News from team Canada

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.

Armstrong's fake Viagra saga ends without restitution to drug companies.

At a hearing before US Fedral Judge Ricardo Martinez in Seattle WA Tuesday, Jim Armstrong and his son Gregory were not ordered to pay the $44,000 restitution requested by the manufacturers of Viagra and Ciallis pills, fake versions of which formed the basis of the Armstrong's convictions last February.

Defense lawyers argued that restitution was not appropriate as the fake pills had been seized from Jim Armstrong before they could be smuggled into Canada and sold by Gregory in Vancouver nightclubs.

Jim has said in interviews that he has a full explanation for his actions, but has not yet felt able to present it, in part out of concern for the welfare of his son, who is in an American prison serving a 12 month sentence.

Team Canada talks about Prague

Canada celebrate their gold medal victory
Photo: WCF/Pavla Hrbova

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For Sonja Gaudet the 2011 World Championships in Prague were her sixth consecutive year on a world stage and her fourth gold medal.

"Obviously we couldn't be happier about the result," Canada's lead told me. "Everything was very well organised, and the Prague (Curling Hall Roztyly) curling rink is a very accessible and friendly place.  The ice conditions and the rocks were great - as was the accomodation, food and transportation.  So with all these details taken care of and once the jet lag was managed, we only needed to concentrate on our performance and that makes all the difference in the world."

Darryl Neighbour agreed with Sonja that the facility in Prague was excellent. "They put up a heated tent to accommodate all the wheelchairs at mealtimes," he said, "and though the temperatures dropped to below freezing outside, it didn't snow. The hotel was just a few minutes away and there was no messing about. We had our own van, five wheelchairs inside and it was hold onto each other and we're off."

Team 5th Bruno Yizek had more of a spectator's view of the facility and was also impressed.

"I spent the majority of the time watching the games," he said, "and the facility had great viewing from the upstairs lounge. Also each sheet had a big flat screen to see the houses. Both houses could be seen by a push of a button. At the end of the day's matches I had the opportunity to go on the ice and practice for 15 minutes. This gave me a feel for the ice and rock conditions, so I would not go into a game cold when called to play. The ice was super and (everything) was very well organised."

Canada's coach Joe Rea

Photo: WCF/Pavla Hrbova

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Darryl acknowledged that Canada's first game against China was a wake-up call. "We were lucky to steal that win, and I think it woke us all up."

Jim Armstrong agreed. "Our toughest game was China, for two reasons: first game with the rocks and ice, and secondly, we got down 3 early, and they can hit with big weight."

But the difference for Canada was the play of Sonja and front end teammate Ina Forrest, according to Armstrong. "They were just simply better than any other front end last week, and not by just a little bit  In my opinion they both had a series that truly has reset the bar in our sport for front ends."

Ina Forrest and Sonja Gaudet
Photo: WCF/Pavla Hrbova

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Both Jim and Darryl Neighbour mentioned how much easier it was to play their positions when the ends were being set up so well for them. "We took advantage of the teams whose front end players were not as strong," said Darryl, who though 62 is still looking to be defending his Paralympics title in Sochi, Russia in 2014.

"It is a big commitment," he told me, "and the travel can be tiring. But I am in the fortunate position of being able to dedicate the time, and I still love the game and love playing."

What was the surprise of the week? "The play of Scotland," said Armstrong. "Aileen (Nielson) looked considerably more comfortable skipping this year."

Neighbour agreed. "Scotland's my pick for strongest challenger next year," he said, wondering whether they would go the whole way and throw both takeouts and draws from the hogline." (My bet is they will, Darryl.)

Darryl also felt that China, Korea and Russia were teams to watch, especially as they gain the experience needed to call a competitive game. "Some teams hit every Canada rock they could see, regardless of the game situation or the scoreline," he said. "We have such an advantage with Jim's experience calling games."

Jim saw Prague as more of a re-build year for many teams. "Our big advantage was experience throughout our team, and particularly compared to some of the teams on "rebuild." Darryl had a great week as well (as Sonja and Ina). Where it showed to me, was that I was never left with a "circus shot" for a save. When the entire team is playing well, there is no need to gamble, and the game simplifies itself. Then the trick is to keep it simple."

