Team Nova Scotia training camp held  12/31/2007

Chris Daw led a high performance clinic this weekend for players in Nova Scotia's provincial talent pool. Six men (John Rogers, Mike Fitzgerald, Laughie Rutt, Larry Henley, Trendall Hubley-Bolivar and Keith Williams) and two women (Nicole Durand and Linda Scott) attended, five of whom will be selected at a camp planned for January 20th. This will be the first year that a team from Atlantic Canada has competed at the Canadian Nationals, hosted this year in Winnipeg in March.

Ontario Paralympic Winter Championships Feb 15-17  12/31/2007

Collingwood ON, celebrating its sesquicentennial, will host the 2008 Ontario Paralympic Winter Championships from February 15-17th. For information about participating in the wheelchair curling event, contact Tom Ward at the Ontario Curling Association 1-866-800-7293.

2008 Worlds schedule Canada/Scotland in final draw 12/28/ 2007

The schedule for the 2008 Worlds February 2-9 is here [pdf  or  xls]

Canada open against Italy, and face World champions Norway in Draw 6. They finish against Scotland. Norway opens against Sweden and Scotland opens against hosts Switzerland.

Current champions Norway had a winning season until upset by Canada at the Norway Open, perhaps because they experimented with spilt squads. They had a perfect round robin record at the recent Richmond BC spiel, before fading in the play-offs when they did not adjust to very swingy ice.

Scotland have a very experienced team with Michael McCreadie returning as skip. He is sure to be less nervous this time round, having finished 3rd last year. Scotland won the Utica and Richmond spiels on their warm-up tour.

Canada have never won the Worlds and have failed to medal in the last two championships under coach Joe Rea. He makes one personnel change from last year; Darryl Neighbour comes in for long-time skip Chris Daw, and will probably throw 4th stones with Gerry Austgarden skipping from 3rd position. Ina Forrest looks likely to claim a spot on the ice this year after sitting out the 2007 event, which leaves Gary Cormack and Sonja Gaudet, both Paralympics gold medallists, to fight for the 4th spot, probably at lead. This is a very confident squad who know each other well, and played together while winning the Norway Open in November.

Switzerland finished second to Norway at the last Worlds, and had the same result at the early season Prague Bonspiel. They are on home ice, so can't be counted out. And of course USA, Japan, Russia, Korea, Sweden or Italy could get hot at the right time and ride a winning streak into the final.

Who do you think will be in the final 4 at the 2008 Worlds? Write in your selections (in order) and email to eric@wheelchaircurling.com and we'll come up with a prize on February 9th for the first correct entry.
 
This year's tournament has a Page playoff, an advantage to the two teams who perform best during the 9 draw round robin, as they will be allowed one play-off defeat before losing their opportunity to play in the final. Previously, #1 played #4 and #2 played #3, the winners playing in the final and the losers playing for bronze.

Halifax NS clinic this weekend led by Chris Daw  12/27/ 2007

A reminder that the clinic will be hosted by Curl Atlantic and the CCA in Halifax at Lakeshore Curling Club from Dec. 28-30, 2007. Chris Daw will be the lead instructor and will be focussing on preparing the players for the upcoming Nationals in March. It is the first time that teams will be sent from the Atlantic region.

Friday, Dec. 28th  1-5pm On-ice and off-ice tech review and strategy
Saturday, Dec. 29th  10-4pm On-ice and off-ice skills and strategy
Sunday, Dec. 30th 10am-1pm On-ice open session with Chris

Team USA featured on USCA's newsletter  12/27/ 2007

The United States Curling Association is actively promoting their national wheelchair curling team and features them, with team photo, on the front page of their email newsletter. [CLICK HERE] Americans interested in learning more about wheelchair curling and how their club can get involved, should contact Team USA coach Steve Brown.

(We'll publish a photo of Team Canada as soon as one is available.)

Happy Holidays to you all  12/24/ 2007

I'd like to extend my best wishes to our readers for Happy Christmas and a successful New Year. I'd like to especially thank those of you who made a donation towards the costs of running this site. Your contributions help keep wheelchaircurling.com independent and advertising free.

If you find the information here interesting and informative, please consider clicking this link, and making a donation in any amount.

