Recreational Sports

Nearly Live from a 1-Day Bonspiel

Come along with Sean and Scott as they play in the 2024 Rideau Curling Club 1-day Oktoberfest Bonspiel. With a 6-person team, they take you through the day as they play 2 games, comment on the third, and talk about the pros and cons of the 1-day format.

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Women in Curling

Sean is joined by Elaine Dagg-Jackson, the Chair of Women in Curling, to talk about the initiative's re-brand. Formerly known as the Women in Curling Leaders' Circle, the re-brand has come with four new pillars that the group is focusing on to help foster greater women's representation at all levels of curling. More information - including on how to apply to be part of the executive council and committees - can be found here. The deadline for applications is November 17.

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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

Curling for Beginners and Improvers

This week the guys are joined by John Robertson, author of Curling for Beginners and Improvers. John talks about his passion for the sport, why he wanted to write a book for new players, and the best way to introduce people to curling. John also talks about some of the key topics in the book, including best ways to practice, introducing the rules, introducing strategy, and keeping up with pace of play.

Following the discussion with John, Sean and Scott talk about the PointsBet and this week's return of the Grand Slam as well as some of the new branding we're seeing in the world of curling.

For more, visit us at GameofStonesPod.com

More USA Curling Changes, Niklas Edin has Surgery, Pan Continental Takes Shape, & Fitting in with New Teammatesing

In this episode, Scott makes his triumphant return to the pod to chat with Sean about the USA Curling situation, including even more changes to the organization. They also talk about the on-going Pan Continental Curling Championship, including the poor attendance, the impact of China not participating, and the teevee coverage. They wrap up by talking about the best ways to incorporate new players into your team and how communication and expectations are key before Sean vents about an esoteric pet peeve.

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Diversity & Inclusivity Initiatives After Curling Canada Symposium

In this episode, Sean is joined by Sabena Islam about diversity and inclusion initiaitves in curling. They talk about Curling Canada's 'Changing the Face of Curling' symposium and some of Curling Canada's DEI initiatives. The discussion ranges from how these program's came about, where they stand now, and what steps the curling community can take moving forward.

Please check out some of the resources available:

United we Curl: https://unitedwecurl.com/

Curling Canada: https://www.curling.ca/files/2021/03/Full-Resource-Kit-Eng.pdf

Goldline: https://blog.goldlinecurling.com/we-can-all-changethefaceofcurling-introducing-the-unitedwecurl-brooms/
For more, visit us at GameofStonesPod.com

Curling Canada's Diversity & Inclusivity Initiatives

In this episode, Sean and Scott are joined by Curling Canada CEO Katherine Henderson to talk about the new diversity and inclusivity initiatives announced last month. They talk about the program's background, the consultation process, and efforts to diversify curling and both the rec and elite levels. You can find more info on the initiatives here: https://www.curling.ca/diversity-inclusivity/

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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.