(But that's also how I remember the play during the 2009 Worlds.)

Sonja, Ina and Darryl set the ends up for Jim  
Photo: WCF/Rostislav Čichon
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"All the major players (Norway, Scotland, China, Korea, in particular) have a great future," Jim continued.  "They have intensity, generally good technique, and are only lacking experience, which, of course, takes time.

Jim Armstrong
 Photo:  WCF/Pavla Hrbova

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"Generally, what I saw as a whole, was a very healthy sport with a future that continues to get brighter."

Ina Forrest made a point that had not been noted before: "I think it is a credit to all female curlers to note that three out of the four top teams, Canada, Scotland and Russia, had two females and two males on the ice in the Bronze and Gold medal games.

She added: "Having not seen the Russian team for several years it was great to see them do so well in Worlds.  Given they are the hosts for 2014, I expect they will continue to improve and be a strong contender at Paralympics.

Sonja concluded: "It is always a great opportunity to re-connect with athletes and friends from all over the world that we have competed against in the past - and wonderful to see many new faces and entirely new teams."

And that is a statement in the true spirit of curling.

Updated - In newspaper interview Armstrong denies he did anything wrong

Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong was interviewed for almost three hours yesterday by The Province, and in today's paper reporter Ethan Baron writes: Armstrong, 59, said he did nothing wrong, but agreed to a guilty plea because authorities told him that if he didn't, his son wouldn't be able to get his plea agreement for a year and a day in jail.

The U.S. prosecutor's case was riddled with inaccuracies, Armstrong claimed in the interview, but was told Gregory would have faced a 10-year prison sentence unless he agreed to a package plea.

"They put a gun to my head by putting it to Greg's head," Baron reports.

On Tuesday, Armstrong said he opened the box because it was large, looked beat-up and had been wrapped with a lot of tape.

"If I knew what was in the box, why would I have opened it in plain view of everybody?" the retired dentist said.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration Special Agent Jim Burkhardt pounced before Armstrong had a chance to call his son to ask about the contents of the box, Armstrong claimed.

"There's not a chance in the world that I'm taking this across the border," Armstrong said. "I know it's got to be illegal."


Asked for a response, U.S. Attorney's Office spokeswoman Emily Langlie told The Province Armstrong needs to live with the statements he made.

"That's what he told law enforcement. It's unfortunate that having entered a guilty plea that he is now interested in disputing the facts of the case," Langlie said, adding that Armstrong pleaded guilty "freely and voluntarily."

You can read the full interview HERE

I have been in contact with Jim who told me that his "intent would be to let the facts speak for themselves," and that The Province "didn't get it completely right."

UPDATE: Thursday 3PM - Since then a friend has reported claims by Jim of Prosecutorial misconduct, the fact that his son was under investigation prior to Jim's arrest, and mention of a polygraph test. (You can read them in the 6.53PM comment to this post.)

None of that goes directly to what is for me the key question: was Jim coerced into making false statements in his plea agreement admitting guilt for sommething he did not do, in order to have his son's sentence reduced from ten years to one year?

Jim had agreed to make a statement here, however the last email I received from him stated that he was on his way to the airport. "By the time we arrive in Prague, some desicions will be made regarding absolute, full disclosure, and any potential risk to Greg's wellbeing now."

I have asked Jim six pointed questions intended to cut through the inuendo and supposition. Though public interest is obviously high now, I think we should probably give Jim time to decide what is in his and his son's best interests before he makes a more definitive statement.

CCA response to Jim Armstrong sentencing

After the details of the sentence that Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong received from US District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez became public yesterday, I offered Greg Stremlaw, the CEO of the Canadian Curling Association, Gerry Peckham, head of the national program, Joe Rea, coach of the national team, and Jim himself the opportunity to make a public comment.

None of those individuals owes me a comment personally. They do all realise, however, that what is said here will likely be read by everyone with an interest in wheelchair curling.

