Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong has been involved in an accident that totalled his car. "My car rolled several times," he told me, "and I ended up on my injured shoulder and had to be cut out of the vehicle. I'm at home now and for some reason my shoulder seems to have survived the accident."
A few days ago Jim was telling friends that he was going to rent an electric wheelchair so that he could get back out on the ice and rejoin his league team mates. It's not clear how the accident may affect his rotator cuff rehabilitation and availability for Paralympic selection. Of more immediate concern is the health of his wife who has been readmitted to hospital and is very seriously ill.
Gerry Peckham. the CCA's High Performance coach, said that while everyone was hoping that Jim would be available, contingency discussions have been taking place. Team Canada pool members had been expecting to know whether they had made the team by the end of the Richmond BC training camp the last weekend in September.
"That decision may have to be delayed if Jim's status is unclear," said Peckham. "We have to decide whether we are looking for primarily a shot-maker, or someone who can help with strategy."
Asked whether Chris Daw might rejoin the program, Peckham said that if that happened it would not be before 2010. "Chris has taken on a very challenging new job as manager of the curling club that will take over the Olympic curling facility after 2010. He will not be rejoining the team this season."
Canada leave for spiels in Norway and Scotland in October (see calendar).
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
12 team international spiel begins in Denmark
The 3rd Annual Danske Internationale Kørestole Curling Cup 2009 began today at the Taarnby Curling Club. Denmark, Norway and Finland are each fielding two teams and teams from Scotland, Czech Republic, Germany, Sweden, Russia and Switzerland are also competing.
The event is being organised by Per Christensen, a Dane who left his national team to take over from Thoralf Hognestad as coach of Norway.
You can follow the event by clicking on the competition link of the Taarnby Club's website.
Team USA's James 'Jimmy Jam' Joseph profiled
Jimmy Joseph (right) with skip Goose Perez - Utica 2007
The USOC has an excellent video profile of Team USA 2nd 'Jimmy Jam' Joseph on their TeamUSA.org website. In it he talks about how he became involved in wheelchair curling and how much it means to him to have the honour to play for his country. He's a double amputee and a high energy guy and a great ambassador for the sport.
Watch video here.
The USA Paralympics website also has a write-up on his career HERE
Welcome back, Bob Cowan
When Bob Cowan discontinued his Curling Today blog we lost a reliable source of stories and images of British curling. Happily he is back with a new blog, and I have already begun poaching his photos and will be referencing his reports over the season.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wheelchair curling event calendar
I have re-activated the calendar page on wheelchaircurling.com.
If you know of any events not listed, please let me know.
eric@wheelchaircurling.com
If you know of any events not listed, please let me know.
eric@wheelchaircurling.com
Vancouver 2010 - Canada opens with GBR, USA and Norway
Canada will have to avoid a slow start if they hope to medal at the 2010 Paralympics. They open against the only other semi-professional side, Great Britain (players are all Scots) and then take on USA and perennial nemesis Norway.
The 10 team field appears to split 1-6-3 with Canada favourites given Jim Armstrong recovers from rotator cuff surgery. Six teams are in with a chance to challenge; Sweden, Germany, USA, Great Britain, Korea and Norway. Under-financed Italy, who faded from fatigue after a late arrival at the 2009 Worlds, inexperienced Japan who did not qualify in 2009, and a fortunate rebuilding Switzerland (silver in 2007) appear likely also-rans.
CLICK HERE for full draw (pdf).
The 10 team field appears to split 1-6-3 with Canada favourites given Jim Armstrong recovers from rotator cuff surgery. Six teams are in with a chance to challenge; Sweden, Germany, USA, Great Britain, Korea and Norway. Under-financed Italy, who faded from fatigue after a late arrival at the 2009 Worlds, inexperienced Japan who did not qualify in 2009, and a fortunate rebuilding Switzerland (silver in 2007) appear likely also-rans.
CLICK HERE for full draw (pdf).
Scots to continue delivery zone experiment, or not
Scots Rosemary Lenton and Jim Sellar delivering from the T-line
Many, including Team Canada, were puzzled when the Scots changed their delivery zone from "as close to the hogline as possible" to the near ring t-line. Though throwing from further back increases delivery angles, especially on straight ice, it was a radical change that many outside observers felt was a significant factor in Scotland's fall from their pre-Torino dominance as the World's best team.
