Congratulations to Marg Stewart and Kimball Blanchard for their victory this weekend in the 5th Annual Cornwall Cup – In Memory of Alva Clarey.
Marg & Kimball faced Barry Craswell and Roy Coffin in the final, which proved to be an exciting game – coming down to the last rock!
Thanks to all who participated and those who helped make the event go smoothly!
The club was busy today with the 5th Annual Cornwall Cup going all day.
The round robin results are:
The top two teams in each division advance to tomorrow’s playoffs.
The playoff schedule is:
Gloria Clarke and Ruth Stavert scored a 6-Ender today at the Cornwall Cup!
Congratulations!!!
Registration is now open for the 2023-2024 Club Championship – with the winners advancing to the Provincial Championship in March.
Cost is $120/team and you can register at the Club or by sending the club manager an email.
Format will be double knockout.
Registration deadline is January 19th.
The club and its members would like to offer our condolences to the family of Lloyd Waddell – father of long-time staff member Debby Sigsworth.
His obituary:
At the Prince County Hospital Summerside on Wednesday January 3 2024 of Lloyd Vernon Waddell of Mount Tryon aged 93 years.
Born in Mount Tryon August 21, 1930 son of the late Wilbur and Jean (Halliwell) Waddell.
Husband of Doreen (Walsh) Waddell, Father of Deborah (Bill) Sigsworth, Diane (Victor) Martin, Alan Waddell, Doug (Anne) Waddell, Pauline (Henry) Sewuster, Randy Waddell and Wade (Alison)Waddell. Brother-in-law of Mary Waddell. Also survived by numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.Predeceased by his brothers Wyman Waddell, Melvin (Myrtle) Waddell, grandchildren Lisa and Mason and daughter-in-law Nicole Smith.
Resting at the Davison Funeral Home Kensington. No visitation by personal request. A private funeral service will be held at the North Tryon Presbyterian Church. Interment in the North Tryon Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
If so desired contributions may be made to the North Tryon Presbyterian Church Building Fund or the P.E.I. Humane Society.
www.davisonfh.com
We are opening the 50/50 PAY FOR THE SEASON back up for TWO WEEKS ONLY!
If you are choosing the pre-pay the total amount due is (CASH ONLY):
You can pay the bartender at the bar!
In loving memory of Alva Clarey A passionate supporter of stick curling and a mentor and friend to many at the Cornwall Curling Club
The 5th Annual Cornwall Cup is dedicated to the memory of long-time club member and super supporter of stick curling, Alva Clarey, this year.
The draw schedule is:
Four divisions with four teams in each division will play a round robin within your division on Friday.
Top two teams from each division will advance to Saturday’s playoffs round.
For those wanting a more in-depth introduction to curling than our pre-season introductory Learn to Curl sessions, we now offer an 8-Week Adult Learn to Curl Program that will introduce you to the sport of curling and is designed for beginning curlers, those returning to the sport after time off, or newer curlers looking to improve their game!
While many people feel comfortable joining in one of our recreational leagues right out of the pre-season introductory Learn to Curl sessions, we found that some new curlers weren’t quite ready to make the jump into a league – so we have created this new program to fill that gap.
Each session will include off-ice instruction and also on-ice instruction and activities – including drills, mini-games, etc. As the weeks progress more and more time will be spent learning through playing in games. This is an excellent “follow-up” to our introductory pre-season Learn to Curl events, but participation in that event is NOT required to join this program.
The program will run on Sundays from January 28th through March 24th from 4:30pm – 6:00pm (NOTE: There won’t be any sessions on February 25th.
This program costs $95 + HST + CurlPEI fees for a total of $127.25. NOTE: CurlPEI fees include insurance coverage in case of accidents, falls, etc.
Limit of 32 curlers.
Please register by Thursday, January 18th at 5:00pm online at cornwall.curling.io, by contacting the Club at 902-566-4427 during business hours, or by sending an email with your phone contact information to manager@cornwallcurling.com
Please bring indoor CLEAN footwear and wear loose clothing. CSA-approved helmets (any type) are recommended for beginner curlers but are not mandatory for these age groups.
WHAT: 8-Week Adult Learn to Curl Program
WHEN: 4:30pm – 6:00pm, Sundays between January 28th and March 24th
WHERE: 29 Cornwall Road, Cornwall PE
COST: $95 + HST + CurlPEI fees for a total of $127.25
The Cornwall Curling Club and its members would like to express our condolences to the family of Nanette Lousise Trainor.
