Vernon BC, Sonja Gaudet's home town, gets Games spirit

sign at Davidson Orchard, Vernon BC

Vernon's Davidson Orchard has a photo-board up celebrating the spirit of thr Winter Games. Vernon is the home of Team Canada lead Sonja Gaudet, and Team Canada 2nd Ina Forrest lives just up the road in Armstrong. (Thanks, Dan)

Columbus (Ohio) CC inviting wheelchair users to curl

ThisWeek reporter Kevin Parks describes how the Columbus CC is hoping to attract wheelchair users and volunteers in football obsessed Ohio to come and try wheelchair curling at their two year old facility in the Clintonville area.

Club committee member Steve Shaffer wonders if someone attending the clinic might wind up representing Columbus as a member of the 2014 USA Paralympic Wheelchair Curling Team.

"I'd love to see, as a start, just some participants," said Shaffer, who also is chairman of the club's building facilities and maintenance committee. "To have a team, that would be great."

Experience in Canada tells us that it takes that one person detremined to make it happen, for a program to succeed.

The give-it-a-go session will be held between 11 - 3pm on Saturday Novemver 14 and they hope to have members of the 2010 USA team present. Contact the club for more information.

UPDATE: Here's a photo of the participants. Team USA 3rd Jim Pierce sits centre.

Team Canada Joe Rea receives award

Joe Rea - Prince George, BC

Prince George's Joe Rea was one of a dozen BC coaches to receive a 2009 Petro-Canada Coaching Excellence Award, a prestigious award that recognizes coaches whose athletes achieved international success during the past year at open World Championships and the Special Olympics World Winter Games. Rea, who coached Canada to an inaugural  gold medal at the Torino Paralympics, won his first World Championship in 2009 in Vancouver. (islandsportsnews.net)

Canada unbeaten after 4 draws, but Korea hang tough

Canada swept to another blowout score in a 16-3 win over hosts Richmond in the morning draw. Darryl Neighbour, unwell with a bad reaction to a flu shot, sat out the game and Bruno Yizek played 3rd.

Alberta posted their first win, 10-0 over a Chris Daw-less CGVC Avengers team. Korea beat BC 8-7, their third win and the third time they have split the ends with their opponents.

The marquee matchup came in Draw 4 with Canada edging Korea 6-5, taking a sngle with hammer in the 8th to win.

CAN   1 0 1 1 0 2 0 1  -  6
KOR   0 1 0 0 2 0 2 0  -  5

Richmond beat Alberta 5-3 and BC beat the Avengers 10-4 in seven ends to round out the second day's play.

Friday's games
Draw 5  -  9.30  -  AB -  BC,  AV - CAN,  RCD - KOR
Page Playoff  1.30    1v2, 3v4

Some photos from Day 1 Richmond International

Photos courtesy of Tom Tang

Richmond Centre for Disability

Acting Mayor Linda Barnes gets things underway by pushing the firs rock
following advice from MC Joe Krapiec

Korea has brought the team that disappointed at the 2009 Worlds.
With a 2-0 start they had much to be happy about.

Alberta 3rd Anne Hibberd, using that "Eales off-side brace" I notice

Alberta lead Bridget Wilson with Martin Purvis holding

Team Canada 3rd Darryl Neighbour with Bruno Yizek holding

Canada overwhelm opposition - Day 1 Richmond International

The Richmond Centre For Disability sponsored event began with piper Jamie Thompson leading out the teams and acting Mayor Linda Barnes throwing the ceremonial first rock. Then things got serious as Canada faced Alberta in the opening draw and crushed last year's winners 11-1 in just 6 of the scheduled 8 ends.

Canada played alternate Bruno Yizek at lead in place of Sonja Gaudet who did not play in the morning draw. Alberta, without Bruno at 3rd, fielded the same team of Jack Smart, Anne Hibberd, Martin Purvis and Bridget Wilson that won silver at the 2009 Nationals.

Korea began against the CGVC Avengers, skipped by Chris Daw, with Gary Cormack, Vince Miele and Corrine Jensen. It was a tight game with each team winning 4 ends. Korea fell behind early but ran out 8-6 winners with a steal of one in the 8th.

The third morning game saw the Richmond host team of Rich Green, Jackie Roy, Tom Parker and Samantha Siu beat the BC Team 9-7 in an extra end. The BC team is skipped by Bob Macdonald, with Jim Miller and the alternates from Team Canada and Team Korea.

In the afternoon, Canada beat BC 12 - 1, Korea again shared the ends but came out 7-5 victors over Alberta, and the Avengers doubled up Richmond 12 - 6.

The format is a 5 draw round robin and page playoff, with draws at 9.30 and 1.30. The semi-final and final are this Saturday, November 7th.