Skip Michael McCreadie explained at the 2009 Worlds that the move had been fully discussed with the team and that everyone had bought into it. Coach Pendreigh appeared confident that given enough time, throwing closer to the hack would reap rewards in greater flexibility in shot making. It was noticeable, however, that some Scots were returning to the hogline when asked for up-weight hits. If nothing else, changing delivery positions complicated icing decisions for the skip.
Today I asked Tom Pendreigh whether his team would continue the experiment as they began the competition year at this weekend's Danish Open. He characterised the change as "a skill learning project" that would continue to be available to the team. He made it clear, though, that delivery position was a decision for the player, taking into account ice condition.
Here's his full statement: "The GB Squad embraced a skill learning project over 2 years ago which incorporated the ability to deliver stones from behind the T line. This is an option for any individual to consider whenever ice conditions are favourable, that has not stopped any player making the choice to deliver from anywhere between the T and the hog line as they see fit and we will continue with that theme."
It will be interesting to see whether and under what circumstances, Scottish players continue with a t-line delivery. My guess is that this was an idea with a plausible justification, now being sold as a skill-learning exercise, that will be unlikely to reap reward on Vancouver Paralympic ice that's sure to have curl.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Some tips to help you make the most of the coming season
Whether you are a curler, a coach or just a supporter of wheelchair curling, here are some tips to help you make the most of the coming season.
Technique
Successful delivery of a rock depends on stable technique. You have to have balance, a repeatable stroke and full commitment to your motion. As my wife pointed out to me recently, it's more akin to a golf swing than a regular curling delivery.
A couple of years ago I wrote an article discussing the importance of technique, and stand by what I wrote then. Today I would more strongly recommend an off-side hand brace. Almost everyone who begins their delivery motion sitting upright and square to the target would benefit [see images].
A brace allows you to commit your body weight forward while keeping your shoulders square, which should mean increased speed and greater accuracy. Where the brace is attached, and at what angle, will depend on your body shape and delivery motion. Bringing your non-throwing hand forward, rather than anchoring it behind your throwing hand, reduces your body's tendency to twist, and aids accuracy. A brace that allows you to commit weight forward without losing balance, adds power.
Practice
We know that practice makes perfect, but that is true only if it is perfect practice. For example, if you need your chair to be held so that it does not move during delivery, then any solo practice, beyond perhaps weight control, may be counter-productive. You have to practice as you mean to play.
Weight control is so difficult with such a short period of contact with the rock during delivery. If you spend almost all your playing time on the same ice, it will be especially difficult to adapt in competition to a different surface. One way to simulate fast or slow ice conditions is to vary your chair's location at practice. You are not limited by the hack, so there's no reason not move 3 yards forward to simulate faster ice.
Game calling
We all do some things just because we can, especially if they involve technology. Coaches are not immune, and shots are charted and graphs produced, and tendencies examined and it's all very clever until you have to come to the hogline cold, with the game on the line, and push that rock 40 yards based on just a second or two's contact with the stone.
Practice statistics are always inflated by lack of pressure and the ability to throw multiple stones. Waiting 20 minutes between shots during competition is, I suspect, a major reason why open draws into the rings fail 40 percent or more of the time, even at the highest level. Don't let success at practice make you over ambitious in competition.
Good shots, great shots, are not impossible, and they're the ones we tend to remember. Beyond the game-breaking miss we forget that misses predominate. Good game calling allows for a 50% game and reaps the benefit if the team throws 60%. Disaster looms the other way round.
Does this suggest a hitting or a draw game? I think games are won with draws, not hits. The margin for error is far greater. (And if you are playing a team likely to be better than you, junk up the front and the middle of the house to even up the odds.)
How you can help
Finally we all have an interest in seeing our sport grow and we should ask ourselves what we can do as individuals to make that happen. I carry cards with local wheelchair curling information. Whenever I see a wheelchair user, I stop and ask if they have considered playing, and I give them a card. One of the current Team Canada members is playing today because our paths crossed at Costco, so it works!
I have also been involved in drafting a brochure that will be going out to all the clubs, suggesting ways of introducing wheelchair curling. I'll put it online here later.
Successful programs have one thing in common - a person who believes that wheelchair curling should be played at their club, and is prepared to commit themselves to making that happen. Resources exist to help. We just need an advocate in every club. The hardest wheelchair curler to reach is the first one. Can you help?
Technique
Successful delivery of a rock depends on stable technique. You have to have balance, a repeatable stroke and full commitment to your motion. As my wife pointed out to me recently, it's more akin to a golf swing than a regular curling delivery.
