Kevin Martin and his Team Canada rink of John Morris, Marc Kennedy and Ben Hebert, along with alternate Adam Enright and coach Jules Owchar are now World Champions!

Expected favourites from the beginning, but as the weekend moved on, doubts began to creep into many people’s mind.

Canada stepped up and played their A game while the Scottish team, skipped by David Murdoch struggled to keep up.

Murdoch, let down by his front end was unable to generate much offense, and Martin’s young mashers kept the pressure on.  A beautiful hit and roll by Martin in the 7th end to steal a point and it appeared Scotland’s fate was sealed.

A tear came to my eyes when the flag went up, and the anthem was played, with the realization that the brash Martin had achieved something that had been so tough to grasp.  

Next stop for me and Team Martin….   St. John’s, Newfoundland for the Players’ Championship.   Flight leaves from Winnipeg at 5pm for me.

Some Thoughts From The Week:

This event smashed all attendance records, with a grand total of 51,731 paid attendance for the week.  Don Barcome, Jr figured this was a record for a World Championship held outside Canada.  (Mod Edit, I was told Bern, Switzerland held the record for outside Canada attendance, though this number is a record for American Worlds).  The event committee deserves many kudos, for running such a brilliant event.

President Jody Hodgson, VPs Jim Satron, Chris Semrau and Barcome all showed brilliant passion for the event, through seven years of preparation to host an event everyone could be proud of.  The entire committee needs to be thanked for all their hard work, include a personal thank-you to the VIP Transportation Committee, who helped us get around town. Special thanks to a couple of Tom’s who gave me regular transport to and from the arena, offering any kind of coffee stop and food stop required.

The CurlingZone Awards:

Most Valuable Player: Hands down, this goes to Marc Kennedy.   When this guy is on, he allows Martin to take a 2 point lead, and run the other team off the sheet.   And he continued his brilliance from the Brier. 

Most Entertaining: I’d make this a tie, between Norwegian second Christopffer Svae and Swedish skip Anders Kraupp.  These were two players with great character, who showed they loved to have fun out on the ice.  From dancing between breaks to supporting the band, both brought their unique personality to the game, and brightened up the event.

Shot of the Week: Third Torger Nergard of Norway in the first end of the Bronze Medal game. With the Chinese team putting immense pressure on the Norwegians, made a triple peel, which spun was of his front stones into the rings, removing a Chinese stone and rolling behind a corner guard.    This shot single-handedly turned the momentum, and the Thomas Ulsrud and Norway went on to capture the Bronze Medal.

Thanks to World Curling Television for the opportunity to work this week on the television crew, I learned a ton about how this game is brought to the screens you watch around the world.  

Until next year, where this all begins again in Moncton.

Gerry Geurts
CurlingZone

Gerry was telling y’all about our great night of entertainment at the Broken Broom Lounge last night…namely the entertaining Brat Pack Radio. Being a child of the 80’s, I was grooving along with Gerry and our good pal Jet Boots, enjoying the old ’80s classics. Since we snapped a few rolls of “film” we thought we’d give you a more in depth photoblog posting of the Brat Pack Radio in action.

Dallas B
CurlingZone

A packed house on Saturday night in the Broken Broom Lounge saw 80’s pop/rock band Brat Pack Radio play many of the great tunes from the glam decade.  The energy of the band was infectious, with the lead singer / keyboardist leading the charge all night long.

The crowd responded with a lot of energy, with many lots of people on the dance floor re-living their glory days!

In last evening’s curling action, Norway came out loose and strong and after scoring a deuce in the first, they ran the Chinese down, forcing them to blank several ends before they grabbed two back in the 5th end.   

Norway took two in the 6th end and then stole three more in the 7th after Chinese skip Fengchun Wang came up light on a draw.  The game and the bronze medal nearly clinched, the teams traded singles before the Chinese team conceded after nine ends.

The result may not have been so easy for the Norwegians, as the Chinese came out with a fury in the first end, and had the Ulsrud rink reeling, but Torger Nergard stepped into a hack and turned the tide with probably the shot of the week.