Thursday matchups
Draw 3 - 9.30 - AB - AV,  RCD - CAN,  KOR - BC
Draw 4 - 1.30 - AB - RCD,  CAN - KOR,  AV - BC

Friday
Draw 5  -  9.30  -  AB -  BC,  AV - CAN,  RCD - KOR
Page Playoff  1.30  -  1v2, 3v4

Six team field at Richmond spiel

There will be a six team field at the Richmond International, with Team Canada, Korea, Alberta, Richmond hosts, Team Daw and a team of alternates.

Reduced funding this year reduced the number of teams competing but there will be some fascinating match-ups. "Korea are technically awesome," Jim Armstrong tells me, "and Alberta look very confident." Chris Daw returns to the ice with Torino teammate Gary Cormack, and Vince Miele and the Island's Corrine Jensen. The Richmond Disability Centre's team has Rich Green, Jackie Roy, Tom Parker and Samantha Siu.

Bruno will probably play lead for Team Canada in the first game against Alberta.

7th Annual Pat 'O' Reid Memorial Mixed Bonspiel Nov 8

The Toronto Cricket & Curling Club is hosting this Open format event at whiich wheelchair users can either play together or with regular curlers. The first games start at 10.30 with a dinner set for 5pm.

Anyone going to Richmond?

I know there are blog readers who attend the Richmond BC Curling Club.

If anyone would care to send me information on the International Bonspiel starting Wednesday, I'd be happy to make it available to everyone.

Email me with a phone number and I will call you for updates.

Eric - eric@wheelchaircurling.com

Richmond International begins Nov 4 - plus other BC news

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

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

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

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

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

Vanoc's 2010 website showing wheelchair curling video

Vanoc are streaming a video titled "Wheelchair Curling with the Experts" as part of their campaign to familiarise the general public with the sports that will be part of the Vancouver Olympics and Paralympics. Members of the Team Canada squad that won he 2009 Worlds, talk about their sport. View the video HERE

Killin and Brown take GB National Pairs title at Braehead

Tom Killin and James Brown - 2009 National Pairs Champions

Photograph by Bob Cowan

Nineteen teams turned out for the 2009 Star Refrigeration Nationl Pairs Championship at Braehead, Scotland, this weekend. GB Paralympian Tom Killin partnered with James Brown to defeat Paralympic teammate Michael McCreadie and Russel Shanks 6-3 in the final. Full results are HERE and you can see lots of photos from the event at Bob Cowan's Skip Cottage Curling Blog.

In Pairs play you rely on your opposition to brace your chair during delivery. It's worth noting that although all the members of the GB Paralympic squad played, they each paired with a less experienced curler.

More from Kinross plus photos and another Goose miracle

Team Canada - Kinross 2009 1st
Bruno Yizek, Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forrest, Jim Armstrong

(Sonja Gaudet played lead - not in picture)

Team Germany 2nd
Jens Gabel,Christine Steger,Caren Totzauer,Marcus Seiger,Jens Jager.

Team USA 3rd
Jim Pierce,James Joseph,Augusto Perez,Patrick McDonald,Jacqueline Kapinowski.

Team Switzerland
Claudia Huttenmoser,Martin Bieri,Daniel Meyer,Manfred Ballinger.

You can read the official report from the Kinross International HERE and see team photos of the medalists on the blog. The report describes, in a tone of wonder, Team USA skip 'Goose' Perez's shot that snatched bronze from Switzerland. Canadian supporters may remember he executed a similarly spectacular shot to beat Canada at the 2009 Worlds.

Canada (4-1) take 2nd Annual Kinross International

Sonja Gaudet, Jim Armstrong, Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forrest

photo Hugh Stewart (via Bob Cowan)

Team Canada recovered from a final round robin draw 1-4 defeat by Switzerland to take the 2nd Annual Kinross International.  Their second place in Pool A led to a 4-2 semi-final win over USA. They then faced Germany who beat Switzerland 7-4 in the other semi-final.

Canada skip Jim Armstrong playing against Germany
photo Hugh Stewart (via Bob Cowan)

In the final Canada beat Germany 5-2 and USA took bronze with a 5-3 win over Switzerland. Great Britain, winners last weekend in Norway, lost to both USA and Germany and failed to reach the playoffs. For full results CLICK HERE.

Team Russia looking for Canadian competition

Team Russia 2009
Oleg Makarov, Andrey Smirnov, Alexander Schevchenko

Oxana Slesarenko, Marat Romanov (skip), Mikhail Mokretsov

Team Russia, who will be hosts at the 2014 Winter Paralympics, are prepared to travel to gain the necefssary experience to succeed at the 2010 World Qualifying Tournament.

Late-comers to a international competition selection system that rewards longevity, Russia won the season opening International Bonspiel in Denmark, and impressed Norway's coach Per Christesen enough for him to comment that they were likely favourites for qualification to the 2011 Worlds next year.

