In a game that would decide who stood at the top of the table with one day of round robin play to go, Canada (7-1) beat Korea (5-3) by a somewhat flattering score of 6-4.
Canada's steal of one in the second, when a Korean attempted pick buried a Canadian stone on the button, was the difference until the final end. Canada had shot stone buried behind seven stones. Korea called time out. Their options were a fancy double run back, or throw a bomb onto the pile and see what happened.
Korea have the reputation for throwing big weight though they have succeeded by drawing when they had to. This time they chose the big weight option. and they managed to open a port to shot stone.
Jim Armstrong attempted to block it but his draw over-curled. A straight hit and stick by Korea would have left Canada with a tricky shot to save the game. But skip Haksung Kim, revved from his previous shot, over-threw when what was needed was a controlled weight take-out. The shot sailed wide and Canada could smile for the first time in the evening.
USA (6-2) lost a rock on a measurement in the second against Japan, but still posted a six and won 8-2. Italy ruined Norway's hopes of a playoff spot, despite throwing away a 7-2 lead in the eighth. They took 2 in the extra to win 9-7.
Korea, Sweden, Germany and Italy will play for the remaining playoff spots tomorrow. For tables and schedule see our Paralympics page.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Draw 5 Nationals - Team Canada alumni leading the way
The teams with Team Canada players throwing last rocks remain at the top of the table as we pass half-way of the Canadian National Championships in Kelowna BC.
Quebec had a chance to upset unbeaten BC. They went into the 4th end break 2-1 ahead and in the 6th were lying 4 with skip stones to come. BC coach Al Moore, husband of TV curling pundit Linda Moore, was waving frantically at the upstairs window signalling for his team to call a time-out (rules state that time-outs can only be called on the ice). Gerry Austgarden's attempted draw was short of the front guards.
Quebec skip Ben Lessard attempted to throw a guard but hogged his stone, and Austgarden made no mistake with his final stone, coming into the rings for shot. Lessard attempted to hit it, but threw wide, giving up a steal and a lead that BC never surrendered. Final score 5-2, with BC stealing singles in each of the last 4 ends.
Alberta struggled for most of their match against the tournament's tough luck side, Nova Scotia. Jack Smart showed his lack of confidence in his draw weight when in the 4th he attempted a tap with half the house open. "It was a good choice, it was lined up," coach Tony Zummack said, though it resulted in a Nova Scotia steal.
Nova Scotia had taken one in the first and then stole the next four ends to go ahead 6-0. Alberta took their 4 points in the 6th when Smart played a tricky hit to promote 3 stones into scoring position. It was Alberta's one success as they came up on the short end of a 6-4 scoreline.
When Saskatchewan win they win big, 11-3 over Newfoundland and Labrador who have come back to earth with a bump after opening the competition with a 13-3 win.
BC Host relied on a 4 in the sixth to counter a series of singles by Ontario. Their 6-5 win keeps them tied with Manitoba, who beat N. Ontario 8-5, a game back of BC.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page
Quebec had a chance to upset unbeaten BC. They went into the 4th end break 2-1 ahead and in the 6th were lying 4 with skip stones to come. BC coach Al Moore, husband of TV curling pundit Linda Moore, was waving frantically at the upstairs window signalling for his team to call a time-out (rules state that time-outs can only be called on the ice). Gerry Austgarden's attempted draw was short of the front guards.
Quebec skip Ben Lessard attempted to throw a guard but hogged his stone, and Austgarden made no mistake with his final stone, coming into the rings for shot. Lessard attempted to hit it, but threw wide, giving up a steal and a lead that BC never surrendered. Final score 5-2, with BC stealing singles in each of the last 4 ends.
Alberta struggled for most of their match against the tournament's tough luck side, Nova Scotia. Jack Smart showed his lack of confidence in his draw weight when in the 4th he attempted a tap with half the house open. "It was a good choice, it was lined up," coach Tony Zummack said, though it resulted in a Nova Scotia steal.
Nova Scotia had taken one in the first and then stole the next four ends to go ahead 6-0. Alberta took their 4 points in the 6th when Smart played a tricky hit to promote 3 stones into scoring position. It was Alberta's one success as they came up on the short end of a 6-4 scoreline.
When Saskatchewan win they win big, 11-3 over Newfoundland and Labrador who have come back to earth with a bump after opening the competition with a 13-3 win.
BC Host relied on a 4 in the sixth to counter a series of singles by Ontario. Their 6-5 win keeps them tied with Manitoba, who beat N. Ontario 8-5, a game back of BC.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page
Canadian Nationals Draw 4 - BC keep rolling; Quebec get first win
BC are showing the depth of their curling talent, posting their fourth win without their skip and lead from the two previous years. Mind you they do have Torino gold medalist Gerry Austgarden throwing last rocks and adding his experience to the game calling.
This morning they beat Nova Scotia 7-5 on the strength of a 4 in the 3rd. Nova Scotia pulled to within one with a steal of two in the 7th but could not repeat as BC took their single, and the game, in the final end.
Nova Scotia, after a first round walloping by Newfoundland and Labrador, have played tough, with a win over Gary Cormack's BC Host side, and narrow losses to BC and Manitoba, both very experienced sides.
Quebec were blown out in their first two games, but took Alberta to an extra end in Game 3 and this morning went one better. 5-4 over Newfoundland. A three in the 3rd helped in a game of singles.
BC Host beat Sakatchewan 9-5 and share second spot in the table with Manitoba, who stole 5 in the 2nd against Ontario and won 10-3.
N. Ontario beat Alberta 8-4, two steals of two making the difference.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page
This morning they beat Nova Scotia 7-5 on the strength of a 4 in the 3rd. Nova Scotia pulled to within one with a steal of two in the 7th but could not repeat as BC took their single, and the game, in the final end.
Nova Scotia, after a first round walloping by Newfoundland and Labrador, have played tough, with a win over Gary Cormack's BC Host side, and narrow losses to BC and Manitoba, both very experienced sides.
Quebec were blown out in their first two games, but took Alberta to an extra end in Game 3 and this morning went one better. 5-4 over Newfoundland. A three in the 3rd helped in a game of singles.
BC Host beat Sakatchewan 9-5 and share second spot in the table with Manitoba, who stole 5 in the 2nd against Ontario and won 10-3.
N. Ontario beat Alberta 8-4, two steals of two making the difference.
For full scores and table go to our Nationals page
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Day 2 - Canadian Nationals Draw 3
Ontario (2-1) stole the first 4 points to go ahead of Newfoundland and Labrador (1-2) 5-3 at the break. Whatever it was they ate, it came back to bite Newfoundland as Ontario scored another 9 points for a 14-5 win.
BC (3-0) continued their unbeaten record. They stole 2 in the 4th to go ahead of Saskatchewan (1-2) 4-2 and gave up just a couple of singles in the second half while scoring 3 and winning 7-3.
BC Host (2-1) stole two in the 5th and another in the 6th to beat N. Ontario (1-2) 6-4. Third Mark Wherrett was the only N. Ontarian with better than 50% shooting, but he was bested by opposing 3rd Rich Green who shot 59% for the host team.
Quebec (0-3) finally found the rings and took an early 5-1 lead over Alberta (2-1) but gave back 5 in steals in the second half. They scored 3 to tie Alberta in the 8th but in the extra end without the hammer, conceded a single and lost 9-8.
Manitoba (2-1) with steals of two in ends 2 and 3 opened an early 5-0 lead over Nova Scotia (1-2) but a steal of 3 in the 5th brought the bluenosers level. They couldn't hang on though, dropping a 7-6 decision.
For line scores check our National Championship page.
BC (3-0) continued their unbeaten record. They stole 2 in the 4th to go ahead of Saskatchewan (1-2) 4-2 and gave up just a couple of singles in the second half while scoring 3 and winning 7-3.
BC Host (2-1) stole two in the 5th and another in the 6th to beat N. Ontario (1-2) 6-4. Third Mark Wherrett was the only N. Ontarian with better than 50% shooting, but he was bested by opposing 3rd Rich Green who shot 59% for the host team.
Quebec (0-3) finally found the rings and took an early 5-1 lead over Alberta (2-1) but gave back 5 in steals in the second half. They scored 3 to tie Alberta in the 8th but in the extra end without the hammer, conceded a single and lost 9-8.
Manitoba (2-1) with steals of two in ends 2 and 3 opened an early 5-0 lead over Nova Scotia (1-2) but a steal of 3 in the 5th brought the bluenosers level. They couldn't hang on though, dropping a 7-6 decision.
For line scores check our National Championship page.
Canada back on top with 15-1 win over Switzerland
Canada (5-1) weren't affected by less than 50% shooting from their skip as the rest of the team shot better than 70% in the 15-1 dismantling of Switzerland (2-3). A 5 just before the break started the rout and a 6 in the 6th ended it early.
Norway (3-3) beat Japan (1-4) 11-3 and Germany (3-2) stole a single in the 8th to edge Italy (2-3) 7-6.
In the evening draw USA (4-2) blew a chance to at least tie their game against Sweden in the eighth. Sitting one with skip stones to come, they chose to chase the Swedish 2nd shot stone that was on the edge of the 12, rather than coming anywhere full 12 to sit two. The stone flashed and Sweden hit shot stone to run USA out of rocks.
"It was a strategy mistake. The right call was the draw. I know that now and hopefully won't make that mistake again," USA skip Perez said. And despite the error, the win wasn't guaranteed at that point.
Sweden (3-3) have won three in a row; beating Norway, Canada and USA to work themselves very much back into contention. Promoting Glenn Ikonen to 4th stones appears to have worked, as skip Jalle Jungnell continues to struggle, but no longer with last rocks.
Great Britain (2-4) avoided a 5th defeat, beating Germany (3-3) 9-2 and can still say they have a chance at a playoff spot. Korea (4-2) pulled level with USA and one game behind leaders Canada (5-1) beating Italy (2-4) 9-3, and Japan (2-4) edged Switzerland (2-4) 6-5 in an extra end.
With three matches to play in the round robin, every team still has a chance of making the playoffs.
Norway (3-3) beat Japan (1-4) 11-3 and Germany (3-2) stole a single in the 8th to edge Italy (2-3) 7-6.
In the evening draw USA (4-2) blew a chance to at least tie their game against Sweden in the eighth. Sitting one with skip stones to come, they chose to chase the Swedish 2nd shot stone that was on the edge of the 12, rather than coming anywhere full 12 to sit two. The stone flashed and Sweden hit shot stone to run USA out of rocks.
"It was a strategy mistake. The right call was the draw. I know that now and hopefully won't make that mistake again," USA skip Perez said. And despite the error, the win wasn't guaranteed at that point.
Sweden (3-3) have won three in a row; beating Norway, Canada and USA to work themselves very much back into contention. Promoting Glenn Ikonen to 4th stones appears to have worked, as skip Jalle Jungnell continues to struggle, but no longer with last rocks.