Nergard, Norway’s third made a triple peel, which included spinning one of his guards back into the rings onto a Chinese rock, when then spun and rolled behind a centre guard.   The shot totally turned the momentum, as Norway scored two to begin the game, when it looked like the Chinese had a steal in place.

Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi!

Also in the Broken Broom Lounge last evening, and all week the Australian team has been peddling team souvenirs, and pictured right is yours truly haggling with Aussie skip Hugh Millikin over a shirt.

With probably the best and most colourful fans here, the Australians work hard to fundraise to bring their team to the Worlds, as THEY really are Australian curling. The team will have their garb available at the BBL through the rest of the weekend, so drop on by to pickup your souvenir paraphernalia. If you’re offsite, and would like to contribute to the Aussie, send me an email at gerry@curlingzone.com, and I’ll put you in touch with Ian or Hugh.

Now, I’m looking forward to the final match between David Murdoch of Scotland and Kevin Martin of Canada. It should be a great battle between two heavyweight curling nations.

Gerry Geurts
CurlingZone

All I can say is unbelieveable. Canada’s Marc Kennedy showed why he’s the best second in the game today.

Canada took in early lead in the first end when Ulsrud came a little heavy on a freeze into a pocket, opening a triple for Kevin Martin.  After giving one in the second end, Martin came back with another two spot, and ran the table from there.

Marc Kennedy brilliant play helped make it easy for Kevin, as repeated doubles and peels by Kennedy cleaned house in the 4th, 5th, and 6th ends.  A John Morris nose hit in the 7th end gave Ulsrud a chance to get two back, but another great runback by Kevin this time and Ulsrud was forced to draw for the single.

The game was typical of Martin, get a lead and run the other team off the sheet. A 5-4 win for Canada, and they’re off to play David Murdoch and Team Scotland in the Championship Final at 1:30pm CT tomorrow.

Tonight it’s the Bronze Medal match between Norway and China at 7pm CT, and the young Chinese rink are looking to match their country-women with a their first World Championship medal.

The Broken Broom Lounge was great last night, with Bob and the Beachcombers filled the air with their Rock’n Roll Beach Party. 

Tonight, Brat Pack Radio brings in their 80’s Flashback tunes.   Opening at 4:15 is Still Fighting it, with their College Rock sound. 

Last night to party before we pack it up for another year. 

Gerry Geurts
CurlingZone

Friday is now finished at the Men’s World Curling Championships, and a couple very exciting Page games highlighted the day.

Norway’s Thomas Ulsrud faced the steamrolling Chinese team skipped by Fengchun Wang, and seemed to be nervous and not themselves in the Page 3/4 game of their team’s first World’s appearance.   Wang posted two points in the first end and appeared to be on his way to another potential win, but Norway grabbed control back in the second end, scoring 3 points.

The Norwegians forced China to a single point in 3, and then traded singles for deuces enroute to a 7-5 victory.   Ulsrud recovered from last night’s near loss to the Australian team, with a brilliant performance against the Worlds rookies.

Ulsrud nearly lost last night when Ian Palangio’s last rock was overswept and just drifted out of the back of the eight foot.  That potential loss would have forced Ulsrud to play two tiebreaker games, (Australian again at 10:30pm and France at 9am) to get to the Page 3/4 game.

In the Page 1/2 game, Canada came out flying, opening scoring with a 3 for the fifth time this week, and spreading his lead to 6-2 after the 4th end.  Scotland’s David Murdoch battled hard, and even as Martin appeared to have the game finished, they scored two in the 6th end, and then went on a steal train, grabbing one in the 7th, and one in the 9th to tie the game up.  In the 10th end, with Murdoch lying two, Martin had a draw to the four foot for the win, but tossed it a little heavy.

Martin did have an option to hit rather then draw, but either shot had risks, as hitting allowed for rolling out.  Martin would normally make the draw to the four foot in his sleep, but it appears nerves and a rock that may have been straighter then others caused the miss.

Even though Martin lost, kudos to Ben Hebert, who yet again shined in big games, especially when the game was on the line. Hebert made both tick shots, arguably the hardest shot in the game to keep the house open for his team.