The team is hoping to visit Canada prior to the Paralympics and is looking for opportunities for competitive play.

News from Quebec

Benoit Lessard at 2009 Nationals
photo by Ian Readey

Quebec's Lennoxville CC, who made great strides in producing a competitive team by recruiting established athletes from opther sporting disciplines, suffered a severe blow when their skip, Ben Lessard, suffered a serious accident while competing at water-skiing in France.

Despite that setback they will have two teams on the ice for the club's season opening bonspiel this evening.

Lennoxville is hosting an Open House on Sunday October 25th and have invited three Quebec City coaches to observe, as well as Quebec Provincial Coach Alan Smith who may film the curler's deliveries. There will also be a clinic the weekend of October 31 - November 1st and the club will be sending at least one team to the Cathy Kerr Spiel in Ottawa at the end of November.

Wheelchair curling begins at The Peak

The Peak Ice Centre in the Stirling (Scotland) Sports Village is starting their wheelchair curling program Thursday October 22nd on their 6-sheet rink.

USA curlers part of pre-Olympic celebration

Augusto Perez, James Joseph and Jackie Kapinowski will be part of the United States Olympic Committee's Olympic Winter Festival on Nov. 4 at New York's Rockefeller Center. They will also appear on NBC's "The Today Show" to mark the 100-day countdown to the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

Canada 2-0 after Day 1 of Kinross International

Canada won against Scotland (7-0) and Norway (7-4) on the opening day of the Kinross International. "We played well and were pretty much in control of both games," said Jim Armstrong.

"Last year they had shaved the rocks, and there was a huge amount of late swing, but this year it's a great surface and the rocks have had a year to bed in, so we're getting a very manageable 2-3 feet of swing on draws.

"Great Britain struggled a bit today but they are throwing with a lot more confidence than at the Worlds. I think they have been practicing all summer and it shows. Sweden are also playing exceptionally well under Tomas Nordin, and i have been impressed with Norway's new coach, Per Christensen. Canada have a big target on our backs, and that's all good.

"At the moment we are thinking that we will keep our front end and our back end together, so Bruno will fill in for anyone unable to play, rather than reconfigure the whole team. Darryl will sit out our final round robin game against Switzerland to give Bruno some ice time."

Event results are slowly appearing HERE

Norway experience frustrating, disappointing - Armstrong

Jim Armstrong skipped and threw 4th stones throughout the recent Norwegian Open, and told me this evening that the spiel was a frustrating experience.

"There was a last minute change of venue which meant we had a four hour bus ride each day. Then our two losses were directly influenced by the time keeping. We were two up against USA after 6 ends, when the bell rang; but we played the 7th end and gave up 3. Then against Scotland, we were one down after 5 ends when the bell rang, but though we began the 6th with the hammer, we were told to come off the ice. Two games, two different rules."

Armstrong, who sounded quite weary over the phone, said that he would probably sit out at least one of their 3 round robin matches in Kinross. Nine teams are competing over three days, with the semi-final and final set for Thursday.

And it's on to Kinross, Scotland, October 20-22

The 2nd Kinross International begins today with nine teams in two pools. Canada,  Switzerland, Norway and Scotland 1 in pool A. USA, Germany, GB and Scotland 2 and 3 in Pool B. Click link for the event schedule DOC  or  PDF. Results will hopefully follow.

Games are scheduled for 8 ends, but will finish at the end completed at or after the bell.

Great Britain are coming off a convincing win in Oslo where they went undefeated to pull away from a strong international field. They have persevered with their near t-line delivery, and that additional width may have made a difference on European ice that is generally a lot straighter than the 4-6 feet of movement expected in Vancouver.

Great Britain undefeated to take Norwegian Open

GB 2010 - Michael McCreadie, Aileen Neilson, Tom Killin and Angie Malone
Photographed in Perth October 2009 by Bob Cowan

Great Britain went 6-0, including a last draw 6-5 win over Canada, to take the 2009 Norwegian Open. Canada (4-2) placed second. Three draws were squeezed into the final day, so Sunday's games were limited to 5 ends.

Final table
Great Britain 6-0
Canada  4-2
Sweden  3-3
Norway2 - Skogstad  2-3-1
Scotland  2-4
USA   2-4
Norway1 - Lorentsen   1-4-1

Full line-scores can be seen HERE thanks tp Anne Grethe of the Halden CC. No word yet on Canada's line-ups.

Norwegian Open changes format - Day 2 results

The ambitious proposed 6 game round robin plus playoffs format for the 2009 Norwegian Open was changed to a two games per day round robin, with final standings decided on points. Though the event is being held at the club managed by Dordi Nordby, it is still being organized by the Halden CC.

After two days play, Great Britain are undefeated at 3-0, and Canada are equal on points but with a record of 3-1 after losing 6-7 to USA.

