Club Curling

Biggest Differences Between Elite & Rec Level Strategies

This week the guys chat about the differences in the strategies you see on teevee compared to what is advisable in your regular leagues. What parts of strategy can you incorporate from the top levels and which ones should you leave the pros?

They also chat about the Pan Continental Curling Championship, which kicks off on Sunday, and the news that Curling Canada is still looking for a title sponsor for next year's Olympic Trials.

For more, visit us at GameofStonesPod.com

Improving Engagement at the Rec Level

This week, Curl ON Executive Director Matt Allen joins the show to talk about his Engagement Tour Report (which you can read here). After spending more than 200 hours meeting with curlers and clubs across the province, Matt's report outlines ideas to increase engagement at the local level and proposes strategies to get more people playing the sport. From improving the online presence to attracting new and young curlers to adopting new business models, the report lays out a number of ideas to keep the sport strong at the grassroots. Do you think that these ideas will help increase engagement at the rec level?

For more, visit us at GameofStonesPod.com

The Arena Club Experience with Palmetto Curling & the last big Events of the Season

In this episode, Sean flies solo as he goes around the world of curling as the season inches to its conclusion. He starts by discussing the Champions Cup (1:15) and EJ Harndon joining Team Gushue, including the residency implications (9:45). He then talks about the U18 Canadian championship (11:35) and looks ahead to the World Junior Curling Championship (17:08).

He's then joined by Brian Champion-Westcott of the Palmetto Curling Club (23:00). They chat about the impact of the Olympics on the club, recruiting members in the southern United States, and the challenges of being an arena curling club, including the struggle to set up the ice and inconsistent ice conditions. 

For more, vist us at GameofStonesPod.com

We're Back on the Ice! Return to Curl at the Rec Level

In this episode, Sean and Scott talk about their first games back on the ice with their teammate Maegan Hough. They talk about the Covid protocols in place for this season, the difference from last year, and their level of comfort being back in the arena. They also chat about the new developments that have come to rec curling, including changes to the post-game socializing, and their expectations for the 2021-22 season.

For more, be sure to visit us at GameofStonesPod.com

Big Weekend on Tour as More Curling Facilities Close

In this episode, Sean and Scott talk about the big tour events from this weekend, including the cancellation of of the women's event in Okotoks, Alberta. They also talk about more facilities announcing closures for the season and what the longterm impact could be on the sport.

Unsung Heroes of the Curling Club: Board Members During Covid

In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Steve Graham, a Board member at the Fergus Curling Club, to discuss the challenges volunteer Boards are facing during Covid 19 and some of the considerations for returning to play.

Rec Leagues Return to Play

In this episode, Sean and Scott talk about their feelings as they get ready to return to the ice. They talk about masks on the ice, safety protocols, and how the social side of the sport will change. They also discuss their level of anticipation for this season as compared to years past.

Breaking Down Curling Canada's Return to Play Guidelines with Curling Geek

In this episode, Sean and Scott are joined by Doug (aka Curling Geek) to discuss Curling Canada's Return to Play Guidelines. They talk about the practicality of physical distancing in curling, the financial implications for clubs, and whether there will be curling in clubs this winter.

Unsung Heroes of the Curling Club: League Convenors

In this episode, Sean and Scott talk with Maegan Hough, a league convenor at the Ottawa Curling Club. Maegan talks about the challenges of being a convenor, setting game schedules, and enforcing league rules. They also discuss the role of volunteers at clubs, the best and worst parts of running a league, and recap their season.

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Spring (umm...Autumn?) Training!

With curling season fast approaching (or already here), Sean and Scott discuss how to approach the start of the new curling season. From equipment to stretching to socializing, find out what you need to do to start your season right.

A Curling Thanksgiving

In this episode, Sean and Scott talk about the past weekend of curling, including another win for Team Einarson, Team Carruthers winning in Toronto, and a breakthrough for Kira Brunton. They also talk about Anna Hasselborg and Nik Edin getting wins in Europe. They finish by talking about what they are thankful for in the world of curling.

Is Curling Sustainable?

In this episode, Sean and Scott break down all the news from the world of curling. They talk about Elite 10 wins for Brad Gushue and Anna Hasselborg, other tour events from this weekend, and the news of Canada's mixed doubles team for the second leg of the Curling World Cup. They also break down the Curling Canada AGM, including its financial report, ratings, and whether the current model for elite curling is sustainable.