Off to the patch for some cold ones, and to get a good sleep-in in the morning as the next game isn’t till 1:30 Central Time.  It’s Beach Night in the Broken Broom Lounge tonight, with Bob and the Beachcombers hosting their Rock’n Roll Beach Party.  Rumours of a Bruno Gerussi sighting tonight MAY be greatly exaggerated…..

The Asham Stompers were on again earlier this evening, and we as entertaining as ever.

It’s Kevin Martin and Thomas Ulsrud tomorrow, it’s going to be a great game, as Martin will come back with some fire in his belly.

Gerry Geurts
CurlingZone

We took a moment last night to liven up a bit after a heavy week of round robin curling action, taking in a bit of the craziness at the Broken Broom Lounge. Its always a great place to meet interesting and unusual people at some of their finest moments.

Of course Andy and Ben and company were up to their usual antics again last night, donning matrimonial garb to show their new found love for the game. Thanks guys for your colourful contribution to this year’s event!

Cheers,
Dallas B
CurlingZone

It was a wild and crazy morning at the Men’s World Championships, with some big upsets and a big-time comeback.  Germany’s Andy Kapp appeared to have his morning matchup against Anders Kraupp of Sweden well in hand, with a 2 point lead AND hammer heading into the final end.

The Swedes plan all along we to steal using corner guards. The first I saw this used effectively was during the Masters of Curling Grand Slam event held in Saskatoon last January, where Brad Gushue stole 2 points to tie in the final end after forcing Martin Ferland to throw a shot against three.

The plan came to fruition, when Kraupp played his final stone perfectly, sitting three with all biting the eight foot. Kapp was left with a decision to hit and attempt a tough double, or to draw against three. The draw came up light and the Swedes pulled off the unthinkable, STEALING three for the victory. I’ve never seen anything like it, a total collapse by the Germans, who are still reeling, having fallen in 4 straight after starting off with 4 wins.

Canada’s Kevin Martin, affectionately known as ’The Old Bear’ by his teammates came out and played their worst game in a long time, falling to the Chinese team skipped by Fengchun Wang.  Wang took a single point in the 10th end and the stole another in the 11th end when Martin was left with a very difficult draw.

The upset by China ended Martin’s 26 game winning streak, and surprised many, but certainly not Martin. In a pre-event article, Martin considered the Chinese as one of the better teams to be here, as they practice in Edmonton regularly, and Martin has seen them many times before.

Martin curled a week’s worst 65% in the game, and wasn’t happy with his performance.  Martin played the Jiri Snitil and Czech Republic in the afternoon, who have been struggling, losing 5 straight. Martin came out with a vengeance, hopping on the Steal Train, sneaking out two in the first end, and singles in the next four ends.  A measure in the 6th end resulted in a single score for Snitil, but the Czechs had enough and conceded in a 6-1 loss.

Other early action saw Australia split their matches today to improve to 5-4, defeating Switzerland 7-6 and falling to Scotland 5-4. David Murdoch and his Scottish rink of Graeme Connal, Peter Smith and Euan Byers improved to 5-3, and have a match remaining this evening against Switzerland.

Also improving to 5-3 in early Wednesday action is Thomas Dufour’s French team, knocking off Denmark’s Johnny Frederikson and Norway’s Thomas Ulsrud, who hand Denmark their second loss of the day, by a 7-3 tally.

China, Germany and the United States all sit at 4-4.

The Harlem Globetrotters are in town, playing right next door to the curling in the Betty Engelstad Center this evening, and should be an entertaining show. The Broken Broom Lounge should be in full swing this evening as many of the basketball fans will certainly be joining us for a performance by The Roosters.

Off for a quick pint before I gotta report back to the television truck for tonight’s matchup between Germany and the United States.

Gerry Geurts
CurlingZone

The Broken Broom Lounge was rocking again tonight, with Wisegise playing their stellar mix of Classic and New Rock hits.  Great band put on another very good show.