Great Britain (2-4) avoided a 5th defeat, beating Germany (3-3) 9-2 and can still say they have a chance at a playoff spot. Korea (4-2) pulled level with USA and one game behind leaders Canada (5-1) beating Italy (2-4) 9-3, and Japan (2-4) edged Switzerland (2-4) 6-5 in an extra end.
With three matches to play in the round robin, every team still has a chance of making the playoffs.
Day 2 - Canadian Nationals - Draw 2
Defending champions BC had all they could handle in their morning draw against the rookies from Ontario. There are some notes from the game at the end of this post, but the decisive play was with skip stones in the 8th end.
Ontario had hammer down one, and were sitting at least 3 with no obvious way into the house for BC. After a timeout, BC decided on a long run back, which though didn't threaten shot stones, did open a narrow port.
Ontario attempted to block it with a guard that was overcurled enough to widen the port, and Gerry Austgarden threw an upweight hit on shot stone back 4. He had to stick and he did. Bruce Cameron attempted to follow him down to at least force an extra end, but was light and BC won 8-6.
Though his overall statistics were not impressive, Austgarden made key shots and saved the game. For Ontario, Doug Morris at 3rd threw an impressive 69% to set up his skip, but it came down to a single tough but makeable last rock that didn't reach its target.
BC are the only team to have won both their matches, while Quebec are still looking for their first win after being blanked by Manitoba 9-0.
In other games Nova Scotia beat BC Host 8-6, Alberta downed Saskatchewan 8-4 and N. Ontario brought Newfoundland and Labrador back to earth with a 10-1 win.
********************************************
Draw two of the Canadian National Championships begins at 9.30. We'll be keeping an eye on the BC vs Ontario game, and updating scores of the other games as well. N. Ontario plays Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba plays Quebec, BC Host plays Nova Scotia, and Alberta plays Saskatchewan.
End 1
Ontario had the hammer and the first 4 stones went to the back of the rings. Seconds missed all their shots. BC then threw up a guard. Ontario made a comearound. BC came around on top of it. Ontario chipped shot stone to sit 2.
BC's first skip stone crashed on the guard. Bruce's first skip stone tapped his shot stone to the back 4. Gerry hit shot stone but rolled away. BC sat 1. Bruce drew to the 4 ft for his 2nd point.
BC 0 - ON 2
2nd end
BC sat 4 after seconds' stones with a succession of taps and rolls leaving a ring of biters to the left side of the sheet.
Bruce's final stone had to be shot to avoid giving up 4. It stopped back 12 for 2nd shot. Gerry with his final shot attempted to tap Bruce's stone out but was tight on the guard and rolled to the 4ft. On a measure, BC scored 2 to tie it.
Other games - NO 4 - NL 0 after 2 ends. AB are 3-1 up over SK after 2, and MB lead QC 4-0, and NS lead BC HOST 2-0 after 2.
End 3
Ontario's second is legally blind and uses a bright light on the broom.
ON is shot stone on the back centre line. They call for a guard at the top of the house but it slid back 4. Frank tried a double takeout, but chipped out just one, and ON is still shot back 4.
Gerry thew a 9.1 second take out through the port to hit and stick. BC lying 1, back 4.
Bruce tries to come through the same port, but nicks a guard and promotes a BC stone to second shot. It looks like BC is lying 2.
Gerry's second stone is through the port but a bit heavy and comes to the back 4, giving Ontario a pocket to save the end.
Bruce is also a bit light. The stone overcurled at the end, and BC steals 2 by an inch. It's 4-2 BC at the end of 3rd.
4th end
BC comes in to the button with their first. Ontario executes an angle freeze. BC's second stone is back 12. Ontario taps BC to the back of the button to sit 2.
BC tried to take out the shot stone, but it looks wide of the broom. They remove their own and the shooter rolls to the back 12.
Ontario sit three now in the 4 ft, and there are no guards. Whitney removes one stone and rolls to the 8ft in front of the tee line for 3rd shot.
ON needs something up front to protect their stone --- they throw a long centre line guard. Frank attempts to pick out shot stone and flashes.
Ontario puts up a long corner guard. There's still a port there.
What a shot. Frank comes through the port, taps the shot stone out and rolls to the button for shot, behind the ON stone.
Bruce's comearound attempt crashes on the guard, but that does clear the front.
Gerry's guard attempt curls too much, leaving Bruce a chance to hit his own second shot and push BC out the back. But...his attempt curled fiercely at the end, and he pushes his own stone out. Gerry has an open hit to sit 3.
He's short, in front of the house, guarding his own. That leaves Bruce the same shot for 2. He gets 1.
BC 4 - ON 3, and BC gets the hammer after the break.
In other games NO 4 - NL - after 3; AB 5 - SK 1 after 3; MB over QC 5-0; NS 4 - HOST 0.
5th end
All of the first five rocks are in front of the house. BC tried to open up the front, but crash on the guard and roll across the rings. That might be biting top 12.
BC are trying to peel the ON stone on the centre line but the stone crashes on another guard and rolls out.
ON try to tap the one in the top 12, but it slides past and stops back 12. ON lies one for sure, and maybe 2 if that really is a biter in front.
Frank tries to eliminate the front stone, and goes by it. He just misses the one in the back and slides out.
Ontario tries to come through the port, but they're short and push that possible biter up an inch so it's counting for sure. There is a wall of Ontario stones in front.
BC peel the centre line guard, but stick, almost replacing it.
ON has a pile of rocks on the right side of the house (as we look atit) and Bruce tries to draw in on the open (left) side. The line is good but he's heavy. He's either out the back or that's another biter.
BC comes around and ends up back 4 but wide open. ON could tap it back, or remove it. But the rock slips out the back.
Gerry draws to the button for the second point.
BC6 - ON 3
End 6
Ontario came into the house, t-line. BC tapped it out. ON froze to the BC stone in the top 12. BC split the house with another stone top 8.
Ontario plays a tap back on the one in the 8 ft. They move it to the edge and roll in to the button. ON is shot.
BC removes that. They are lying one for sure, and it's close for 2nd stone. They may be one and two.
Ontario puts one in the top 8 for shot, but it's wide open.
BC flashes on the take out attempt.
Ontario brings another one in. BC remove their own stone. Ontario is lying 3.
Bruce asks for the shot stone to be tapped back. The attempt is short, leaving a centre line guard now.
BC tries again to remove the troublesome ON stone, and instead removes their own. ON now lying 2. Bruce tries to come into the house and end up behind the centre line guard. The line looked right but he slipped out the back.
BC tries to tap his own back, but removes it and rolls away. ON is lying 2. This is a draw for 3. Right on the pin. ON takes 3 and the score is tied at 6.
Scores
NO 8 - NL 1 after 5
AB 7 - SK 2 after 5
MB 8 - QC 0 after 5
NS 6 - BC HOST 3 after 5
End 7
Ontario sitting 2 on the tee line and attempt to guard with their last stone. The guard overcurls, and Gerry throws an upweight shot that hits and sticks for one.
BC7 - ON6. Ontario is down one with the hammer coming home.
Other scores
AB 8 - SK 2 after 6
NS 7 - HOST 3 after 6
MB beat QC, it's at least 10 - 6, we're waiting for it to be posted.
NO defeated NL 10 -1
End 8
At skip stones ON are sitting 3 behind 3 guards. BC have no obvious way in and have called a time out. Their options are a long runback or a deflection off a wide Ontario stone in the 12 ft.
It looks like they're going to runback the guard or at least clear the guard off so they have a shot with their last stone. And that's what they do, the shot opens up a small port.
Bruce will try to close that off --- he has to score 2. He was a little too heavy, wicks off the guard and opens the port a little more.
BC has a shot through that port. Gerry's shot it perfect, removing the ON shot stone and sticking. Bruce has the same shot for 3.
He's short, and BC wins.
Ontario had hammer down one, and were sitting at least 3 with no obvious way into the house for BC. After a timeout, BC decided on a long run back, which though didn't threaten shot stones, did open a narrow port.
Ontario attempted to block it with a guard that was overcurled enough to widen the port, and Gerry Austgarden threw an upweight hit on shot stone back 4. He had to stick and he did. Bruce Cameron attempted to follow him down to at least force an extra end, but was light and BC won 8-6.
Though his overall statistics were not impressive, Austgarden made key shots and saved the game. For Ontario, Doug Morris at 3rd threw an impressive 69% to set up his skip, but it came down to a single tough but makeable last rock that didn't reach its target.
BC are the only team to have won both their matches, while Quebec are still looking for their first win after being blanked by Manitoba 9-0.
In other games Nova Scotia beat BC Host 8-6, Alberta downed Saskatchewan 8-4 and N. Ontario brought Newfoundland and Labrador back to earth with a 10-1 win.
********************************************
Draw two of the Canadian National Championships begins at 9.30. We'll be keeping an eye on the BC vs Ontario game, and updating scores of the other games as well. N. Ontario plays Newfoundland and Labrador, Manitoba plays Quebec, BC Host plays Nova Scotia, and Alberta plays Saskatchewan.
End 1
Ontario had the hammer and the first 4 stones went to the back of the rings. Seconds missed all their shots. BC then threw up a guard. Ontario made a comearound. BC came around on top of it. Ontario chipped shot stone to sit 2.
BC's first skip stone crashed on the guard. Bruce's first skip stone tapped his shot stone to the back 4. Gerry hit shot stone but rolled away. BC sat 1. Bruce drew to the 4 ft for his 2nd point.
BC 0 - ON 2
2nd end
BC sat 4 after seconds' stones with a succession of taps and rolls leaving a ring of biters to the left side of the sheet.
Bruce's final stone had to be shot to avoid giving up 4. It stopped back 12 for 2nd shot. Gerry with his final shot attempted to tap Bruce's stone out but was tight on the guard and rolled to the 4ft. On a measure, BC scored 2 to tie it.
Other games - NO 4 - NL 0 after 2 ends. AB are 3-1 up over SK after 2, and MB lead QC 4-0, and NS lead BC HOST 2-0 after 2.
End 3
Ontario's second is legally blind and uses a bright light on the broom.
ON is shot stone on the back centre line. They call for a guard at the top of the house but it slid back 4. Frank tried a double takeout, but chipped out just one, and ON is still shot back 4.
Gerry thew a 9.1 second take out through the port to hit and stick. BC lying 1, back 4.
Bruce tries to come through the same port, but nicks a guard and promotes a BC stone to second shot. It looks like BC is lying 2.
Gerry's second stone is through the port but a bit heavy and comes to the back 4, giving Ontario a pocket to save the end.
Bruce is also a bit light. The stone overcurled at the end, and BC steals 2 by an inch. It's 4-2 BC at the end of 3rd.
4th end
BC comes in to the button with their first. Ontario executes an angle freeze. BC's second stone is back 12. Ontario taps BC to the back of the button to sit 2.
BC tried to take out the shot stone, but it looks wide of the broom. They remove their own and the shooter rolls to the back 12.
Ontario sit three now in the 4 ft, and there are no guards. Whitney removes one stone and rolls to the 8ft in front of the tee line for 3rd shot.
