KXMB TV has a video report from the Summer Bonspiel at the Capital Curling Club in Bismarck, North Dakota. A team from Winnipeg skipped by Chris Sobkowicz is competing and are interviewed in the report. [watch]

Team Manitoba challenges Burtnyk, Stoughton and Peters  7/10/2008

The Winnipeg Free Press reports that Manitoba's Big Three of Kerry Burtnyk, Jeff Stoughton and Vic Peters will take part in a "demonstration challenge game" against Chris Sobowicz's Provincial Champions and 2008 Canadian bronze medallists.

The game will be played at 7pm on August 21st during the Monsanto Sliding In Summer Spiel in Warren, MB.

"Keep it simple," says Coach Ernie Comerford   7/1/2008

I believe that many coaches and players (even High Performance) make wheelchair curling FAR too complicated. Heavens, when you really think about it, we are still only trying to do THREE simple things in wheelchair curling (and able-bodied curling for that matter).

[Find out what they are and download his drills]

2008 season opens with Olson Osoyoos 2 on 2 September 6-7  6/26/2008

The first wheelchair curling event of Canada's 2008/2009 season is once again the Olson 2 on 2 Spiel over the weekend of September 6-7th, hosted by the Osoyoos CC. This is the second year that Olson Curling Supply has sponsored this exciting event.

Entries cost $50 per team and include two lunches and Saturday dinner. Wheelchair users interested in trying our sport are invited to a practice session at 7 pm Friday evening, September 5th.

In the 2 on 2 format, each member of the 2 person team throws 3 rocks and skips 3 rocks each end. Members of Team Canada will be participating.

For more information contact Darryl Neighbour or register online at CurlBC

Vancouver Island's Jensen continues publicity push 6/17/2008

Corinne Jensen, the Island's indefatigable wheelchair curling rep, continues her campaign to raise the sport's profile in an interview with the Goldstream Gazette.

“We need to grow (wheelchair curling) because there are tons of people out there who could do it, they just need to know about it,” she says. [read more]

Scots get on-ice training time 6/17/2008

Bob Cowan reports that the Great Britain  wheelchair curling squad (all Scots) were at Inverness Ice Centre the weekend before last for a training session, both on and off the ice. [Link to photo]

Team USA profiled 6/4/2008

Team USA's Bronze medal winning performance is recounted in Sports 'N Spokes magazine, here (PDF).  Alternate Bob Prenoveau is profiled in a video, here.

Wheelchair curlers compete in Italy 5/21/2008

“There may be no ice available in Scotland at this time of the year,” said SLWCC Secretary David Morgan, “but we found, via the Internet, this tournament was taking place, and got ourselves an invitation."  Read the complete article here.

The Hamilton Advertiser reported on the trip HERE.

Joseph wins NY Achievers' Award 5/21/2008

Senator Joseph A. Griffo named New Hartford’s James (Jimmy) Joseph recipient of the New York Senate Achievers’ Award, which recognizes individuals who overcome challenges and honors their accomplishments on behalf of their community. CLICK HERE to read the article.

Newfoundland & Labrador to challenge at 2009 Nationals? 5/18/2008

Team Ontario coach Bob Pippy is leaving the Ontario wheelchair curling program to attempt to put together a provincial team out of St. John's, Newfoundland. The Atlantic team that competed at the 2008 Nationals included two women from St. John's, Lanie Woodfine and Joanne MacDonald, and Pippy hopes to build a competitive squad around them.

Canada learns hard lessons from 2008 Worlds 5/14/2008

Team Canada athletes and coaches met in Edmonton last month to review the experience of the 2008 Worlds and to plan for the upcoming season. While the team's 6 consecutive victories during round robin play was enough to take them into the 1-2 playoff game, their failure to medal was a wake-up call. Program Director Gerry Peckham admitted that they had failed to anticipate the rapid improvements in technique exhibited by the medal teams, especially the Koreans.

"The Koreans have established new benchmarks in accuracy, especially for up-weight shots, which were important on the exceptionally swingy ice in Switzerland," he said. "We will be working with specialists in biometrics to improve delivery mechanics. Also the rule change that will move the placement of the stone at delivery from the centerline to within 18 inches of the centreline (Rule to be published by the WCF in June) will change the way the game is played and we must prepare for that."

The coaches will work with the five athletes who attended the Worlds, plus Jim Armstrong, who's present role is mentor to the skip(s). Other members of last year's National Talent Pool will attend training sessions on an ad hoc basis, with everyone promised at least one more look before the 2010 squad is finalised later next season.

Peckham also intends to arrange game practice against regular curlers who can provide the level of opposition expected at the next Worlds, and also promises to tighten practice procedures so they better reflect the skills necessary on the ice during international competition. "For practice to be meaningful, there must be a consequence for poor performance and poor decisions," he said.

Team Canada's next training session will be in Edmonton in July.

Pittsburgh hosts a give-it-a-go day  5/14/2008

Wheelchair curling has arrived in Pittsburgh, Pa. with an afternoon of curling at the Robert Morris University Islnd Sports Complex. From the looks of the photos on the Pittsburgh CC website, they attracted some teens to try out our sport. They also "borrowed" our banner!

Ottawa's Bruce Cameron profiled 5/3/2008

The Ottawa Sun (April 14, 2008) had a photo and profile of Bruce Cameron. Bruce curled before his diagnosis with MS and now uses an electric wheelchair. He curls out of the Capitol Curling Club and has won medals at Provincial wheelchair curling events. CLICK HERE to see the article.