Nanette was the mother of Lorianne Davies. Angus, Lorianne, Megan, and Tyler Davies have a long history with the club.
Nanette Louise Trainor
Loving mother of Karen Gosley, Tom MacLeod (Cathy), Wendy Foster (Bob), Lorianne Davies (Angus) and Gregory Trainor (Jodie). Nanette will be lovingly remembered by her twelve grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Sister of Billy Cook (Judy) and Dolena Buell. Predeceased by her parents Robert and Christine (MacLennan) Cook, her husband’s Edison MacLeod and Lawrence “Larry” Trainor and by her sister Aileen MacLure (Arnold).
Resting at Hillsboro Funeral Home from where a funeral service will be celebrated on Thursday, December 21, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Visiting hours will be held Wednesday from 5-7 pm.
Interment will take place later at Montague Community Park Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made online to the Upper Room Food Bank.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out Craig Savill, 613-797-0902 or Amy Duncan, 902-368-4208.
Rockfest Atlantic – March 28-30, 2024 in Moncton NB.
How to Qualify
For More Information about the Singles Curling App or Rockfest
Matt from @TeamMDunstone has a message for youth curlers, parents, and coaches across the country!
Click here to learn more about RockFest and how you can get involved ? https://t.co/CVWq2uDnwk pic.twitter.com/k5inRwXS7x
— Curling Canada (@CurlingCanada) December 14, 2023
Congratulations to ParaSport and Recreation PEI, who we partner with for our ParaSport Learn to Curl program, on receiving the 2023 Premier’s Award at the SportPEI Awards.
Congratulations to Shirley Lank on being one of SportPEI’s 2023 President’s Award honorees!
We are so proud of and happy for our fellow Island club, the Crapaud Curling Club, for all they have accomplished over the past few years!
A phrase I like to use often is “if it’s good for curling, it’s good for our club,” and that’s certainly the case of seeing one of our fellow Island clubs rebound and thrive.
Whether it’s Crapaud’s recent successes or the new West Prince club getting ready to welcome curlers to its new facility – we celebrate with other Islander curlers.
Check out this great article about Crapaud on Curling Canada’s website: https://www.curling.ca/blog/2023/12/15/back-from-the-brink/
The 11th Annual Mixed Doubles Cashspiel was held last Saturday, with Calvin Smith and Terri Wood defeating Chris and Melissa Creighton in the final to take home the title!
Thanks for all those who participated!
The Daytime Christmas Party Draw has been set!
Reminder – this is for the morning draws (4-person curling). Following lunch we’ll have 1 or 2 draws of stick curling as well, that draw being made up on the day of the party.
Daytime Curlers’ Christmas Party
Monday, December 18th
Registration:
8:30am-9:00am for morning curlers
11:45am-12:00pm for afternoon stick curlers
Four three-end draws (each team plays two) in the morning: 9:00am, 9:45am, 10:30am, 11:15am
One six-end draw in the afternoon for stick curlers: 1:15pm, (2:15pm if needed)
Pizza, 50/50, bragging rights, friendship, and fun!
Cost: $10/person
Sign up at the Club!
NOTE: Snow date is Tuesday, December 19th
The Cornwall Curling Club and its members would like to express our condolences to the family of Eleanor Davies on her recent passing.
Angus, Lorianne, Megan, and Tyler Davies have a long history with the club and the Davies family has been long-time supporters of the club.
Eleanor’s obituary is posted below:
April 19, 1938 – December 11, 2023
Service Date: Friday, December 15, 2023
Service Time: 2:00 p.m. from Park Royal United Church
The death occurred peacefully at the Provincial Palliative Care Centre with family by her side, on Monday, December 11, 2023 of Eleanor Davies of Stratford, age 85 years. Wife of the late Tom Davies. Loving mother of Ellen (Davis Ward), Andrew (Valerie), and Angus (Lorianne). Nana of Luke (Marylynn Cote) and Jacob (Megan) McDearmid, Nathan and Nicole Davies, Tyler and Megan Davies, and step-grandson Jordan Ward and Mimi of Audrey and Wren McDearmid. Lovingly remembered by siblings Kenny Haywood (Dianne) and Libbe Hubley, sisters-in-law Leona Haywood, Connie Beers and Dianne Bowness. Many nieces and nephews remember her with love. Predeceased by her parents Bennett and Florence (Brown) Haywood, brother Ben Haywood, and brothers-in-law Richard Hubley, Barry Beers and Alan Bowness.