A couple of years ago I wrote an article discussing the importance of technique, and stand by what I wrote then. Today I would more strongly recommend an off-side hand brace. Almost everyone who begins their delivery motion sitting upright and square to the target would benefit [see images].
A right hand brace for a left handed thrower
A brace allows you to commit your body weight forward while keeping your shoulders square, which should mean increased speed and greater accuracy. Where the brace is attached, and at what angle, will depend on your body shape and delivery motion. Bringing your non-throwing hand forward, rather than anchoring it behind your throwing hand, reduces your body's tendency to twist, and aids accuracy. A brace that allows you to commit weight forward without losing balance, adds power.
Practice
We know that practice makes perfect, but that is true only if it is perfect practice. For example, if you need your chair to be held so that it does not move during delivery, then any solo practice, beyond perhaps weight control, may be counter-productive. You have to practice as you mean to play.
Weight control is so difficult with such a short period of contact with the rock during delivery. If you spend almost all your playing time on the same ice, it will be especially difficult to adapt in competition to a different surface. One way to simulate fast or slow ice conditions is to vary your chair's location at practice. You are not limited by the hack, so there's no reason not move 3 yards forward to simulate faster ice.
Game calling
We all do some things just because we can, especially if they involve technology. Coaches are not immune, and shots are charted and graphs produced, and tendencies examined and it's all very clever until you have to come to the hogline cold, with the game on the line, and push that rock 40 yards based on just a second or two's contact with the stone.
Practice statistics are always inflated by lack of pressure and the ability to throw multiple stones. Waiting 20 minutes between shots during competition is, I suspect, a major reason why open draws into the rings fail 40 percent or more of the time, even at the highest level. Don't let success at practice make you over ambitious in competition.
Good shots, great shots, are not impossible, and they're the ones we tend to remember. Beyond the game-breaking miss we forget that misses predominate. Good game calling allows for a 50% game and reaps the benefit if the team throws 60%. Disaster looms the other way round.
Does this suggest a hitting or a draw game? I think games are won with draws, not hits. The margin for error is far greater. (And if you are playing a team likely to be better than you, junk up the front and the middle of the house to even up the odds.)
How you can help
Finally we all have an interest in seeing our sport grow and we should ask ourselves what we can do as individuals to make that happen. I carry cards with local wheelchair curling information. Whenever I see a wheelchair user, I stop and ask if they have considered playing, and I give them a card. One of the current Team Canada members is playing today because our paths crossed at Costco, so it works!
I have also been involved in drafting a brochure that will be going out to all the clubs, suggesting ways of introducing wheelchair curling. I'll put it online here later.
Successful programs have one thing in common - a person who believes that wheelchair curling should be played at their club, and is prepared to commit themselves to making that happen. Resources exist to help. We just need an advocate in every club. The hardest wheelchair curler to reach is the first one. Can you help?
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Armstrong rehab complicated by wife's serious illness
Friends of Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong have known for some time that his wife Carleen has been fighting cancer and is very seriously ill. I have considered this a private family matter and have chosen to make no more than passing reference to Carleen's plight.
Today's Vancouver Sun carries a story by Al Cameron, describing in detail with numerous quotes from Jim, what the Armstrongs have been facing since Carleen's diagnosis.
There is a legitimate interest in any issue that might affect Jim's availability for selection, though personally I am going to leave it at his assurance to me last week that he will be ready and able to participate come March 2010.
I'm sure everyone reading this sends their best wishes to both Carleen and Jim as they face their medical challenges.
Today's Vancouver Sun carries a story by Al Cameron, describing in detail with numerous quotes from Jim, what the Armstrongs have been facing since Carleen's diagnosis.
There is a legitimate interest in any issue that might affect Jim's availability for selection, though personally I am going to leave it at his assurance to me last week that he will be ready and able to participate come March 2010.
I'm sure everyone reading this sends their best wishes to both Carleen and Jim as they face their medical challenges.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Team USA recruiting in California
Vacaville, CA 3pm September 5, 2009
Steve Brown and Goose Perez, coach and skip of Team USA, will be visiting team member Pat McDonald's home turf when they put on a demonstration and clinic at the Labour Day Weekend Crush Bonspiel in Vacaville, California.
McDonald is a member of the Wine Country CC who are hosting the international event. Vacaville is close to Berkeley, long a magnet for wheelchair users with its tradition of inclusion and accessibility, and an excellent choice for recruits to what has been a geographically limited American sport. The clinic begins at 3pm on Saturday September 5th at the Vacaville Ice Sports Centre.