Scottish Paralympics hopeful Jackie Clayton profiled 5/3/2008

The Northern Scot has a profile of Jackie Clayton, a wheelchair curler determined to break into the Great Britain Paralympics squad. Her timing is not great with this week's announcement from British Curling, but she certainly comes across as a highly motivated and determined woman. [read the profile]

Ottawa's  Donny Stinson honoured by Governor General 5/2/2008

Donny Stinson, founding member of the Capital Wheelchair Curling Club, was presented with a CARING CANADIAN AWARD by the Governor General of Canada during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on the 30th of April 2008. (thanks Catherine Gardner)

British Vancouver 2010 squad announced  5/1/2008

Angie Malone rejoins the six person Paralympics squad that will prepare to represent Great Britain at the 2010 Paralympics in Vancouver. She reunites with Michael McCreadie and Tom Killin, teammates that won silver in Torino. Also on the team are Aileen Nielsen, Rosemary Lenton and Jim Sellar who played with Killin and McCreadie at the 2008 Worlds. [read full press release]

British Curling [thanks Bob] announced last July that there would be early selection of a small squad who would undergo two years of intensive preparation for the Vancouver games. The squad will be reduced to five in May 2009.

Malone, a perennial at lead during Scotland's glory years, was dropped from the Scottish team that struggled in the 2008 Worlds, but then went on to skip the team that won the Scottish Championships.

Scotland is notable for the number of females in the top tier of wheelchair curlers. Both teams in the final of the 2008 Scottish Championships were skipped by women.

Lower Sackville, NS to host 2009 Canadian Nationals 4/21/2008

The CCA announced today that the 2009 Canadian Wheelchair championship will be held March 23-28 at the Lakeshore Curling Club in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia. Last month BC successfully defended its title in Winnipeg, Manitoba, defeating Ontario 8-6.

Canada and USA planning to attend 2008 Norwegian Open  4/21/2008

The 2nd Annual Norwegian Open will be held at the Halden Curling Centre from the 27-29 October, 2008. The venue is 120 km south of Oslo, close to the Swedish border.

Canada will return to defend the title they won in an 8 team field last year, where they fielded the same team that went on to represent Canada at the 2008 Worlds.

Team USA, coming off their podium finish at the Worlds, is also planning to compete in this year's 10 team field.

Incoming Scots President makes case for wheelchair curling 4/15/2008

Arthur Bell, incoming President of the Scottish Wheelchair Curling Association, says that wheelchair curling changed his life. In an interview by Craig Goldthorp in the Carluke Gazette, he says:

"I found out two years ago that there was wheelchair curling in Hamilton. I joined it and it has been terrific ever since." [Read full interview]

Team forming in Lennoxville, Quebec  4/15/2008

The Sherbrooke Record reports that curler and wheelchair sports coach Alfred Whittier has begun recruiting wheelchair users to curl out of the Lennoxville CC in Quebec. His core group, including Paralympians at water skiing and archery, who at present are the only active wheelchair curlers in Quebec. For more information call Al Whittier at 819-566-7315, or Benoit Lessard at 819-837-2269 and visit www.lennoxvillecurling.ca.

WCF considering rule book changes  4/6/2008

Changes to the  rules governing World Curling Federation sanctioned wheelchair curling events will be discussed during meetings at the Men's Worlds in Grand Forks ND this week.

The rule that a stone must be touching the centre line at delivery, is likely to be eased to bring the wheelchair game more in line with the angles available to players who use the hack. The counter-argument, as made to me by Norway coach Thoralf Hognestad during the 2008 Worlds, is that wheelchair users unhappy with the present rule should simply move back to the hack to compensate.

The WCF intends its rules to encourage participation by people with as wide a range as possible of disabilities requiring wheelchairs for daily mobility. While remaining sceptical about the utility of a disability points classification system, there's a desire to avoid wheelchair curling becoming the sole province of the heavily muscled. This is why they will prefer to move the rock off the centre line, rather than back from the hogline. It is also why skips are unlikely to be allowed to use brushing in the rings.

There are good arguments for Canada to be flexible in implementing WCF rules in its domestic program, especially as Team Canada exists independent of national competition. The mixed gender team rule, for example, while ensuring participation of women in countries with minimal overall participation, is probably unnecessarily restrictive in Canada where the potential for hundreds of teams certainly exists. It would be a shame to see Canadian development inhibited by an insistence that 25% of participants be female, when eligible males far outnumber eligible females.

Any WCF rule changes will not be implemented until after the 2010 Paralympics.

Bear Mountain Curling Classic Pro vs Wheelchair challenge 4/2/2008

Corinne Jensen, the infatigueable force organizing wheelchair curling on the Island, is arranging a Pros against Wheelchairs challenge at the $81,000 Bear Mountain Curling Classic. It will take place at Juan De Fuca near Victoria, BC,  on Saturday April 5th at 2.30pm. The Pros will have to play from wheelchairs, which should even things up just a little.

On Sunday April 6th, between the semi-final and final games, there will be a demonstration of wheelchair curling.

BC repeat as National Champs, beat Ontario 8-6  3/29/2008

BC won their 2nd successive championship as they overcame an early deficit to beat Ontario 8-6 in the final of the 2008 TSX Canadian National Championship.

BC began with the hammer and gave up an immediate steal of 2 on a measurement when their last rock hit rolled too far. In the second they gave up another steal when their last rock draw was short, again on a measurement.

In the third, with Ontario ahead 3-0, a great draw by BC 2nd Whitney Warren led to a succession of guards, and a couple of accurate hits by BC skip Jim Armstrong that scored 4 for a 4-3 lead at the break.

Ontario skip Chris Rees faced big trouble with his final stone in the 4th and was heavy with his draw, giving up a steal of 3. He was gifted 3 straight back when a succession of missed hits from BC, attempting to keep the rings clear, allowed Ontario to pull within one, 7-6 after 5.

In the final end, Rees made a great last shot, picking out BC's shot rock that was half buried, and rolling to the back 8’, covered and shot rock. BC had to draw full 8’ for the win and though Jim Armstrong's draw looked as though it might be heavy, it stopped back 4 for the win and their second national championship.

Line score here

Ontario beat Manitoba 9-8 in semi-final, face BC in final  3/28/2008

Ontario continued their run of crooked numbered ends, both scoring and conceding, when they faced Manitoba in the semi-final match between the round robin second and third place finishers.