See you on the ice - Eric Eales

CurlBC seeks volunteer coach for BC Provincial team  12/24/ 2007

Applications are invited for the position of a volunteer coach for BC's wheelchair curling team that will be selected to attend the National Championships in Winnipeg in March. Duties will include running the provincial selection camp in Richmond Feb 2-3 and two post camp training sessions. Deadline is January 2nd. [more information PDF or WORD]

BC are the current National Champions coached in 2007 by Melissa Soligo. Eight teams are expected to compete at this season's championship.

Darryl Neighbour to be honoured at BC Premier Athletic Awards 12/24/ 2007

Team Canada member Darryl Neighbour has been chosen to receive a BC Premier's Athletic Award. Each year, the top male and female athlete in each of the 45 sports in the B.C. Athlete Assistance Program are honoured by the Premier and Minister responsible for Sport for their commitment to excellence, hard work and determination to leave their mark on sport in British Columbia.

Although Darryl would be the first to admit he is fortunate to have the time to devote to playing and promoting his sport, he has been a stalwart of the BC wheelchair curling community from its beginnings. He plays in three weekly leagues, practices and helps run the drop-in sessions for recreational curlers, and has always been willing to attend clinics and demonstrations across the Province.

This award is richly deserved. The ceremony takes place the morning after he returns home from the World Championships in Switzerland, so perhaps he'll attend wearing a gold medal.

Predict Team USA's Worlds finish  12/20/ 2007

Take the poll on the USA Curling Association's website for where you think Team USA will finish at the 2008 Worlds. They finished in 6th with a 5-5 record on Sweden last year. CLICK HERE for the poll - on the right side of the page.

Team Scotland 2008 announced  12/20/ 2007

The team that will represent Scotland at the 2008 Worlds was announced today (thanks Bob Cowan). Scottish Champion Rosemary Lenton replaces Angie Malone on an otherwise internationally experienced team of Michael McCreadie, Tom Killin, Aileen Neilsen and Jim Sellar. [link to Frank Duffy's SWCA announcement]

Official CCA press release on Team Canada 2008 12/20/ 2007

The CCA has finally got around to issuing a press release about 2008 team selection in their inimitable "just the facts" police bulletin style. Click here to read.

Madison WI hosts clinic January 4th  12/19/ 2007

"The Madison Curling Club will host a free wheelchair curling outreach clinic and exhibition from 1-3:30 p.m. on Jan. 4.  All members of Team USA will be on hand to act as instructors on and off the ice to help develop wheelchair curling programs.

6th Annual Pat "O" Reid Memorial Bonspiel Feb 9th  12/19/ 2007

This one day event will be held at the Toronto Cricket, Skating and Curling Club - 2 games plus dinner. Read flier [pdf] or [Word]

News from Nova Scotia  12/19/ 2007

Chris Daw will be leading a preparation camp on December 28th for Atlantic curlers as part of the preparations for the 2008 Nationals. It will be held at the Lakeshore CC in Lower Sackville. Both Nova Scotia and a mixed Atlantic Canada team are expected to compete in Winnipeg next March. There is a social curling session at the same location every Monday at 6.15 pm. 

Lack of team ego "big" for coach Rea  12/18/ 2007

Team Canada coach Joe Rea told the Vancouver Sun that he really likes the team he will take to the 2008 Worlds.

"There isn't an ego on the team and from a coaching perspective, that's a huge thing for me." [read full article]

CCA's Peckham proud of Team Canada selection process 12/16/ 2007

The head of Canada's wheelchair curling program, aware that Team Canada 2008 looking like Team BC was likely to raise some eyebrows, was at pains to stress the integrity of the selection process in an interview with wheelchaircurling.com.

 "I told the 13 members of the National Talent Pool at the start of the season, that they would have an equal opportunity to win a place on Team Canada 2008," said Gerry Peckham.

Each pool player was assessed in three areas; their stats in competition and in drills (40%), coach assessments (50%), and review by their peers (10%).

"When the numbers were added up," he said, "to our surprise, the players ranked in the same order in every area. I am proud of the integrity of the selection process."

Although five have been selected to compete at the 2008 Worlds, Peckham hopes to have the money to keep the entire squad involved in some capacity in the run-up to the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics. A pre-Worlds training camp has been arranged for January, when the team will be joined by pool members Chris Sobkowicz, Whitney Warren, and Jackie Roy plus competition consultant Jim Armstrong.

Peckham made a point of saying that it is possible new faces will be added to the squad, though the most likely change perhaps is a WCF reclassification of presently ineligible Jim Armstrong if his already compromised mobility erodes to the point where he requires a wheelchair for daily mobility.