Results can be viewed here, and hopefully line-scores will be added here.

No word on Team Canada line-ups.

Dordi Nordby the new host of Norwegian Open

The fire marshals shut down the brand new Halden Curling Centre last Monday, necessitating a change of venue for the 3-day Norwegian Open that began today. The event was moved a two hour drive from the hotel away to the Snarøya CC in Oslo, home of Dordi Nordby.

Canada was scheduled to play Scotland, USA and one of the Norway teams today but results are not yet available.

I did however have the opportunity to speak with Thoralf Hognestad, who coached Team Norway for three years and a double World Championship before handing over to Per Christensen this summer.

Thoralf has long argued that Norway's success was down to their understanding of the different demands of the wheelchair game. (He put their struggles at the 2009 Worlds down to lack of ice for training, though they did beat Canada.)  He feels the team that will win in Vancouver next March will be the team with the highest percentage on takeouts. "It's a hitting game, especially on European straight ice," he said. "It's harder to hit on Canadian ice that swings 6 feet, but I think the team with the best hitting game will win."

Does Norway have that potential? "They have the potential," he said, "but it is open. Canada won last March because of Jim Armstrong's ability at skip. He understood a lot more about the wheelchair game than when we first played him in Europe."

Hognestad was dubious of Korea's chances, though they bring with them a reputation as a big-hitting team. "They were a little fortunate to reach the final in 2008," he said, "and I don't think they have improved much over the last few years. Korea and China both play a draw, draw, draw and wait and see what happens style, and I don't think that will be enough to win. Canada has a big advantage at skip but I think the Paralympic competition is open."

I hope to have news and results from Oslo later this weekend.

Wheelchair curling in BC is expanding

Terrace CC is the latest BC club to welcome wheelchair users. Canadian champions Frank LaBounty and Whitney Warren were at the club last week to assist with a give-it-a-go session. Read the Terrace Standard's article for more information.

Elsewhere, the Nanaimo CC is installing an elevator to allow wheelchair users full use of their facility, including the bar. Wheelchair curling will commence on completion of the project, anticipated to be the end of November.

Let's go sturling

There's a move to widen the appeal of 2-on-2 curling by removing the requirement to use sticks. What a obvious and wonderful idea!

The 2-on-2 format has just as much appeal to curlers able to use a slide delivery as those forced to use a stick, and fears that stick users would be unable to compete with sliders have been shown to be unwarranted. Sticks have been banned from major competitions as they (may) offer competitive advantage.

2-on-2 curling addresses many of the objections voiced by newcomers to wheelchair curling: too much dead time and not enough to do. Removing the insistence on sticks opens the game and will mean more opportunities for wheelchair users to compete. Visit sturling.net for more information.

Norwegian Open begins October 16 at Halden Curling Ctr.

The Halden Curling Centre is hosting the 2009 Norwegian Open October 16-18. Canada, Great Britain, Scotland, Sweden, USA and a two-team split Norwegian squad are competing.

As Team Canada left for their tour, which includes the Kinross Invitational October 20-22, it was unclear how much throwing injured skip Jim Armstrong would be able to manage, though his presence with the team, after being unable to attend any of the pre-season training camps, will bring off-ice benefits that warrant him making the trip. He needs to reconnect with the team, see how they are playing and also see teams he will have to beat next March.

It is difficult o imagine that Armstrong won't skip at the Paralympics, but it is feasible he may not throw last rocks. If that happens, roles that appeared established, may have to change. For example, and this is pure speculation, if Jim threw lead, would Sonja play 2nd, or would Bruno or would Ina stay put?

What would your Team Canada line-up be placing Jim at skip throwing lead stones, and why? Comments are open.

Follow WheelChairCurl on Twitter for off-the-cuff comments

Every now and then a thought occurs that's not substantial enough to warrant a full blog post, and Twitter is the perfect forum.

For example today's Vernon Morning Star had a very nice photo of Team Canada lead Sonja Gaudet, as well as a couple of quotes on how she likes the new uniforms. Unfortunately she was not modeling them in the photo, which rehashed the CCA's team announcement, and promoted Ina Forrest to Torino Paralympian.

A pretty poor piece of uncredited journalism that added little to what has already been covered here, but Twitter gave me an excuse to link to the photo.

You'll find it on the WheelChairCurl Twitter account so follow us there.

Team Germany set for 2010

Team Germany 2010

The German Paralympic team makes just one change from the five that led after the round robin and then snatched bronze with the tournament's miracle shot at the 2009 Worlds (view below). Jens Jäger skips, with Marcus Sieger at 3rd, Jens Gäbel at 2nd and Caren Totzauer at lead. All are from the Schwenningen Curling Club. Christiane Steger from the Füssen Curling Club replaces Astrid Hoer who has stopped curling because of health reasons. The team's next competition will be Kinross, October 20-22.

