Monday, March 26, 2007

Women's Worlds

Well, better late than never I suppose. The world women's were a bit of a surprise. Of course, I didn't see any of the games, but the only favoured team to make it to the playoffs (other than the US) was Canada, and after Scotland beat the US in the 3 vs 4 game, it was a foregone conclusion that Kelly Scott and Team Canada would win. Yes, this despite their loss (their only loss) to Scotland in the round-robin. And so it was.

Team Scott stayed cool and collected throughout the year and this was their ultimate reward. I was very happy for them--they deserved to be there, and they were the best all week, and they deserved the win. I watched only part of the game, having taped only some of it, so it is hard to comment. But there you go.

In the Canada Cup, a fun game between Jennifer Jones and Cathy King resulted in a win for Team Jones with their new lead. They're still on top of the tour, that's for sure.

Saturday, March 10, 2007

Brier Semi-Final

More comments about the Brier soon, including my visit there last weekend, but I just wanted to comment on the classy ending to the semifinal game. Jeff Stoughton just couldn't get things to work his way all game, and Glenn Howard's team played a good, consistent game. Thus, Manitoba was down 4 with the hammer in the 10th. Just before commercial break after the 9th, he commented "I think we have to play 10" although clearly it was a moot point. So what did they do?

When Howard called for Ontario lead Craig Savill to throw his rocks through the house, instead of throwing guards Stoughton called for the same shot. At first the crowd didn't seem to understand, but when Howard and Stoughton were standing side by side in the house, brooms down, with their teams throwing rock after rock through the house... they rose to their feet and gave a long, deafening round of applause and cheering for both teams. It was a very classy ending to a good afternoon of curling.

Stoughton and Howard have both impressed me with their class. Me, who generally follows men's curling simply because it IS curling. But Stoughton, so gracious in defeat, and Howard, gracious in victory... plus I found it very very classy that Howard's team brought along Steve Bice as their fifth man since he played for them in the provincial final when Brent Laing had to leave on account of his baby being born. Really great sportsmanship.

Not like John Morris, who I would argue is actually good for the sport, but a poor sport (breaking his broom in half on Thursday evening--in arguably the most exciting game of the week--elicited justified boos from the crowd). I was secretly very pleased that no Alberta teams made it to the playoffs: it's nice to see other provinces well-represented for a change.

My prediction for tomorrow's final: Howard wins. Gushue's team was red-hot Friday evening in the 1-2 game, but I would be shocked if they could play another pistol like that tomorrow. It'd be nice to see Howard win in his home province. Too bad it's so late in the day or I would go and watch live!

Sunday, February 25, 2007

Final

A dismal game. Canada DID step it up like I said they'd need to, and defended their lead (they started by scoring 2 and stealing 2, just like in the semi-final). Each of the Saskatchewan players was just a little off, and while they played better than Manitoba in the semi, it was definitely not enough.

Congrats to Team Canada, successfully defending their title and truly earning their championship this year.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

Semifinal

This was a bit of a heartbreaker, when I thought it might become a come-back story. Kelly Scott scored 2 in the first, and then stole 2 more in the second. Manitoba ticked guard after guard after guard. Janet Arnott in particular had some bad throws, and so Manitoba's aggressive game was thwarted right from the beginning of most ends. Jill Officer was inconsistent, Cathy played okay, and Jennifer ticked guard after guard after guard.... What killed them was line calling and the placement of the broom, and even a few times miscommunication from the front end about weight. Despite hand-picking the rocks, none of them seemed comfortable.

Strategically there were a couple of odd calls by Manitoba, but I think it was just the extreme aggressiveness of Jennifer Jones, especially after being down 5-1 at the break. Although I had the feeling early on, from the way she looked and spoke, that Jennifer was pretty resigned to it not being their day. The missed call on the in-off in the second end really cost them: instead of being tied, they were down two. After that, I never saw any spirit.

But Canada didn't play well either, and Kelly Scott missed some key shots and continually left the door wide open for Manitoba. But while Manitoba made some of the pressure shots required in the last half of the game, the points given up early on were too much to overcome, and Jennifer couldn't even throw her last rock. The score was 7-5. Credit where credit is due, Kelly Scott's team were the better foursome. And whatever anyone else says about her, there is something in her soft-spoken, exceedingly positive attitude that I really admire. After all, would you rather play on her team, or for Kelley Law?

However, Canada had better step it up a notch, or Sunday will be a cakewalk for Jan Betker. I'm rooting for Saskatchewan. It'd be nice to see them win, and Kelly Scott will almost certainly be back next year anyway representing BC.

As for Jennifer Jones... they'll be back too, hopefully giving us the same kind of aggressive game she's good at.

Playoffs - 1 vs 2 and 3 vs 4

The feature was the 3-4 game, thankfully. It wasn't a super-well played game, especially by PEI. Manitoba played pretty well, actually, and PEI surrendered early.