Venue for 2009 Nationals set 12/16/ 2007

The 2009 Canadian National Championships will be held at the Lower Sackville Curling Club in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The club had a recent reprieve from a threat of closure, and is one of the few fully accessible venues in Atlantic Canada. Nova Scotia and a combined Atlantic Provinces team will compete for the first time in the 2008 Nationals in Winnipeg next March.

Vancouver Sun articles highlight Canadian squad  12/16/ 2007

Click HERE to read a profile of Jim Armstrong, and comments about the WCF classification controversy.

Click HERE to read  an article about how competition to play on Team Canada has increased

All BC Team Canada 2008 goes to Worlds without Chris Daw 12/15/ 2007

An all-BC Team Canada will compete in the 2008 Worlds in February in Sursee, Switzerland. It will also be the first time Torino gold medal skip Chris Daw is not on the team. 

Coach Joe Rea selected the team that won the Norwegian Open bonspiel in November. Gerry Austgarden, Gary Cormack, and Sonja Gaudet all won gold in Torino, and Ina Forest joined them on the 2007 Worlds team. Darryl Neighbour replaces Daw. The eight remaining National Talent Pool (NTP) members are now free to compete for spots on their Provincial teams at the Canadian Nationals, March 22-30th in Winnipeg.

Daw, who receives a monthly stipend as one of Canada's five wheelchair curling carded athletes, has been the face of Canadian wheelchair curling from its inception in 2001. Five days ago he asked that he not be considered for selection, and requested a "temporary leave of absence" from the NTP through the end of the season. He cited personal reasons as well as increasing demands on his time as Development Coordinator for the CCA's Discover Curling initiative.

"This is entirely his decision and I have nothing else to say," said assistant coach Wendy Morgan, uncomfortable that the news broke before an official CCA statement sometime next week. Chris has been competing in Richmond all week and was unavailable for comment.

Daw is a multi-sport Paralympian, and the last of the original Ontario curlers recruited to represent Canada at the 2002 World Championships. He won silver and bronze medals at the Worlds before leading Canada to the first ever Paralympics gold medal in wheelchair curling in Torino in 2006.

His decision removed a potential headache for Team Canada selectors who had said that the 13 NTP curlers would have an equal opportunity to make the 2008 team based on their current contributions. Daw's lack of form at the  2007 Worlds. where Canada placed 4th, appeared to carry over into this season, and personal commitments prevented him from attending two Team Canada training camps.

While Chris' competitive fire has always impressed and occasionally intimidated opponents and team mates, it has also seemed increasingly out of synch with the non-confrontational personal style of most of the current squad. He has left open the possibility that he will fight to regain his place next season, but that might be easier said than done given the likelihood that the NTP will shrink next year.

Great Britain win Richmond Cashspiel - Day 4  12/15/ 2007

Click Here for event photos

Final Standings
1. Great Britain - $2800
2. Canada3  -  $1400
3. Canada1  -  $800
4. Norway    -  $400
5. Canada2
6. Scotland
Tie 7th Vancouver Island and Richmond

The Canadians pooled their prize money and split it between the 14 players.

Great Britain broke open a 3-3 tie with steals in the 5th and 6th ends to beat Gary Cormack's Canada3. Norway, unbeaten n the round robin continued their final day fade, losing to Chris Daw's Canada1.

Final draw results
Great Britain 7-3 Canada3
Canada1  7-2  Norway
Canada2  5-2  Scotland
Richmond and Vancouver Island did not play.

Semi-finals
Unbeaten Norway faced 4th place Canada3, skipped by Gary Cormack, in their semi-final and were soundly beaten 8-1 giving up steals in the first 3 ends and a 4 spot in end 6.

In the other semi-final, Jim Armstrong skipped and Chris Daw threw last rocks in their 5-6 defeat by Michael McCreadie's Great Britain side.

Semi-final results
Norway  1-8  Canada3
Great Britain  6-5  Canada1

Other games
Richmond  4-12  Canada2
Scotland  7-2  Vancouver Island

Richmond BC International Cashspiel - Day 3  12/14/ 2007

In the final round robin draw, Canada1 bounced back from the disappointment of their Norway defeat to beat Scotland 5-4. Steals of 1 in the 3rd and 3 in the 4th carried them through despite giving up a steal in the final end.

