08-08T09:28:00.000-07:00

One of Scotland's most successful independently organised wheelchair spiels is the Kinross International, held this year between October 18-20th.

The Scottish national programme will be fielding two strong sides looking to impress the home fans and Canada, Russia, Norway and Switzerland have expressed interest in attending.

Application deadline is September 3. Contact Ena Stevenson for more information.

News from team Canada

2011-08-08T09:26:00.000-07:00

There is very little news from Team Canada other than "Team Canada has been meeting and practicing on a regular basis."

There had been hopes to organise an Albertan summer camp for individuals who caught the attention of national coaches during last season's tour. This did not materialise because of unspecified "challenges" but it is hoped that a camp (details have not yet been circulated) can take place at the end of September in Richmond BC.

I am told invitees will be those who displayed the most promise based on (the) various camps from last season or as a result of observed performances and success at the Canadian Championships.

Jim Armstrong update: Jim's son Greg has been moved to a federal prison in Mississippi. Jim tells me there "are some interesting scenario's developing" but his son's present situation prevents him from making good on his promise to tell his side of the story in public. It is a story that the CCA have apparently heard and accepted for Jim to remain on the programme.

More from the Cape Cod Summerspiel

2011-08-08T09:24:00.000-07:00

Quesnel resident Alison Duddy features prominently in a report by Percy Hebert of the Quesnel Cariboo Observer. She talks about her team's performance at last month's Cape Cod Summerspiel where her provincial team placed second in a field that included teams from Scotland Russia and USA.

The report, which includes game situations, strategy, tips and lots of credit where it was due, is the kind of reporting that we need to encourage if wheelchair users unfamiliar with the sport are to be enticed to try it.

Alison has featured several times here, never with a view to self-promotion, and sets an example that other curlers and coaches in general and Team Canada personnel in particular might consider emulating as part of a low cost, high benefit campaign to publicise the sport.

Invitation to compete at Lausanne International December 3-4

2011-08-08T09:17:00.000-07:00

An invitation to compete at the 5th Annual Lausanne International at the Lausanne Olympique CC can be found HERE. The field will be limited to 12 teams and the attached registration form should be returned by September 30.

Open call to try out for Team USA

2011-08-08T09:14:00.000-07:00

The US Curling Association has issued an open call for athletes interested in representing their country at the 2012 World Championships in South Korea.

The trial will be held in Wisconsin at the Madison CC from October 20 to 23rd. The top eight candidates, chosen on both on and off ice criteria, will be required to compete in the USA Open in Utica NY and the Cathy Kerr Bonspiel in Ottawa. Expenses will be covered for those events.

From that group, five athletes will be chosen for the mixed gender team that will compete at the Worlds.

With two retirements from the US national team already announced, there is an excellent opportunity for ambitious wheelchair users prepared to put in the practice to make the team.

Full details of the camp including registration and costs are available HERE.

$50,000 grants available from Canada's Enabling Accessibility Fund

2011-08-06T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) supports community-based projects across Canada that improve accessibility, remove barriers, and enable Canadians with disability to participate in and contribute to their communities. Grants up to $50,000 per project are available to improve the “built environment.”

If your curling club is looking to enhance its accessibility by:
• Constructing an interior or exterior ramp
• Installing wider doors or automated door openers
• Building an accessible washroom
• Installing an elevator or lift
• Enhancing interactive speech capability on a public-access computer

Visit HERE for more information on how to access funds but act quickly, the deadline for proposals is September 23, 2011.

BC residents can contact Penny Bartel for assistance in putting together a proposal.

6th Annual USA Open Utica NY November 11-13

2011-08-06T11:08:00.000-07:00

Marc DePerno, team leader for the USA national team, has issued invitations to compete at the 6th Annual USA Open International taking place at the Utica CC November 11-13th, 2011.

Full details, including special rates on accommodation and transportation, are available HERE. Registration deadline is October 10th.

The field will be limited to 10 teams. More info from Marc DePerno.

Brits invited to a Wheelchair Curling Open Day on 4th September

2011-08-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

Wheelchair users, coaches and assistants not already participating in the World Class Performance Programme or the Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association's Spokes Programme are invited to attend an instructional camp on Sunday 4th September from 9.30am to 4pm at Greenacres Curling Rink.

The Open Day will include both include “on-ice” and classroom sessions updating attendees on the latest technical and tactical thinking guiding the High Performance programmes.

Tony Zummack, British national coach, has been working with the national training squad on adjustments to technique with an aim of improving delivery accuracy. This camp will be an opportunity for others to hear his thinking and familiarise themselves with what Britain's most experienced athletes have been learning.