Ontario led by 5 after two, then conceded 5, took 3 and gave 3 straight back before taking a single with the hammer in the final end to earn their place in tomorrow's Championship final against BC.

CLICK HERE for line scores

BC tops table, faces winner of Ontario vs Manitoba semi-final 3/28/2008

BC edged out Ontario and Manitoba to take first place after round robin play, and go straight through to Saturday's final of the 2008 TSX Canadian Nationals.

In BC's final round robin game against Team Atlantic a draw for 2 in the 1st came up short but a steal in the 2nd and then a blank put BC up 3-0 at the break. Atlantic then took two to tie, and stole one in the 5th end to lead 3-2.

In the 6th, BC second Whitney Warren made a great draw to the 4 foot with his first stone and BC spent the rest of the end putting on tight guards. Skip Jim Armstrong made a great nose hit with his first shot leaving Atlantic with very few options. They attempted a big weight takeout with their final stone but it over-curled and left BC lying 3 for a 5-3 win.

Ontario's 5-2 loss to Alberta meant that based on head to head results, BC reached the top of the table for the first time, just when it counted. Ontario, after leading all week, now play Manitoba in the afternoon semi-final. Manitoba secured their semi-final place by beating the Winnipeg host team 6-2.

Nova Scotia held on for a 6-5 win over Northern Ontario to gain final table bragging rights. Team Atlantic's one win cost Alberta a shot at a tie-break, but that's why they play the games.

CLICK HERE for line scores

Ontario suffer first defeat, but only after an extra end  3/27/2008

Unbeaten Ontario faced winless Team Atlantic in the morning draw of Day 3 at the 2008 TSX Canadian Nationals, but it took a 5 spot after the break for them to record their 5th win, 7-4. In Ontario's afternoon draw, BC took 1 with the hammer, stole 4, and then gave 5 points straight back. An exchange of 3's in the 5th and 6th led to an extra end, where BC scored a single, giving Ontario their first defeat 9-8. More importantly, BC pulled themselves into second place.

Alberta, who had strung 3 wins together after an opening draw loss to Manitoba, fell to BC in the morning. BC stole 2 in the 6th and won 7-3. Alberta had another disappointment in the afternoon when they lost to previously winless Team Atlantic 7-3. Alberta, at 3 and 3, will probably have to beat 5 and 1 Ontario in the last draw tomorrow if they are to keep their medal hopes alive.

Nova Scotia forgot not to look down, and were hammered by Manitoba 12-1, and Northern Ontario beat up on the Winnipeg host team 14-0 in 5 ends in the morning draws. The Winnipeg host team defeated Nova Scotia 8-1 in the afternoon, and Manitoba beat Northern Ontario 8-0.

In tomorrow's final draw, Ontario get a bye to Saturday's final if they beat Alberta. BC and Manitoba also hold their fate in their own hands. Alberta and Northern Ontario must hope for losses by other teams to get a tie-break game.  

CLICK HERE for line scores

Chris Daw relives his Torino gold medal experience 3/27/2008

Long-time Team Canada skip Chris Daw, currently on leave of absence from the national program, relives his Torino Paralympic experience in an article for the Vancouver 2010 website. [read]

Armstrong the focus of Nationals local Press coverage  3/26/2008

"Champ is back in the hack - on wheels" read a Winnipeg Free Press article on the opening day's draws at the 2008 TSX Canadian Nationals.

"I've only been playing in a wheelchair all this season," Armstrong is quoted. "It is quite different (from able-bodied curling)," he went on. "The angles are different, and we do (it) from a chair with a stick from two feet, what able-bodied curlers get to do from over 20 feet. So it's definitely a challenge, but it has been like a new lease on life to me."

Canadian Nationals - Day 2  3/26/2008 

Ontario stormed to a "no defense" win in the afternoon draw of the TSX Canadian Nationals. They twice scored 4 and also stole 2 from compatriots Northern Ontario, who managed to score 7 points of their own. The 10-7 win, added to their morning 6-1 defeat of Manitoba, pushed Ontario's record to 4-0. 

Northern Ontario, in their first competition, battled back from a 4-0 deficit in their morning draw against BC to steal a 6-4 win in an extra end. 

It was BC who had the big miss in the 5th when a hit for 4 turned into a steal of 1 for Northern Ontario. Instead of being up 8-2 playing 6, Northern Ontario were within 1, and stole again to force the extra.

With skip stones remaining, BC had a rock buried on the 4 foot. Northern Ontario skip Carl Levesque tried a freeze, but came up just short of shot rock. With his second he came in-off a rock in the 12 foot to nudge BC's shot stone off the four foot, and BC skip Jim Armstrong was unable to rescue his side with a draw to the full four foot.

"We're playing a defensive game," said Northern Ontario coach Dave Kawahara, "asking the front end to put rocks in the house, realising there are going to be misses. We're really pleased to be at 2-2 with such a new team."

BC climbed back to a 2-2 record in the afternoon, blanking Manitoba 8-0 without ever having the hammer.

Nova Scotia stole 2 in the 6th to beat Atlantic 7-6 in the morning draw. Atlantic started promisingly, taking 1 with the hammer and then stealing 2. Nova Scotia tied it up with 3 in the 3rd, but gave 3 straight back before scoring two in the 5th and then stealing the win. Their run of good results was halted by Alberta, who beat them 7-3 in the afternoon, taking 4 in the 4th and bringing the match to an early end with a steal of 2 in the 5th for a 7-3 win.

Alberta are now second in the table at 3-1. They got off to a big early lead against Winnipeg in the morning draw, stealing 2 in each of the first three ends then holding on to win 7-3.

Host club side Winnipeg earned their first point, beating Atlantic 7-2 in 5 ends.

CLICK HERE for line scores

Canadian Nationals - Day 1  3/25/2008 

Manitoba and Ontario posted two wins to top the table after the first day at the 2008 TSX Canadian Nationals.