Norway finished unbeaten, regaining their concentration againt Vancouver Island after giving up steals in the first two ends.

Draw 6 Results
Great Britain 4-7 Canada3
Canada1  5-4  Scotland
Norway  4-3  Vancouver Island
Canada2  3-6  Richmond

In the earlier draw Norway beat Canada1 in the showdown between the unbeaten teams. In a game of singles, Norwegian steals in the 3rd, 4th and 5th proved decisive. Canada2 beat Canada3 on a 6th end steal, and Great Britain needed all of their steal of 5 in the 1st to beat Scotland 6-5.

Draw 5 Results
Norway 6-4 Canada1
Canada2  5-4  Canada3
Richmond  2-6  Vancouver Island
Scotland  5-6  Great Britain

Richmond BC International Cashspiel - Day 2  12/13/ 2007

Norway and Canada1 remain unbeaten in their first 4 games. Norway took 2 in the final end against Canada2 to win the morning draw, and then stole their way to a comfortable win over Scotland.

Chris Daw's Canada1 team beat Canada3 by stealing 2 in ends 5 and 6, and then posted a 5 in the 2nd against Vancouver Island on their way to their second win. Norway play Canada1 Friday afternoon.

Draw 3 results
Norway 6-5  Canada2
Richmond 4-5 Great Britain
Canada1  6-4  Canada3
Scotland  4-6  Vancouver Island

Draw 4 results
Canada1 8-4 Vancouver Island
Canada2  3-7  Great Britain
Norway 6-3  Scotland
Richmond  3-12  Canada3

Teams for Richmond Cashspiel  12/12/ 2007

Canada 1 - Chris Daw, Ken Gregory, Bruno Yizek, Jackie Roy, Jim Armstrong
Canada 2 - Gerry Austgarden, Chris Sobkowicz, Sonja Gaudet, Whitney Warren
Canada 3 - Darryl Neighbour, Gary Cormack, Frank Labounty, Ina Forrest, Bridget Wilson
Great Britain - Michael McCreadie, Aileen Nielson, Tom Killin, Elaine Lister
Scotland - Jim Sellar, Rosemary Linton, Angie Malone, Jackie Clayton
Norway - Rune Lorensten, Geir Arne Skogstad, Jostein Stordahl, Lene Tystad, Trine Fissum
Richmond - Jim Shannon, Vince Miele, Rich Green, Samantha Siu
Vancouver Island - Jim Miller, Cyril Kinakin, Roy Crawford, Corinne Jensen

CLICK HERE for event schedule

Richmond BC International Cashspiel - Day 1  12/12/ 2007

Richmond CC is this week hosting the most competitive field of curlers ever seen in Canada. Three teams from Canada's National Talent pool are competing against Great Britain, winners last week in Utica, world champions Norway, Scotland, and club sides from Vancouver Island and Richmond.

Norway got off to a quick start, beating Canada3 and Great Britain in their opening draws, and despite having only the 6th best "skills" result, were also credited with a win over Richmond in draw 3.

Canada 1, with Chris Daw at skip, and Scotland also won their first two draws, though losing their draw 3 "skills" match-ups. 

Draw 1 Results
Great Britain 6-5 Vancouver Island
Canada1  7-4  Canada2
Scotland 6-3 Richmond
Norway 5-3  Canada3

Draw 2 Results
Canada1  7-3  Richmond
Canada3  7-5  Vancouver Island
Scotland 5-4  Canada2
Norway 8-3  Great Britain

Skills Competition

Norway over Richmond
Canada3 over Scotland
Canada2 over Vancouver Island
Great Britain over Canada1

Team USA chosen for 2008 Worlds   12/12/ 2007

After a try-out camp and two successful bonspiels, the USA team for the 2008 Worlds has been announced. The all New York squad of Augusto Perez (East Syracuse), James Pierce (North Syracuse) and James Joseph (New Hartford) with alternate Robert Prenoveau (Chittenango) have all competed in past Worlds and Paralympics. Newcomer Jacqueline Kapinowski (Point Pleasant) began curling this fall. [read detailed press release]

See larger Team USA photo HERE

Team Canada 2008 to be announced December 15th  12/11/ 2007

The five members chosen to represent Team Canada at the 2008 World Championships in Switzerland will be announced at a post bonspiel National Talent Pool dinner on Saturday December 15th.