Resting at MacLean Funeral Home Swan Chapel. Funeral Friday from Park Royal United Church at 2:00 p.m. Interment in Sherwood Cemetery. Family flowers only, however if so desired, memorials to The Tom and Eleanor Davies Endowment Fund at the Community Foundation of PEI. The fund provides an annual grant, in perpetuity, to two PEI organizations which make an important contribution to the quality of life in the Province – Hospice PEI and Park Royal United Church would be appreciated. Memorial donations to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation would also be appreciated. Visiting hours Thursday from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.macleanfh.com
The club will be placing an order for members’ name tags in early January.
The cost for each badge is $14 (includes HST).
There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board at the club – please sign up by January 5th!
The Rock’in Raffle Fundraiser draw was held last night between our evening draws and the winners are:
1st Prize ($1000): Paul Neima
2nd Prize ($500): Steve Miller
3rd Prize ($250): Sarah Doak
Congratulations!
Officials numbers will be released soon but the raffle cleared in the neighborhood of $9000 to go towards the purchase of our new rocks.
NOTE: The tradition for the Kenmac Energy Bonspiel is to have a skip and a mate of different genders. Also, priority is given to full teams, so we encourage people to form teams or fill out a team from the single entry list.
Sorry for the confusion!
A new registration sheet has been posted with updated details!
—
The Annual Kenmac Energy Bonspiel will take place on Friday, January 12th and Saturday, January 13th at the Cornwall Curling Club.
The excitement starts on Friday with snacks, draw prizes, a 50/50, drink specials – and, of course, curling!
The fun continues Saturday with a continental breakfast, lunch, trivia, games, and more curling – all capped off with a delicious, plated, sit down banquet meal.
Awards and Prizes will be given as well!
Cost is $40 per curler. Single or team-entry is welcome, though priority is given to full-teams so please consider forming a team or filling out a team with those on the single entry list!
We hope to have three draws (up to 24 teams) if there is enough interest – register by January 6th at the club or by sending the club manager an email.
A HUGE thank you to our sponsor, KENMAC ENERGY, for their continued support for our club and curling community.
We are once again collecting non-perishable items for the food bank this year – we’ve already taken a couple of loads from the club already and they were greatly appreciated. We’ve been told there has been more need and fewer donations this year, so we are continuing to collect!
If you have any donations please bring them to the club and leave them in the box – we’ll be making another delivery on Monday.
We are pleased to again be partnering with Curl PEI for a 10-week Learn to Curl program for youth ages 13-18.
The sessions will be on Fridays from December 15th through March 22nd from 4:30pm – 6:00pm at the Cornwall Curling Club (NOTE: Some Fridays will be skipped due to Club schedule).
Planned dates:
December 15, 22
January 5, 26
February 9, 23
March 1, 8, 15, 22
CurlPEI’s U18 Learn to Curl program is designed to introduce teens to the sport of curling. In this Learn to Curl program participants will learn the basics of the game with a huge emphasis on having fun. Our curriculum is based on Curling Canada’s long term curler development model and we provide a low instructor to participant ratio.
If you have any questions please reach out to Amy Duncan at Curl PEI (amy.duncan@peicurling.com or 902-368-4208)
Register today at: https://cornwall.curling.io/en/products/7352-u18-learn-to-curl-ages-13-18-2023-2024-season
The second round of the Thursday draw begins this Thursday, December 14th. Below are the teams and draw schedule.
The teams and draw schedule for the Monday Mixed League 2nd Round are below!
DOWNLOADABLE PDF: 23-24 Monday Night League (Round 2)
The 5th Annual Cornwall Cup is just around the corner on January 5th and 6th. Registrations are being accepted at the Club.
Cost is $30 per person/$60 per team
Qualifier rounds are Friday at 9am, 10am, 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm (three games per team if we get a full 16 teams) with the top 8 teams advancing to the playoffs on Saturday starting at 10am.
Lunch is provided on Friday as well.
Sign up today and secure your spot in this fun event!
Daytime Curlers’ Christmas Party
Monday, December 18th
Registration:
8:30am-9:00am for morning curlers
11:45am-12:00pm for afternoon stick curlers
Four three-end draws in the morning: 9:00am, 9:45am, 10:30am, 11:15am
One six-end draw in the afternoon for stick curlers: 1:15pm, (2:15pm if needed)
Pizza, door prizes, bragging rights, friendship, and fun!