In the morning draw, Manitoba skip  Dennis Thiessen, tied at 3 and facing 1 with his last rock, drew to the four foot for a single and a 4-3 win over Alberta. In the afternoon, Manitoba twice posted a 3, and stole a 2 in a 8-3 win over Team Atlantic.

Ontario easily saw off rookies Nova Scotia 8-1 in the morning, and followed with a tight 4-2 victory over the Winnipeg host team, single steals in the 3rd and 6th providing the margin.

Nova Scotia bounced back with a deserved win in Draw 2, beating B.C. 7-5 on a steal of 4 in the 4th. BC, led by 6 time Brier competitor Jim Armstrong, opened their championship defense with a morning 9-1 win over Winnipeg. Against Nova Scotia they struggled with the draw weight and did not pick up changing ice conditions quickly enough after 3rd end break. BC had a chance to tie the game in the 6th end but missed a difficult runback

Northern Ontario outlasted fellow rookies Team Atlantic in the morning draw, scoring 3 in an extra end to win 8-5. They then faced Alberta, still smarting from a tight morning loss, who quickly amassed a 10-0 lead and shook hands after 4 ends. 

CLICK HERE for line scores

2008 TSX Canadian Nationals begin March 25th in Winnipeg  3/24/2008

Nova Scotia, Northern Ontario and a combined Atlantic team travel to Winnipeg for their first attempts at national honours. They will join two-time defending champions BC, Alberta, Ontario, Manitoba and a Winnipeg host team in the expanded 8 team field.

The returning teams have mostly familiar faces. It's Alberta's Bruno Yizek’s third championship. He won a five team Alberta playdown. Ontario's Chris Rees makes his fourth appearance after beating Chris Daw in a four team Ontario playdown. Manitoba's Chris Sobkowicz earns his fourth Bison jacket, this time exchanging positions with Dennis Thiessen and playing 3rd.

There will be a lot of interest in the performance of Jim Armstrong, a 6-time Brier competitor who has been cleared by Canadian assessors to compete in domestic competitions. He replaces last year's winning skip Darryl Neighbour, who as a Team Canada member was not eligible for this year's competition.  Jim recently won a 2 on 2 bonspiel with BC alternate Vince Miele, and skips a side with the three members of Canada's National Talent pool.

Full coverage of the Championship can be found here.

Nova Scotian Laughie Rutt profiled  3/24/2008

Laughie Rutt, who has been the driving force behind establishing wheelchair curling in Nova Scotia, is profiled by Greg Macvicar in today's Cape Breton Post. [read article]

Angie Malone skips a nail-biting win at Scottish Championship 3/23/2008

Angie Malone, long time lead for Great Britain and Scotland, but passed over for this year's Worlds, is back on the podium as she skipped her Braehead CC rink to a last rock victory over club mate Aileen Neilson.

Bob Cowan reports: It was well worth braving the snow to be at Curl Aberdeen this afternoon for one of the finest games of wheelchair curling that I've seen! The opponents in the final were the teams skipped by Angie Malone with Ian Donaldson, Gill Keith and Jim Taylor, and Aileen Neilson with Michael McCreadie, Bill Masterton and Gerald Pocock. All are members of the Braehead Wheelchair CC.

Malone counted three in the fifth to be 5-3 up coming home. She looked to have the game won, keeping the Neilson team to a single. But Aileen played a delicate takeout, squeezing past the guard to get the inside edge she wanted to wick into the four foot, for the second of the two shots she needed to force the extra end.

And when it came to the last stone of the game, Angie played a hit through a port to take out the Nielson counter for the Championship win.

CLICK HERE for results.

Wheelchair curlers throw 1st rock at 2008 Women's Worlds 3/21/2008

Sonja Gaudet and Ina Forrest, members of Team Canada 2008, shared the honour of throwing out the ceremonial first rock at the 2--8 Women's World Championships in Vernon BC today. [pictures] Linda Moore held the broom, while Lindsay Sparkes and Elaine Dag-Jackson swept the stone onto the button.

Scottish Wheelchair Curling Championships in Aberdeen  3/21/2008

The SWC Championship began today and are being staged for the first time in Aberdeen (thanks Bob Cowan). Ten teams are competing in two pools with the final on Sunday March 23rd. CLICK HERE for results.

Armstrong and Miele win Juan de Fuca 2 on 2  3/20/2008

Jim Armstrong and Vince Miele won the A event at the 2nd Annual 2 on 2 tournament at the Juan de Fuca Centre on Vancouver Island. Team Canada members Darryl Neighbour and Gary Cormack won the B event.

For event details and photos, you can download this 1 meg. Word file (large file)

Jim Armstrong on-ice coach or player in 2010 Paralympics? 3/16/2008

The prospect of ex-Brier player Jim Armstrong joining Team Canada as either an on-ice coach or player was again floated in a Times-Colonist interview during this weekend's Juan de Fuca 2 on 2 bonspiel.

"I'm not in a wheelchair 24/7 as I can get around the house with a cane, but I know the time will come when that will be my only option,'' he said. "[W]hat I bring to the table is experience and curling knowledge." [read the full interview]

Jim will be skipping BC as they defend their national championship title next week in Winnipeg.

Vancouver Island curler Corinne Jensen profiled  3/15/2008

"I was an athlete, and I was good. I lost it all," Corinne Jensen told Sharie Epp, in a Times Colonist interview. "(wheelchair curling has) given me back a sport that I lost. Read the full feature.

Corinne is the organizer of this weekend's 2 on 2 bonspiel at the Juan de Fuca complex near Victoria.

Team Manitoba get to practice on Brier ice  3/14/2008

During the break before the 1-2 game, the Manitoba wheelchair curling team had the chance to throw some rocks on Championship ice and demonstrate their skills in front of a Brier audience. It would be nice to think that one day the National Wheelchair Championship will become popular enough to command arena ice. Just remember those 14 second hog to hog times for a t-line draw when next you play at your club. [Thanks Jet Boots]

For a photo click here.