Big money on the line at Richmond International Cashspiel 12/11/ 2007

Eight teams will be competing for almost $5,500 in prizes at the Richmond Open International cashspiel taking place Wednesday through Saturday December 12-15th. The 13 Canadian National Talent Pool members plus Jim Armstrong, will be allocated over three Canadian teams, and will play against Great Britain, Scotland, Norway and BC club sides from Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.

The event is being hosted by the Richmond Committee On Disability, with funding from the Rick Hansen Foundation, BC Gaming and various Richmond organizations.

The format will be a 6 draw round robin with a special "skills" event taking the place of the 7th draw. Semi-finals and finals are Saturday December 15, 9am and 1pm. Admission is free. Results will be posted here when available.

Marpole CC cuts ribbon on new elevator  12/11/ 2007

Marpole Curling Club joins Richmond CC as clubs in the lower mainland having elevator access to their upstairs lounge. Both clubs have very active wheelchair programs, and wheelchair users will now be able to buy their vanquished league opponents a customary drink after their games.

BC is fortunate to have or have planned fully wheelchair accessible clubs in all regions of the Province. Both Vernon and Kelowna CC have advanced plans for elevator access to their lounges this season, and Prince George has had a stair climber for several years now.

Northern Ontario to compete in 2008 Nationals in Winnipeg 12/10/ 2007

Northern Ontario have confirmed they will be sending a team to the 2008  Canadian Nationals in Winnipeg MB. Curl Atlantic is also expected to field a combined team, joining current champions BC, and Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario in a 6 team field.

Channel 10 NY has video and interviews from Utica NY  12/09/ 2007

The television cameras were at the Utica International Speile and taped interviews with USA coach Steve Brown and USA Paralympian Jimmie Joseph. Read the account and watch the video HERE.

Great Britain take Utica International Bonspiel  12/09/ 2007

Great Britain, with Michael McCreadie, Rosemary Linton, Jim Sellar and Elaine Lister, won their final two draws to take first place in Utica. Norway beat USA I in Draw 6 and edged out the Americans for 2nd place. Previously unbeaten Bradford faded on the final day and an inexperienced Team Canada squad struggled all tournament, posting just 2 wins and a tie.

Draw 6 Results
USA I  5-7 Norway
Great Britain  7-5  Ottawa
Scotland  9-3  Bradford
Canada  6-5  USA II

Draw 7 Results
USA II  1-10  Ottawa
Norway  5-4  Scotland
USA I  6-2  Bradford
Great Britain  7-2  Canada

Final standings after 7 draws  (2 points win, 1 point tie)

Utica International Bonspiel - Day 2  12/08/ 2007

A club side from Bradford ON, with substitute skip Chris Daw filling in for Ken Gregory who is playing on the Team Canada squad, is the only unbeaten team after 5 draws.

Draw 3 Results
USA II  5 - 2 Scotland
Great Britain 5 - 5  USA I
Bradford  5 - 5  Canada
Ottawa  1 - 8  Norway

Draw 4 Results
Scotland  9 - 1  Ottawa
USA I  11 - 0  Canada (4 ends)
USA II  3 - 5  Bradford
Great Britain  5 - 4  Norway

Draw 5 Results
Scotland 4 - 9 Canada
USA I  15 - 1  Ottawa
Great Britain  3 - 4  Bradford
Norway 6 - 4  USA II

Easter Seals gets kids onto the ice in Newfoundland 12/08/ 2007

Chris Noseworthy of The Western Star reports that Easter Seals coordinator Jeff Young, inspired by a program out of St. Johns,  is working with the Corner Book CC to get kids out onto the ice.  “The kids had fun which is the main thing. It is something different and not a lot of kids have access to curling, especially kids with physical challenges.....Right now we have four kids out and hopefully this grows,” he said. “Even if we can get six or eight kids out it will be fun. They can come out and play against each other as long as they are enjoying themselves.” [read article]

Utica International Bonspiel - Day 1  12/07/ 2007

National squads from Norway, Scotland, Great Britain, Canada, USA and domestic teams from Bradford and Ottawa ON are competing in Utica NY this weekend. The Team Canada squad are Bruno Yizek and Bridget Wilson (AB) Frank Labounty and Jackie Roy (BC) and Ken Gregory (ON). Chris Daw is skipping the Bradford ON team.

The format is a 7 draw round robin.