Jens Jäger has his own website (in German) which reflects the spirit and energy he and the team's supporters brought to the empty bleachers at the 2009 Worlds, though their lusty renditions of the team's song may be harder to hear this coming March.

Here again are the final two shots of the 2009 Worlds bronze medal game between USA and Germany, with USA throwing the yellow rocks and seemingly certain of victory.

Discover Simple, Private Sharing at Drop.io

CCA announces 2010 team and Bob Weeks tells a story

The CCA has finally officially announced Canada's 2010 Paralympics team, fortunately unchanged from our earlier post.

CEO Greg Stremlaw sends his personal congratulations to the team and Team Leader Wendy Morgan says: "This has been a three-year journey in a comprehensive selection process. It has been a difficult process at times, as it is not exclusively a skill-based decision but encompasses team dynamics, peer assessment, performance in competition and positional aptitude."

Which is a tacit acknowledgment that however diligently statistics are compiled, and they were, in the end selection is made on the coach's and in Canada's (special) case the skip's gut feelings about which combination of individuals are most likely to produce a gold medal.

Curling writer Bob Weeks is pleased to see Jim Armstrong at the helm and shares a memory of Jim at a Brier.

Armstrong back on the ice

Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong is getting back on the ice as he rehabs the surgically repaired shoulder that was further stressed in a car crash. "The accident probably set me back a couple of weeks physically, though of course there has been a lot of family stuff as well.

"We had a wonderful celebration of (late wife) Carleen's life ten days ago," he told me this morning just before leaving for practice at the Richmond CC. "And yesterday 106 people were part of Team Momma Armstrong at the CIBC Run For The Cure. It took several of them, but they pushed me round the whole course.

"Now I am doing lots of physio to get the shoulder fit, and beginning to throw some stones. I'm thankful to have wheelchair curling to concentrate on after all that has happened this summer.

"I'll be traveling with the team to Norway and Scotland, probably to provide some comic relief. Everyone has been very supportive and understanding that I haven't been able to participate very often in the training camps. I am really impressed with how the team has come together. If you had asked me a year ago whether a selected team could work together as well as this one does, I would have been skeptical. But I think our team spirit will be one of our advantages next March."

Asked his reaction to Sweden coach Tomas Nordin's initial impression that the wheelchair game was very similar to regular curling, Armstrong said: "Tomas is a great curler and very experienced and will do well. But my understanding of the wheelchair game has been a lengthy learning curve and it takes time to appreciate the nuances. Not having the big weight to clean up trouble has to be taken into account, although I suspect that in the future the top teams will develop the ability to throw the 7 or 8 second takeout accurately."

Team Canada will be competing in Norway's Halden International October 16-18 and then Scotland's Kinross International October 20-22.

McCreadie skips GB 2010 team to British Open win

 Michael McCreadie and Tom Killin exert some body English (or Scottish)
Photo - Bob Cowan

Michael McCreadie, with 2010 Parlympian team mates Aileen Nielson, Tom Killin and Angie Malone lifted the Caithness Cup at this weekend's British Open, defeating the all-male team of Jim Taylor, Bill Masterton, Jim Elliott and Ian Donaldson 5-3.

The McCreadie team fought off opponents seeking to avenge a 17-1 round robin drubbing in what GB coach described as a high class final. "They had to pull out all the stops and manufacture some excellent shots right from the first end where they developed a two with the hammer after being under pressure from the off. From there they tried to keep the game tidy and force the Taylor team away from their aggressive style of play."

McCreadie stole three consecutive ends to go 5-0 ahead after 4 and held on for the win despite giving up a steal of two in the 6th and final end. Eight teams contested the championship including Great Britain II with 2010 Alternate Jim Sellar, and skip Rosemary Lenton, the last person cut from the 2010 squad. Complete scores are available HERE.

More photos HERE.

Second West Coast venue for USA curlers

Photo - Matthew Ginn

The Evergreen CC in Portland OR last weekend hosted a wheelchair curling tryout. The session was run by Team USA member Patrick McDonald supported by BC national gold medalist Vince Miele. Click HERE and HERE for photographer Matthew Ginn's images from the event.

Scots building skills and interest by challenging regular curlers

Michael McCreadie, Aileen Nielson, Tom Killin and Angie Malone

Bob Cowan photographed four members of the Great Britain Paralympic team competing at the Dewar's Rink in the Wednesday Perth Super League. It's an excellent opportunity to practice the game calling skills they'll need to beat Jim Armstrong's Team Canada.

While the GB team has been set, it has not been finally decided who will skip. There is some talk among Scots supporters that though Michael McCreadie played 3rd to Frank Duffy during the period that Scotland were World Champions, he might not have the temperament best suited to skipping and throwing 4th stones. His partner and team mate Aileen Nielson, has had experience at skip and newly returned Angie Malone has also had success skipping her domestic team.