Here is the reply I received from Greg Stremlaw.

Eric,

The CCA is aware of the outcome of yesterday’s court proceedings with Jim Armstrong. We monitored this very closely and have been formally debriefed.

At this time, there was no new information which came forth.

As you have indicated, the sentencing judge actually reduced the recommended actions and fine accordingly.

Given there have been no new facts or information which came forth which were relevant to this situation, the CCA has remained consistent with its disciplinary actions which were already handed down, including the specific conditions, that came out of the comprehensive review by the designated review committee.

The Canadian Curling Association continues to have the right to review or revisit this issue should any further information come forth which was not learned as part of our review and investigation.

The athlete is continuing to train and compete as part of the National Team Program at this juncture.

Thanks Eric.

Team Canada skip sentenced in fake Viagra case

Jim Armstrong leaving the Seattle court after sentencing
[photo Marcus Donner - The Province]
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Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong appeared before US District Judge Ricardo Martinez in Seattle's US District Court at 2PM this afternoon to be sentenced for selling and dispensing counterfeit Viagra and Cialis drugs with the intent to mislead or defraud.

Judge Martinez told Armstrong that as a retired dentist, “you are a trained medical professional... you knew better,” than to provide counterfeit drugs.

He sentenced Jim to a $30,000 fine and a year of supervised release that must include 75 hours of community service. This was $20,000 less than had been recommended to the judge in the signed package plea agreement that avoided a trial.

The fake pills were to have been distributed in Vancouver by his son Gregory, who also faced sentencing today. Gregory was sentenced to a year and a day in jail, a $5,000 fine and two years supervised release, and was taken into custody immediately.

The judge will determine on April 12th whether the men owe restitution to the drug companies whose products were counterfeited.

The Province published a report HERE.

The Toronto Sun reported on background to the case last Sunday.

Given that there were no surprises at today's hearing, it is not expected that Jim will be the subject of any CCA sanction beyond what Greg Stremlaw had previously announced: "disciplinary actions taken and specific conditions imposed; but that the athlete is still a part of the National Team program and will continue to train and compete as such at this time."

Jim departs with the rest of Team Canada on Thursday to defend their World Championship in Prague February 21 - March 1.

Armstrong sentencing rescheduled to Valentine's Day

Jim Armstrong and his son Gregory were to appear in Judge Martinez US Federal Courtroom Friday, February 11, for sentencing related to their plea agreements signed last October.

The sentencing hearing has again been rescheduled, this time to Monday February 14 at 2PM because of a court scheduling conflict.

Team Canada fly to Prague via Frankfurt for the 2011 World Championships on Thursday February 17. Joe, Jim, Darryl, Ina and Sonja travel out of Vancouver. Bruno flies from Calgary and Wendy from Toronto.

Cormack beats Armstrong in opening draw of BC Provincials

Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong faced National Champion and ex-Team Canada teammate Gary Cormack in the first round of the three team BC Provincials at the Kimberley CC this afternoon.

Cormack stole single points in the first two ends, then gave up single point steals in ends 4 and 5 to fall behind 3-2 after 5. He then levelled the scores with a single in the 6th, stole one in the 7th and two more in the 8th.

The final commentary entry on Playdowns.com said: Armstrong's final rock is not hard enough to clear the house and Cormack ends the game with 2.

Armstrong is playing with his TC 3rd Darryl Neighbour, past TC skip Chris Daw and 3 time national champion Jacqui Roy.

Gary Cormack has Vince Miele and two of last year's BC champions, Frank LaBounty at 3rd and lead Alison Duddy.

Armstrong is back on the ice 10AM tomorrow morning when he plays Bob Mcdonald. Mcdonald, playing with Team Canada's Sonja Gaudet, Bill Lindstrom and Samantha Sui, plays Cormack at 3pm.

Results and line scores are available HERE

Jim Armstrong sentencing delayed until February 11

Jim Armstrong and his son Gregory were to appear in Judge Martinez US Federal Courtroom tomorrow, January 28, for sentencing related to their plea agreements signed last October.