Draw 1 Results
Scotland 5-4 USA I
Great Britain 8-4 USA II
Ottawa 6-4 Canada
Bradford 4-2 Norway

Draw 2 Results
Scotland 4 - 6 Great Britain
USA I  11-1  USA II
Bradford 10 - 1  Ottawa
Norway 6 - 3  Canada

Relive the Torino Games online 12/07/ 2007

Reader Michael Fitzgerald reminds me that there is an archive of five matches from the Torino Paralympics available online. You can relive the celebrations or the agonies of that gold medal last rock by CLICKING HERE. (Problems? CLICK HERE for instructions)

Although execution has improved and successful tactics have changed in the couple of years since Torino, the archived games will give anyone unfamiliar with the sport a sense of what happens on the ice.

$5,500 at stake at Richmond BC International Cashspiel  12/05/ 2007

The richest prize pool in the history of wheelchair curling is on offer at the Richmond BC Curling Club December 12 to 15th. Eight teams including Great Britain, Scotland, Norway and the entire Canadian national talent pool squad, plus two BC club teams, will compete for a purse of almost $5,500.

This is the most competitive field of curlers ever to play in Canada. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. For more information contact Vince Miele (604-341-3961) Chair of the Richmond Committee On Disability host committee (604-232-2404)

 Curl Atlantic hosts provincial team preparation camp  12/04/ 2007

Curl Atlantic is hosting a training camp December 28-30 at the Lakeshore Curling Club in Halifax with a view to creating a team that will represent Atlantic Canada at the 2008 Nationals in Winnipeg.  Chris Daw will be the lead instructor for sessions that will cover on and off ice skills and strategy.

Curl Atlantic is charged with advancing curling throughout New Brunswick, Newfoundland/Labrador, Nova Scotia and PEI. Participation in the Atlantic Provinces has suffered from a lack of accessible curling ice, but the recent reprieve of the Lakeshore Club from the budget axe will, it is hoped, lead to the region's first participation in national competition. Contact Helen Radford for more information.

Big turnout at Thunder Bay ON try-out 12/03/ 2007

The Source, Thunder Bay's Community newspaper reported "several dozen" participants at Saturday's Give-It-A-Go day, organized by David Kawahara of the TBCA. ''I've been a longtime curler and I have friends and family who have disabilities. and I think it was just something I wanted to do," he said. [read more]

Chris Daw, the CCA's roving development coordinator for the TSX sponsored Discover Curling initiative, was on hand to give lessons and talk strategy. The hope is to expand the current field of four Provinces to 6 or more at the 2008 Nationals in Winnipeg, and a Northern Ontario team is a possibility.

Americans repeat win at 3rd Annual Cathy Kerr Bonspiel December 3rd, 2007

Goose Perez from Utica NY with Jimmy Joseph, Jim Pierce and new comer Jacqui Kapinowski, scored a repeat victory in Saturday's 3rd Annual Cathy Kerr Bonspiel in the RA Centre in Ottawa. Ken Gregory's Bradford ON team placed 2nd and the the other Team USA squad took 3rd.

Aaron Wong-Sing took the recreational division  helped out by team mates Laurie Alphonse at third, second Joanna Bos and lead George Simpson. A banquet and presentation of the cash prizes rounded out the day.

Ontario Championships in Kemptville Feb 28-Mar 1   December 3rd, 2007

The Dominion Of Canada Wheelchair Championships will be held over 4 dys, Feb 26 to March 1st in Kemptville, near Ottawa. Go to the OCA website for entry forms or contact Tom Ward for more information. Entry deadline in Jan 28th.

New recruits from Nanaimo Give-it-a-go Daily News - November 29th, 2007

From Daily News - Krista Clarke: As soon as Paul Gorcak rolled out onto the sheet of ice a flood of great memories came back to him.

The 51-year-old pushed his first rock in 26 years at the Nanaimo Curling Club during its 'Have A Go Day' on Thursday.

Gorcak use to be a passionate curler, but he gave up the sport he loved in 1981 after a car accident in 1981 left him a paraplegic. Yesterday, a visit from Vancouver paraplegic curler Darryl Neighbour relit his passion.

Bringing his passion for curling to Nanaimo and other communities is [Neighbour's] way to give back to the sport that has given him so much fun over the year.

