World Curling Championships

Well, if you know me, you know that I spent a lot of time at the Ford World Men's Curling Championships in Regina a couple weeks ago. I had a fantastic time going to games with friends and family. We even took Alexander to a couple of draws. At the second one he was talking about something curling...not even sure what. There were a couple of ladies in front of us and one turned and asked him how old he was. After he told her, she turned to her friend and said, "He's pretty knowledgable!" As well he should be!! :)

Anyway, I have picked a few of the 700ish photos that I took to share with you. These are my favourite photos - not necessarily the ones that tell the story. For example, I don't have a good photo of Tony Angiboust. He threw 4th rocks for France and we took a shining to him. He wasn't terribly involved in the strategizing (per the paper, it's because he's too emotional) but he did have a few opinions. For example, if there was a relatively simple draw for one, he'd rather play the triple take out and roll for one...the thing is, he would make them!! It was crazy but really fun to watch. Watching him play in the tiebreaker, he proved that he could make other types of shots but the takeout - no matter how difficult - was his favourite!! In the end, we were glad Canada won, even though it wasn't the team that we wanted to see come out of the Brier. Anyway, without further adieu, here are the photos.

These first chunk are from the week of play:

This is Tom Brewster - skip of team Scotland.

This is probably my favourite photo from the whole week. I just love how it looks - Torger Nergard from Norway.

The pants were there! This was Norway's new look for the World's. I thought they were a very clean look! Norway didn't perform up to expectations the beginning of the week but improved to the playoffs in the end.

As the photo above...Thomas Ulsrud from Norway. He was voted (the award had a name but I don't remember what)Miss Congeniality at the event. He seemed to have a sense of humour as he purchased a pizza for Canada's coach Norm Gould before they played them (Norm became known for his snacking during the Brier). And they wear those pants...'nuff said.

Canada's Jeff Stoughton with brushers Steve Gould and Reid Carruthers.

Canada's Jeff Stoughton (I liked the angle on this one).

Niklas Edin - skip for team Sweden. I remember watching him at the 2010 Olympics (where he placed 4th) and he was a big weight, hitting kind of team. A different team showed up for the World's - they were a softer, draw oriented team but they got 3rd so I guess they know what they're doing.

Niklas Edin.

Our other favourite team is Germany. Not sure why, other than we like Andy Kapp. This is their alternate (but he's played with Andy forever...) Holger Hohne.

Team Czechoslovakia - Jiri Snitil, the skip. He was very photogenic.

Team Sweden's third - Sebastien Kraupp - I just liked the photo.

The aforementioned Andy Kapp, in classic Andy Kapp stance. After throwing, particularly a shot that is intense, he'll get down on his hands and knees and then come up.

More classic Andy Kapp.

The rest of these photos are from the Gold medal final. Canada defeated Scotland 6-5.

Marching in...with giant flag guy in the background...he was at a lot of draws but it made for a cool photo op!

Jeff Stoughton.

What do you do when your Daddy's in probably the most important game of his career? Why the same thing as any other little boy...play cars. That's Tom Brewster's wife on the edge, looking down and if you can't read the back of his son's jacket...it says "The Munchkin".

Canada's third...Jon Mead.

Jeff Stoughton

Tom Brewster, technically, but I just liked the photo.

More fun equipment photos.

I was going through my photos and I saw this one I'd taken of the camera man and I just really liked it so here it is.

Watching through the boom camera.

Jeff Stoughton - victorious.

Raising the flags.

The crowd isn't the only fan. I love watching the athletes take it all in. This guy had a decent camera, too. I'm not sure who it is...I think it's France's alternate - Jan Ducroz?

Anyway, there is the week in photos...aren't you proud of me for getting the 700 down to about 25?

Until next time...