The case has been continued and sentencing rescheduled because the US District Attorney's Office did not complete in time the paperwork that the Armstrongs require to be allowed into the United States.

Sentencing is now set for Friday Fenruary 11 at 1.30PM for Jim, and 2PM for Gregory.

Team Canada to play in Lanarkshire International Jan 18-19.

Canadian national team coach Joe Rea will be taking his gold medal winning Paralympics team; Jim Armstrong, Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forrest, Sonja Gaudet and Bruno Yizek, to Scotland in January for a pre-Worlds warm-up.

Wendy Morgan confirmed today that despite apparently uninformed speculation, Jim Armstrong has both his passport and a ticket. The team will leave for Edinburgh January 16, returning January 20.

They will be playing in the Lanarkshire International, January 18-19, in Hamilton, organized by the South Lanarkshire Wheelchair Curling Club.

Teams competing include two each from Scotland, Germany and Russia as well as Canada, Czech Republic and Sweden.

Sweden will be coached by their long-time skip Jalle Jungnell, who retired from international competition as a player after wining bronze at the Vancouver Paralympics.

Armstrong remains on Team Canada after disciplinary review

Here is the CCA's CEO Greg Stremlaw's statement concerning the review of Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong's actions for which he is expected to be sentenced in Seattle Federal Court on January 28th.

"As I think you are aware, a formal, comprehensive review of the situation was undertaken by a designated review committee including interviews with appropriate parties, consultation with stakeholders and a review and assessment of all pertinent and available documentation. As a result of this, the review committee did recommend a course of disciplinary action to the CCA which was approved and implemented. We feel that the disciplinary actions taken are fair and appropriate to the situation given the facts and information available to the review committee at this time. The disciplinary actions do include specific conditions, therefore, should any new facts or information become available which are relevant to this situation either before, during or after the January 28th court date, this matter can be revisited and further action taken if and as required.

"At this time, the athlete is still a part of the National Team program and will continue to train and compete as such."

CCA in quandary over 2011 Worlds selection

Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong

Contrary to rumours circulating at Richmond last week, there has been no final decision on who will represent Canada at the 2011 World Championships in Prague, February 21st to March 3rd.

Wendy Morgan told me that the decision had not been finalised and would require CCA approval. So, presumably, would any team selection where the CCA is picking up the tab. Greg Stremlaw, CEO of the CCA, confirmed today: "A final decision of the team that will represent Canada at the 2011 WWhCC will likely be made by the end of this month."

National program director Gerry Peckham has in the past shown a reluctance to change a winning team, and under normal circumstances there would be no expectation of changes to the five who won gold at the Paralympics last March. Jim Armstrong's legal problems complicate things, however.

The CCA and the major funders for the national wheelchair program, Sports Canada and Own The Podium, have yet to decide whether Jim's actions as outlined in his plea of guilty to distributing pills with an intent to deceive, presented to a Seattle Federal judge, "reflect detrimentally upon the image of the National Team Program, CCA or Canada." Do the offenses to which Jim has admitted, constitute grounds for removal from the national program?

The CCA is in a quandary. They are obviously reluctant to give up on a person considered instrumental to Team Canada's success at the Worlds and Paralympics, especially as Jim has intimated that his actions will be seen differently when he is free to offer a mitigating explanation for the admissions in his plea, presumably after sentencing on January 28th.

The CCA can delay deciding whether Armstrong should still qualify for national program membership and benefits, but the practicalities of travel arrangements for the World Championships in Prague, Feb 21 - March 3, mean that a team must be chosen before then.

It is possible that if Jim removes himself from consideration for Prague, or if the CCA considers it too great a risk to select someone at the mercy of a US Federal judge for his freedom, a team selection decision could be made independently of a national program status decision.

Jim could take the long term view here, helping the CCA by saying that he won't go to Prague, but defending himself and his status in the national program when he feels free to do so.

Whatever the decision, Greg Stremlaw says, "I can assure you that the CCA will definitely be ready for the WWhCC and ongoing analysis and plans are well underway." It is confidence echoed by coach Joe Rea who told me recently that the team is prepared for any eventuality.

