Rough and tumble

Our first outing Wednesday night was a glorified practice session, as it was our first time on the ice this year and our first game together.

It took time to get our sea legs, and to recognize tendencies, so we had some trouble on the scoresheet.

However, last night was a different story. We were able to get on track and put some solid ends together. We are by no means in mid-season form, but we managed to play pretty well.

I felt a lot better in my delivery last night. Obviously, it will take time to redevelop those sliding muscles.

Even though we've only played two games in a warm-up spiel, I can tell it is going to be a fun year. While I was always confident that our team had the skill needed to compete, I now know that we also have the needed chemistry. We are all on the same wavelength and it makes play relaxed and enjoyable, and we are able to focus on technique instead of ego.

We are back at it tonight at 9:30 p.m.

Cheers!

Game 1

It's fun to Google your opponents before a game...

Based on my extensive (30 seconds) research, we face long-time Manitoba curler Robert Baldwinson tonight in our first game of the year at the Labatt's Tour event at the Pembina.

Mr. Baldwinson most recently won the Investors Group trophy at the 2006 MCA Bonspiel (ironic perhaps, considering I am leaving IG at the end of the week). He also made it to the Winnipeg Zone A finals last year, losing to Ryan Fry. He went 4-3 at the 2004 Strathcona Senior Men's playdowns, and he qualified for the Selects in 2003. Clearly, a game veteran.

I've played him many times over the years, in zones, MCA and the Club Champions Championships, believe it or not.

Of course, continuing the streak of the past two years, we start off on an end sheet tonight... although it will be nice to have a built-in crutch to lean on if I struggle.

Here's hoping I regain my mastery of coin tosses tonight utilizing my secret Jedi mind tricks.

See you at the rink!

We're ready to rock!

After a summer of repeated roster changes and a seemingly endless search for players, we have finally set our roster for the coming season, which starts next week.

Our line up consists of Dan Bender, myself, Lorne Ryall, Leigh Solomon and Chris Girling.

I am pumped at the potential of this group, and I'm itching to hit the ice to throw the first practice rocks of the year as we prepare for the Pembina event, and the start of the Asham Superleague.

Once we get rolling, I hope to prod the rest of the boys into posting their thoughts on this blog after games and practices.

It's going to be an interesting season!