Cost: $10/person
Sign up at the Club!
NOTE: Snow date is Tuesday, December 19th
Congratulations to the Morley Annear Ltd. Mixed Stick Champions, Ruth Stavert & Roy Coffin (with spare, Roddie MacLean) and the Finalists, Myrna and Barry Craswell.
The Annual Kenmac Energy Bonspiel will take place on Friday, January 12th and Saturday, January 13th at the Cornwall Curling Club.
The excitement starts on Friday with snacks, draw prizes, a 50/50, drink specials – and, of course, curling!
The fun continues Saturday with a continental breakfast, lunch, trivia, games, and more curling – all capped off with a delicious, plated, sit down banquet meal.
Awards and Prizes will be given as well!
Cost is $40 per curler. Single or team-entry is welcome.
We hope to have three draws (up to 24 teams) if there is enough interest – register by January 6th at the club or by sending the club manager an email.
A HUGE thank you to our sponsor, KENMAC ENERGY, for their continued support for our club and curling community.
Following 45 games the playoffs are set at the 2024 Morley Annear Ltd. Mixed Stick Curling Championship. The teams advancing are:
Pool A – A1: Craswell/Craswell, A2: Sanderson/Dunsford
Pool B – B1: Stavert/Coffin, B2: Owen/Smith
Pool C – C1: Barwise/Barwise (42pts), C2: Reid/Higginbotham (41pts)
7th Place: Pineau/Matheson (4-1, 39pts)
8th Place: Clarke/Keefe (3-2, 34pts)
The quarter-finals will begin at the Cornwall Curling Club at 9am with Sanderson/Dunsford facing Stavert/Coffin on ice 1; Owen/Smith against Barwise/Barwise on ice 2; Reid/Higginbotham playing Pineau/Matheson on ice 3; and Craswell/Craswell versus Clarke/Keefe on ice 4.
Live scoring can be found here: https://pe.curling.io/en/events/17911-2024-pei-mixed-stick-curling-championship/widget.
There are still a few slots open for Round 2 of the Thursday Night Mixed Draw which begins NEXT Thursday, December 14th.
The deadline to register for this round is FRIDAY, December 8th at 5pm – as the drawmaster will be preparing the teams and schedule this weekend!
If you are interested in playing please email the manager or call the club.
The 11th Annual Mixed Doubles Cashspiel is this weekend at the club and the draw schedule has been set.
We are looking forward to a great day of curling and fun.
Tom O’Rourke and Janette Fraser scored a six-ender today in the PEI Provincial Mixed Stick Curling Championship!
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Team Kneabone for winning the first draw of the Monday Night Mixed League.
Thanks to Enwave PEI Energy Systems for sponsoring the winning prize for the draw!!
Team Kneabone is made up of: Donna Musto, Mike McDonald, Chris MacDougall, and Danny Kneabone
Donna Musto, Mike McDonald, Chris MacDougall, and Danny Kneabone
The club would like to start a new Club Community Committee dedicated to planning and organizing social activities for our club members.
Do you have some great ways to build community in the club? Are you a planner? Are you a social butterfly?
Then we’d love to have you join this committee and help us grow the community in our club!
Some ideas that have been suggested are socials, trivia, maybe a craft fair, etc…
If you are interested, please reach out to the club manager!
Montague and Summerside will be hosting U13 Spiels over the next few weeks – be sure to check them out!
Cornwall’s annual U13 Funspiel is scheduled for February 10th – details to come out in early January.
The Murphy’s Ice Queens Funspiel was held this past Saturday, December 2nd at the club with thirty one ladies participating.
Thank you to all who made this event possible – including Shauna McGill and Sue Pollard who helped organize and the many volunteers who came out Saturday.
Winning the event with 44 points was Team Currie:
1st Place – Team Currie Karen Currie, Marg Stewart, Jean Anderson, and Nancy Fitzgerald
Being down a curler didn’t slow down Team Ebbett, who placed 2nd with 38 points:
2nd Place: Team Ebbett Shelley Ebbett, Sarah Doak, and Valerie Beer
Third place was Team Kennedy with 35 points:
3rd Place: Team Kennedy Carol Kennedy, Nicole Phillips, Karen Martell, and Donna Marie
Other prizes went to:
As always, we would like to thank the long-time sponsor of this event, Murphy’s Pharmacies for their continued support!