Friday, August 28, 2009
"I'll be ready for Vancouver 2010," says Jim Armstrong
Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong, after a stay in hospital at UBC undergoing surgery to repair a torn rotator cuff (first reported in TCN) is undergoing what promises to be a lengthy rehab of his non-throwing left shoulder.
"It was a more severe injury than anticipated," he told me today, "and I was not able to travel to the camp that began just after I came out of hospital. But I have begun three times a week rehab now, and I'm sure that I will be ready for the Paralympics next March.
"Though my return to the ice will be delayed, we have an excellent team, as technically good as any I have seen. And over the past season or two their knowledge and understanding of the game has grown. It's easier to throw well when you not only know how to throw, but also why you are being asked to play a particular shot.
"There were some interesting developments at the last Worlds, especially with players getting really low to play up-weight shots. But although some, especially the Koreans, can throw big weight, we have some time before we have to deal with teams throwing multiple 8 second takeouts accurately enough to pose a threat."
Team Canada's third training camp will be in BC at the end of September, and they leave for a ten day trip to Norway and Scotland on October 13.
Other events on the competition schedule are the Richmond Invitational November 3-7 in BC and the Cathy Kerr in Ontario, November 26-29.
"It was a more severe injury than anticipated," he told me today, "and I was not able to travel to the camp that began just after I came out of hospital. But I have begun three times a week rehab now, and I'm sure that I will be ready for the Paralympics next March.
"Though my return to the ice will be delayed, we have an excellent team, as technically good as any I have seen. And over the past season or two their knowledge and understanding of the game has grown. It's easier to throw well when you not only know how to throw, but also why you are being asked to play a particular shot.
"There were some interesting developments at the last Worlds, especially with players getting really low to play up-weight shots. But although some, especially the Koreans, can throw big weight, we have some time before we have to deal with teams throwing multiple 8 second takeouts accurately enough to pose a threat."
Team Canada's third training camp will be in BC at the end of September, and they leave for a ten day trip to Norway and Scotland on October 13.
Other events on the competition schedule are the Richmond Invitational November 3-7 in BC and the Cathy Kerr in Ontario, November 26-29.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Tomas Nordin, 3-time World Champion, to coach Team Sweden
Tomas Nordin
Coach Team Sweden
Coach Team Sweden
Team Sweden, silver medallists at the 2009 Worlds, have a new coach, Tomas Nordin, who played in five World finals, winning 3 times at 3rd for Peja Lindholm.
"It's interesting to enter a new role, and take on a new challenge," said Tomas. "I know regular curling, and think I have things to add also to wheelchair curling."
Hans Säfström, head of sports at the Swedish Handicap Sport Association, added: "It's exciting to work across borders; when a excellent able-bodied player steps into the role of coach, we are taking a step into something new."
Jalle Jungnel, long time Swedish skip, who won bronze in Torino, took a year off and then resuscitated the Swedish program through qualification in 2008 before losing to Canada in the 2009 final, said that his team is inspired by what feels like a new beginning. "We are already training," he said, "Just us and Anette Norberg's team, though it feels strange to be on the ice when it is 25 degrees outside."
As for his team's Prospects in Vancouver: "As you know, it's impossible to predict results, but we have said in team meetings that our goal is to be serious and prepare as well as we can, but still have fun all the way to Vancouver. No joy - no results, that's the way we think.
"Vancouver.... well, Canada are obviously huge favourites, but we would like to join the group of 6-7 teams that are chasing them. We are set to go to play in Denmark, September 11, and later this fall we will compete in Norway, Switzerland and Prague."
The 2009 silver medal team have been pre-selected to play in Vancouver. Lead Anette Wilhelm, second Patrik Burman, and third Glenn Ikonen will be skipped by Jalle Jungnell. The alternate player will be chosen from a candidate group of four players late this fall. [source]
"It's interesting to enter a new role, and take on a new challenge," said Tomas. "I know regular curling, and think I have things to add also to wheelchair curling."
Hans Säfström, head of sports at the Swedish Handicap Sport Association, added: "It's exciting to work across borders; when a excellent able-bodied player steps into the role of coach, we are taking a step into something new."
Jalle Jungnel, long time Swedish skip, who won bronze in Torino, took a year off and then resuscitated the Swedish program through qualification in 2008 before losing to Canada in the 2009 final, said that his team is inspired by what feels like a new beginning. "We are already training," he said, "Just us and Anette Norberg's team, though it feels strange to be on the ice when it is 25 degrees outside."