Wheelchair curling in Saskatchewan at Regina's Callie CC 3/112008

After a couple of false starts wheelchair curling is now happening Monday's in Regina. Wheelchair user Ray Hedstrom is quoted by Murray McCormick of the Leader-Post as being inspired by the Mint's 25 cent coin promotion to help organise a program. [Read the full article.]

This season's program at the Callie is finishing next Monday, but to find out more about wheelchair curling in Saskatchewan, contact Amber Holland at the Saskatchewan Curling Association.

Give-It-A-Go at Juan de Fuca (Victoria BC) March 15  3/7/2008

In conjunction with the 2nd Annual 2008 Juan de Fuca Wheelchair Curling Classic, you can go out on the ice and have instruction by some of the best curlers and coaches in Canada! Take this opportunity to meet members of the 2006 Torino Canadian Paralympic Gold Medal Team, the National Team and our own Provincial Team.

Dress warmly and all the other equipment is provided. For more information. please contact Corinne or phone (250) 478-4400.

2nd Annual Juan de Fuca 2 0n 2 Bonspiel March 15-16   3/7/2008

This second year event will feature 8 teams competing over 5 draws using a modified stick curling format. Each team member throws 3 stones, and games will be 6 ends.

Saturday draws are at 9.30am and 1 and 4 pm. Sunday draws are 10am with a championship game played for $300 in prize money played at 1 pm.

Scots skip breaks silence on dismal 2008 World's performance  3/7/2008

Two-time World Champion and current Scottish skip Michael McCreadie finally broke a month's silence on the performance of his favoured Scots at the 2008 World Championships. In a press interview he said:

"We’ve been on top for a while but it just wasn’t to be this time around and now we are down the pecking order.

“But we will learn from this experience and we will be all the more determined to do well next time around.

“The good thing is we have qualified for Vancouver 2010 and that’s what we will all be focussing on.”

[read full interview]

Calgary's Team Yizek 3-peat as Alberta champions  3/2/2008

Calgary's Bruno Yizek, with fellow National Talent  Pool member Bridget Wilson at lead, and Ann Hibberd (2nd) and Jack Smart (3rd) cruised to a third successive win at the Alberta Provincials.

Five teams, three from host Edmonton and two from Calgary, competed in the double knock-out competition. Team Nuspl, with Dwaine Shupac (3rd) Don Donaldson (2nd) and Shawna Walsh (lead) had recovered to post 2 wins after an opening loss to Yizek. In the final they gave up 3 in the 1st, and a decisive 5 in the 3rd to lose 8-2 in just 4 ends.

Don Donaldson commutes two hours each way from Whitecourt to Edmonton for a two hour weekly practice - dedication indeed.

Rees beats Daw to win Ontario playdown  3/2/2008

Chris Rees skipped his Leaside CC (Toronto) team to a 7-1 victory over Chris Daw's Bradford CC team, earning his third consecutive provincial title at the Dominion of Canada Wheelchair Championship final at the North Grenville CC in Kemptville ON. With lots of rocks in play, the Rees back-end out-executed their opponents with a mixture of draws, tap-backs and hit-and-rolls.

The Bradford team, with National Talent Pool member Ken Gregory at 3rd, Collinda Joseph at 2nd and Katie Paialunga at lead, had gone 3-0 in round robin play, and beat Richard Fraser's Ottawa team (0-3) in the semi-final.

Rees, with Carl Bax (3rd) Frank Cannarella (2nd) and Lisa Blanchard (lead) had a 1-2 round robin record, but beat Bruce Cameron's (2-1) Ottawa team in the semi. Rees' team, coached by Bob Pippy, will now compete in Winnipeg, March 25-29.

Rockin' The House Bonspiel, Collingwood ON March 8th  2/29/2008

From the press release: "Promoting inclusiveness is one goal of this event where both the able bodied and curlers with disabilities can compete together.  Included in our exciting line up of curlers is Ken Gregory, skip of the 2005 Ontario Wheelchair Champions and part of the 2010 Paralympics national talent pool." For more information visit breakingdownbarriers.org

Canadian Nationals draw schedule 2/27/2008

The draw schedule for the 2008 Nationals, to be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba March 25-29th, is available on our 2008 Nationals page.

As usual we will be carrying full information on each draw.

Team USA make front page of USA Curling Newsletter   2/27/2008

Click Here for a link to an online copy of the newsletter

Free clinic March 8th at Bowling Green, Ohio  2/25/2008

The University of Bowling Green in Ohio is offering a free wheelchair curling clinic coached by former Team USA Paralympics skip Wes Smith. Contact Marc DePerno for more information.

The outreach challenge  2/24/2008

Here's a link to a blog post from a female who was being introduced to wheelchair curling - a sport completely unfamiliar to her.

It points out a few of the challenges those of us involved in outreach face - perhaps more evident outside of Canada, where the sport is not part of winter culture.

It's also a reminder to coaches to start in the rings and work out, because if newcomers don't understand the scoring, and it is not intuitive, it will be hard to compete against sports where the format is understood. 

World Championships detailed stats book  2/24/2008

Detailed statistics for all the games played at the recent World Championships are now available from the CurlIT.com website. It is in Adobe pdf format and requires the free Adobe Reader or equivalent pdf file reader.

6th Annual Pat 'O' Reid Memorial Bonspiel results  2/18/2008

12 teams, including 2 wheelchair teams and 6 mixed competed in the event, held at the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club February 9th.  Norm Kemp from Bradford CC won, with Jim Primavera, Dave Mayes and Bonnie Mayes. Second were Brian Divell from Weston Golf and CC with Shauna Petrie, Pat Thorpe and Cheryl-Anne Hewitt. [Click Here for team photos] 

Daw skips to victory at Ontario Paralympics 2/18/2008

Ex-team Canada skip Chris Daw is back, skipping and throwing last rocks in Bradford's Team Gregory 4 end 12-0 victory over Ottawa's Team Cameron at the Ontario Paralympics in Collingwood, Ontario. Chris Rees' Toronto team took bronze when their last rock was promoted to shot by Ottawa's Team Fraser.

