Curling Summary
Hello. How did Canada do in curling this year? I think very well, but that could be debated.
In an Olympic year, that has to be the main focus. I can honestly say the 3 best bonspiels I've ever seen have been the 1997, 2001 and 2005 Olympic Trials. They may be the most difficult ones to win, even more difficult than the actual Olympics, although the Team Sweden ladies are one of the greatest teams I've ever seen, arguably right up their with the late Sandra Schmirler teams of the '90s.
Congrats to Team Gushue and Team Kleibrink for wining those trials, then going on to Olympic gold and bronze respectively. It's a lifetime achievement for any Canadian team, as the odds of getting to the Games out of Canada are so low. I hope the entire experience is something they all savour forever. If I ever go back to Newfoundland again, it wouldn't surprise me if George St in St. John's was still celebrating Team Gushue's win.
Congrats too to our world championship representatives, Team Menard and Team Scott, for earning world silver and bronze, respectively in their first appearances. With Team Sweden competing in ladies, I'm convinced everyone else is playing for 2nd, although Team USA gave them a battle this year. The men came oh-so-close, but couldn't hang on against a powerful Team Scotland.
So, how does Canada's performance rank? Very good if you compare us to any other country. Some would say, however, that since 90% of the curlers are in Canada, we should always win gold. If we sent our top 10 ladies and mens teams to play any other country's top 10 in each, I would say that's true. Because the other countries only have one or two teams at the world level, it means those teams get a lot of top calibre play against each other in European and world events, making them tougher than they may be perceived to be.
The CCA was less in the forefront this year, thank goodness. Some questions have to be asked though. And that may be what has been lacking in the past of non-profit organizations in general and the CCA in particular. If you're going to represent all of Canada's curlers, then you have to be accountable to all of them about everything. If an organization is always defensive when inquiring minds come by, that doesn't bode well for the organization, and it makes the public suspicious. Is the CCA in its present form the organization that will propel Canadian curling to a glorious future? I'm not convinced. If someone wants to convince me, I'll approach the conversation with an open mind.
On the TV front, I though both TSN and CBC did good jobs in the Season of Champions, riught up until no one broadcast the men's worlds. Maybe next year.
On a personal note, Mike Harris is leaving Ontario to become the Director of Golf at Banff Springs in Alberta. All the best Mike! It's been a pleasure knowing you, and thanks again for your donation to our dance. For all those who are wondering, Mike is very humble about his talents, and was always willing to answer my curling questions. Having played at Banff Springs 15 years ago, I certainly know why you're going. Enjoy!
Regards,
Steve
In an Olympic year, that has to be the main focus. I can honestly say the 3 best bonspiels I've ever seen have been the 1997, 2001 and 2005 Olympic Trials. They may be the most difficult ones to win, even more difficult than the actual Olympics, although the Team Sweden ladies are one of the greatest teams I've ever seen, arguably right up their with the late Sandra Schmirler teams of the '90s.
Congrats to Team Gushue and Team Kleibrink for wining those trials, then going on to Olympic gold and bronze respectively. It's a lifetime achievement for any Canadian team, as the odds of getting to the Games out of Canada are so low. I hope the entire experience is something they all savour forever. If I ever go back to Newfoundland again, it wouldn't surprise me if George St in St. John's was still celebrating Team Gushue's win.
Congrats too to our world championship representatives, Team Menard and Team Scott, for earning world silver and bronze, respectively in their first appearances. With Team Sweden competing in ladies, I'm convinced everyone else is playing for 2nd, although Team USA gave them a battle this year. The men came oh-so-close, but couldn't hang on against a powerful Team Scotland.
So, how does Canada's performance rank? Very good if you compare us to any other country. Some would say, however, that since 90% of the curlers are in Canada, we should always win gold. If we sent our top 10 ladies and mens teams to play any other country's top 10 in each, I would say that's true. Because the other countries only have one or two teams at the world level, it means those teams get a lot of top calibre play against each other in European and world events, making them tougher than they may be perceived to be.
The CCA was less in the forefront this year, thank goodness. Some questions have to be asked though. And that may be what has been lacking in the past of non-profit organizations in general and the CCA in particular. If you're going to represent all of Canada's curlers, then you have to be accountable to all of them about everything. If an organization is always defensive when inquiring minds come by, that doesn't bode well for the organization, and it makes the public suspicious. Is the CCA in its present form the organization that will propel Canadian curling to a glorious future? I'm not convinced. If someone wants to convince me, I'll approach the conversation with an open mind.
On the TV front, I though both TSN and CBC did good jobs in the Season of Champions, riught up until no one broadcast the men's worlds. Maybe next year.
On a personal note, Mike Harris is leaving Ontario to become the Director of Golf at Banff Springs in Alberta. All the best Mike! It's been a pleasure knowing you, and thanks again for your donation to our dance. For all those who are wondering, Mike is very humble about his talents, and was always willing to answer my curling questions. Having played at Banff Springs 15 years ago, I certainly know why you're going. Enjoy!
Regards,
Steve
posted by Irrelevant at 1:26 PM
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