Pictured above, I met Andy (beard and wearing the Sun) and Ben (Heidi Rooster cap) who are Grand Forks natives and new curling fans.  They’ve been going around the BBL getting photos with many of the athletes playing this week in the Men’s World Championship.  This photo above, they’re posing with the backend of the United States entry, Craig Brown (left) and Rich Ruohonen (centre).  

Andy and Ben are new this sport, and they certainly show a great passion for it. The pair bought tickets for the event the first day the box office opened, and say they’re planning a big splash for the final round robin game the Americans play. We shall see what happens…..

Was hanging in the BBL with the local Green Jacket Wearer….  Don Barcome, JR also know as DBZ has worked tirelessly for many years getting this event off the ground.   DBZ deserves many kudos for all his work, and his passion for the sport.  Let’s fill the seats for the closing weekend, as the event is closing on a record for tickets sold for a Worlds outside Canada!   Come on down, it’s going to be a great finish!

Everyone always asks about the rocks.  Well, this year, we’re seeing the debut of a new set of stones in championship play.  These rocks were sent to Hans to try out, and were tested at the Saskatchewan Men’s Provincials, and a couple of the Women’s Grand Slam events, and have made their first appearance at the Worlds.  Built by Kays of Scotland, they appear to be getting great reviews thus far.

Have you been confused by the Online Coverage being offered in many different locations?   Check this link from CurlTV to find out where exactly to go for coverage, based on which country you’re from:
http://www.curltv.com/events/wcf/2008-mens-worlds-broadcast.php

Finish the night at the Red Pepper, a great little Mexican joint just outside my hotel.   DBZ, who’s local showed it off, and kudos to him.   Grab yourself a Grinder, and maybe a couple tacos, and you’ll be very satisfied!

Till tomorrow!  A three draw day in the truck as your bug operator.  It will be a heavy duty coffee day…..

Gerry Geurts
CurlingZone

Canada’s Kevin Martin and his rink mates from Edmonton continue to dominate the play at the Men’s World Championship in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Today’s 9-8 extra end win over Norway and a 9-4 thumping of Germany put Martin, John Morris, Marc Kennedy and Ben Hebert into a commanding 3 game lead over the field, with a 7-0 record.

A logjam follows, with 6 teams tied for second place at 4-3. Germany is among those teams, though are now reeling, having lost 3 straight. Lead Holger Hoehne has been bothered by an aching back, seen stretching it earlier in the week, and has been given a bit of a rest, but came back today playing 2nd against Norway and lead against Canada.

The German lineup has been in flux for much of this season, with Uli Kapp sidelined with a knee injury, Andreas Lang has moved into the vice-skip position. The German’s like to keep their front end rested in these week long competitions by rotating through, but have seemed to have trouble finding the right mix lately.

Also in the mix are the French team, skipped by Thomas Dufour, who went 2-0 today with a 6-5 upset of the United States, and a big win over Australia, who also fell to 4-3. The win keeps France in the running, and stopped Australia from pulling out into 2nd place alone.

Both the French and Australian teams were down to very little time on their clocks (0.01s and 0.05s, respectively), when their game ended. Time clock management may have come into play when the Aussie last rock thrower Ian Palangio attempted to may a short tap to tie up the game and extend it into an 11th end.

Also sitting at 4-3 are Norway (1-1 today), the surging Danes (2-0), and Scotland (2-0). Denmark sure has looked improved at this year’s Worlds, and it appears the experience of lead and vice-skip Ulrik Schmidt has given Johnny Frederiksen some extra wisdom and confidence on the ice.

Schmidt took a big tumble today too against the Czech Republic, when he was rushing to sweep a heavy draw thrown by the Czech skip Jiri Snitil.  Schimdt ended up losing his feet, landing hard on his rear end and burning the rock. All seemed well, as Ulrik has a big smile on his face and a couple laughs following.

Frederiksen’s talent has never been in doubt, as they’ve posted strong showings at many European World Curling Tour events over the years, and now he may finally be showing some of that here at the Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Speaking of the facilities, the ice has been excellent all week, with Hans Wuthrich leading his world class ice making crew. Something many of you may not know, but longtime Grand Slam icemaker Mark Shurek (pictured) has joined Hans’ team this year, both at the Brier and here at the Worlds.