ON needs something up front to protect their stone --- they throw a long centre line guard. Frank attempts to pick out shot stone and flashes.
Ontario puts up a long corner guard. There's still a port there.
What a shot. Frank comes through the port, taps the shot stone out and rolls to the button for shot, behind the ON stone.
Bruce's comearound attempt crashes on the guard, but that does clear the front.
Gerry's guard attempt curls too much, leaving Bruce a chance to hit his own second shot and push BC out the back. But...his attempt curled fiercely at the end, and he pushes his own stone out. Gerry has an open hit to sit 3.
He's short, in front of the house, guarding his own. That leaves Bruce the same shot for 2. He gets 1.
BC 4 - ON 3, and BC gets the hammer after the break.
In other games NO 4 - NL - after 3; AB 5 - SK 1 after 3; MB over QC 5-0; NS 4 - HOST 0.
5th end
All of the first five rocks are in front of the house. BC tried to open up the front, but crash on the guard and roll across the rings. That might be biting top 12.
BC are trying to peel the ON stone on the centre line but the stone crashes on another guard and rolls out.
ON try to tap the one in the top 12, but it slides past and stops back 12. ON lies one for sure, and maybe 2 if that really is a biter in front.
Frank tries to eliminate the front stone, and goes by it. He just misses the one in the back and slides out.
Ontario tries to come through the port, but they're short and push that possible biter up an inch so it's counting for sure. There is a wall of Ontario stones in front.
BC peel the centre line guard, but stick, almost replacing it.
ON has a pile of rocks on the right side of the house (as we look atit) and Bruce tries to draw in on the open (left) side. The line is good but he's heavy. He's either out the back or that's another biter.
BC comes around and ends up back 4 but wide open. ON could tap it back, or remove it. But the rock slips out the back.
Gerry draws to the button for the second point.
BC6 - ON 3
End 6
Ontario came into the house, t-line. BC tapped it out. ON froze to the BC stone in the top 12. BC split the house with another stone top 8.
Ontario plays a tap back on the one in the 8 ft. They move it to the edge and roll in to the button. ON is shot.
BC removes that. They are lying one for sure, and it's close for 2nd stone. They may be one and two.
Ontario puts one in the top 8 for shot, but it's wide open.
BC flashes on the take out attempt.
Ontario brings another one in. BC remove their own stone. Ontario is lying 3.
Bruce asks for the shot stone to be tapped back. The attempt is short, leaving a centre line guard now.
BC tries again to remove the troublesome ON stone, and instead removes their own. ON now lying 2. Bruce tries to come into the house and end up behind the centre line guard. The line looked right but he slipped out the back.
BC tries to tap his own back, but removes it and rolls away. ON is lying 2. This is a draw for 3. Right on the pin. ON takes 3 and the score is tied at 6.
Scores
NO 8 - NL 1 after 5
AB 7 - SK 2 after 5
MB 8 - QC 0 after 5
NS 6 - BC HOST 3 after 5
End 7
Ontario sitting 2 on the tee line and attempt to guard with their last stone. The guard overcurls, and Gerry throws an upweight shot that hits and sticks for one.
BC7 - ON6. Ontario is down one with the hammer coming home.
Other scores
AB 8 - SK 2 after 6
NS 7 - HOST 3 after 6
MB beat QC, it's at least 10 - 6, we're waiting for it to be posted.
NO defeated NL 10 -1
End 8
At skip stones ON are sitting 3 behind 3 guards. BC have no obvious way in and have called a time out. Their options are a long runback or a deflection off a wide Ontario stone in the 12 ft.
It looks like they're going to runback the guard or at least clear the guard off so they have a shot with their last stone. And that's what they do, the shot opens up a small port.
Bruce will try to close that off --- he has to score 2. He was a little too heavy, wicks off the guard and opens the port a little more.
BC has a shot through that port. Gerry's shot it perfect, removing the ON shot stone and sticking. Bruce has the same shot for 3.
He's short, and BC wins.
USA tied at top of table as Canada crash to Sweden
It too an extra end after USA surrendered 3 in the 8th against Great Britain (1-4), but USA (4-1) pulled out an 8-7 win to tie Canada at the top of te table at the end of Day 3 at the Paralympic Games.
Canada (4-1) surrendered their unbeaten record in an 8-4 loss to Sweden. Read match report HERE. Norway stopped Korea's momentum, winning 9-6 and Germany lost to Switzerland 9-3.
Michael McCreadie said after the team's 4th loss (to USA) "It can be a cruel game at times. Although we are losing the team dynamics remain strong. Aileen is an excellent last rock thrower. There's such a small margin between winning and losing, but we are still thinking playoffs if we can win the rest of the way. The ice was very swingy today, but we just have to adapt to the conditions."
Heavy ice was also on Swedish skip Jalle Jungnell;s mind,though he pulled off wins over two favoured sides today (Norway and Canada). "We tried to play our normal game, "he said, "but we've been struggling with the ice. It's so heavy."
That was a sentiment echoed by Norwegian skip Rune Lorentsen. “It’s tricky ice. I don’t know the feel of the rocks. We do the same things as other teams but our rocks don’t behave the same. It makes us a little unsure. [Against Sweden] we always play crappy matches. No good play and we were very nervous.”
Table leaders Canada and USA each play a single game tomorrow; Canada against Switzerland in the morning and USA against Sweden in the evening.
Canada (4-1) surrendered their unbeaten record in an 8-4 loss to Sweden. Read match report HERE. Norway stopped Korea's momentum, winning 9-6 and Germany lost to Switzerland 9-3.
Michael McCreadie said after the team's 4th loss (to USA) "It can be a cruel game at times. Although we are losing the team dynamics remain strong. Aileen is an excellent last rock thrower. There's such a small margin between winning and losing, but we are still thinking playoffs if we can win the rest of the way. The ice was very swingy today, but we just have to adapt to the conditions."
Michael McCreadie
Read article on McCreadie by Lyndon Little HERE Heavy ice was also on Swedish skip Jalle Jungnell;s mind,though he pulled off wins over two favoured sides today (Norway and Canada). "We tried to play our normal game, "he said, "but we've been struggling with the ice. It's so heavy."
That was a sentiment echoed by Norwegian skip Rune Lorentsen. “It’s tricky ice. I don’t know the feel of the rocks. We do the same things as other teams but our rocks don’t behave the same. It makes us a little unsure. [Against Sweden] we always play crappy matches. No good play and we were very nervous.”
Table leaders Canada and USA each play a single game tomorrow; Canada against Switzerland in the morning and USA against Sweden in the evening.
Monday, March 15, 2010
Day 1 - Nationals - BC and Manitoba play an extra end
[photo - Dave O'Byrne]
The extra end saw an empty house as every stone fell short until Austgarden managed to get the last rock of the game through the pile and get it to stop just touching the rings back 12 to score the winning point.
The BC Host team skipped by Gary Cormack swapped singles with Alberta until a steal in ends 7 and 8 saw them pull ahead 6-3.
Saskatchewan landed a 5 on N. Ontario in the 6th en route to a 10-5 win. Newfoundland took 5 in the 1st against Nova Scotia and never looked back, winning 13-3, the same score Ontario, the one totally rookie squad posted against Quebec.
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End 9
Manitoba put up two front stones. The BC lead was through the house. MB came around to the back of the 4ft. Takeouts ensued.
MB's takeout also rolled out. Warren's first stone is in front of the house, in a cluster with the two red stones.
Thiessen's comearound is short, landing in front of the house. Three red and a yellow around centre line just in front of the empty house.
LaBounty is even with the other yellow stone just in front of the house. Still nothing in there.
Thiessen's attempt is out front. LaBounty runs his own back but it's too strong and out the back.
Everybody else is short except for BC's last rock - biting the back. BC wins 7-6.
Goodnight all.
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End 8
MB takes 1 to tie the score at 6, and they're headed to an extra end.
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End 7
BC steals one to pull ahead 6-5.
Handshakes on Sheet C: NL 9 - NS 2.
SK leads NO 10-3 --- handshakes.
AB trails HOST 4-3 after 7.
QC is finally on the board, trailing ON 9-2.
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End 6
All the play was in the 4ft. MB doubled out two BC stones when BC was sitting 3. BC failed to hit and stick for their second point, taking 1 to tie it up 5-5 after 6.
In other news, Canada suffered their first loss tonight to bottom of the table Sweden, 8-4, while USA, despite giving up 3 in the 8th, scored one in the extra to hand GB their 4th loss. Final score USA 8 - GB 7.
Back here, SK now lead NO 9-3 after taking 2 in the 6th. ON are 9-1 up over QC through 6 ends. BC HOST and AB are tied up 3-3 after 6. NS and NL are still playing the 6th end.
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End 5
After the break, it took until the 3rds' last stone before a rock made it into the rings, as the ice has tightened significantly.
BC attempt a double with their last stone. They get 1, but leave one MB stone buried on the button. MB attempted a wide comearound to touch the 8 ft for a second point. They make it.
MB take 2 and go ahead 5-4 after 5.
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End 4
BC has one on the pin, buried. MB is sitting second shot, protected. Rather than guard and hold BC to 1, MB attempted a takeout and picked their own stone out. BC is lying 2.
MB's last stone came up short of the button. BC got greedy with their last stone, attempted to put a 3rd stone in the rings, and picked their own stone out. They score 1 instead of 2.
BC 4 - MB 3 after 4.
In other games, NO has pulled ahead of SK, 3-2 after 4 ends. ON now lead QC 7-0 after 4 ends. AB and HOST are tied at 2 after 4. NS and NL are just starting the 4th end, with NL 6-2.
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End 3
First few rocks all came up short of the rings. MB, without hammer, took a chance by clearing one side of the house. BC failed to capitalize by coming in.
MB did come in to sit one, in the 4 ft. BC were not able to remove it. Steal of 1 for MB.
Tied up at 3 after 3 ends.
Other scores:
NO came through 11 rocks in front of the house to score 1 against SK. SK 2 - NO 1 after 3. ON is up 6 - 0 over QC after 3. We don't know the other scores yet.
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End 2:
BC came into the 4ft, guarded.
MB peeled the guard and then a BC guard attempt came too deep, allowing access to the shot stones in the 4ft.
MB cleared the shot stones and ended up taking 2.
BC 3 - MB 2 after 2 ends.
SK 2 - NO 0 after 2
ON 4 - QC 0 after 2
BC HOST 1 - AB 1 after 2 ends
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BC has the hammer.
Lead stones ended up short of the rings blocking the center. BC drew to the button. MB's draw attempts were heavy.
BC got a second stone in the 8 foot and guarded. Gerry Austgarden's last rock drew into the 8ft for a third point.
BC 3 - MB 0.
SK took one over NO.
ON took 1 playing QC.
BC HOST 1 - AB 0
NL 5 - NS 0
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Good evening from the Kelowna Curling Club where we're sitting above Sheet D and waiting for the start of the defending champions opening match. We'll be updating this post during the game.