The Cornwall Curling Club is happy to be hosting the Morley Annear Mixed Stick Curling Championships from December 6th through 8th.
The club schedule will be affected in the following ways:
DAYTIME DROP-IN:
No daytime drop-in curling on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday this week
AFTERNOON STICK DROP-IN:
No afternoon stick drop-in on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday this week
JUNIOR PRACTICES:
No junior practices on Wednesday or Thursday this week.
Several members of the club are participating in the event so feel free to drop in and check out the action!
The schedule for the event is available here: https://peicurling.com/registration-and-results/#/events/17911/draws
or download a PDF version here: 2024 Mixed Stick Draw
Looking for a unique, long lasting gift for the curler in your life?
Why not sponsor a rock handle in their name!
We still have a handful of rock handles to sell before we can purchase our replacements – order yours today!
Click here to print a copy of the sponsorship form or see the club manager: Cornwall Rock Handle Fundraiser
We are happy to be partnering with Curl PEI once again to host two U18 Programs this season for teens ages 13-18.
The first is a FREE Try Curling event on Friday, December 1st from 4:30pm – 5:30pm. The session will introduce teens to the sport of curling and get them out on the ice throwing some rocks!
If they enjoy the Try Curling event, there is also an 10-week U18 Learn to Curl program from December 1st through March 15th on Fridays from 4:30pm – 6:00pm.
CurlPEI’s U18 Learn to Curl program is designed to introduce teens to the sport of curling. In this Learn to Curl program participants will learn the basics of the game with a huge emphasis on having fun. Our curriculum is based on Curling Canada’s long term curler development model and we provide a low instructor to participant ratio.
If you have any questions about either program, please reach out to Amy Duncan at Curl PEI (amy.duncan@peicurling.com or 902-368-4208)
Registration can be found at: cornwall.curling.io
Team Rousseau – Danny Bedard, John Mullin, Mark O’Rourke, and Peter Rousseau. Julie Scales also spared for the team in place of Phillip McInnis.
The club hosted the 11th Annual Masters Plus Funspiel this past Thursday and Friday with teams from our club and across the Maritimes!
Cornwall’s Team Rousseau pulled out a come from behind victory in their final game to secure a 4-0 record and a set of bridge passes for winning the event.
Team Hood from Halifax, was also undefeated but placed second based on the LSD tiebreaker. Don’t feel too bad for them, as they still walked away with four meal tickets to the Red Shores Casino and Racetrack to enjoy on next year’s visit to PEI!
Cornwall’s Team Berry placed third with a 3-1 record and Cornwall’s Team Smith rounded out the top four also with a 3-1 record.
Many thanks to Debbie Rhodenhizer, Linda Fairhurst, Gloria Turner, Paul Dorsey, and Ken Harrott – who stepped up to take over the event this year to ensure it will continue for many years to come.
We are already looking forward to the 12th Annual event next season!
We would also like to thank all of our prize sponsors!
The Murphy’s Ice Queens Funspiel will be held this Saturday, December 2nd at the club with eight teams.
This is always an exciting event and we look forward to another great time this year – both on and off the ice.
Teams and draw schedule are below:
Jeremy MacAulay takes a mock left hook from Robbie Doherty, at right, at the Cornwall Curling Club on Tuesday, Nov. 14 where the two were playing in the night’s competitive league action. The two are both heavily involved in the Grand Slam of Curling tour this season.
(Bill McGuire photo)
‘Cornwall Connections’ lead PEI’s impact on Grand Slam of Curling Tour this season
Bill McGuire
Publicity Chairman
Cornwall Curling Club
PEI sports fans enjoying the last two Grand Slam of Curling events on Sportsnet were thrilled with the strong Island flavour on the Canada-wide broadcasts.
Front and centre on each televised draw were the high-octane appearances of well-known PEI sports and entertainment personality Robbie Doherty of Charlottetown as he introduced teams on-ice for that draw and conducted interviews with curlers before, during and after games, plus trophy presentations.
Doherty, who curls out of the Cornwall Curling Club, is a dynamic young man with a number of career irons in the fire, both on PEI and farther afield.
Lauren Lenentine of Cornwall, who plays lead stone with Jennifer Jones’s team out of Winnipeg, got lots of attention as well. In late October at the opening GSOC event in Niagara Falls, Lenentine helped Jones capture the Tour Challenge event, defeating former teammate Kaitlyn Lawes in the women’s final.