Front: L-R: Ian Donaldson, Jim Taylor, Angie Malone, Jim Elliott, Bill Masterton.
Back: David Hird, Euan Byers, Peter Smith, Graeme Connal, David Murdoch, Andrew Bain.

At the beginning of September Scot Jim Taylor challenged World Champion David Murdoch to a game at Stirling to raise funds for the Marie Curie Big Build Hospice Appeal. The event was organised by Give Them a Sporting Chance, which is a registered charity giving carers and those with disabilities, of all ages, the opportunity to make their sporting or recreational dreams come true.

Though Jim's wheelchair team were not able to overcome a shaky start to the 6 end exhibition, he said, “Give Them A Sporting Chance provided seamless organisational skills and what can I say about GB Men’s Olympic coach David Hay and Team Murdoch taking on this challenge in the year leading up to Olympics? Fantastic! The whole event emphasised camaraderie, friendship and good sportsmanship. It was a surreal experience and passed by too fast.”

The bonus from Logan Gray: "Immediately after this event, there was an Active Stirling Come and Try opportunity for wheelchair curlers at The Peak. Four new wheelchair curlers turned up and thoroughly enjoyed learning the basics of curling and have come back for follow up coaching sessions. Wheelchair curling is a growing network with clubs being started all over Scotland and plans are now in place for Stirling to become a new centre for wheelchair curlers to take to the ice." (Thanks Bob Cowan)

For more information on wheelchair curling, please contact Logan Gray at Active Stirling on 01786 432323.

9 teams competing for British Open title at Kinross Oct 2-4

Nine teams are competing at the Kinross Ice Rink this weekend for the British Open title. A two pool round robin will conclude with a semi-final and final on Sunday. Click here for the draw.

Welsh ambitions stymied for lack of a female

Team Wales members practicing at Deeside Ice Rink

The North Wales Pioneer reports that the Welsh wheelchair curling program's ambitions to compete in the upcoming British Open and international events have come to an abrupt halt with the unavailability of their lone female curler.

The Deeside Ice Rink based program began six years ago. Team member Peter Knapper explained: “We’d be going to the British open as well as world championship qualifiers – these could be in Prague, Vancouver, they could be anywhere.

“I don’t know why we have such a problem getting female members but we have to have a mixed team to play in the internationals.

“I’ve played in two world championships – the first was in Switzerland and the second was in Glasgow – and a couple of British opens but it’s difficult because of lack of practice – we can only have this rink on a Monday, 6pm to 10pm."

The team is specifically looking for female members but anyone interested in trying it out should contact team coach John Stone on 01244 810673 or team member Allan Young on 07516479053.

John added: “I’d encourage anyone who might be interested to come along and try it out, it’s safe and fun, we provide coaching and they are a great crowd.”

Read more on the Welsh wheelchair curling program HERE

Lack of female participants is one of the reasons competitive wheelchair curling has struggled to establish itself as a winter recreation. National championships and international events are run under WCF rules that mandate mixed gender teams, despite far fewer than 25% of active wheelchair users being female.

Sonja Gaudet styles the new HBC Paralympics clothing

Team Canada lead Sonja Gaudet

Team Canada lead Sonja Gaudet was part of yesterday's launch of the Hudson Bay Company's line of Olympic and Paralympic clothing. Each team member will receive 28 items as part of their 2010 uniform, including leisure wear, jackets, pants, parkas and luggage. (Thanks TCN)

Canada, Korea to play in Richmond BC Nov. 3-7 - slots open

The 3rd Richmond International Cashspiel will take place November 3 - 7 at the Richmond BC curling club. It's an eight team event and so far Team Canada and Team Korea have registered, as have Team Alberta and a host team.

Several other teams have expressed interest and the organisers, Richmond Centre for Disability will accept registrations for the four remaining slots on a first come basis.

For more information contact Rich Green by email or call 604-232-2404.

Canada's 2010 Paralympics team named

Alberta's Bruno Yizek named to Canada's 2010 Paraympics team

photo - Ian Readey

Following the squad's third training camp, just concluded in Richmond BC, the players who will represent Canada at the 2010 Paralympics will be Jim Armstrong (skip), Darryl Neighbour (3rd), Ina Forrest (2nd), and Sonja Gaudet (lead) who are all from BC and were the on ice players during the final of the 2009 Worlds. The alternate is Bruno Yizek (Alberta). Read a profile of Bruno HERE.

Should Ina or Sonja be unable to play before the team is officially registered in February, they would be replaced by Jackie Roy. It is unlikely, absent ill-health, that the alternate will see any playing time. Karen Blachford did not play in Torino.