"I want to showcase it as best as I can so show how easy the game is to play for anyone in a wheelchair." [read article]

Canada National Talent Pool photos - November 29th, 2007

The CCA website has photos and brief bios of the current members of the National Wheelchair/Paralympics Talent Pool members. [CLICK HERE] Though there was some confusion about whether ex-Brier competitor Jim Armstrong had actually become a squad member (he is currently a "competition consultant") his photo had appeared on an earlier version of the same page [CLICK HERE]

3rd Annual Cathy Kerr Bonspiel in Ottawa - November 29th, 2007

The 3rd Annual Cath Kerr Bonspiel will take place on Saturday December 1st at the RA Curling Centre in Ottawa ON. Five competitive teams, the Team USA squad and teams from Ottawa and Bradford ON, plus two Ottawa recreational sides will compete for $1,350 in prize money. First draw is 11 am.

USA picks 8 for final pool after trials  11/28/2007

Thirteen athletes from California, Nevada, Wisconsin, Texas, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York competed at the Utica CC National Trials. Based on the participants’ performance with skill shots and game play, eight athletes were selected for the national team. Six were from New York; James Pierce and Augusto Perez (Syracuse) James Joseph (New Hartford) Bob Prenoveau (Chittenango) Tammy Delano (Rome) and Jacqui Kapinowski (Point Pleasant). Also chosen were Patrick McDonald (Orangevale CA) and Roy Heathcoat (Franklin WI)

They will compete on December 1st at the Cathy Kerr Memorial Bonspiel in Ottawa, Canada and also participate in the U.S. Open International Bonspiel December 7-9, after which the 5 members of Team USA 2008 will be selected.

Saskatchewan planning wheelchair program  11/26/2007

The Saskatchewan Curling Association has organized an information meeting for wheelchair curlers at Wascana Rehabilitation Center in Regina on November 29th. This will be followed by two on-ice sessions in December prior to forming a league or development program in the new year. For more information contact Amber Holland at tdsca@sasktel.net

USA Trials in Utica NY - 11/24/2007

Thirteen American athletes were expected to attend the trials for Team USA 2008, taking place today at the Utica Curling Club (NY). CLICK HERE for some photos.

Winter Games preparation camp in Victoria BC - Dec 9th  - 11/23/2007

Juan De Fuca CC is holding a camp for teams preparing for the BC Winter Games in Kimberly-Cranbrook next February 21-24, 2008. CurlBC is hoping there will be sufficient entries to warrant regional playdowns for the right to participate at the Winter Games, the only opportunity BC curlers have to compete as a self-selected team. For more information including registration deadlines CLICK HERE.

Thunder Bay ON wheelchair camp Dec 1st.  11/23/2007

Torino gold medal skip Chris Daw will be running a one day wheelchair curling camp in Thunder Bay on Saturday December 1st. as part of the TSX sponsored CCA Discover Curling tour. [full details]

Paralympic Winter World Cup 2009 in Sweden  11/23/2007

The International Paralympic Committee announced an agreement to hold a Paralympic World Cup event in Solleftea, Sweden, in 2009 and 2011. Sanctioned by the IPC, all five Paralympic Winter sports will be showcased over a week of competition. [read the announcement]

Canada win in Norway 11/18/2007

Final Standings
1. Canada
2. Russia II
3. Norway I
4. Scotland II
5. Sweden
6. Scotland I
7. Norway II
8. Russia I

Norwegian Open - Day 2  11/17/2007

Scotland II (3-0) scored 5 in the 4th in a 9-5 win over Sweden in Draw 3, to finish round robin play with the only unbeaten record in either pool. Qualifying with them in Pool A were Norway I (1-2) who beat Russia I (1-2) by 6-5 in Draw 3, and claimed the tie-break.

In Pool B Canada (2-1) overcame a shaky start on Friday by beating Russia II (2-1) in the morning draw 5-3. A steal of 3 in the 2nd provided the margin. Canada beat Scotland I (1-2) in Draw 3, stealing 2 in the 3rd and 4 in the 4th en route to a 7-4 win and a place in tomorrow's medal rounds. [Full results HERE]

Sunday draws

Norwegian Open - Day 1  11/16/2007

Canada got off to a rocky start in the first draw of the five nation Norwegian Open in Oslo, losing 7-1 to Norway II. Steals of 3 in the 2nd and 1 in the 3rd sealed their fate. Norway I  had an impressive string of victories over several competitions come to an end when they lost 7-6 to Sweden. Though they scored singles in four of the six ends, they gave up 3 spots in the 2nd and 4th.