The 1-2 game actually appeared more interesting, but ultimately Kelly Scott didn't play all that well, and they lost to a jubilant Jan Betker and Saskatchewan. They are red-hot: I am certain they will win the whole thing.

Because Kelly had a bad game, and Jenn had a good game, I predict that Kelly will win. Why? Same thing happened last year: they had a great semi-final against Colleen Jones, but a poor game against Kelly Scott (then BC) in the final. So, it should be a Saskatchewan - Team Canada rematch on Sunday, unfortunately.

Friday, February 23, 2007

Second Tie-Breaker

Suzanne Gaudet awaited the winner of the first tie-break, and was prepared. This was a well-curled game by both teams, but I thought that Alberta would carry through their momentum. There were some great shots, including a double by PEI early in the game and a cross-rings double by Alberta. But Gaudet stayed cool and when her last rock was required to win the game, she made no mistake, throwing a perfect hit and stick to score her point. Final result: 5-4. Could have gone either way.

Mind you, I didn't see the whole game, only snippets while at work and then I missed three ends on the busy drive home before arriving to see the final 5 rocks thrown.

Manitoba should demolish PEI but you never know in curling... they've been off since Thursday afternoon.

First Tie-Breaker

At first it looked like it would be a good game, but things quickly spiralled out of control for Ontario, and they lost 13-6. I love Cheryl's enthusiasm. But Krista will be back, I'm sure.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Draw 17

Heartbreak for Newfoundland and BC (still didn't play well), jubilation for PEI, Ontario, and Alberta who must square off in a tie-breaker Friday morning.

I was very impressed with Alberta, and even more so with Cheryl Bernard: she seems to have grown stronger and stronger and I don't doubt she'll roll right through Ontario in the first tie-breaker. And I like her and her team more and more. Same with Suzanne Gaudet, who I wouldn't have said was one of my favourites. But her strong third (Robyn McPhee) and quiet demeanour has been winning me over.

Canada won the third game, of course, although it was closer than normal over a battling Quebec.

Let the playoffs begin!

Draw 16

Finally! A well-played curling game! Canada versus Manitoba, the matchup I'd anticipated all week. And it did not disappoint. Clearly, the most memorable moment was when Jennifer Jones called--and made--the tap-tap-tap on the yellow stones to remove a Canada rock which was dead buried. She had to bail the team out a couple of times after fierce offense, but steady Canada applied pressure by making shot after shot, and forced the error out of Jennifer in the 8th. Canada stole 4, end of game.

Newfoundland and Alberta both lost their games, making a logjam of five teams with 5 losses. Alberta actually looked like winning their game against Saskatchewan, making Jan Betker throw her final rock. I did not like Cheryl Bernard's choice in her 1st rock, drawing around everything, because I felt that it made Jan Betker's runback easier. And indeed, Jan didn't miss, and at that point I knew the game was lost for Alberta.

Tonight we'll know the playoff picture. There will be at least one tiebreaker. I have no idea who will be involved.

Draw Fifteen

Saskatchewan vs BC. I really didn't think this would be a game, and it wasn't. Kelley Law was frustrated early and never recovered from that frustration. I think her concentration must really have been off. Saskatchewan didn't play perfectly, so there were opportunities for BC. But 10-3 after 6 ends... oh dear.

NS bounced Ontario down to 5 losses with a 10-3 win, and Manitoba posted a score of 5 in the 6th to defeat Québec... you guessed it, 10-3.

At the moment, the fourth game (NB vs NWT) hasn't finished, but coverage has. I predict NWT will win, although it would be good for Sandy Comeau to get a win, finally.

Only two teams at four losses now, Alberta and Newfoundland. Alberta should almost certainly lose to Saskatchewan this afternoon, but might beat BC tonight (I imagine that will be the feature game). Newfoundland should beat NS (although they might be on such a high after trouncing Ontario)... and then they play Ontario (anyone's guess who wins that one). So we might have LOTS of tie-breakers, or none at all...

Draw 14

Obviously, the feature game was Canada versus Saskatchewan. My money was on Jan Betker.

It was a fascinating game, with good shots made by both teams. Canada really poured it on, and Jan appeared more and more frustrated as the night went on. Saskatchewan conceded defeat after the 8th end and another steal by Kelly Scott. Just a well-played game all around.

On a side note, I've been continually impressed with Monique Gagnier, of NWT. Every time they show an update from her sheet, she is drawing right to the button. Beautiful draw weight! But Heather Strong, after letting NWT get really, really close, made a nice draw herself to win 11-9.

Manitoba blew away Alberta, controlling every minute of that game. PEI beat NS in an unimpressive game which was hardly worth staying up to watch the extra end for. What brutal play and decision making by the young NS skip. Good thing Mary Mattatall was there with strong and confident advice. PEI won anyway.