Five teams in Alberta playdowns  2/15/2008

Three Edmonton and two Calgary teams will compete the weekend of Feb 29-March 2nd at Edmonton's Sackville Sports Centre in a playdown for the right to represent Alberta at the 2008 Nationals.

Scots coach reports on the Worlds  2/15/2008

Tom Pendreigh reports that the Scots returned from Switzerland "battle-hardened." Their Vancouver 2010 place was assured by the points gained from their 7th place finish, courtesy of a draw-to-the-button tie-break. [read the full report]

Profile of Jacqui Kapinowski - lead on Team USA  2/14/2008

The Ashbury Park Press online has a profile by Chris Lundy of Jaqui Kapinowski, lead on the bronze medal winning Team USA. She attributes part of the team's success to its attitude. "We have a special bond," she said. [read profile]

Ontario playdowns in Ottawa Feb 28 - March 3  2/14/2008

Four teams will compete for the right to represent Ontario at the 2008 Nationals. Chris Rees (Toronto), Ken Gregory (Bradford), and Bruce Cameron and Richard Fraser (Ottawa) will skip teams at the North Grenville CC near Ottawa.

The format is a 3 game round robin followed by a playoff round. Chris Daw will play vice for Ken Gregory.

Northern Ontario will also field a team for the first time at this year's event in Winnipeg.

Jim Armstrong to lead Team BC after selection camp 2/13/2008

CurlBC coaches chose Jim Armstrong to lead TeamBC's defence of their title at the 2008 Nationals in Winnipeg in March.

The Richmond selection camp had 18 attendees, including 3 women. The team includes Whitney Warren and Frank LaBounty from Prince George and Jackie Roy and Vince Miele (alternate) from the lower mainland. The team will again be coached by Melissa Soligo.

Six-time Brier competitor Armstrong is eligible to play in Canada, although not presently under WCF eligibility rules for world play.

CurlBC forced to abandon BC Winter Games  2/13/2008

CurlBC was unable to exhort sufficient wheelchair curlers to form teams to compete at the 2008 BC Winter Games. Their original plan of zone playoffs for the right to be one of the 4 teams invited to compete, faltered when there were not enough players to form even a couple of teams.

Failure to participate in team based events may be a direct consequence of CurlBC's refusal to allow team formation and provincial playdowns to decide who goes to the Nationals. TeamBC is coach selected.

Team USA homecoming makes evening newscast  2/11/2008

WTVH Channel 5 News has video and interviews with team USA members on their return from the Worlds.  CLICK HERE for a link to the video.

Another Ursel makes the Nationals as Team Manitoba decided 2/11/2008

On the day that brother Bob claimed his Winnipeg Brier slot competing for BC, Arlene Ursel will wear a bison jacket at the Wheelchair Nationals.

Team Thiessen, with Mike Albeg, national talent pool member Chris Sobkowicz and Ursel  defeated Team Dudek in the best of three Manitoba final 8-3 and 8-4 held this weekend at the West Kildonan Curling Club. The Dudek rink will also play at the nationals as the Host team.

Atlantic teams named for Nationals  2/11/2008

Nicole Durand and Linda Scott of Dartmouth will share lead for Team Nova Scotia at the 2008 National Championships in Winnipeg this March. They're joined by John Rogers of Vaughan at 2nd, Laughlin Rutt of Lower Sackville at 3rd with Mike Fitzgerald of Enfield, an experienced curler to using a wheelchair, skipping. The team plays regularly at the Lakeshore Curling Club in Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia.

Team Atlantic has Trendal Bolivar-Hubley of Halifax at skip, Larry Henley of Upper Musquodoboit at 3rd, Keith Williams of Dartmouth at 2nd with Joanne MacDonald and Lanie Woodfine of St. John’s, Newfoundland sharing lead. 

“The east coast will be well represented by two competitive teams who have worked very hard this season to develop their skills” said Helen Radford, Manager of High Performance Development for the Nova Scotia Curling Association, who shares coaching duties with the two squads with experienced coaches Glen McClare and Doug Peck.

“While we have a couple of rookies on each squad we have experience at skip and other positions that will pair up well with the opposition we face,” Radford went on to say.  “Our only shortfall is the lack of national playing experience but both teams are sure to take other teams by surprise with their skill level”.

In 2009, the Canadian Wheelchair Curling Championships will be held in Nova Scotia at the Lakeshore Curling Club in Nova Scotia. Wheelchair curling in Nova Scotia was started as part of the Peer Program of Canadian Paraplegic Association (Nova Scotia), who still supports the development of the sport.

Extender stick pioneer Rusty Drew dead  2/6/2008

Thomas (Rusty) Drew, inventor of the Extender Stick and a patron of wheelchair  died at his home in Belleville, Ontario on February 4, 2008 after a lengthy illness. Rusty is survived by his wife Roberta and daughter Laurie. Funeral arrangements are not known at this time. Rusty was a great friend to wheelchair curlers around the world and will be greatly missed.

CCA's Stremlaw says sport should be "more inclusionary" 2/1/2008

In an interview with Al Cameron of the Calgary Herald, CCA CEO Greg Stremlaw laments comments that the present WCF rules unnecessarily exclude amputees who choose prosthetics rather than wheelchairs for their daily mobility.

"It's not cut and dry. But do I feel it needs discussion and dialogue to see how we can make it more inclusionary? Yes, I do." [read the full interview]

Worlds begin in Sursee Switzerland February 2nd.  2/1/2008

Visit our 2008 World Championships page.

The first of nine round robin draws at the 2008 World Wheelchair Curling Championships begins on Saturday, with defending champions Norway opening against qualifiers Sweden. Canada plays Italy and Scotland plays hosts Switzerland. The round robin schedule for the 2008 Worlds February 2-9 is here. See our preview.

