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Nugget Column #11 – Tuesday November 29th, 2016
Everyone loves an underdog story, and when it comes in the form of victory for a local curling team, that makes it an instant classic.
Not that Mark Brown’s senior men’s rink was lost on most people’s radar during this past weekend’s Assante 101 Classic Senior Open Bonspiel, but when they came up against 2-time Northern Ontario Men’s Champion and 3-time Northern Ontario Senior Men’s Champion Rob Gordon of Sudbury in the final, a quick comparison of resumes did not predict a favourable outcome for the home team.
But while Gordon was better on paper, Brown with Brad Beaver, Luc Gelinas, and David Lawes were better on ice as they completed their undefeated run and captured the 2016 Ed Dick Memorial Trophy.
In addition to securing top prize, Team Brown is likely just as happy about the momentum shift this win represents as they prepare to take on Team Gordon again at the Northern Ontario Curling Association’s Senior Men’s Region 5 playdown December 16th – 18th in Mattawa. The top two teams from this competition will advance to the provincial championship January 25th – 29th in Kenora where Gordon is the defending champion.
In consolation action Peter Finch, Dave Leslie, John Simmonds, and Peter Croteau defeated Team Jamie Graham in the “B” division final.
Bruce Munro, Duncan Bell, Drew Eloranta, and John Querney overcame Team Brian Fawcett in the “C” division final. And in the “D” division final Patti Callahan, Paulette Brown, Jen Valois, and Gladys Banks-Bryer triumphed over Team Kaz Luteki.
Bonspiel Chair, Bob Budreau, reported that the 11th annual event was again successful thanks to its many volunteers and generous sponsors. Assante Wealth Management at 101 McIntyre continues to provide major financial support for North Bay’s signature senior curling event that regularly features over one hundred participants, some of which travelled from as far as Sault Ste. Marie, Ingersoll, and Bracebridge.
Club Getting Ready to Host U21 Women’s Provincial
“No rest for the wicked” is a phrase that is particularly meaningful to the five women’s curling teams, under-21 years of age, who will be calling North Bay home for four days during the holiday season, December 27th – 30th, 2016.
It’s a winner take all event with only the top team earning the opportunity to represent Northern Ontario during the 2017 Canadian Juniors at the Archie Browning Sports Centre in Victoria, BC January 21st – 29th.
A local curler will be in the spotlight as the defending champion and vice-skip for one of the most favoured teams.
North Bay’s Kate Sherry, along with her Sudbury teammates Kira Brunton (skip), Mikaela Cheslock (second), and Emma Johnson (lead) have invested a great deal of time and effort towards achieving their goals of becoming Canada’s next generation of high performance curlers. A successful competition for them would certainly mean a great deal, and spectators are invited to be in attendance while this story unfolds. Please visit our website for more information and a schedule of games: northbaycurling.com/u21.
Bobby Ray General Manager North Bay Granite Club