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Draw 13

Newfoundland pulled off another "upset" in a thrilling extra end, where Heather Strong had to throw huge weight to double out Kelley Law's two counters. An edge-of-your-seat game.

Too bad the feature game was Alberta versus Ontario instead. Both teams played defensively, counter to what they've been doing all week. Krista Scharf made some terrific draws (and calls, despite still having very little voice) but ultimately it was a draw which defeated her, a too-heavy in-turn which meant that Cheryl Bernard didn't have to throw her last. Still, it was a pretty entertaining game. Tara George didn't play well at all, and that certainly didn't help the situation Ontario found themselves in every end.

NB was in contention, but inevitably lost to Kelly Scott 8-5. And PEI posted a steal of 4 in the 9th to win their game 12-7.

Draw Eleven

This was the game I'd been looking forward to, BC vs MB. This was the first truly interesting feature game (okay, with the exception of BC vs Canada Monday evening).

Jennifer played a bit less aggressive (at first) but eventually they got into it, and it made for an excellent match. Jennifer appeared to be just a little bit hoarse. I find it interesting that she's one of the only skips out there who calls to the sweepers by name (like "On Dasher, on Dancer..." lol). She was a bit more decisive about her calls this game, which was nice to see. And ultimately, I think that helped secure the win.

The strategy by both skips was pretty good. No shots really stand out as memorable, except Jenn's oustanding final rock, a perfect guard which led to the steal of 4 in the 9th end and handshakes all around. Kelley seemed just the little bit indecisive, especially later in the game. Both teams played well though, and it was an enjoyable game to watch.

In other games... nothing unexpected. Saskatchewan won a close one over Québec, Ontario beat NWT, and NS beat NB.

While our TSN announcers haven't committed, I'm going to suggest that five losses is definitely too many, and 3 losses may be what you need to be around on the weekend.

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Draw Ten

Manitoba battled hard against PEI and managed a win by stealing a point in the 10th.

Saskatchewan lost their first game to Newfoundland, the key being a steal of 3 points in the 8th end. And NS had a good fight against Alberta but were ultimately out-classed.

Draws Eight and Nine

The feature was BC vs Canada, battle of the British Columbians. Kelley Law and her team persevered, handing Canada its first defeat (kinda nice to see!). Can Georgina ever yell loudly! You never realize in the past, always seeing her play lead.

Draw Nine saw Law fall prey to PEI in an extra end. Ontario once again had an extra end, but lost this one to BC after a fabulous draw by Kelly Scott.

Monday, February 19, 2007

Draw Seven

Oh boy, what a brutal draw. Two runaways (Saskatchewan, Manitoba) and a rough game on sheet D (BC winning over NS). Totally unimpressive. Thank goodness I didn't fork over the fare to fly to Lethbridge this year! Ontario simply got demolished by Jan Betker. I missed a good portion of the game but what I saw was misses by Scharf on tough shots, and too-aggressive strategy calls. K.I.S.S. !!

Looking forward to a better game tonight, BC vs Canada, but I won't hold my breath for BC to win. Canada is cruising.

Draw Five

Feature game was Alberta and Canada. If it wasn't for the weird double-bounce of Bernard's last rock of the 1st end, it was nothing really worth watching. Another blow-out by Team Canada, winning 9-2 in 6 ends. Jeanna Schraeder in particular had the magic touch. They'd just better be careful they don't get all their good shots over with in the first few games.

Kelley Law managed a great comeback to win her game by stealing one in the 10th, and Krista Scharf pulled off another gutsy extra-end win: third in a row! They've got to be tired. They have the morning off, luckily, before they play Saskatchewan this afternoon. That should show whether Ontario deserves to be at the top of the heap. NFLD got their first win, but I've pretty much counted them out.

The class of the field is obviously Saskatchewan, BC, Canada, Ontario and Manitoba. It looks like the others are going to be also-rans this year.

Overall, the quality of curling has been pretty pitiful, especially when compared with 2005 and 2006. Lots of mistakes, although mostly in execution rather than overall strategy (at least, for the teams who are winning). Still: I've seen better.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Draw Four

Can't really describe what went on, but Manitoba won, Québec pulled off a nice victory, Saskatchewan won a close one over NWT, and in an extra end, Scharf stole two to pull off a victory over Kelley Law and BC. Way to go Krista!

Draw Three

Only two games on the ice, and the feature was Canada vs PEI. I'm not really keen on either team but I'd certainly favoured Team Canada. It was really a game of misses, though the strategy from both teams (especially Kelly Scott) was pretty decent. Suzanne Gaudet (PEI) had to make save after save after save for her team, and of course she missed the occasional shot. Scott's team played ok, but they'd have been in serious trouble had Gaudet's team stepped up and played a good game. Ultimately, Canada wins 11-6.