Canada cruise, Norway give another big end, Sweden finally win - Draw 5 Paralympics
Canada (4-0) cruised to a 13-2 win over Japan (1-3), a 5 in the 7th bringing the game to an early finish.
Sweden (1-3) finally found a way to win, beating Norway (1-3) with 4 in the 6th of a game otherwise limited to singles. This is Norway's second loss of a game they looked like winning before giving up a big end.
USA (3-1) kept the momentum going, beating Italy (2-2) 8-2 while Great Britain (1-3) suffered another loss, this time to Korea (3-1) on very low shooting by their back end. Korea took the game's first 7 points.
Table and line scores HERE
Sweden (1-3) finally found a way to win, beating Norway (1-3) with 4 in the 6th of a game otherwise limited to singles. This is Norway's second loss of a game they looked like winning before giving up a big end.
USA (3-1) kept the momentum going, beating Italy (2-2) 8-2 while Great Britain (1-3) suffered another loss, this time to Korea (3-1) on very low shooting by their back end. Korea took the game's first 7 points.
Table and line scores HERE
BC vs Manitoba marquee matchup on Day 1 of Canadian Nationals
Last year's BC skip, Jim Armstrong, is playing for his country in Vancouver so Torino gold medalist Gerry Austgarden will be throwing last rocks for the BC provincial champions. Frank LaBounty throws third with skip Whitney Warren at second and rookie Alison Duddy replacing Jackie Roy at lead. Austgarden is holding the broom the first two ends with Warren holding for 3rd and 4th stones.
"Everyone knows what they're doing, what their role is," LaBounty assured me at the players' reception last night.
Manitoba will be looking for the breakthrough that get's them into a final game. They have Chris Sobkowicz at skip, who made Team Canada at last year's Worlds at the expense of Austgarden and BC Host skip Gary Cormack. George Horning comes in at second replacing Michael Alberg.
Other machups: BC Host vs Alberta, Quebec vs Ontario, Newfoundland vs Nova Scotia, and N. Ontario vs Saskatchewan.
Tonight draw begins at 7.30 after the opening ceremonies. There will be two draws a day tomorrow through Friday at 9.30 and 2 pm.
Student reporter tells Team Canada stories
Lisa Odland, a Students Live reporter, has posted the back stories of the Team Canada members on her West Coast Kid blog, including a short video interview with Sonja Gaudet. Read and watch it HERE.
Inside the head of Team USA skip Goose Perez
Augusto 'Goose' Perez and Patrick McDonald
[photo - Richard Lam]
Last season the rap on the American skip was that he was a talented thrower who was perhaps too much of a prima donna for the good of the team.[photo - Richard Lam]
That seems to have changed this year as he has grown into his role and learned more about the game. The increasing role of no-nonsense Army vet Patrick McDonald in the team may also have had an influence.
It's certainly a more humble Perez who appears in this interview, which gives a good insight into what goes through his mind as he skips his team. Read it HERE.
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Canada not distracted by Norway's pants
[photo - Gavin Day]
Norway have traditionally had Canada's number and were my pick to be the team no one will want to meet in the playoffs. Against Canada, who they beat in round robin play lasy year, they took singles in the first three ends and were ahead 5-4 with hammer in the eighth.Jim Armstrong threw a perfect guard with his first stone and then came around with his last stone to sit two. Norwegian skip Rune Lorentsen crashed on the guard to give Canada a 6-4 win. Match report HERE
Lindon Little's report in the Vancouver Sun suggests that Canada needed every bit of Jim's ice-reading experience to counter difficult ice conditions; heavy with huge late swing. Norway protested the result of a measurement, a protest that was denied after video review.
USA played Germany, the team that robbed them of a medal at last year's Worlds. Germany stole the first 4 points, but USA playyed patiently and scored singles in the last three ends to take the game 6-5. Match report HERE
USA skip said: "I have nothing but praise for our team. In the second end we made some mistakes and missed an easy draw. But I said to the guys that we have to believe we can still make it, even though we were four points down. If we get steals of one or two, we'll be fine."
A disappointed Jens Jager bemoaned his last shot: "On my last takeout I was too slow. It was a good match and we had control. I was just too slow on the last one."
Korea beat Japan 7-5 and Italy brutalised Switzerland 13-4 in six ends.
Switzerland didn't fare any better in the evening against Great Britain who finally posted a win, staying close through the break before stealing a key four points in the fifth end and winning 10-2.
Italy posted their second win of the day, 9-1 over a hapless Swedish side struggling to find their first win and the form that won silver against the same teams a year ago.
Canada play Japan at 12.30 and Sweden at 6pm tomorrow.
For full results and line scores visit our Vancouver Paralympic page.
The 2010 Canadian Nationals - who's going to win?
Bookmark the 2010 Canadian Nationals page.
The 2010 Canadian Nationals begin tomorrow with nine provincial and one host team making up the field.
Defending champions BC do not have Jim Armstrong or Jackie Roy, but have added Torino gold medalist Gerry Austgarden at 4th stones. BC's host team also figures to be stronger than previous hosts with another Torino Paralympian, Gary Cormack, at skip.
Ontario are the rookie team but went through the most challenging qualifying championship, and have also made an effort to travel as a team to gain competition experience. Skip Bruce Cameron has worked as hard as anyone to further the cause of wheelchair curling and beat tough opposition to get to Kelowna, but is untested in a long event
Alberta is also a team that traveled this season, competing in the Richmond Cashspiel. Anne Hibberd returns to the side after being unable to travel to last year's event. She replaces Bruno Yizek who is watching Team Canada from the bench.
Kenoran Wayne Ficek again defeated his Thunder Bay rivals and has had a year to build experience. Manitoba have one change this year, with George Horning replacing Michael Alberg.
Newfound and Labrador's Joanne MacDonald is the one female skip, moving from 3rd to take the place of Chris Daw, now commentating on Paralympic TV. Saskatchewan make one change, at alternate, and Nova Scotia have a new lead, Debbie Earle. Quebec brings two females in the squad that welcomes Ben Lessard back from injury.
So who will win? There has only ever been two winners of the Canadian National Championships; Team Canada through 2006 and then Team BC. Is this the year to see Manitoba step up? They looked unhappy at times last year and have a new coach this year. Alberta have the experience but Anne Hibberd has to show she can play third.
BC have experience despite their rookie lead. If they can work out whose team it is and what role each player has, they'll do well. And Northern Ontario have the fire to improve on the disappointment of last year's playoff loss.
Comments are open for who you think will make the playoffs.
The 2010 Canadian Nationals begin tomorrow with nine provincial and one host team making up the field.
Defending champions BC do not have Jim Armstrong or Jackie Roy, but have added Torino gold medalist Gerry Austgarden at 4th stones. BC's host team also figures to be stronger than previous hosts with another Torino Paralympian, Gary Cormack, at skip.
Ontario are the rookie team but went through the most challenging qualifying championship, and have also made an effort to travel as a team to gain competition experience. Skip Bruce Cameron has worked as hard as anyone to further the cause of wheelchair curling and beat tough opposition to get to Kelowna, but is untested in a long event
Alberta is also a team that traveled this season, competing in the Richmond Cashspiel. Anne Hibberd returns to the side after being unable to travel to last year's event. She replaces Bruno Yizek who is watching Team Canada from the bench.
Kenoran Wayne Ficek again defeated his Thunder Bay rivals and has had a year to build experience. Manitoba have one change this year, with George Horning replacing Michael Alberg.
Newfound and Labrador's Joanne MacDonald is the one female skip, moving from 3rd to take the place of Chris Daw, now commentating on Paralympic TV. Saskatchewan make one change, at alternate, and Nova Scotia have a new lead, Debbie Earle. Quebec brings two females in the squad that welcomes Ben Lessard back from injury.
So who will win? There has only ever been two winners of the Canadian National Championships; Team Canada through 2006 and then Team BC. Is this the year to see Manitoba step up? They looked unhappy at times last year and have a new coach this year. Alberta have the experience but Anne Hibberd has to show she can play third.
BC have experience despite their rookie lead. If they can work out whose team it is and what role each player has, they'll do well. And Northern Ontario have the fire to improve on the disappointment of last year's playoff loss.
Comments are open for who you think will make the playoffs.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Paralympics Day 1 review - Canada show they mean business
Team Canada's Ina Forrest and Sonja Gaudet
photo - Martin Rose
By the end of the first day of competition, many of the questions that had invited speculation in the build-up to the Vancouver Paralympic Games seemed settled.Jim Armstrong was not only fit to play, but his team avoided the shaky start that nearly cost them at last year's Worlds. They hammered Great Britain 9-2 in the opening draw, and then ran ahead of USA in the evening 8-2 at the break before closing out a 10-5 win to post a 2-0 record.
Great Britain had something to prove; that their delivery position experiment could pay dividends a year after a disastrous Worlds, and that the combination of Michael McCreadie skipping from 3rd while Aileen Neilson threw last rocks, could produce wins.
Their decisive loss to Canada and the narrower last end loss to Norway will not help their confidence, though it will have come at a good time for Norway who in Draw 1 threw away a 6-4 lead over Germany by giving up 6 in the 7th end of a 10-6 loss.
Sweden came in with a new coach, Tomas Nordin, and it was to be seen whether he could add the missing ingredient that might convert last year's silver medal into gold. They suffered a 7-6 loss to Switzerland in the early draw, then played Korea tight through 5 ends before falling apart, and suffering a total meltdown in the final end. Down 2, they threw 5 complete misses and left looking dejected, losing 8-4. It will take all Nordin's experience to rebuild the smiles from the team who last year at least looked as though they were enjoying themselves.
USA, despite giving up two 3-enders stole a comfortable 9-6 win over Korea in the opening draw, and while it is never pleasant to give up a 4, and 4 more to consecutive steals playing Canada, who they beat in round robin play last year, they will probably feel their day was worthwhile, and their biggest hurdle behind them.
Germany played just one game and must feel, with their winning 6-spot, that their luck has carried over from their last shot at the 2009 Worlds. And in the battle of the unknowns, Japan, with 75 year old Takashi Hidai at second, beat Italy 9-6.
Full line scores and tables can be found HERE.
Canada play Norway in Draw 3 their only game on Day 2.
Paralympics - Draw 2
Canada cruised to a 10-5 win over USA to go 2-0 on the opening day of competition at the Paralympics.
USA took 2 in the first but then gave up 4 in the second, and steals of 2 in the third and fourth.
Line scores when available.
Sweden completely fell apart in the final end of their match against Korea, throwing zeroes with their first 6 stones, and losing 8-4. Korea showed they can draw, burying two behind misplaced Swedish guards while Sweden failed to clear the front.
Norway beat Great Britain 7-5 on a game that saw GB take a 3-0 after 2, fall behind 5-3 after 5, tie it after 7 and then give up 2 in the final end.
Japan beat Italy 9-6
USA took 2 in the first but then gave up 4 in the second, and steals of 2 in the third and fourth.
Line scores when available.
Sweden completely fell apart in the final end of their match against Korea, throwing zeroes with their first 6 stones, and losing 8-4. Korea showed they can draw, burying two behind misplaced Swedish guards while Sweden failed to clear the front.
