My Apologies to the Territories

What do you know? I saved myself from insulting Saskatchewan (who have won 4 in a row, and are leading tonight), and instead insult the Territories, who are also 4-4.

What can you say about the Territories? For them to be doing as well as they are is incredible. Think of the distances they have to travel to get to any type of bonspiel with high-calibre talent. I heard some of the Ontario women's teams were complaining about having their provincial championship in Fort Francis (between Thunder Bay and Winnipeg) this year. That's nothing compared to the Territories. They have to travel that distance just to get out of the Territories, let alone to a major populated area.

In the past, the Territories have been fortunate to win a game. Now they're right in the playoff hunt, with only 3 games remaining. After this morning's draw they were tied with Manitoba after beating Manitoba for arguably the Territories' biggest win ever. Unbelievable! If they win 2 of their last 3 games it may be good enough for a tiebreaker the way things stand now.

The Good
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Alberta (l0oks like they want to get that elusive world championship)
Ontario (if Richard Hart stays hot, look out!)
Quebec (tres bien mon amis!)
Manitoba (may be starting to get back in gear after 4-game losing streak)
BC (great first Brier record)
Territories (bodly going where no Territories team has gone before)
Nova Scotia (stumbled today against Manitoba, but still in position)
New Brunswick (can control their own destiny)
Saskatchewan (on a 4 game roll after disastrous 0-4 start)

The Bad
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PEI (similar position to the Territories with small population to draw from)
Newfoundland/Labrador (Brad Gushue should be representing them for years to come)

The Ugly
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Northern Ontario (should there just be one team coming out of Ontario now)?

Regards,
Steve