Tactical sophistication and situational awareness don't matter if you can't make your shots. Zummack believes his approach will improve accuracy, and September 4th is your opportunity to hear how he intends to do it.

There is no charge for the Open Day but numbers are limited and will be issued on a first come first served basis.

If you would like to attend the Open Day please e-mail to register.

Russia beats Cormack's BC team to win Cape Cod Summerspiel

2011-07-21T05:48:00.000-07:00

Team Russia (red) and Team Cormack

Russia beat BC's Team Cormack 8-6 in the final of the 2nd Annual Cape Cod Summerspiel in Falmouth, MA topping a field that included the Scots "A" squad's first appearance under new Canadian coach Tony Zummack, as well as Team Quebec, and players in the USA national squad.

Vince Miele, BC's 2nd, said: "It was a close game [and] we're pretty proud that our team with our teammates spread out around the province having little time to practice together, and no coach, can hold our own against provincial teams like Quebec and national teams like Scotland and Russia.

"And what fun we're having!"

Russia, still relative newcomers to international wheelchair curling, continued the form that took them to their first semi-final appearance at the 2011 Worlds. With three seasons still to go before they host the 2014 Paralympics, they will be serious medal contenders in Sochi.

Miele reports the 3-4 game between Quebec and Scotland was won by Quebec 9-3 and the USA - USA/Canada game was won by USA by a score of 10-2.

"Our hosts and all the volunteers at this small club of about 250 have been fantastic, providing everything we needed, from transportation, to meals and even a bit of a tour. Overall, an experience we're glad we didn't miss and would be happy to come back to next year,' said Miele.

The Quesnel Cariboo Observer published a report including this photo, prior to the 1 vs 2 game. It can be read HERE.

Vince Miele, Frank LaBounty, Alison Duddy and Gary Cormack

Worlds Qualifying Tournament deadline approaching

2011-07-19T11:04:00.000-07:00

August 15th is the registration deadline for wheelchair curling teams representing a WCF Member Association wishing to compete at the World Wheelchair Qualifying Competition in Lohja Finland between 5 and 12 November 2011.

The top two qualifiers will join the top eight finishers at the 2011 Worlds: Canada, China, Korea (host), Norway, Russia, Scotland, Sweden and USA, at the World Championships in Chuncheon City, South Korea, 18-25 February 2012.

Germany and the Czech Republic are the two teams who competed at the 2011 Worlds in Prague but will have to travel to Finland to attempt to rejoin the chase for 2014 Paralympics qualifying points.

Invitation to 5th Annual Danish Open, Taarnby September 9 to 11

2011-07-12T11:05:00.000-07:00

Per Christensen, the Danish national wheelchair curling coach, has issued an invitation to compete at the 5th Annual Open International taking place at the Taarnby CC.

Eight teams have already accepted, including the full 8 person Scottish squad, and teams from Finland, Norway, Germany, the Czech Republic and Denmark.

Full details, including special rates on accommodation are available HERE or you can contact Per directly by email.

Tony Zummack talks about developments in Scotland.

2011-07-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

Great Britain coach Tony Zummack took advantage of six weeks of summer ice to hold intensive training sessions for British curlers interested in competing for an eventual place on the 2014 Sochi Paralympics squad.

"We had a series of all day Wednesday sessions in May and June where we had the opportunity to look at a lot of athletes, including some who came up from England," he told me today. "This year's emphasis will be on technical development; helping the 8 players selected for the training squad develop their mechanics, throw more accurately. I don't see why wheelchair curlers can't hit the broom as consistently as the best able-bodied curlers.

"We have divided the group into two squads: an A squad skipped by Aileen Neilson with Tom Killin, Gregor Ewan and Angie Malone; with Michael McCreadie skipping the B squad, Jim Gault, Ian Donaldson and Gill Keith who have less international experience. Each team will have different development goals with the aim of producing a very competitive team in time for the 2012 Worlds.

That's not to say that others will not emerge before Sochi in 2014, or that all of the present 8 will stay the course, and Zummack promises to keep an open mind on future prospects.

"What I believe," he said, "is that we are on the cusp of a significant advance in shot execution and overall standard of play. While it is true that wheelchair curling without sweeping can never be as accurate as high performance regular curling, efficiencies in delivery combined with increased understanding of what is and is not possible to throw accurately, and what shots are likely to bring the biggest likelihood of success, should raise stats into the 70s."

He may be right, and the adoption of the off-side brace long advocated here, and other delivery refinements will help. I would, however, be more persuaded if I had not heard similar claims from both Canadian and European coaches for at least the past four years.