Norway beat Great Britain 7-5 on a game that saw GB take a 3-0 after 2, fall behind 5-3 after 5, tie it after 7 and then give up 2 in the final end.
Japan beat Italy 9-6
Paralympic Draw 1 results
Canada beats Great Britain 9-2 in opening draw. USA beats Korea 9-6. Germany beats Norway 10-6. Switzerland beats Sweden 7-6
Great Britain took 1 in the first according to this CTV photo
Line scores have been posted to the wheelchaircurling.com website HERE
Report from CTV
The Canadian wheelchair curling team opened their campaign to win back-to-back gold medals by taking a 9-2 victory in seven ends over Great Britain in a rematch Saturday of the gold medal final from four years ago.
Comment from Jim Armstrong: “It certainly didn’t reflect well on Great Britain. They are better than the score showed. We got on the ice quick and it was curling a lot more than we were used to. They [were forced] to come to us and it was tough for them.”
and one from Michael McCreadie: “It was a good start for us with a steal [in the first end]. But then we were too aggressive in the second and third ends. We tried to claw back but you just have to learn from these types of games. If we’re going to have that kind of game, why not have it early?”
Draw 2 begins at 6pm local time. Canada play USA, Norway vs Great Britain, Sweden vs Korea and Italy vs Japan
Great Britain took 1 in the first according to this CTV photo
Line scores have been posted to the wheelchaircurling.com website HERE
Report from CTV
The Canadian wheelchair curling team opened their campaign to win back-to-back gold medals by taking a 9-2 victory in seven ends over Great Britain in a rematch Saturday of the gold medal final from four years ago.
Comment from Jim Armstrong: “It certainly didn’t reflect well on Great Britain. They are better than the score showed. We got on the ice quick and it was curling a lot more than we were used to. They [were forced] to come to us and it was tough for them.”
and one from Michael McCreadie: “It was a good start for us with a steal [in the first end]. But then we were too aggressive in the second and third ends. We tried to claw back but you just have to learn from these types of games. If we’re going to have that kind of game, why not have it early?”
Draw 2 begins at 6pm local time. Canada play USA, Norway vs Great Britain, Sweden vs Korea and Italy vs Japan
Paralympic Games - Draw 1 preview
It would be foolish to say that as goes Draw 1 so goes the tournament, but that may be true for Great Britain. They open against Canada with not only a Torino Final memory to erase, but with a chance to push aside all the skepticism and doubt expressed by those outside their program, myself included, that their radical approach to delivery position can bring success.
A year ago Great Britain appeared in disarray. Their coach put that down to expected and manageable effects of learning a new approach to throwng their stones.
This year Great Britain welcome back Angie Malone at lead, and with Aileen Neilson now settled at fourth stones, skip Michael McCreadie is free to concentrate on calling the game.
Canada will show how well they handle the pressure of the home crowd's expectation that they'll win them all. We'll see whether Jim Armstrong's series of physical misfortunes has affected his play.
A win for Great Britain will mean that not only can Canada be beaten, but also that their experiment is working. Canada can afford a loss, though I don't expect them to lose. Scotland need a win, or at minimum a very tight game, to settle their nerves and build their confidence.
Other games in the opening draw: Korea-USA, Sweden-Switzerland and Germany-Norway.
A year ago Great Britain appeared in disarray. Their coach put that down to expected and manageable effects of learning a new approach to throwng their stones.
This year Great Britain welcome back Angie Malone at lead, and with Aileen Neilson now settled at fourth stones, skip Michael McCreadie is free to concentrate on calling the game.
Canada will show how well they handle the pressure of the home crowd's expectation that they'll win them all. We'll see whether Jim Armstrong's series of physical misfortunes has affected his play.
A win for Great Britain will mean that not only can Canada be beaten, but also that their experiment is working. Canada can afford a loss, though I don't expect them to lose. Scotland need a win, or at minimum a very tight game, to settle their nerves and build their confidence.
Other games in the opening draw: Korea-USA, Sweden-Switzerland and Germany-Norway.
New to wheelchair curling? Watch this video
BBC Sport has a series of videos introducing wheelchair curling and also the members of the wheelchair curling team.
Michael McCreadie, skip of Team Great Britain, was the only curler to be given the honour of carrying his nation's flag at the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver Paralympics.
In the video below he gives a full explanation of how wheelchair curling is played, ending with encouragement for people to come out and try the sport. There's lots of people who will help, he says, concluding:"Give me a call and I'll turn up also."
One interesting note from the video: they edited in the last rock thrown by Frank Duffy from the Torino Games, where Great Britain had an open hit to win gold. It starts at 2.00 into the video.
Other videos including video profiles of Team GB curlers, can be found HERE.
Michael McCreadie, skip of Team Great Britain, was the only curler to be given the honour of carrying his nation's flag at the Opening Ceremonies of the Vancouver Paralympics.
In the video below he gives a full explanation of how wheelchair curling is played, ending with encouragement for people to come out and try the sport. There's lots of people who will help, he says, concluding:"Give me a call and I'll turn up also."
One interesting note from the video: they edited in the last rock thrown by Frank Duffy from the Torino Games, where Great Britain had an open hit to win gold. It starts at 2.00 into the video.
Other videos including video profiles of Team GB curlers, can be found HERE.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Team USA give lessons in Robson Square
The coach and members of Team USA gave some lessons to on-lookers in Robson Square.
[from Inside Vancouver blog] Out on the Robson Square ice, members of the Team USA wheelchair curling squad were giving a demonstration and free lesson. Onlookers with disabilities made their way into the rink and formed a circle of wheelchairs around the American coach, who explained the basics of “rocks,” “houses” and keeping score. Watching the demonstration – with kids in wheelchairs and on crutches taking turns slinging 42-pound curling stones down the ice – I got a glimpse into a little of what Paralympic competition is about: inclusion, optimism and improvisation.
USA Coach Rusty Schieber gives a lesson
[from Inside Vancouver blog] Out on the Robson Square ice, members of the Team USA wheelchair curling squad were giving a demonstration and free lesson. Onlookers with disabilities made their way into the rink and formed a circle of wheelchairs around the American coach, who explained the basics of “rocks,” “houses” and keeping score. Watching the demonstration – with kids in wheelchairs and on crutches taking turns slinging 42-pound curling stones down the ice – I got a glimpse into a little of what Paralympic competition is about: inclusion, optimism and improvisation.
Information pages for Paralympics and Nationals
I have created pages for the statistics of the matches played at the Vancouver Paralympics and the Kelowna Nationals.
I will attempt to update them at least daily. I will also write and link to news items as I have time. Those will likely appear first here.
There will be some coverage of wheelchair curling on Paralympic Sport TV where 2006 gold medal skip Chris Daw will be providing commentary. The CCA have announced they will be posting information on Team Canada on their website. They also have a space on their site for information from the Nationals.
The best way to keep in touch with what coverage may be available on this site and the blog, is to follow WheelChairCurl on Twitter.
I will attempt to update them at least daily. I will also write and link to news items as I have time. Those will likely appear first here.
There will be some coverage of wheelchair curling on Paralympic Sport TV where 2006 gold medal skip Chris Daw will be providing commentary. The CCA have announced they will be posting information on Team Canada on their website. They also have a space on their site for information from the Nationals.
The best way to keep in touch with what coverage may be available on this site and the blog, is to follow WheelChairCurl on Twitter.
Who'll make the podium at the Paralympic Games?
I gave my predictions in my Paralympic preview post. Now it's your turn.
Places 1 through 4 in the comments below - and remember, there's no credit of your post is anonymous.
Your choices, in alphabetical order: Canada, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Japan, Korea, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, USA.
Highland Wheelchair CC holding give-it-a-go in Inverness March 16
Highland Wheelchair Curling Club are inviting wheelchair users and those with mobility impairments to a come and try event at Inverness Ice Centre on Tuesday 16th March between 1.30-3.30pm.
Those taking part will be given an introduction to the sport, a lesson on the ice, while also having a go at the Hot Shots competition, which is part of the Try Curling initiative that is being run this month by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club.
For further information, or to book a place at the event contact Mo Simpson, secretary of Highland Wheelchair Curling Club, on 01463 716227 or 0779 871 0404.
[information from The Inverness Courier]
Those taking part will be given an introduction to the sport, a lesson on the ice, while also having a go at the Hot Shots competition, which is part of the Try Curling initiative that is being run this month by the Royal Caledonian Curling Club.
For further information, or to book a place at the event contact Mo Simpson, secretary of Highland Wheelchair Curling Club, on 01463 716227 or 0779 871 0404.
[information from The Inverness Courier]
Gaudet and Armstrong make Macleans Top 10
Team Canada lead Sonja Gaudet and skip Jim Armstrong make the Macleans.ca 10 Paralympians to watch.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Takashi Hidai, at 75 this year's oldest Paralympian
Takashi Hidai
[Information from the Tokyo Five blog] Takashi Hidai plays 2nd for Japan and at 75 years old is not only the oldest person to ever join the Japanese Paralympics Team, but will be the oldest competitor at the Vancouver Games.
When he was 31 years old, he was working in Tokyo as an electrician on a construction site when a crane fell on him, paralyzing him from the waist down.
He credits the love of his wife and daughter (who was three years old at the time) with helping maintain his positive attitude after his tragedy.
He is an accomplished archer, traveling to England in 2005 to compete in the World Archery Championship.
“Being 70 years old (at the time), I was really surprised to make it to the World Championships!” he said.
About five years ago, an acquaintance who participated in a local Wheelchair Curling workshop suggested Mr. Hidai try curling. He doubted that he would be able to maneuver his wheelchair on ice at the age of seventy, let alone compete against people forty or fifty years younger than him, but now excels at it.
Takashi Hidai lost his daughter, whom he said constantly encouraged him with a smile, nineteen years ago from cancer. She was only 28 years old and had just became a mother.
He wishes she was still here to encourage him when he plays at the 2010 Paralympics in Canada next month.
*****************************
Speaking of encouragement, here's the support flag that the Asahikawa Cute para-curling team sent to Vancouver. {from Kannane.net via the Para Sports in Japan blog]
"If I don’t have headache, I didn’t think hard enough" - Perez
Goose Perez, braced by Jimmy Joseph and watched by lead Jacqui Kapinowski
Team USA's Augusto 'Goose' Perez says he loves skipping. “It makes me think. If I don’t come off the ice with a headache, I didn’t think hard enough,” he told Grant Granger of the Abbotsford News. Read the article HERE.The USA team trained at the Abbotsford CC at the invitation of Linda Kirton, who will be taking the oath on behalf of the officials at the Paralympic Opening Ceremony tomorrow evening.
Goose took (friendly) exception to my suggestion in the Paralympic preview that he loves the hero shot.
"if we end up wih a tough shot either because of misses or errors in game calling on my part, then i am ready to take responsibility. I have always avoided the hero shot which may win you games but not championships. The fact is that in the past by our own mistakes, probably mostly in errors of mine in calling the game, we have found ourselves in a spot to throw not the shot we wish but the one we had to. One thing is right, if it needs to be thrown i don't shy away if that's the only choice we see. Remember most heroes end up dead!"