This year's format has a significant change. There will be a Page playoff, which means that the two teams finishing with the best record in round robin play will be able to afford one playoff loss and still have a chance for a gold medal.

There's still time to enter our "Final Four" competition. List in order the teams you think will finish in the final 4 and email it HERE

There will be full coverage each day here, and you can also watch stone by stone diagrams of every draw at wwcc.curlit.com/

The International Paralympics Federation's ParalympicSport.TV will broadcast championship highlights, probably from the semi-final and final.

CLICK HERE to read the WCF news release.
CLICK HERE for the IPC news release.

Coach Thoralf Hognestad talks about Team Norway  2/1/2008

Norway coach Thoralf Hognestad spoke to us about his approach to coaching and his team's prospects at the 2008 Worlds. Here's what he had to say.

"I first watched wheelchair curling at the Torino Paralympics. I thought Norway was very unlucky to lose to Canada in the semi-final. Afterwards I was asked whether I would like to work with the team, and I became the coach. I have a full time job as a bus driver, but my employer is very understanding, as is my wife looking after my young family when I am away.

"There are only 10 or 12 competitive wheelchair curlers in Norway, and it was quite easy picking the team. Obviously none had much experience curling, but I looked for athletes with a proven record in competitive sports. All my team are experienced competitors, even if they have not been curling very long.

"We went to the Worlds in 2007 and won, and we had a string of bonspiel successes after that until the Norwegian Open, where we fielded two teams and experimented with different line-ups.

"I tell the team keep it simple! Our lineup is set and if everyone stays healthy, will play every game. The previous coach rotated the 5 players. My thinking is you go with your best 4. You don't see Randy Ferby play his 5th in an important competition.

"Will we win? We'll be happy with a medal. Nothing less. We hope to repeat last year's result.

Interview with Team Switzerland coach Nadia Röthlisberger 1/30/2008

Team Switzerland Coach Nadia Röthlisberger took some time out from preparing the home team squad at the 2008 Worlds to answer a few questions. Here, edited for this page, is what she had to say:

"The championship will be played at a hockey rink converted (to four sheets) for this event. Our team practices at the curling club in Berne, and we will not have have any more time on the Sursee ice than any other team. It will be the same for everyone.

"We are bringing a five person squad to Sursee, three men and two women. We will play the three men in the first game, and decide after each game what the team will be for the next game, depending on their health and how well they play.

"It is our goal to win the gold medal, but there are ten teams and they are all able to win the championship. It is usually not easy being the host country because everyone around the team puts pressure on them. This can be a problem and is something that as coach I have to pay attention to."

Switzerland placed 2nd behind Norway at the 2007 Worlds in Sweden. They open the 2008 campaign against Scotland on Saturday February 2nd.

All-stars at Thornhill CC (Ont) Charity Bonspiel Feb 2nd  1/30/2008

The 17th Dominion of Canada Spinal Tap Charity Bonspiel features 1998 Olympic silver medalist George Karrys, 2006 Paralympic wheelchair curling gold medalist Chris Daw, two-timer Brier and world champion Ed Werenich, Rogers SportsNet’s Rob Faulds and Leigh Armstrong and Chrissy Cadorin, who were featured in the 2007 Women of Curling calendar.

The event raises funds for the Shoot for a Cure curling campaign, funding spinal cord injury research, and promoting wheelchair curling.

Team Canada fly off to Worlds  1/29/2008

With an all-BC team and coach, at least the travel logistics to the 2008 Worlds seem simple. The team fly out from Vancouver this afternoon hoping, despite a Torino gold medal in 2006, to improve on a disappointing record under coach Joe Rea at the Worlds. They finished 4th in 2007 and 6th in 2005.

Team leader Wendy Morgan, asked whether she had any comment beyond looking forward to playing in Switzerland and playing well, said the team were "looking forward to playing to our potential and a positive experience." Pressed to describe the team's potential she said "Playing to our potential should put us in a position to be in the playoff round."

Ex-skip Chris Daw, now leading the CCA's grassroots initiative, answered: "If Canada plays to its potential, it is possible that Canada could reach the podium!"

National program director Gerry Peckham was somewhat more upbeat when asked whether he expects Canada to win: "yes....that is a distinct possibility but this team is still very much in a building stage. New player....new responsibilities and a tremendous expectation from themselves. They do have the potential to be a force on the international scene...but it is curling and anything can happen in a 6 end game...go Canada!!"

Now that's a sentiment Canadians can get behind.

Team USA "ready to take home a medal" 1/29/2008

The Utica Observer-Dispatch reports on their local curlers leaving for the 2008 World Championships in Sursee, Switzerland.

“We have a strong team of athletes and everyone is excited about this year’s competition,” team leader Marc DePerno said. “We’re ready to bring home a medal.”

Team Scotland leave for Switzerland  1/29/2008

Team Scotland fly to Switzerland today hoping to improve on their 2007 performance, when they beat Canada for bronze. Tom Killin rejoins the team this year after missing last year's tournament because of illness. Michael McCreadie will be looking for his first gold medal at skip after so many successful years playing 3rd on Frank Duffy led sides.

Scotland's first draw is against the home side Swiss on Saturday February 2nd, and their 9th and final round robin draw is against Canada.

CLICK HERE for a team photo courtesy of Tom Pendreigh via Bob Cowan

Cape Cod CC now open for wheelchair curling 1/25/2008

After four years and $470,000, Falmouth MA now has the Dave and Anne Dewees Room, the first wheelchair accessible curling iceon Cape Cod. Ex-Team USA skip Wes Smith was on hand to lead a give-it-a-go workshop to open Cape Cod CC extension.

"What Saturday’s events were truly about, though, was equal opportunity for anyone, regardless of their physical abilities, to be able to succeed in sports such as curling.