Zummack is taking one team to Cape Cod (Jim Gault replacing Michael McKenzie from the Prague team). There will be a high performance camp from August 26 through September 4 and then several European spiels before the Scottish team is chosen for the 2012 Worlds.

5th Annual Rolli Trophy cashspiel in Berne SUI November 11-13, 2011

2011-07-07T06:09:00.000-07:00

This year's Rolli Trophy cashspiel will be held in Berne, Switzerland from Friday November 11 to November 13, 2011.

The field will be limited to 8 teams. Entry fees are 300 Swiss francs for a guaranteed six 6-end games with 7,000 francs of prize money to be won.

Closing date for entries is October 17. Read the flier (English version page 4) HERE or contact Nadia Roethlisberger for more information.

2nd Annual Cape Cod Summerspiel draws international field

2011-06-22T05:44:00.000-07:00

Teams from Russia, Scotland, Canada and the USA will be competing in the 2nd Annual Cape Cod Summerspiel July 17-20 in Falmouth, MA.

Russia is sending the team that just missed the podium when they finished 4th at the 2011 Worlds in Prague, though with a different coach, Alexandra Ryzhkova.

Tony Zummack, Great Britain's new Head Coach of Wheelchair Curling with his first competitive team selection, is bringing four of the five Prague silver medalists, Jim Gault replacing Michael McKenzie.

Canada will be represented by Team Lessard, Quebec provincial champions looking to rebound from a disappointing 2011 Nationals, and by British Columbia's Team Cormack.

USA national coach Steve Brown will be guiding both a new-look Team USA with Patrick McDonald at skip, and a mixed USA/Canada team featuring the return to action of Bob Prenoveau at skip.

Full details of the event, draws and teams can be found HERE.

N. Ontario's Chester Draper wins the Manitoba Marathon

2011-06-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

[photo JASON HALSTEAD/Winnipeg Sun]

Chester Draper, who plays 2nd on Wayne Ficek's No. Ontario provincial championship team won the Manitoba men’s full wheelchair marathon with a time of 1:57:26 beating that benchmark 2 hour time that marks a great performance.

Congratulations Chester, who is 71 and lives in Dryden, ON. And no, he didn't use a souped-up power wheelchair.

Video coverage from the 2011 Canadian Nationals in Edmonton

2011-06-18T15:28:00.000-07:00

AccessibleMedia were filming at the 2011 Canadian Nationals in Edmonton. Coverage included comments from Cathy Craig, Joe Rea and Bruno Yizek.

"Come and Try" Wheelchair Curling in Melbourne, Australia

2011-06-18T15:17:00.000-07:00

Wheelchair users in the vicinity of Melbourne, Australia are invited to a "come and try" session June 27 at 7pm and 8pm and onwards at the Icehouse.

Members of the Southern Cross Rollers, Australia's first wheelchair curling team, are competing at the Australian Championships this September. Read what they have to say about their sport and get more information about the event HERE.

Additions to the events calendar

2011-06-18T14:28:00.000-07:00

There have been some additions to the international events calendar page on the wheelchaircurling.com website.

Invitations have been sent out for teams to compete in the Norwegian Open at the Halden Curling Center from October 14-16, 2011. Details can be downloaded from HERE.

Also the 5th Annual Richmond Center for Disability International Spiel will be held November 2-5, 2011 at the Richmond (BC) Curling Club. You can download details HERE.

USA searching for next year's team

2011-06-05T14:08:00.000-07:00

USA are searching for the combination of players who will bring them back into contention after a disappointing 2011 World Championship brought to an end a very promising run of competitive results that had suggested medal success was close.

With two members of last year's team already announcing their retirement there was plenty of incentive for aspiring curlers to learn about the sport and perhaps impress Steve Brown, the National Team Coach, during four days of on and off ice instruction this weekend at the Green Bay CC.

Reporter Beth Jones of Fox station WLUK-TV was on hand to speak to some of the participants.

US Trials in Green Bay WI June 2-5

2011-05-26T10:11:00.000-07:00

A National Wheelchair Curling Camp is being held at the Green Bay (WI) Curling Club from June 2-5 with the goal of increasing the athlete pool and improving medal prospects at future World Championships and Paralympic Winter Games.

The camp schedule is as follows: Thursday, June 2: Noon - 6 PM Friday, June 3: 9 AM – 5 PM Saturday, June 4: 9 AM – 8 PM Sunday, June 5: 9 AM – Noon

[Photo - MAX GERSH | RRSTAR.COM]

One of the athletes attending will be Tim Kelly, a resident of Rockford IL who has been travelling to Green Bay to learn from National Coach Steve Brown, and also play on an able-bodied league team. Tom was recently profiled in the Rockford Register Star. [read]