Jennifer Jones, Karlee Burgess, Emily Zacharias and Lauren Lenentine celebrate with the HearingLife Tour Challenge trophy on Oct. 22, 2023. (Anil Mungal/GSOC)
Last week at the GSOC Kioti National event in Pictou, NS, with scores of PEI fans in the crowd – who made the short ferry ride across the Northumberland Strait – Jones rolled through the preliminary portion undefeated before dropping a disappointing quarterfinal match to Silvana Tirinzoni of Switzerland.
Meanwhile, Brett Gallant of Charlottetown, who played a key role for years as second stone with with multi-Brier winner Brad Gushue of St. John’s, NL, sparked his new Edmonton, AB team, skipped by Brendan Bottcher, to a pair of strong GSOC performances. In Niagara Falls, Bottcher lost in an extra end in the men’s final to Italy’s Joel Retornaz. The same two teams met in semifinal play in Pictou with the red-hot Italian team winning over Bottcher last Saturday night before claiming its second straight GSOC men’s title the next day.
But there’s even PEI involvement on the GSOC tour. Jeremy MacAulay was more behind the scenes, supporting the Sportsnet broadcast team anchored by Rob Faulds in both events. MacAulay, who has strong Souris connections and now curls out of Cornwall, led his Sports4TV team as it provided live technical curling information into the broadcast booth.
MacAulay’s company has developed computer technology that’s placed inside the handles of curling stones and sends various data to the broadcast crew, allowing them to relay to the viewer the speed of rocks, various split times, plus other information to show the likely result of delivered rocks.
He’s busy this week installing microchips into some handles at his home Cornwall club to test more options for the computer technology.
For Doherty, the Sportsnet job is a dream come true, rubbing elbows on a regular basis with the top men’s and women’s curling teams in the world. He already was the in-venue operations manager for the GSOC events.
“I’ve been working for them for eight years now,” said Doherty, as he sees his career take off in event management — entertaining and hosting sports and music events. “It’s kind of my real line of work.”
Doherty is a popular fixture with the Charlottetown Islanders as the energetic game-day host, plus his Old Home Week entertainment duties, other music, entertainment roles and charity events have made him a household name and popular attraction across the province.
His management team convinced Sportsnet that Doherty’s lively and animated style was just what “we need in curling” so the network brought him in last year, working on the microphone but not introducing the teams. The network liked what they saw and after working together over the summer, promoted him into an expanded role this season for all GSOC events.
Doherty’s schedule is busy. “I got the children’s show, I’ve got several different musical groups, I do 25 play-by-play games for the Islanders here, I do a lot of work for Universum Media — play-by-play for a lot of Atlantic University Sports — plus in-house games for the Charlottetown Islanders.”
Doherty enjoys the strong PEI connections he encounters when he works at national curling events. “I remember I was there when Lauren was playing her first Slam, and it was great to see the difference in her then and now in terms of confidence and success. It was pretty special to see her in her first event, but then in Niagara this year to see her get her first win was very special.”
He said the Lenentine family are great supporters. “We always meet up out there on tour and catch up and kind of jump around together.”
On the last Wednesday during the GSOC event in Pictou, “The night ended with 10 Islanders sitting at a table together. That was a shocker,” joked Doherty.
He knows most of the curlers on tour now, after playing with or against them, and traveling to events in recent years, so he’s not nervous interviewing them. “They’re all pretty good.”
He was more nervous going on live TV with the countdown “from 5 and we’re live. So that was tough.” But he’s carried it off with a high-powered delivery and no major, or even minor, flubs.
After the Kioti, Doherty is home for a few weeks until the WFG Masters event Dec. 12-17 in Saskatoon.
From: https://twitter.com/robbiedoherty
Doherty likes where his career is now. “It’s a great spot for me to work. The Grand Slam is a really great brand for the sport. It’s very forward thinking. We’re not trying to hold on to the old days, bagpipes and beef on a bun. You know, it’s new. We’re trying to bring new life to the sport, spotlight the top teams in the world and promote international teams who all really enjoy coming over to Canada.”
Doherty said the host cities and volunteers are always great to work with. “It’s really amazing.” He noted that the final weekend in Pictou was a sellout, helped by Island fans pouring across on the ferry.
“That adds a lot of fun, especially in the smaller towns . . . the whole town gets behind it and is really proud to host.”