Weekend Wrap-up - 32 teams plus 2 pairs competing

With ten teams in Lohja Finland finishing the Worlds Qualifying, seven teams in Utica NY for the US Open, and six in Prague for their Open (information previously posted), three other tournaments this weekend made it the busiest three days of wheelchair curling since the sport began.

In Bern Switzerland, five teams competed for the 2010 Rolli Trophy. Jens Jager's new Mainhattan Ice Wheelers won the event. His team from the  Schwenningen CC: Heike Melchior at lead, Uwe Raschke 2nd, and Martin Schlitt at 3rd. Teams from Lausanne, Basel, Bern and Wetzikon competed. Results are available HERE.

In Calgary, the Alberta CF and the Calgary Wheelchair Curling Association sponsored Alberta's first Cashspiel, a four team double round robin event at the Ogden Legion CC. Team (Jack) Smart (5-1), with Bruno Yizek, Ann Anne Hibberd, Bridget Wilson and Martin Purvis took the $400 first prize, which they donated back to the club towards next year's event which they hope to schedule in October.

Last year's Team Saskatchewan skip Darwin Bender (4-2, $300) brought provincial teammates Gil Dash, Marie Wright and Terry Hart.  Michael Alberg (2-4, $200) who is hoping this year to break Chris Sobkowicz monopoly on the Manitoba provincial title, brought Dennis Thiessen, Effie Loubardias and Heather Mowat.

A second Calgary team skipped by Dale Keith (1-5, $100) with George Assenheimer, Curtis Junor, Wanda Pizzinato, and Jolly Knowles completed the field. and also donated their prize money.

Jim Armstrong and Darryl Neighbour won the mixed Golden (2on2) Stick Spiel in Maple Ridge, BC. Gary Cormack partnered Chris Daw in the other wheelchair pairing of the 14 team field. Results HERE.

Next week is the Cathy Kerr Memorial Bonspiel in Ottawa; with 15 teams expected.

Team Canada news

Team Canada members will get together the weekend of November 19-21 in Richmond BC for the first time as a group since their triumph at the Vancouver Paralympics. Chris Sobkowicz and Gerry Austgarden have also been invited to attend the training camp.

While there is inevitable speculation about the eventual status of Jim Armstrong  given his legal predicament, the CCA's chief executive officer Greg Stremlaw confirmed with me today that Jim remains a member of Team Canada and eligible for selection to the national side.


"I can relay that the process related to Jim Armstrong and our review with multiple stakeholders is on-going," Stremlaw told me via email.

"If and when there is information which is to be shared with the public about this review, we will advise in a timely fashion.

"That said, I do not expect any developments in the next few days (so) therefore there is no change until such time as these procedures, as a minimum, have been taken."

Stakeholders in this context include Sport Canada, who fund the carding system, and Own The Podium who contribute money to the national program.

Jim has been taking the occasional practice at the Richmond CC, and is expected to partner with teammate Darryl Neighbour at the 3rd Annual Stick (2on2) Bonspiel at the Golden Ears CC in Maple Ridge BC November 13-14.

Speaking of Darryl, he joined coach Wendy Morgan in Winnipeg this past weekend for the second of Team Canada's nationwide tour of talent identification and development camps. Team Sobkowicz and Team Thiessen were joined by Northern Ontario champs Team Ficek for the weekend tryouts.

Armstrong plea agreements

Last Thursday Jim Armstrong and his son Gregory signed agreements with the United States Attorney stating that they would plead guilty to distribution of fake Viagra and Cialis with intent to mislead or defraud.

Their separate Plea Agreements can be viewed HERE. They are publicly filed and are a matter of public record.

Each agreement is part of a "package plea agreement." This means that if either person withdraws their guilty plea, the "United States will withdraw from both Plea Agreements and will seek an indictment against both parties for all such crimes for which the United States has sufficient evidence."

The agreements detail what Jim and Gregory have admitted doing, the range of penalties, and the possible immigration implications, among other things.