"[Wheelchair Curling] is still in its infancy stages," said Tony Colacchio, the club’s former president. "What really matters is giving those who want to excel in sports a chance. You give me a few new wheelchair curlers, and in four to five years they can go on to the Nationals, or even more. "[read the full report from barnstablepatriot.com]

WKTV Channel 2 profiles Team USA 1/25/2008

The Utica NBC affiliate has a video profile of the Team USA members, who hope their experience will this year put them onto the podium. Whether they make it or not, the Americans have a lot to teach those running Team Canada about publicity and media awareness - so vital in promoting a new sport.

Curlers included in USA Paralympics promotional video 1/23/2008

Team USA curlers Augusto Perez and Jimmy Joseph make a brief appearance towards the end of a USA Paralympics promotional video. Lick on the "Amazing Awaits" link at the top of this webpage.

Team Canada's Cormack relives Torino golden moment 1/23/2008

In an article by Monique Tamminga in the Langley Times, Team Canada's Gary Cormack relives the last rock of the Torino Paralympics and the thrill of winning. [read article]

2008 Worlds update  1/22/2008

The 2008 World Wheelchair Curling Championships begin in Sursee Switzerland on Saturday February 2nd. Coverage of the tournament will be provided by CurlIT, who write the program used by many coaches to diagram games rock by rock.

There may also be Internet television coverage from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) website. Details have yet to be finalised. The IPC has archived matches from Torino for those readers unfamiliar with how the sport is played.

Time zone differences will make for some sleepless nights for those of us on Pacific Time. While the opening draw is at 9am (Pacific) on Saturday Feb 2nd, subsequent draws are at 1am and 6.30am (Pacific). The full schedule is available here (pdf).

Team Canada leaves for Switzerland on Tuesday January 29th and are staying at the Guido A. Zäch Institute in Nottwil. They are expected to follow the approach used successfully in the Norway Open, with Gerry Austgarden skipping, Darryl Neighbour throwing last rocks, and the front end of Sonja Gaudet, Ina Forrest and Gary Cormack rotating.

Competition Update: The 'Big 4' teams, Norway, Scotland, Canada and Switzerland, are favoured in the "Pick The Final Four" competition entries but there is also some support for USA, and Korea is emerging as a dark horse candidate. So far no one has chosen Canada to win gold - perhaps because we modest Canadians were brought up to think it would be boasting to choose yourself.

Send in your entry, listing in order the teams that you think will finish 1 through 4. A prize will be awarded the entry closest to the final standings.

Clinic at Utica CC on January 20th  1/16/2008

A free wheelchair curling clinic will be held at the Utica CC in Whitesboro, NY next Sunday January 20th between 2 and 5pm. Call 315-797-3114 ext 459

BC selection camp application deadline Jan 18  1/15/2008

Applications to attend the camp from which the team to represent BC at the National Championships in Winnipeg in March will be selected, must be submitted by January 18th. CLICK HERE to download an application form. Criteria for selection have not been published.

The camp will be held in Richmond BC February 2-3 and be led by Melissa Soligo. BC are the current National Champions. Last year's team was invited to join the National Talent Pool to compete for a Team Canada spot, though it is unlikely that this year's champions will be offered a similar opportunity.

Russia beats Scotland in final pre-Worlds warm-up  1/14/2008

Bob Cowan reports that Russia beat Scotland in an eight team field competing for the 2nd Annual Identa Wheelchair Cup this past weekend in Schwenningen, Germany. Scotland, playing without Tom Killin, struggled early on unusually heavy ice, but came back from a 4-0 semi-final deficit against Switzerland before losing in the final. Sweden beat Switzerland for 3rd place. CLICK HERE for a collection of 307 photos from the event.

Update: Russia, stole 5 in the 3rd end of their 8-4 semi-final win over Sweden. They then faced Scotland, who stole 3 in the last end of their 6-4 defeat of Switzerland I in the other semi-final.  Russia took 1st place on a steal of 2 in the second end, beating Scotland 7-4. Sweden beat Switzerland I by a score of 6-3 to take 3rd place. [Click here for line scores of post round-robin matches - xls format]

CurlBC provides cash incentive for BC Winter Games curlers  1/11/2008

Faced with a refusal by wheelchair curlers to again sleep on cots in a gym, CurlBC has agreed to a $3000 accommodation subsidy if sufficient players and coaches agree to attend the BC Winter Games in Kimberley-Cranbrook February 21st-24th.

The Games, designed primarily for teens and young adults, waived age restrictions to allow wheelchair curling. Curl BC has promoted the event as an opportunity for team formation and competition, in lieu of the chance to compete as teams for a Provincial championship. Brave talk of district playdowns for the right to attend the Games has however given way to a desperate search for bodies to form the minimum four teams (each require a Level 2 coach).

Anyone interested in competing should contact the CurlBC office.

Clinic at Cape Cod CC in Falmouth MA on January 19th  1/8/2008

Wes Smith, skip of Team USA at the 2006 Torino Paralympics, will be leading a free  wheelchair curling clinic taking place at the Cape Cod Curling Club in Falmouth, MA, on January 19th. Contact Tony Colacchio for more information.

Cameron still stirring the eligibility pot 1/4/2008

Calgary Herald columnist Al Cameron, reflecting unofficial CCA opinion, is once again stirring the pot on player eligibility.  While ostensibly talking about amputees (these are the so far phantom foreign amputee cheaters using wheelchairs to negatively impact Canada's chance of winning medals) his agenda is to press Jim Armstrong's claim to a place on Team Canada. In this blog entry he recounts an interview with WCF president Les Harrison.

Watch Harrison calmly and clearly state the eligibility rules and their rational in this YouTube interview.

Profile of Marc DePerno - team leader for Team USA  1/4/2008

"Marc DePerno ’00, adjunct lecturer of health studies, has been named co-chair of the United States Curling Association Adaptive Curling Committee. DePerno will be responsible for developing wheelchair curling programs throughout the country, working to improve and educate existing programs, and developing a long-term plan to ensure the success of the program on a national scale." [read Ami Olson's full profile]

For earlier news
April 29, 2007 - December 31, 2007
September 2005 - April 13, 2007