As for his team's Prospects in Vancouver: "As you know, it's impossible to predict results, but we have said in team meetings that our goal is to be serious and prepare as well as we can, but still have fun all the way to Vancouver. No joy - no results, that's the way we think.
"Vancouver.... well, Canada are obviously huge favourites, but we would like to join the group of 6-7 teams that are chasing them. We are set to go to play in Denmark, September 11, and later this fall we will compete in Norway, Switzerland and Prague."
The 2009 silver medal team have been pre-selected to play in Vancouver. Lead Anette Wilhelm, second Patrik Burman, and third Glenn Ikonen will be skipped by Jalle Jungnell. The alternate player will be chosen from a candidate group of four players late this fall. [source]
Friday, August 7, 2009
Canada's tournament season begins in Osoyoos Sept. 12-13
The first competitive event of the coming season will be the Olson Curling Supplies Two On Two Wheelchair Spiel in Osoyoos BC the weekend of September 12-13. Team Canada members will be competing.
Entries are $50 per person (plus food) and entries close September 2nd. For more information and to register contact Gerry Austgarden by phone 250-979-3030 or email.
Entries are $50 per person (plus food) and entries close September 2nd. For more information and to register contact Gerry Austgarden by phone 250-979-3030 or email.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Carleen Armstrong on wheelchair curling: "It's inspiring."
Carleen Armstrong - 3rd from left, with daughters Jayme and Jody
During the 2009 World Championships I was able to procure access to Team Canada for a group UBC journalism students. The video of their visit is online HERE. It includes a comment from Carleen Armstrong, whose support for her husband and for the sport has been acknowledged in every conversation I have had with Jim.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Kenora to host 2010 N. Ontario Provincials
Wayne Ficek, Mark Wherrett, Chester Draper,
Cindy Hoffstrom, Denise Miault, Coach Tom Wherrett
Cindy Hoffstrom, Denise Miault, Coach Tom Wherrett
2009 N. Ontario champs
photo Ian Readey
Wayne Ficek's Kenora/Dryden team surprised rivals Thunder Bay by winning last year's Northern Ontario Provincial Championship. Next season they will get to defend their title on home ice (date to be determined.)Skip Wayne Ficek said he and 3rd Mark Wherrett welcome the opportunity to host, acknowledging they were fortunate to score 5 against the favoured host Thunder Bay team at the 2009 Provincials.
"I hope we can put on an event as successful as last year," he said. "Thunder Bay coach Dave Kawahara showed class and was sensitive to the needs of the players. I hope with corporate sponsorship Kenora can host an event that is even more competitive and exciting.
"We hope to have a minimum of 4 teams and maybe more. Anyone interested in information can email me at wficek@shaw.ca"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
OCA reverse playdown exclusion ruling
The Ontario Curling Association, at their Annual General Meeting June 30th, reversed a controversial decision limiting the number of wheelchair teams eligible to compete in a provincial championship to half of other curling categories. The new policy will be to allow up to eight teams to compete before reducing entries via zone playdowns. The OCA also changed the Championship format: "The Dominion Wheelchair Provincial Championship will now accommodate up to eight (8) teams with the top three teams qualifying for the playoffs after round robin play."
Last season Ottawa wheelchair curlers, who had developed their program so that they had two competitive teams, were forced into a zone playoff as only four teams, one from each Ontario zone rather than the usual two, were permitted into the provincial championship.
London ON coach Ernie Comerford, who along with Ottawa skip Bruce Cameron had raised objections to last season's arrangements said: " As a major promoter of the game in Ontario and elsewhere, I am pleased that additional teams in Ontario will have the opportunity to participate and gain valuable experience."
Last season Ottawa wheelchair curlers, who had developed their program so that they had two competitive teams, were forced into a zone playoff as only four teams, one from each Ontario zone rather than the usual two, were permitted into the provincial championship.
London ON coach Ernie Comerford, who along with Ottawa skip Bruce Cameron had raised objections to last season's arrangements said: " As a major promoter of the game in Ontario and elsewhere, I am pleased that additional teams in Ontario will have the opportunity to participate and gain valuable experience."
Jim Armstrong update
Here is what Jim had to say this morning about his fitness and his plans: He is as certain as it is possible to be this far out, that whether or not he has surgery he will be able to compete in the Paralympics. The timing of any surgery depends both on the availability of a hospital slot and the health status of a close family member who is facing serious illness and who is presently in hospital. Because of that illness, Jim will not be attending the Edmonton training camp scheduled for later this week.
On a related note, I should reiterate that Chris Daw's move to BC is entirely job related and has nothing to do with any concerns about Armstrong's status.