In the other game, it also seemed to be a game of misses, but Alberta won over Newfoundland 8-5.

This afternoon's draw isn't televised, so I will have to watch the summary this evening.
Best matchup should be Ontario vs BC.

Saturday, February 17, 2007

Draw Two

Feature game: BC vs QUE

This wasn't even close: Kelley Law dominated. Can't wait to see her next game.

The other games: Saskatchewan won again, handily. Manitoba was down 7-1 after five ends (what??), but they were resilient and down one coming home... and they scored 5 in the final end. Pretty good showing, that'll boost their confidence. I didn't see most of it since it wasn't the feature, but the last two ends Jenn wasn't second-guessing and it showed.

Ontario won in an extra end, which was nice for Krista Scharf.

Until tomorrow then!

Draw One

The feature game was MB/SK of course.

Manitoba came out aggressive but it cost them a steal of two in the first end, and they never recovered. Some things were clearly at play here. First, the Saskatchewan team (especially their young third) made their shots, deferred to the skip, stayed calm and cool. Jan Betker read the ice well and called a good game. You cannot take away from their performance at all, and the outcome was never in doubt.

But the other side of the story was the outrageous performance by Manitoba, who could have been defeated by my club team. "Who was that team from Manitoba?" asked one of the posters on Curlingzone this evening. You got that right. I was asking myself the same thing. (Keep in mind, I do love this team and am rooting for them!). I don't know if it was the adrenaline, the press, or what, but hits were being overthrown (especially by Jones) and Jones never seemed confident while calling the shots or the ice. The only thing they had in hand, mostly, was weight.

The year they won the Scott, Jones played confidently and inspired confidence in her players. Now there is too much chatter going on. "Do you like this?" She's got to realize that she does call a good, aggressive game, and letting her team second-guess her is never going to result in a championship win. Or even extra games past Thursday. I noticed this same thing last year and am sorry to see it continue at this year's Scott. The team cohesion just isn't there, and Jenn's confidence has got to get boosted or Cathy may as well skip.

So, Saskatchewan wins. And moves up to among my favourites to be there next weekend.
Also winning: Team Canada, PEI, and NWT.

Kelley Law makes her debut tonight against Québec. I don't know the Québec team, so it will be interesting.

Check out RINGO

This is a fun time-waster:

http://www.ringo.ca/tsn/stoh/

It's STOH Time!

As we get set for the opening draw (two hours away) I think I have to put in my predictions for this year's Scotties. It's a bit hard to say, as I haven't seen any of the teams play this year at all. But I can say who I HOPE will be in there at the end of the week.

Heather Strong (NFLD) - They played really well last year, have awesome hit weight, and they seem like really nice girls (at least, they were when my team played them in the fall)

Jennifer Jones (MB) - Anyone who's read my blog from last year knows all about how awesome I think she is. They'll be fighting for revenge this year, and back in the yellow jackets of Manitoba.

Kelley Law (BC) - Back at the nationals again. She was my favourite at the beginning of the decade, and I'll be interested to see how they play this year.

Kelly Scott (Canada) - Calm and deadly, they should have a good shot, though they're hardly my favourites. I actually think they WILL win the whole thing. Again.

I hope TSN shows either the MB/SK or CAN/NL draw this afternoon. Tonight... they'd better show BC/QUE!

Monday, February 05, 2007

Last spot determined

Jan Betker defeated Stefanie Lawton to take the final spot in the 2007 STOH. Not surprising, though I would love to see Stefanie back there again this year. Maybe next year (when I hopefully will be in attendance!).

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Women's Provincial Playdowns

Over the weekend, I had the opportunity to watch as Krista Scharf out-lasted Sherry Middaugh in an entertaining final to win our Ontario Provincials. Kudos to Rogers TV and Dixie Curling Club for the excellent coverage of the playoffs!

As I looked around to see who else would be representing their provinces at the newly-named Scotties Tournament of Hearts (herein after referred to as STOH) and found that there was no such thing as a comprehensive list. So, here is my compiled list, as best I could find.

Yukon/NWT - Kerry Koe (of course)
BC - Kelley Law (very interesting)
Alberta - Cheryl Bernard
Saskatchewan - TBD (starts tomorrow)
Manitoba - Jennifer Jones (yay!)
Ontario - Krista Scharf (better luck this year I hope...)
Québec - Chantal Osborne (?)
New Brunswick - Sandy Comeau
Nova Scotia - Jill Mouzar (?)
NFLD - Heather Strong (yay!)
PEI - Suzanne Gaudet (better show this year?)

And of course, Team Canada - Kelly Scott from BC

Though I won't be going to Lethbridge to watch this year's Scott, I will be glued to my armchair! Go Jenn Jones!!