Followers of the comments on this blog will know that this was not a surprise selection. I have not spoken to any of the coaches about the reasons for their choices. The choice between Chris Sobkowicz, Gerry Austgarden and Bruno was undoubtedly a close one in terms of shooting ability, but in my opinion Chris had his opportunity at the last Worlds, and Bruno seems a better fit as an (unlikely to see playing time) 5th than the still very competitive and ambitious Torino 3rd, Gerry Austgarden.

Call to curl in Calgary AB, Canada's largest wheelchair league

Calgarian Jack Smart, skip of the 2009 Canadian Nationals silver medalists
photo - Ian Readey

The Calgary Wheelchair Curling Association is gearing up for another great season of Wheelchair Curling and inviting all who are interested to come out and give it a try.

Since 2005, the Calgary Wheelchair Curling Association has grown to be the largest wheelchair curling league in Canada with over 30 members. Many of the members are new to wheelchair curling and range from 9 to over 60 years of age, with varying forms of mobility or cognitive disabilities.

The League starts October 3, 2009 from 10:30AM to 12:30PM at the Ogden Legion Curling Club 2625 - 78 Ave SE. Calgary and will run most Saturday mornings until March 2010. First time curlers are invited to attend free of charge. Curling sticks and equipment are provided so we just need the curlers.

The Calgary Wheelchair Curling League is also looking for volunteers and sponsors this season as we expect to grow our membership.

For further information on the program details or to be a volunteer or sponsor, please call Jack Smart at 403.201.0041

Jasper Place CC in Edmonton AB now fully accessible

Mike McMullen practicing at the renovated Jasper Place CC

photo - Candace Elliott, Edmonton Journal

Renovations have now been completed at Jasper Place CC. The club raised $200,000 for the project, adding wheelchair accessible bathrooms and an elevator to the upstairs lounge, and will host the Alberta Wheelchair Curling Championships, February 5-7, 2010.

The Edmonton Journal reports local curler Mike McMullan saying in the short time he has played, curling has already made a difference in his life.

"It's enabled me to get out in the community even more. Your well-being is better if you're not cooped in a chair and sitting at home all the time. It's good socially and mentally, as far as I'm concerned."

With the Jasper Place Curling Club hosting the upcoming championships, McMullan is pumped for what's to come.

"It's good that Jasper Place is taking it this year, and we look forward to having it," adding that he looks forward to beating the Calgary teams, who have dominated the past few years.

McMullan suggests would-be wheelchair curlers simply take the plunge --watch a game and then give the sport a try. Contact Cathy Craig, manager of Jasper Place, or call the club at 780.489.6428 for more information.

Team Sweden coach Tomas Nordin talks about his new job

Tomas Nordin at the Torino Olympics
(photo - Jim Henderson)

The Swedish Curling Association approached Tomas Nordin, a three-time World Champion, to coach their national wheelchair team last May. After meeting with the team, which took silver at the 2009 Worlds, he agreed. Today he shared some of his first impressions of his new sport. Here's what he had to say:

"I had been away from curling, even social curling since 2006 after the Torino Olympics. When I was asked to coach the national wheelchair curling team I agreed because I thought my experience might help the team prepare for the Paralympics.

"When I played with Peter Lindholm we approached the game seriously. We were an organized and well-prepared team. I hope that I can bring the approach that brought me success in regular curling, into the wheelchair game, both in organization and in understanding tactics. This team will have a game plan that suits the players, and we will play our game.

"I think that wheelchair curling shares a great deal with regular curling, and though there will be more misses, hopefully throwing accuracy will improve (to help compensate for the lack of sweeping.) If I thought it was a completely different game I don't think I would have taken the job.

"I have only just begun working with the team, and we have few opportunities for competition. I have been trying to find video to watch. There are not many wheelchair curlers in Sweden, and we don't play 4 on 4, even in our national championships because there are not enough players.

"We played in Denmark and we will be going to Norway and Prague so we will see Canada play a couple of times before Vancouver. Canada are obviously big favourites for gold, but we will go hoping to win, or at least make the podium."

Tomas agreed to another interview later this season, and it will be interesting to see whether or in what way his initial impressions change.

Curious to know what's under the ice?

The supports that hold the pipes beneath the concrete

Bob Cowan, on his Skip Cottage Curling Blog, has some photos taken by Gail Munro of the replacement of the curling surface at the Stranraer (Scotland) Curling Club. The layers of ice that cover the painted rings on the concrete surface, are just part of what makes curling possible. CLICK HERE to see more.

Nova Scotia expanding program

Opportunities for wheelchair curlers are growing in Nova Scotia, site of the 2009 National Championships. There is league play on Friday evenings at the Lakeside CC (contact Laughie Rutt) and starting this season there are plans for 2-on-2 play at the Halifax Curling Club on Sunday afternoons (contact Nancy Beaton). Laughie hopes to expand wheelchair curling to Windsor and Cape Breton, but wherever you live, new curlers are very welcome so make yourself known.