Team Newfoundland & Labrador at RE/MAX Centre tonight
photo - Ian Readey
Joanne MacDonald, the only female skipping a provincial team, will be demonstrating wheelchair curling at the RE/MAX Centre, home of the St. John's CC, this evening.
Aileen Neilson's Paralympic Diary
Photo - Bob Cowan
Team Great Britain's Aileen Neilson, who throws 4th stones for skip Michael McCreadie, will be writing a diary for the East Kilbride News.
"It was quite a surreal moment, but this was when I knew I had arrived at the Paralympic Games.
Picking up my accreditation card for the Games was an amazing feeling and when I saw my name on that card with the Paralympic emblem on it, I knew I was ready to enjoy and savour every moment of my time in Vancouver."
Read the rest of the first instalment HERE. Great Britain play Canada in the opening draw this Saturday (March 13) and I know I'll be looking for that entry.
World Curling Federation media coverage of Paralympics
The World Curling Federation will not have their media person at the Paralympics. Joanna Kelly, who took over from The Curling News' George Karys, is in Flims Switzerland covering the World Juniors. Dan Field will be the WCF media person in Vancouver.
Here's a link to their Paralympic Preview media release.
Here's a link to their Paralympic Preview media release.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Paralympic preview and predictions
Play begins at the 2010 Paralympic Games on Saturday when host team Canada takes on the nine nations with the best record over the past three World Championships. Japan, mostly on the basis of a 5th place in 2007, replace China, late-comers to international play, in the one change from the ten teams who competed at the 2009 Worlds in the same venue.
Canada skip Jim Armstrong's injury plagued season has kept the rumour mill grinding but there was never a real prospect that he wouldn't play. Lead Sonja Gaudet is the one returning 2006 gold medalist. Ina Forrest at 2nd and Darryl Neighbour at 3rd, makes alternate Bruno Yizek the one change from the team that after a sometimes shaky round robin, powered through the play-offs to win Canada's first ever World Championship last February.
Armstrong makes frequent reference to the absence of ego in the side, but it would have to be a very large ego to challenge the huge disparity in experience between the skip and his team. While four decades of curling brings obvious advantages in ice-reading and game management, it's Jim's throwing that excites coach Joe Rea.
"Who better, with all his experience, to throw the final stone?" he told me as the team wrapped up it's preparations.
"The thing we have been able to do this year," he said, "is work with the same group over two trips to Europe and several weekend camps. That's allowed us to try out different game plans, not all successful," he admitted.
"We've tried different things this season and have settled on a game plan we think works for us. We may alter it slightly depending on ice conditions, but essentially we'll be coming into the house early, keeping the front clean, and throwing 9 second takeouts.
"When we got into trouble last year it was through missing hits, and with extra weight you remove the ice as a factor."
No secret there, though last year opposing skips found it almost impossible to resist calling for low percentage (by wheelchair curling standards) hits on Canadian rocks to the side and to the back of the rings.
Then there's the University of Alberta's top secret Own The Podium financed performance evaluation and enhancement program. Everyone's sworn to double-secret probation against speaking about it.
"We were able to adjust a lot of things that were bio-mechanically incorrect," claims Phys. Ed. lecturer Pierre Baudin.
If Canada have a weakness it might be the team's over-reliance on Armstrong's leadership. Last year when Jim struggled, so did the team and especially Darryl at 3rd. The coaches deny that's an issue, but it's how it looked to me last year, and we have yet to see how well Jim can throw under pressure after his latest injuries.
The official team goal is on the podium, but to quote Jim: "I've never taken satisfaction from a contest that ended on a defeat."
Canada are heavy favourites, especially if their opposition, as last year, have not worked on a game plan to counter their strengths. But then, games can come down to one or two shots, and in a sport where excellence is still to be counted in the 60 percentile, there's lots of room for error - and upset.
Prospects - shock if not in play-offs, surprise if they don't take gold.
Great Britain, in contrast to Canada, made just one change from the Torino team who saw their gold medal flash away. Aileen Nielsen throws last rocks, replacing Frank Duffy, who retired. Michael McCreadie skips from 3rd, and Angie Malone and Tom Killin return at lead and second.
Two years ago the team began an experiment that moved their delivery point back from the hogline. Coach Pendreigh describes it as a "skill acquisition project" and professes surprise at the skepticism it has provoked.
"While we deliver softer weights from the back to allow us to use split times
and gain the use of all the ice, we still have the ability to move to the front (for takeouts). This (gives) the team a larger range of shots ... The performance dip which was expected and managed may well have cost us (Worlds medals) but we all believed our long term goal of achieving a top 4 spot at the Games was a worthwhile sacrifice.
"The team are much more comfortable with their new found talents and their understanding of the game and each other. Should we play anything close to our potential then all the work and effort will have been made all the more worthwhile.
"We relish the opportunity to play to Canada in the first game. I suspect there will be a degree of expectation on their shoulders and a passionate crowd with similar expectations……..I think it is therefore a good time to play Canada, but we have to play all the teams at least once!"
The GB team (all Scots) curl full-time. Aileen joins a group who have played and won at international level for many years, though Michael McCreadie, for all his playing experience, is one of the tournament's newer skips.
From the outside it appears Pendreigh took an unnecessary gamble changing delivery points. A subsequent rule change means everyone's stones can now be placed up to 6 inches off centre at delivery, and the further the rock has to travel, the more opportunity it has to go off-line.
Prospects - On the podium if the experiment works. Exile to England for the coach if it doesn't.
Norway brought in a Dane, Per Christensen, to coach a team lacking in self-confidence after a disappointing 6th place in the 2009 Worlds, not helped by lack of local ice, since solved.
"They have the mental toughness, the willpower, to overcome these problems and they do not give up before the last stone. That is their strength," Christensen said after announcing an unchanged squad.
"The team has been on a constant curve, which should peak at the Paralympics. They have played better and better during the season, winning January in Perth.
"Though it was difficult for the team in the beginning, our practices and adopting new tactics mean now I have a strong team and we are coming to Vancouver to play for Gold. No less, They were World Champions in 2007 and 2008. It will of course not be easy, All the participating teams can win, with Canada as favourites. Our first goal is to get to the play-offs. After that anything can happen.
"Will we play Canada differently than other teams? I say we play our own game ... we will set up our play according to which team we are meeting. I have to find their weak sides and then play to them."
Norway is a team with proven athletes from other disciplines. They have an excellent record against Canada, winning a game potentially critical to both teams in the last round robin draw of the 2009 Worlds.
Christensen is confident Canada can be beaten. Norway have never posted impressive stats, but if their new coach adds improved execution to a plan that doesn't allow Canada to dictate the play, their knack of pulling out wins makes them serious contenders.
Prospects - play-offs, as the team you won't want to meet.
Sweden also have a new coach, multi-World Champion Tomas Nordin. He teams with a very experienced skip, Jalle Jungnell, who won bronze in Torino and silver with this squad last March. Nordin may bring some sophistication to a side that got sucked into attempting low percentage back 12 hits in their 2009 final loss to Canada.
Nordin has been away from the game for several years and was unfamiliar with wheelchair curling when he took the job. Jim Armstrong has remarked how steep he found the learning curve transitioning from the able-bodied game. The question for Sweden is has the coach had time to absorb the differences and raise Sweden's game enough to win it all?
Prospects - play-offs if their maturity at skip is complimented by strategic and tactical improvements learned from one of curling's great players.
USA lean on their emotional skip, Augusto 'Goose' Perez, whose self-belief walks a fine line short of arrogance. He lives for the opportunity to make what Russ Howard describes as the "hero shot."
Team dynamics and communication have been a focus of preparation, Team Leader Marc DePerno said: "The extensive amount of time spent together has further reinforced team harmony.
"They devoted significantly more time and energy to their training regimen this season. The team has participated in dozens of games against elite level able-bodied and wheelchair athletes which has resulted in marked improvement in their strategy and shot making abilities."
If USA play as a unit and position their early stones, they have a last rock thrower ready to rise to the big occasion.
Prospects - with a good start USA could - go - all - the - way, but should be happy to break 500 and possibly make the play-offs.
Germany came to the 2009 Worlds through the Qualifying Competition, posted
the best round robin record (7-2) and won bronze, albeit on a spectacular fluke re-direction of the games last stone.
They have an ebullient skip, Jens Jäger, a wonderful attitude and great fans who sing the team song. They also have a rare quadriplegic, Marcus Sieger, at third. What's needed for the next step?
"Good question," says coach Helmar Erlewein "The most important point is to maintain concentration from the round robin to the semi-finals. This was our big problem in 2009. We were not able to come back into the game as we wanted. But we are working on that.
"I don’t think that we will play Canada differently than other teams. We have a master plan which we can vary if required. Final decisions will be made from game to game."
Prospects - Performance this year has been spotty. They'll do well to finish above 500.
Korea scared everybody at the 2008 Worlds when they introduced a super-hitting style and smashed their way into the final. No one could match their hit weight. At last year's Worlds, neither could Korea, at least not accurately. The better teams adjusted to Korea's hitting game, and their coach seemed despondent that his team, who he had only met at the Championship, seemed unwilling to listen to his suggestions.
Korea played in the Richmond BC Cashspiel last November, finishing second to Canada. Success in Vancouver will likely depend on whether they have been able to add a draw game to their deadly hitting.
Prospects - with the element of surprise gone and teams no longer afraid of their hitting, no better than mid-table.
Italy arrived just before the start of last year's Worlds, began 4-1, beating Canada, then crashed to 4-5 as lack of fitness and experience took its toll. They have the skill to win as they proved by beating Germany in the 2010 Identa Cup but have comparatively little international experience or funding.
Prospects - they will do well to equal last March's record.
Japan has an average age of 51. Takashi Hidai (2nd) is 75, Japan's oldest Paralympian and the Games' oldest athlete. They made a short visit to BC in November, winning their one exhibition game against Canada 8-3. They failed to qualify for last year's Worlds, earning their Paralympic spot on the strength of a 5th place in 2007.
They are all members of the Shinsyu Chair Curling Club that won the last five Japan Wheelchair Curling Championships. with skip Nakajima participating in each one.
Over 100 members of the Japanese media attended the send-off ceremonies for Japan's Paralympic team, but while media interest is high, it's doubtful they'll out-perform the 2007 team.
Prospects - an unknown quantity but unlikely to prosper against much more experienced opposition.
Switzerland completely rebuilt their team around skip Manfred Bollinger after going 3-6 on home ice at the 2008 Worlds. In 2009 they did worse, and will have to re-qualify in 2011. Bollinger is an excellent shot-maker, though he damaged his hand late in the year and withdrew from the team's last spiel.
Prospects - unable to do worse than last year.
Summary - Canada won the 2009 Worlds because they made their shots, coaxed their opponents into low percentage hits and always had a viable shot with skip stones.