Mark will be headed to St. John’s, Newfoundland to handle the ice duties at the Players’ Championships on the Monday following the final here. My travels don’t end here either, as I will be joining Mark for the flight to St. John’s from Winnipeg via Toronto.

Gotta pace myself here, as the party will surely be great in St. John’s but it’s tough to pace myself with such a great setup here. JetBoots is in town, so its time to hit the patch and enjoy myself tonight!

Until later….

Gerry Geurts
CurlingZone

With an impending storm having rolled on past Grand Forks on Saturday evening, everyone is very relieved to find that spring has finally showed it’s face here in the Prairie Heartland.

The patch was hopping again this evening, with some strong Blues tunes being belted out by Little Bobby & The Storm.  The Broken Broom Lounge is located in the practice rink at the Ralph Engelstad Arena, and attendance is alway FREE to this great facility.

The OuiOui Express (pronounced WeeWee) continue going to market, and coming home with success, though might be waiting to go home sooner then later.  The French team skipped by Thomas Dufour has a rough stretch, facing 3 of the favourites in the event over the last 5 draw in Germany, Scotland and Canada.  The team was off to a strong 2-0 start, but should turn things around on Tuesday with winnable matchups against the reeling American rink and Australia.

Speaking of the Americans, despite having three wins already Craig Brown’s team just doesn’t look like the team that took down the United States Nationals in Hibbing a month ago.  Maybe a little inexperience on these ice conditions, but it just seems a little lack of confidence has this team in a slight funk.  

Have been working hard and playing hard since I’ve arrived here last Thursday.  I’ve been working in the television truck, as a graphics person (bug operator) for WCTV, and moonlighting on the blog this whole time. 

This group sure has a weird obsession with Animal Crackers….   They can’t leave home without them.   But a great lot none-the-less, shared a few beverages with this very hard-working group, who help to supply the world with coverage of this great sport. 

Canada remains undefeated and at this point I don’t see them losing….  Unless Kevin’s demons return in the final, the only game in which a little doubt may creep into his psyche….  

Also looking strong are Andy Kapp’s German team who received a wake-up call from Hugh Millikin’s Aussie, though the true test comes on Tuesday for this team, as Norway and Canada come-a-knocking.   A split for the Germans would go a long way to cementing a spot in the playoffs.

Inconsistency has affected the Millikin team in previous years, but they round out the 3-2 teams and could very well move to 5-2 with winnable games on Tuesday.  Aussie power reigns supreme, as there’s a strong contingent of ‘Kangaroos’ here this week, who has been supporting the boys from Down Under.

Keep an eye out here for the Augusta Green Jacket (the real Masters begin Thursday), he’s been floating around the building keeping busy and making sure everything runs smoothly. Don Barcome, affectionately known as DBZ has put together a wonderful event, and the Broken Broom Lounge (The name was chosen from a CurlingZone thread suggestion) is the crowning achievement in my opinion…..

Located on the grounds of the University of North Dakota, the Worlds has attracted a wide range of fans, most of which really enjoy themselves out in the patch.  I ran into Zach Jacobsen last evening, 2nd from the 3 time United States Championship finalist Craig Disher rink of nearby Rolla. 

Zach, who was also the fifth player on last year’s Bronze medalist Todd Birr rink in Edmonton showed me how to aquire refreshments quickly from one of the many roving beer carts floating around the BBL.

Also had my first Taco-in-a-Bag tonight from the patch!   Might not be my last.

Tomorrow night Four Wheel Drive is in the house as the opening act, and the Wisegise are back again, after putting on a great show on opening night!

Excitement has been building here in Grand Forks for the Fighting Sioux, as their hockey team qualified for the Frozen Four, which is the NCAA Championships, to be held in Denver, Colorado. On Thursday, the game can be seen from the Broken Broom Lounge at 5pm CDT, and there’s expected to be very little room left over. Entertainment has been changed to allow for the game to be shown on the large screen. October Road is expect to go on around 3pm, with The Roosters taking the stage following the opening round matchup against Boston College.

Gerry Geurts
CurlingZone