They also state that Jim and Gregory each "entered into this Plea Agreement freely and voluntarily and that no threats or promises. other than the promises contained in the Plea Agreement, were made to induce (them) to enter this plea of guilty."

News report suggests reason behind Armstrong's guilty plea

A report in today's Richmond News suggests that Jim Armstrong pled guilty to charges of distributing fake erectile dysfunction pills with intent to mislead or defraud, because it was a condition of his son Gregory receiving a plea agreement.

Reporter Alan Campbell writes: When contacted this week by the News, Armstrong declined to comment on the guilty plea until after the sentence is passed down in January.

Armstrong did indicate, however, that the U.S. prosecutor’s offer to reduce the charges against his son, Gregory, was conditional on Jim also pleading guilty.

This fits with an opinion expressed to me by Gerry Peckham that Jim "was put in an impossible situation and virtually had no choice."

The Canadian Curling Association’s chief executive officer, Greg Stremlaw, is quoted by the News as saying he was aware that Armstrong’s plea was struck in terms of his son’s charges.

“All of our athletes have a code of conduct and we’ll have to determine if (the guilty plea) impacts the codes of conduct in terms of the national team program."  

You can read the story HERE

The two separate plea agreements dropped references to trafficking and recommended punishments at the low end of sentencing guidelines in return for guilty pleas and giving up the right to a trial. They are not binding on Judge Martinez, who will issue sentences on January 28th, 2011.

See earlier post and comments from October 21st.

Jim Armstrong pleads guilty to "intent to mislead or defraud"

Jim Armstrong, skip of Canada's gold medal winning Paralympic wheelchair curling team, today changed his plea to guilty of distributing pills with an intent to deceive. The trafficking charges outlined in the original indictment are presumably dropped and the trial scheduled for Monday October 25th will not take place.

He faces up to three years prison, though the plea agreement, which does not bind the sentencing judge, recommends that he be fined $50,000, perform community service hours and be sentenced to the time he already served in U.S. Custody. Sentencing is scheduled for January 28th before Judge Martinez of the US District Court.

Here's part of the United States Attorney’s Office press release.

US ARETIRED B.C. DENTIST AND SON PLEAD GUILTY TO SELLING COUNTERFEIT VIAGRA AND CIALIS

Counterfeit Drugs Shipped from China and India to Blaine Post Office, Distributed in Canada

            JAMES PETER ARMSTRONG, 59, of Richmond B.C. Canada, and his son, GREGORY JAMES ARMSTRONG, 28, also of Richmond, B.C., pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Seattle to selling and dispensing counterfeit drugs with the intent to mislead or defraud.  JAMES ARMSTRONG is a retired dentist and was a member of the Canadian Paralympic curling team.  The men face up to three years in prison when sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ricardo S. Martinez on January 28, 2011.

Read the full release HERE

Armstrong trial put back to October 25th

At yesterday's status update hearing before Judge Martinez in the case of USA v. James Armstrong and Gregory Armstrong, the prosecution requested a continuance until October 25th.

While there may be further delays, a jury trial is presently scheduled for that date. Background to the case can be found in a previous post HERE.

Armstrong court case update

US government prosecutors and Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong and his son Gregory will appear in a Seattle courtroom at 10am tomorrow (Monday August 30) for a Status Conference/Hearing before US District Court Judge Ricardo Martinez. The conference is scheduled for 30 minutes.

Background to the case can be found in a previous post HERE and a link to the judge's schedule is HERE.

Jim Armstrong jury trial set for August 30

Team Canada skip and Paralympic gold medalist Jim Armstrong's jury trial before Judge Martinez has been put back to August 30 at the U.S. District Court in Seattle WA.

Armstrong is charged with his son Gregory with trafficking in counterfeit goods and selling and dispensing counterfeit drugs with the intent to mislead or defraud. He was arrested at a mail service in Blaine WA in April when picking up a package containing 2,800 fake Viagra and Cialis pills, and is free on $20,000 bond. The charges carry a maximum 10-year prison sentence and $2-million fine.

For background on the case see the links on this post.