Scotland II pounded Russia I talking 4 in the 1st and finishing with steals of 3 and 2 to win 11-4. Scotland I lost 7-6 to Russia II again giving up big ends, a 4 in the 2nd, and 3 in the final end. [Full results HERE]

5 nations entered in Norwegian Open November 16 - 18 11/11/2007

Norway, Scotland, and Russia (each sending two teams) and a Canada squad plus recent World's qualifiers Sweden will compete in the Norwegian Open next weekend

Canada is sending an all BC squad of Gerry Austgarden, Gary Cormack, Ina Forrest, Sonja Gaudet and Darryl Neighbour, who replaces Chris Daw on the team that represented Canada at the 2007 World Championships. A different squad will compete in Utica NY in early December, by which time each member of the national talent pool will have had the chance to play in an international bonspiel before the 2008 Worlds team selection is announced December 10th. CLICK HERE for an event schedule (pdf)

Sweden and Italy qualify for 2008 World's 11/09/2007

Sweden, hosts in 2007, and Torino hosts Italy won tie-breaks to qualify for the 2008 World's after round robin play left Denmark, Germany, Italy and Sweden with 6-2 records.

In the final draw, Denmark, the only team in sole charge of their fate, fell to Sweden despite a steal of 4 and a 6-2 lead after 4 ends. Sweden took 3 in the 5th, stole 1 to tie in the 6th, and then stole 4 more in the extra end to win 10-6.

Italy survived a steal of 3 in the final end to squeak past the Czechs to earn their tie-break chance. Germany scored 4 in the 2nd to beat fast fading England 8-3 for the final tie-break slot.

In the tie-breaks, Sweden crushed Germany 10-2, scoring 5 in the 4th and adding steals in the final two ends. Denmark, leaders throughout the tournament, fell to Italy who broke a 4-4 tie scoring 2 with the hammer in the final end.  Full results here.

Sweden and Italy join Norway, Switzerland, Scotland, Canada, Japan, USA, Korea and Russia at the 2008 World Championships in Sursee, Switzerland next February.

World's Qualifying Day 4  11/08/2007

It will come down to the last draw (and possibly two rounds of tie-breakers) before we'll know who has qualified for the 2008 World's final two slots.

Denmark are sure of a place if they beat Sweden in tomorrow's final draw. A Sweden win guarantees them at least a tie-break. England faded to two defeats today and with 3 losses must now beat Germany and look for help from Danes, and the Czechs who play contenders Italy tomorrow. Full results here.

Armstrong at Canada camp as consultant, using wheelchair 11/08/2007

Despite being declared ineligible for WCF competition, ex-Brier skip Jim Armstrong will continue to work with the Canadian National Talent Pool, and attended last weekend's Richmond BC training camp as a competition consultant. He worked with the squad from a wheelchair and has also spared for Vancouver area wheelchair teams in their league games against able-bodied opposition.

There has been no public CCA announcement or recognition of the debate that Armstrong's presence stirred. Team Canada coaches consider the matter closed and Armstrong's role no longer an issue.

World's Qualifying Day 3  11/07/2007

England had a mixed day, losing 6-5 to Poland in the morning before stealing their way to a 7-4 victory over previously unbeaten Denmark in the afternoon draw.

Denmark and England at 5-1 and Germany at 4-1 are favourites to qualify, but Italy and Sweden are still alive with 2 losses.  Newcomers China and Finland have yet to record a win. Full box scores HERE.

World's Qualifying Day 2  11/06/2007

Denmark and England are the only undefeated teams after two days of competition. Denmark had an easy win over Poland in the morning draw, but gave up a steal of 3 to newcomers China in the 6th before winning 6-5 in an extra end.

England beat the Czechs in the morning despite giving up 4 in the 1st end. They stole 2 in the 3rd and 4 in the 4th to win 8-5. They had a bye in the afternoon. Previously unbeaten Sweden defeated Italy in the morning before losing to the Czechs 9-2 in the afternoon.

World's Qualifying Day 1  11/05/2007

Bulgaria was a late scratch from the World's Qualifying Tournament in Inverness, Scotland. Nine teams are competing for two slots at the 2008 World Championships in Sursee Swtzerland next February. After 2 draws Denmark and Sweden, the two teams from last year's World's that had to re-qualify, are 2-0 as are England. Full box scores HERE.