Carleen Armstrong passes away

I received the following note from Jim this morning, and am publishing it here as I know many people have had her in their thoughts since word broke about her illness.

"It is with our deepest sorrow and regret that we inform you of Carleen's passing tonight. She fought a courageous battle against Cancer to the very end. We will miss her dearly.

Arrangements will be decided shortly. We know your thoughts and prayers are with us."

Carleen was a great supporter of wheelchair curling and made an appearance in this short documentary.

GB's Angie Malone returns to international competition

Angie Malone (from 2008 courtesy Bob Cowan)

British Curling have announced the cut from six to their five person Team Great Britain training squad. Angie Malone replaces Rosemary Lenton, the one change from the team that finished tied for 5th at the 2009 Worlds.

Angie played lead on the Torino silver medal team, but had been fighting serious illness in recent years, and missed the 2008 and 2009 Worlds.

The Great Britain squad (all Scots): Michael McCreadie, Tom Killin, Angie Malone (all Torino silver medallists) Aileen Neilson and Jim Sellar. This is a very experienced group who have all medalled at World level competition.

Derek Brown, the British equivalent to the CCA's Gerry Peckham, said: "The athletes selected today know there is no room for complacency as selection for this squad does not in itself guarantee a place on the Paralympic Team." That selection will be announced at the end of the year.

Tom Pendreigh, Head Wheelchair Curling Coach said "The GB squad will undertake an intensive training and competition schedule between now and the final selection date and I am looking forward to leading the squad in their final preparations for Vancouver."

Read the full announcement HERE.

Disappointing turnout for Olson Ossoyoos 2 on 2

Just seven wheelchair users turned out for the Olson Curling Supply Ososyoos 2 on 2 spiel this weekend, and three of them were from out of province.

The team of Darryl Neighbour and Chris Sobkowicz won, but it is a shame that having secured the support of a major curling sponsor, the organizers of the Osoyoos event have been unable to sustain the interest of even local Team Canada members.

The poor attendance is a reflection of the parlous state of wheelchair curling in BC. Despite hosting the coach and four out of five of the national team, and taking the last three national titles, success at the top has not trickled down to inspire grassroots interest.

In the past CurlBC has not seen it in their interest to encourage competitions outside of their immediate selection control. That appeared to change with last year's provincial playdown, but as things stand now, there is unlikely to be a 2010 playdown, for lack of female competitors.

Russia win season's first International

Russia went 4-0 to win the 12 team Danske Internationale Kørestole Curling Cup, the first event of a busy pre-Paralympic international calendar in Taarnby, Denmark. Germany placed second on points with a 3-1 record. Scotland and Sweden were also 3-1 while the Norway I team (they split their squad) were 1-3. Games were played over just 6 ends and full results are HERE.

Russia did not qualify for the 2009 Worlds or the 2010 Paralympics, but are assured of a place as hosts of the 2014 Games.

The next big international event is at the Halden Curling Centre in Norway, October 16-18.

Team Canada selection September 27

Canada's team for the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics will be announced on September 27th at the conclusion of the team's third training camp. Coach Wendy Morgan said that the team will be Jim Armstrong, Darryl Neighbour, Ina Forrest, Sonja Gaudet and one from the three men who have been attending the pre-season training camps: Bruno Yizek, Chris Sobkowicz and Gerry Austgarden.

The five selected will travel to Norway and Scotland  (see calendar). Jim Armstrong's fitness will be assessed during the camp. "If he is not fit to travel, we will just take four people," she said. "We are not anticipating that Jim will be unable to play in Vancouver, but the Paralympic registration deadline is not until February 25th so we have until then if we have to name a replacement."

Canada has committed to having two women in the team, and BC's Jackie Roy has been training with the squad and would step in were Sonja or Ina unavailable.

Canada has added a trip to Prague to their preparation schedule which means they will not be attending the Cathy Kerr Memorial Bonspiel in Ottawa. "We decided on Prague because Germany and Sweden and other top international teams will be competing there," Morgan said. "We are still considering several options for competitive play prior to the Paralympics, as well as hoping to get some practice on arena ice."

The team will take up residence in the Paralympic Village on March 8, and the wheelchair curling event is scheduled from March 12-20.

Jim Armstrong car wreck confuses Team Canada selection

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).

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.

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

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).

Scots to continue delivery zone experiment, or not

Scots Rosemary Lenton and Jim Sellar delivering from the T-line

photo courtesy Bob Cowan

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.

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 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?

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.

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.

"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.

Tomas Nordin, 3-time World Champion, to coach Team Sweden

Tomas Nordin
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]

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.