I expect Canada, Sweden, Great Britain (aka Scotland) and Norway to have made the biggest improvements over last year, with GB having the largest potential for improvement.
Germany and USA over-performed last year and may struggle to repeat. Korea need to do more than hit. Japan replaces China from the 2009 Worlds line-up and with Italy and Switzerland will have to re-qualify for Worlds play. None of the three have shown they could challenge this year.
Prediction: Canada, Norway, GB, Sweden, USA, Germany, Korea, Italy, Switzerland, Japan.
You can add your (more accurate, I'm sure) predictions to the comments, but you get no credit if you post anonymously.
Canada skip Jim Armstrong's injury plagued season has kept the rumour mill grinding but there was never a real prospect that he wouldn't play. Lead Sonja Gaudet is the one returning 2006 gold medalist. Ina Forrest at 2nd and Darryl Neighbour at 3rd, makes alternate Bruno Yizek the one change from the team that after a sometimes shaky round robin, powered through the play-offs to win Canada's first ever World Championship last February.
Armstrong makes frequent reference to the absence of ego in the side, but it would have to be a very large ego to challenge the huge disparity in experience between the skip and his team. While four decades of curling brings obvious advantages in ice-reading and game management, it's Jim's throwing that excites coach Joe Rea.
"The thing we have been able to do this year," he said, "is work with the same group over two trips to Europe and several weekend camps. That's allowed us to try out different game plans, not all successful," he admitted.
"We've tried different things this season and have settled on a game plan we think works for us. We may alter it slightly depending on ice conditions, but essentially we'll be coming into the house early, keeping the front clean, and throwing 9 second takeouts.
"When we got into trouble last year it was through missing hits, and with extra weight you remove the ice as a factor."
No secret there, though last year opposing skips found it almost impossible to resist calling for low percentage (by wheelchair curling standards) hits on Canadian rocks to the side and to the back of the rings.
Then there's the University of Alberta's top secret Own The Podium financed performance evaluation and enhancement program. Everyone's sworn to double-secret probation against speaking about it.
"We were able to adjust a lot of things that were bio-mechanically incorrect," claims Phys. Ed. lecturer Pierre Baudin.
If Canada have a weakness it might be the team's over-reliance on Armstrong's leadership. Last year when Jim struggled, so did the team and especially Darryl at 3rd. The coaches deny that's an issue, but it's how it looked to me last year, and we have yet to see how well Jim can throw under pressure after his latest injuries.
The official team goal is on the podium, but to quote Jim: "I've never taken satisfaction from a contest that ended on a defeat."
Canada are heavy favourites, especially if their opposition, as last year, have not worked on a game plan to counter their strengths. But then, games can come down to one or two shots, and in a sport where excellence is still to be counted in the 60 percentile, there's lots of room for error - and upset.
Prospects - shock if not in play-offs, surprise if they don't take gold.
Great Britain, in contrast to Canada, made just one change from the Torino team who saw their gold medal flash away. Aileen Nielsen throws last rocks, replacing Frank Duffy, who retired. Michael McCreadie skips from 3rd, and Angie Malone and Tom Killin return at lead and second.
Two years ago the team began an experiment that moved their delivery point back from the hogline. Coach Pendreigh describes it as a "skill acquisition project" and professes surprise at the skepticism it has provoked.
"While we deliver softer weights from the back to allow us to use split times
and gain the use of all the ice, we still have the ability to move to the front (for takeouts). This (gives) the team a larger range of shots ... The performance dip which was expected and managed may well have cost us (Worlds medals) but we all believed our long term goal of achieving a top 4 spot at the Games was a worthwhile sacrifice."The team are much more comfortable with their new found talents and their understanding of the game and each other. Should we play anything close to our potential then all the work and effort will have been made all the more worthwhile.
"We relish the opportunity to play to Canada in the first game. I suspect there will be a degree of expectation on their shoulders and a passionate crowd with similar expectations……..I think it is therefore a good time to play Canada, but we have to play all the teams at least once!"
The GB team (all Scots) curl full-time. Aileen joins a group who have played and won at international level for many years, though Michael McCreadie, for all his playing experience, is one of the tournament's newer skips.
From the outside it appears Pendreigh took an unnecessary gamble changing delivery points. A subsequent rule change means everyone's stones can now be placed up to 6 inches off centre at delivery, and the further the rock has to travel, the more opportunity it has to go off-line.
Prospects - On the podium if the experiment works. Exile to England for the coach if it doesn't.
"They have the mental toughness, the willpower, to overcome these problems and they do not give up before the last stone. That is their strength," Christensen said after announcing an unchanged squad.
"The team has been on a constant curve, which should peak at the Paralympics. They have played better and better during the season, winning January in Perth.
"Though it was difficult for the team in the beginning, our practices and adopting new tactics mean now I have a strong team and we are coming to Vancouver to play for Gold. No less, They were World Champions in 2007 and 2008. It will of course not be easy, All the participating teams can win, with Canada as favourites. Our first goal is to get to the play-offs. After that anything can happen.
"Will we play Canada differently than other teams? I say we play our own game ... we will set up our play according to which team we are meeting. I have to find their weak sides and then play to them."
Norway is a team with proven athletes from other disciplines. They have an excellent record against Canada, winning a game potentially critical to both teams in the last round robin draw of the 2009 Worlds.
Christensen is confident Canada can be beaten. Norway have never posted impressive stats, but if their new coach adds improved execution to a plan that doesn't allow Canada to dictate the play, their knack of pulling out wins makes them serious contenders.
Prospects - play-offs, as the team you won't want to meet.
Nordin has been away from the game for several years and was unfamiliar with wheelchair curling when he took the job. Jim Armstrong has remarked how steep he found the learning curve transitioning from the able-bodied game. The question for Sweden is has the coach had time to absorb the differences and raise Sweden's game enough to win it all?
Prospects - play-offs if their maturity at skip is complimented by strategic and tactical improvements learned from one of curling's great players.
USA lean on their emotional skip, Augusto 'Goose' Perez, whose self-belief walks a fine line short of arrogance. He lives for the opportunity to make what Russ Howard describes as the "hero shot."
"They devoted significantly more time and energy to their training regimen this season. The team has participated in dozens of games against elite level able-bodied and wheelchair athletes which has resulted in marked improvement in their strategy and shot making abilities."
If USA play as a unit and position their early stones, they have a last rock thrower ready to rise to the big occasion.
Prospects - with a good start USA could - go - all - the - way, but should be happy to break 500 and possibly make the play-offs.
Germany came to the 2009 Worlds through the Qualifying Competition, posted
the best round robin record (7-2) and won bronze, albeit on a spectacular fluke re-direction of the games last stone.
They have an ebullient skip, Jens Jäger, a wonderful attitude and great fans who sing the team song. They also have a rare quadriplegic, Marcus Sieger, at third. What's needed for the next step?
"Good question," says coach Helmar Erlewein "The most important point is to maintain concentration from the round robin to the semi-finals. This was our big problem in 2009. We were not able to come back into the game as we wanted. But we are working on that.
"I don’t think that we will play Canada differently than other teams. We have a master plan which we can vary if required. Final decisions will be made from game to game."
Prospects - Performance this year has been spotty. They'll do well to finish above 500.
Korea scared everybody at the 2008 Worlds when they introduced a super-hitting style and smashed their way into the final. No one could match their hit weight. At last year's Worlds, neither could Korea, at least not accurately. The better teams adjusted to Korea's hitting game, and their coach seemed despondent that his team, who he had only met at the Championship, seemed unwilling to listen to his suggestions.
Korea played in the Richmond BC Cashspiel last November, finishing second to Canada. Success in Vancouver will likely depend on whether they have been able to add a draw game to their deadly hitting.
Prospects - with the element of surprise gone and teams no longer afraid of their hitting, no better than mid-table.
Italy arrived just before the start of last year's Worlds, began 4-1, beating Canada, then crashed to 4-5 as lack of fitness and experience took its toll. They have the skill to win as they proved by beating Germany in the 2010 Identa Cup but have comparatively little international experience or funding.
Prospects - they will do well to equal last March's record.
Japan has an average age of 51. Takashi Hidai (2nd) is 75, Japan's oldest Paralympian and the Games' oldest athlete. They made a short visit to BC in November, winning their one exhibition game against Canada 8-3. They failed to qualify for last year's Worlds, earning their Paralympic spot on the strength of a 5th place in 2007.
They are all members of the Shinsyu Chair Curling Club that won the last five Japan Wheelchair Curling Championships. with skip Nakajima participating in each one.
Over 100 members of the Japanese media attended the send-off ceremonies for Japan's Paralympic team, but while media interest is high, it's doubtful they'll out-perform the 2007 team.
Prospects - an unknown quantity but unlikely to prosper against much more experienced opposition.
Prospects - unable to do worse than last year.
Summary - Canada won the 2009 Worlds because they made their shots, coaxed their opponents into low percentage hits and always had a viable shot with skip stones.
I expect Canada, Sweden, Great Britain (aka Scotland) and Norway to have made the biggest improvements over last year, with GB having the largest potential for improvement.
Germany and USA over-performed last year and may struggle to repeat. Korea need to do more than hit. Japan replaces China from the 2009 Worlds line-up and with Italy and Switzerland will have to re-qualify for Worlds play. None of the three have shown they could challenge this year.
Prediction: Canada, Norway, GB, Sweden, USA, Germany, Korea, Italy, Switzerland, Japan.
You can add your (more accurate, I'm sure) predictions to the comments, but you get no credit if you post anonymously.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Your support does make a difference
With the Paralympics and the Canadian Nationals almost upon us, I've had several emails asking what I will be doing for the benefit of those family and fans unable to attend the events.
Nothing's free, even if sometimes it feels that way. Had 10% of the regular readership donated $10 at some point this season, Cate and I would be going to Vancouver and giving you the insider perspective that comes from painstakingly building relationships with the coaches and players of all the countries, not just Canada.
So will we be covering the Nationals instead; after all they are taking place just down the road?
That would just be a couple of hundred hours of Cate and my time. What's that time worth to you?
If you'd like to express your appreciation for the past five years of the website, and the past two years of the blog, click on the Donation button on the top right of this page to send a donation in any amount via Cate's PayPal account.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Armstrong wins Sport BC Harry Jerome Comeback award
Sport BC today announced that Jim Armstrong, skip of the reigning World Champion and defending Paralympic Champion wheelchair curling team, has been awarded the Sport BC Harry Jerome Comeback award.
"Each year the recipient embodies the qualities that make sport so compelling,” said Rick Christiaanse, Executive Vice-President of Sport BC. "Jim Armstrong is no exception. Throughout his athletic career, Jim’s knowledge, sportsmanship and dedication to his sport have elevated the level of both able-bodied and wheelchair curling.”
“We are proud to present him with this award as a tribute to his journey.”
The award will be presented March 31, 2010 at the 44th Annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards. Armstrong will be honoured for his long road back to amateur sport alongside 19 other athletes, coaches, and officials who represent BC’s best.