Doherty says he’s often asked if the travel makes it tough on family life, “or when do you ever see your son at home.” But he had breakfast and lunch with his son every day while the tour was in Pictou. “So yeah, I’m away for a couple weeks here and there, but it also trades off and being able to spend a lot more time at home with my family.”
Sports4TV Happy With First Two Events
MacAulay said the first two events were a great learning experience. “They were two really great events. It was interesting being able to meet all the organizers and be able to understand a bit more about how the technology works and learn more on the business side.
Cornwall Curling Club member Jeremy MacAulay displaying curling rock handles that contain microchip technology to enhance curling broadcasts and sport training.
The rocks used by the GSOC tour are owned by Sportsnet so at the end of each event, the handles containing the computer technology are removed, and safely packed for shipping to the next event.
He said there were no glitches for the first two events, and “we’re very happy with how technology has been able to go forward. Each building comes with its own challenges. We usually get there on Sunday evening prior to the event starting on Tuesday, and then we’re live on TV on Thursdays.”
The Sports4TV crew has several days to understand the building and other factors involved “to make sure we’re ready to go live on Thursday.”
MacAulay and his team are in the arena watching both the action and the data as the games proceed. “Our data goes to our system and then we feed them that data. They’ll be able to see the data coming on their end and then they choose when or what they want to show. We’re monitoring the broadcast all the time.
“So, we have our monitor because it’s real time. There’s about a 30 to 45 second delay for TV that we’re watching too. So far, there’s been no issues.
His company has gotten a lot of on-air plugs from the Sportsnet crew “so that’s something we’re thankful for, obviously from a marketing perspective. They usually talk about us during the second end of the game . . .Talking about this and talking about what the viewer at home is supposed to be looking for.
“They’re doing a good job with it. We’ve had a couple of viewers through come up to us and talk about it and say, ‘hey, I really like that the technology and I’m able to watch and understand the game more.’”
The Sportsnet crew make a point not to overwhelm the viewer with too much technical data, while still enjoying all aspects of the game.
“The app itself is available for anybody at home so they can follow along with their phone. We had a lot of people in the stadium who were following along on the sheet that they were watching. So it didn’t have to be the sheet that was on TV.”
MacAulay said Sports4TV is constantly working on improving the product and data points.
“We did some testing this past week and we’d like to be able to introduce those new elements to the apps as well.”
MacAulay said there’s another Islander who makes a regular appearance on tour — Pierce Clarke from Kensington who leads the musical entertainment element at Apres Curl, the GSOC’s rebranded party zone between draws, featuring live music and trivia.
He said the technology has met everyone’s expectations thus far. “I know we’ve been very happy with it.”
MacAulay said his company is willing to work with any interested parties and would be open to talk if TSN is interested in the technology for its major Season of Champions broadcasts coming up in early February with the Scotties, Brier, junior and world events.
“The players themselves don’t have access to it during the game and that is pretty important to maintain the integrity of the game, and to make sure the technology doesn’t intrude into the on-ice product.
The coaches are certainly watching it and expanded data points would certainly make it a valuable practice and learning tool, said MacAulay.
MacAulay is now good friends with Doherty. “I see Robbie probably four or five times a day on tour. We’re always saying hi and always having a few laughs together. When we were in Niagara, a highlight of the week was Doherty’s uncanny, soaring rendition of ‘My Heart Will Go On,’ by Céline Dion. It was perfect. It was love. So, I took a video for very close friends. It was great.”
Can bootleg copies be far behind?
The club will be hosting the 11th Annual Masters Plus next Thursday and Friday and the draw has been set!
The 11th Annual Mixed Doubles Cashspiel will be hosted at the Club on Saturday, December 9th from 8:30am-5:00pm.
Lunch will be provided, there will be cash prizes and each team will play three 6-end games.
Sign up at the Club or email the club manager at manager@cornwallcuring.com
The Murphy’s Ice Queens Funspiel is back!
This year the event will be on Saturday, December 2nd from 9:00am – 3:30pm.
Each team will have three games and enjoy not only a fun time on the ice, but also a catered lunch, trivia, 50/50 and more.
Cost is $40 per person and you can register as a team or as an individual.
This event is open to women from ANY club – we just ask that each team have a maximum of two competitive curlers.
You can register at the Club on the sign up sheet or email the club manager at manager@cornwallcurling.com
We would like to say thank you to Murphy’s Pharmacy for once again sponsoring this fun event.
