The End of a Curling Era?
Congratulations to the final 3 teams left in the Brier! Nova Scotia won two big games in a row against Alberta, one in the final round-robin game just to get 4th place alone and avoid the dreaded tie-breakers, and now today in the 3rd vs 4th playoff game.
Quebec came through as well with a win in their final game to clinch 2nd place. They had an identical 8-3 record with Alberta, but got the nod due to beating Alberta in the round-robin.
And finally, congratulations to my former University of Waterloo classmate, Glenn Howard, and his Ontario rink for a stellar 10-1 record, and first place. Ontario annihilated Manitoba 8-2 last night in a game Manitoba had to win to stay alive. To beat Jeff Stoughton, who lost by a millimetre to Brad Gushue at the Olympic Trials, in such convincing fashion, is quite an accomplishment. And to beat the entire field by 2 games ranks right up there as well.
Three questions come to mind:
1) Is this the end of the line for Kevin Martin's team? Both Don Bartlett and Don Walchuk have hinted at retirement. Obviously the Olympics was the big prize for all teams this year, but the world championship was another prize that has eluded Martin and Bartlett. I know it meant a lot to both of them to win here this week.
Now that the both dreams have been postponed, will the team still be committed enough to go through what it takes to get back to the big dance floor? Or are they ready to get a sunburn in February? If this is the end for the rink, they should look at their careers with pride. They can look back at all those bonspiels knowing everyone thought they were the team to beat.
2) Was Kevin Martin a victim of his own stubbornness? I didn't see all the game this afternoon, but one moment stuck out. Nova Scotia was lying one with the hammer, and Martin had a chance to play a guard to prevent any more Bluenose counters. He decided to try a tough takeout through a small hole. Even if he would've gone through, I'm not sure he would've been able to remove the Nova Scotia rock, as it was frozen. We'll never know, because Martin removed one of his own guards, opening the door a crack for Mark Dacey to capitalize and score two.
I can't think of anyone else who would've tried that takeout. It ultimately resulted in a one-point loss. Why did you do it Kevin? How many other times have you tried the circus shot and ended up having it backfire? Maybe there are some advantages to having a limited skill set in curling like I do.
3) What is the reason for having a Page Playoff system? Is anyone going to get too excited about tonight's Ontario-Quebec game when the loser stays alive? I know it does generate extra revenue for everyone, but that's all I can think of. If you have a problem with Glenn Howard going directly to the final, just remember 30 years ago the round-robin winner was the champion, because there were no playoffs. Surely Howard's performance deserves something more than two chances to get to the final. I'd say this is anyone won the round-robin by 2 games, not just a fellow alumni.
If there is a need to make more money (hearing the CCA is $100,000+ in debt from 2005 is a good enough reason) why not take the "less is more" strategy, and charge higher prices for one less game? Anything has to be better than seeing a game that's essentially meaningless.
Regards,
Steve
P.S. Last night we tied. It may be enough to get us into A playoffs. I hope to know this evening. Have a nice Brier!
Quebec came through as well with a win in their final game to clinch 2nd place. They had an identical 8-3 record with Alberta, but got the nod due to beating Alberta in the round-robin.
And finally, congratulations to my former University of Waterloo classmate, Glenn Howard, and his Ontario rink for a stellar 10-1 record, and first place. Ontario annihilated Manitoba 8-2 last night in a game Manitoba had to win to stay alive. To beat Jeff Stoughton, who lost by a millimetre to Brad Gushue at the Olympic Trials, in such convincing fashion, is quite an accomplishment. And to beat the entire field by 2 games ranks right up there as well.
Three questions come to mind:
1) Is this the end of the line for Kevin Martin's team? Both Don Bartlett and Don Walchuk have hinted at retirement. Obviously the Olympics was the big prize for all teams this year, but the world championship was another prize that has eluded Martin and Bartlett. I know it meant a lot to both of them to win here this week.
Now that the both dreams have been postponed, will the team still be committed enough to go through what it takes to get back to the big dance floor? Or are they ready to get a sunburn in February? If this is the end for the rink, they should look at their careers with pride. They can look back at all those bonspiels knowing everyone thought they were the team to beat.
2) Was Kevin Martin a victim of his own stubbornness? I didn't see all the game this afternoon, but one moment stuck out. Nova Scotia was lying one with the hammer, and Martin had a chance to play a guard to prevent any more Bluenose counters. He decided to try a tough takeout through a small hole. Even if he would've gone through, I'm not sure he would've been able to remove the Nova Scotia rock, as it was frozen. We'll never know, because Martin removed one of his own guards, opening the door a crack for Mark Dacey to capitalize and score two.
I can't think of anyone else who would've tried that takeout. It ultimately resulted in a one-point loss. Why did you do it Kevin? How many other times have you tried the circus shot and ended up having it backfire? Maybe there are some advantages to having a limited skill set in curling like I do.
3) What is the reason for having a Page Playoff system? Is anyone going to get too excited about tonight's Ontario-Quebec game when the loser stays alive? I know it does generate extra revenue for everyone, but that's all I can think of. If you have a problem with Glenn Howard going directly to the final, just remember 30 years ago the round-robin winner was the champion, because there were no playoffs. Surely Howard's performance deserves something more than two chances to get to the final. I'd say this is anyone won the round-robin by 2 games, not just a fellow alumni.
If there is a need to make more money (hearing the CCA is $100,000+ in debt from 2005 is a good enough reason) why not take the "less is more" strategy, and charge higher prices for one less game? Anything has to be better than seeing a game that's essentially meaningless.
Regards,
Steve
P.S. Last night we tied. It may be enough to get us into A playoffs. I hope to know this evening. Have a nice Brier!
posted by Irrelevant at 2:18 PM
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