You can read full details of the announcement HERE.
Jim has known about the award for a couple of weeks, but asked me not to publicise it. "I'm hoping they'll wait till after the Paralympics," he told me, "so it won't be a distraction."
It may be a distraction, but it's certainly an honour.
"Each year the recipient embodies the qualities that make sport so compelling,” said Rick Christiaanse, Executive Vice-President of Sport BC. "Jim Armstrong is no exception. Throughout his athletic career, Jim’s knowledge, sportsmanship and dedication to his sport have elevated the level of both able-bodied and wheelchair curling.”
“We are proud to present him with this award as a tribute to his journey.”
The award will be presented March 31, 2010 at the 44th Annual Sport BC Athlete of the Year Awards. Armstrong will be honoured for his long road back to amateur sport alongside 19 other athletes, coaches, and officials who represent BC’s best.
You can read full details of the announcement HERE.
Jim has known about the award for a couple of weeks, but asked me not to publicise it. "I'm hoping they'll wait till after the Paralympics," he told me, "so it won't be a distraction."
It may be a distraction, but it's certainly an honour.
Coverage of Paralympic wheelchair curling
Last year at the 2009 Worlds, Cate and I live-blogged and reported every Canadian match. We were able to do that because the CCA helped with our expenses.
We had hoped to do something similar at the Paralympics, but despite approaching every possible source of funding, we were not able to cover accommodation and on-site costs. A couple of offers of accommodation did not materialise, so although we have media accreditation, it doesn't look as though we will be attending Canada's defence of their Paralympic gold medal.
The television consortium that covered the Olympics will be producing 25 hours of English language Paralympic programming, almost all devoted to sledge hockey and an evening highlight show.
As far as I know, the only live media coverage of wheelchair curling will be on Paralympic Sport TV
The schedule is on a pdf document at this link.
While it is personally disappointing not to be able to continue the work we bagan at last year's Worlds and take advantage of the relationships we established with athletes and coaches from all the teams, we can't force perceptions of value where they don't exist.
The website and blog have been around just long enough for the service they provide to be taken for granted. We have several thousand readers every week, and no income.
So it goes.
We had hoped to do something similar at the Paralympics, but despite approaching every possible source of funding, we were not able to cover accommodation and on-site costs. A couple of offers of accommodation did not materialise, so although we have media accreditation, it doesn't look as though we will be attending Canada's defence of their Paralympic gold medal.
The television consortium that covered the Olympics will be producing 25 hours of English language Paralympic programming, almost all devoted to sledge hockey and an evening highlight show.
As far as I know, the only live media coverage of wheelchair curling will be on Paralympic Sport TV
The schedule is on a pdf document at this link.
While it is personally disappointing not to be able to continue the work we bagan at last year's Worlds and take advantage of the relationships we established with athletes and coaches from all the teams, we can't force perceptions of value where they don't exist.
The website and blog have been around just long enough for the service they provide to be taken for granted. We have several thousand readers every week, and no income.
So it goes.
Jim Armstrong talks about "his sport and what it's taught him about life"
photo - Ian Lindsay
Q: What have you learned about yourself and life from this journey?
A: Everybody in the program has their own story. Some have had experiences most of us don't have to deal with in a lifetime. But the silver lining is everybody leaves their ego at the door. You have that common thread of how we got into that position of whatever disability it is. There is that common bond. It just makes everybody that much closer.
Read the interview HERE
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Ina Forrest and Sonja Gaudet talk about the Paralympics
Ina Forrest and Soja Gaudet
Team Canada 2nd Ina Forrest tells The Vernon Morning Star these Games will mean so much more because her family will be there to watch her. She relished having that experience last year at worlds.
“It was fabulous to have your family attend and see what it is you do. It makes it that much more exciting for yourself.”
Lead Sonja Gaudet says “The experience I had in Torino is a benefit for me. Until I went there I didn’t know how I was going to react in those (big game) situations.
“I’m pretty good at that anyway, blocking out distraction and using distraction in a positive light. To me that’s all good.”
Read what else they had to say HERE
Toronto Star - There's no hard and fast rule for who can play
Toronto Star reporter Daniel Girard re-works the "curling's healing power" storyline covering Jim Armstrong's re-emergence from the ashes of a career blighted by physical injury.
He also acknowledges controversy over how Jim gets around, "because, unlike most other wheelchair sports, curling's international governing body does not have a hard and fast rule for who qualifies."
WCF eligibility rules, or ambiguous written guidelines? You decide.
He also acknowledges controversy over how Jim gets around, "because, unlike most other wheelchair sports, curling's international governing body does not have a hard and fast rule for who qualifies."
WCF eligibility rules, or ambiguous written guidelines? You decide.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
GB's McCreadie hints at retirement (again)
Four years ago, just after Great Britain saw the gold medal they had been favourites to win, flash away with their last rock. skip Frank Duffy and 3rd Michael McCreadie announced their retirement from competitive wheelchair curling.
Frank did quit, but Michael, who'll be 64 on March 16th, soon re-stoked the competitive fires. Next week extends a Paralympic career that began in the pool 38 years ago in ago in Heidelberg, Germany, and continued with bowls, wheelchair basketball and now curling.
"It's good to know that talent is still there from way back then," he told The Press Association's Matt McGeehan.
"(Vancouver gold) would be one of the greatest achievements of my career and maybe a good time to say bye-bye."
Read the interview HERE.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Team Korea training in Mission, BC
Misuk Kang, lead
photo - Meaghan McBride
The high demand for ice time shunted the Korean team from their usual Richmond or New Westminster training sites, inland to Mission BC this week, prior to the team moving into the athlete's village over the weekend.
Moo Lee, a Canadian-Korean immigrant who has been helping Korean teams train and compete in Canada, told bclocalnews.com that the team was happy that not only were Missionites hospitable and friendly, but their ice is up to the quality that Olympians expect.
Watch USA train in Abbotsford March 9
Team USA will again be using the Abbotsford Curling Club as a pre-competition training facility and will hold an open practice session on Tuesday March 9 from 9am till 2 pm with a short break for lunch.
"It's a big deal for our club," said Club Manager Tracy Sones, telling the Abbotsford News that the team had visited her club prior to the World Championships last February.
"It's a big deal for our club," said Club Manager Tracy Sones, telling the Abbotsford News that the team had visited her club prior to the World Championships last February.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Canadian wheelchair curlers win Team Of The Year Award
The Canadian wheelchair curling team was named Team Of The Year after winning the 2009 World Championship.
The True Sport Foundation's award was presented at the 37th Canadian Sports Awards, March 3rd in Toronto, recognising the country's top amateur athletes. The winners were chosen by an independent jury and were selected over the men’s IIHF world championship squad and the national women’s water polo team.
Ina Forrest, Chris Sobkowicz and Team Leader Wendy Morgan attended the luncheon.
The True Sport Foundation's award was presented at the 37th Canadian Sports Awards, March 3rd in Toronto, recognising the country's top amateur athletes. The winners were chosen by an independent jury and were selected over the men’s IIHF world championship squad and the national women’s water polo team.
Ina Forrest, Chris Sobkowicz and Team Leader Wendy Morgan attended the luncheon.
Canada lead Sonja Gaudet to carry torch
The Canadian Paralympic Committee has selected Team Canada lead Sonja Gaudet as one of 25 torch bearers to take part in the Paralympic Torch Relay for the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.
"These individuals have been selected for their outstanding contribution to the Paralympic Movement.
"Sonia Gaudet is on the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic wheelchair curling team and is the only returning member of the Canadian team that struck gold in Torino, Italy when wheelchair curling made its debut at the 2006 Paralympic Games. Since Torino, she has continued in her winning ways by taking home a gold medal from the 2009 World Championships. She is an ambassador with the Rick Hansen Foundation, the Canadian Paralympic Committee, and VANOC, where she uses the power of sport and her experience of overcoming challenges to motivate and inspire people of all ages."
Click HERE for full list
The Province also had an article and interview HERE
Wheelchair curling "so much friendlier than regular curling" - Armstrong
Jim Armstrong, Jacques Martin and Chris Daw at 2009 Nationals
"Everybody is here after going through their own personal difficulties," Armstrong, who was a dentist but sounds like a fair psychologist, told The Vancouver Sun's Kent Gilchrist. "They've been through some of life's reality, and egos are checked at the door.
"It's so much friendlier than able-bodied curling."
Read the whole interview HERE.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The man behind Armstrong's re-emergence
Gerry Peckham
Canwest's Kent Gilchrist adds a twist to the now familiar story of Team Canada skip Jim Armstrong's return to the ice, suggesting Gerry Peckham, an old teammate and now CCA High Performance Director, will deserve a medal for recruiting Armstrong to the program."He may not be on the podium with Armstrong .. but he won't be far away with a block-wide grin pasted on his face. For Peckham, who hooked up with Armstrong to win back-to-back B.C. men's able-bodied titles in 1973 with Jack Tucker skipping and in '74 with Armstrong on the teeline, is as responsible as anyone for getting Armstrong out of his easy chair and into wheelchair curling."
Read the article HERE
When it was announced that Jim would join the training squad, initially as an on-ice consultant, Peckham expressed surprise that any Canadian would object. Two year's later Peckham can indeed take credit for persevering past initial eligibility doubts, and injecting 40+ years of experience at skip, in a sport not yet a decade old.
Team USA's Jimmy Joseph hoping for gold for daughter's birthday
Jimmy Joseph - Team USA 2nd at 2009 Worlds
Jimmy Joseph told the Herkimer Evening Telegram the Paralympic final falls on his daughter’s third birthday. “Hopefully, I’ll be playing for a gold medal to bring her home as a present,” he said.
Read the full profile HERE
Learn to curl in Austin, Texas
Last weekend's Learn to Curl session at the Chapparral Ice Center in Austin, Texas, brought out over 400 people, so the club is holding another session Sunday March 7th at 9.30 am.
“I think there’s potential here just to try a sport that really works for every age group or physical ability,” club member Janet Hunter told The Daily Texan. “We have people curling from age 8 to 80, even wheelchair curling.”
Read more about Austin’s Lone Star Curling Club.
“I think there’s potential here just to try a sport that really works for every age group or physical ability,” club member Janet Hunter told The Daily Texan. “We have people curling from age 8 to 80, even wheelchair curling.”
Read more about Austin’s Lone Star Curling Club.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Gary Cormack to talk about his Torino gold medal
Gary Cormack, who played second for Team Canada 2005 - 2008 and won a gold medal at the 2006 Torino Paralympics, is giving a talk about his journey to the podium.
The multimedia presentation for the whole family is at the Surrey (BC) Museum on Saturday, March 6 from 1-2 p.m. Details HERE and HERE
Cormack was drafted into the Chris Daw led team in 2005 when Ontario's Bruce McAninch left the program. In addition to his Paralympic medal, he won a Canadian national title with Team Canada in 2006, and also participated in the 2007 and 2008 World Championships.
He will skip the 2010 BC Hosts team at the Canadian Nationals in Kelowna BC starting March 15th.
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