On a related note, I should reiterate that Chris Daw's move to BC is entirely job related and has nothing to do with any concerns about Armstrong's status.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Chris Daw to be GM of Vancouver Curling Club
Chris Daw, now retired from high-performance competition, will be moving to Vancouver later this month with his family (wife Morgan, and sons Kyle, Shane and TJ from an earlier marriage) to take up the position of General Manager at the Vancouver Curling Club. [read announcement HERE]
The club is about to begin its 60th year at its current location, and will be moving into the Hillcrest Olympic facility when it is retrofitted in summer 2011. The club will celebrate its centenary in 2012.
Chris and Morgan are expecting their first child early next March.
The club is about to begin its 60th year at its current location, and will be moving into the Hillcrest Olympic facility when it is retrofitted in summer 2011. The club will celebrate its centenary in 2012.
Chris and Morgan are expecting their first child early next March.
Canadian wheelchair curling boosted by Bentall
Jim Armstrong at Willowbrook Shopping Centre - Canada Day 2009
flanked by sponsor Bentall employees Leah Neale and Rosavel Scott
flanked by sponsor Bentall employees Leah Neale and Rosavel Scott
Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong spent some time on Canada Day (July 1st) signing autographs as part of Bentall's plan to invite the public to "Meet A Paralympic Athlete."
Jim wrote: "Bentall manages many shopping malls across Canada and have partnered with CPC to fund raise and raise our profile. I had the opportunity of participating in the Canada Day Event at Willowbrook Shopping Centre in Langley. They can't do enough, and it will be a longstanding relationship. Kudos to Bentall."
Bentall have a website associated with this effort at handsupcanada.com, where they are giving away a trip for two to the Paralympics.
Watch out Norway - here I come!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Will injury dash Canada's hopes for repeat Paralympics gold?
Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong confirmed today that he has a shoulder injury that will require surgery.
"I have a muscle tear in my left (non-throwing) shoulder that has been bothering me since before the World Championships," he said today. "The prognosis for a full recovery is good, but the surgeons are suggesting that rehab may take three to six months."
Jim is a large man and fairly new to using a wheelchair. It is easy to under estimate how much strain wheeling around, places on shoulders he described as "already beaten up by years of sweeping." Leaving aside issues of physical discomfort, the non throwing arm is important for a stable delivery motion, as well as the ability to manipulate the chair and thus maintain fitness.
"The long rehab is a concern," Jim said, "but if I can get the surgery in a couple of weeks I plan to go ahead with it. Otherwise I'll wait until after the Paralympics."
While the Team Canada squad is comprised of very capable individual curlers, Armstrong's leadership at skip was the decisive factor in Canada's first World Championship last March. It is also the cornerstone of Canada's hopes for repeating their Torino gold medal success at the Vancouver Paralympics in 2010. Even were he not fit enough to justify throwing last rocks, I suspect Armstrong's expertise in strategy, ice reading and team management would mean he'd have to be unable to get his rocks down the ice before he lost his place on the team.
The injury does raise the question of who would replace him were he unable to compete, and what the coaching staff have done to prepare for that eventuality. And what effect will a Jim at less than 100% have on the rest of the team?
"I have a muscle tear in my left (non-throwing) shoulder that has been bothering me since before the World Championships," he said today. "The prognosis for a full recovery is good, but the surgeons are suggesting that rehab may take three to six months."
Jim is a large man and fairly new to using a wheelchair. It is easy to under estimate how much strain wheeling around, places on shoulders he described as "already beaten up by years of sweeping." Leaving aside issues of physical discomfort, the non throwing arm is important for a stable delivery motion, as well as the ability to manipulate the chair and thus maintain fitness.
"The long rehab is a concern," Jim said, "but if I can get the surgery in a couple of weeks I plan to go ahead with it. Otherwise I'll wait until after the Paralympics."
While the Team Canada squad is comprised of very capable individual curlers, Armstrong's leadership at skip was the decisive factor in Canada's first World Championship last March. It is also the cornerstone of Canada's hopes for repeating their Torino gold medal success at the Vancouver Paralympics in 2010. Even were he not fit enough to justify throwing last rocks, I suspect Armstrong's expertise in strategy, ice reading and team management would mean he'd have to be unable to get his rocks down the ice before he lost his place on the team.
The injury does raise the question of who would replace him were he unable to compete, and what the coaching staff have done to prepare for that eventuality. And what effect will a Jim at less than 100% have on the rest of the team?
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