Some Cornwall Curling Club members are in Pictou County cheering on another Cornwall Curling Club member as she and her team pursue their second straight Grand Slam title!
The Club hosts quite a few events over the course of the curling season.
The Desjardin Stick Curling event on November 16th is already filled, we will host the O’Connor Glass Cornwall Classic U20 event on November 17th-19th, and the 11th Annual Masters Plus event is also filled.
However, over the next few months – in addition to our leagues, rentals, and provincial events – there are plenty of chances to participate in spiels at the Club.
We’ve created a little SAVE THE DATES graphic so everyone can plan ahead – we hope to see you at some of the events!
Registration for the Ice Queens and Mixed Doubles should be coming out very soon so keep an eye out for those – and as always, if you have any questions about upcoming events feel free to reach out to the club manager or one of our board members.
We have have sold 45 of our 64 rock handles – which colour will be the first to sell out all their handles?
There are only 10 yellow and 9 red handles not spoken for – be sure to get yours reserved today!
Reach out to the Club Manager, Debbie Rhodenhizer, or Bryan Sutherland if you would like to secure your rock handle!
The Board of Directors of the Cornwall Curling Club has approved a project to replace our aging curling rocks with a brand new set of rocks. This is an exciting initiative for our Club which will improve the quality of the curling experience for all of our members and guests for years to come! With a project of this magnitude comes a significant financial commitment. In addition to allocating a portion of our Building Fund to this expense, the Board is seeking additional sponsorship from members and others to offset a portion of the cost.
Introducing our Adopt – a – Rock Sponsorship Program
The Cornwall Curling Club is offering members and supporting businesses an opportunity to be part of the legacy of the curling club by sponsoring a rock handle. As a rock handle sponsor, you will have the opportunity to have your name, your family’s names, company name, or memorial message engraved on one or more rock handles.
The cost per rock handle will be $275 which includes the handle, engraving and delivery or you can adopt a pair of rocks for $500. We anticipate that these rock handles will remain in use at the club for the next ten years.
Requests for rock handle sponsorships will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis as there are only 64 rock handles available to be engraved. We would like to secure all rock sponsorships by December 1st so that the rock handles can be ordered, engraved, and installed as soon as possible.
If you would like to adopt a rock, simply fill out the information below and return it to the bar or Club Manager. If you are not interested in having your name on a rock but would like to support the rock replacement program, please feel free to note that below as well. We thank you for your support of this important initiative.
Name:
Contact Phone Number:
Number of rocks requested:
Cost of rocks:
$275 for one, $500 for two:
Rock Preference:
Red or Yellow:
Sheet #:
Rock #:
Inscription Text (max 18 characters per line x 2 lines):
I’m not interested in adopting a rock but would like to make a donation of $_______ to contribute to the Rock Replacement Program.
Download a printable copy of this in PDF form here: Cornwall Rock Handle Fundraiser
If you’ve been in the club this season you have likely noticed the two new signs and two new in-ice decals from our newest sponsor The Gahan House.
We appreciate their support of the Cornwall Curling Club and encourage our members and guests to take the trip into Charlottetown to see them at 126 Sydney Street.
You can check them out online at: https://charlottetown.gahan.ca/
Someone was telling me this weekend a teammate looked up and saw the sign and exclaimed, “now I’m hungry, guess I’ll have to swing by there on the way home!”
We are happy to be carrying several Gahan products in our cooler this year as well – be sure to try one the next time you are in the club.
We are happy to be partnering with Curl PEI once again to host two U18 Programs this season for teens ages 13-18.
The first is a FREE Try Curling event on Friday, December 1st from 4:30pm – 5:30pm. The session will introduce teens to the sport of curling and get them out on the ice throwing some rocks!
If they enjoy the Try Curling event, there is also an 10-week U18 Learn to Curl program from December 1st through March 15th on Fridays from 4:30pm – 6:00pm.
CurlPEI’s U18 Learn to Curl program is designed to introduce teens to the sport of curling. In this Learn to Curl program participants will learn the basics of the game with a huge emphasis on having fun. Our curriculum is based on Curling Canada’s long term curler development model and we provide a low instructor to participant ratio.
If you have any questions about either program, please reach out to Amy Duncan at Curl PEI (amy.duncan@peicurling.com or 902-368-4208)
Registration can be found at: cornwall.curling.io
