The field’s almost full for the Brier

After a dramatic day of provincial play across the country Feb. 10, only one spot is open for the 2013 Tim Hortons Brier – the Canadian Men’s Curling Championship – March 2-10 in Edmonton’s Rexall Place. Seven finals were staged Sunday, and the qualifying teams include some of the biggest names in the game. The most important result of all for Edmonton fans came in the Alberta playdowns in Leduc where Kevin Martin defeated Kevin Koe to win a record 12th provincial championship.  It marks a special one for Martin who makes his first hometown appearance in the Brier. Martin will be shooting to become the first player to skip five Brier champions, surpassing the records of fellow Albertan Randy Ferbey and Saskatchewan legend Ernie Richardson. In Ontario, defending Tim Hortons Brier and world champion Glenn Howard captured his eighth consecutive provincial championship.  Howard will be bidding for his fifth Brier title in a record-breaking 15th appearance, moving ahead of his brother Russ. Jeff Stoughton is coming back to represent Manitoba at the Brier for a 10th time, taking aim at a fourth championship. Brad Gushue, 2006 Olympic gold-medallist, still looking for a first Brier Tankard, will be also be making his 10th trip to the national championship for Newfoundland/Labrador. In Northern Ontario, Brad Jacobs earned a seventh showing at the Brier and Paul Flemming qualified for his sixth out of Nova Scotia, scoring a single in the 10th end to defeat defending champ Jamie Murphy. The final game of Sunday play came on the west coast where Andrew Bilesky defeated Brent Pierce – former Brier and world champion – for a first trip to the national stage. Prince Edward Island is the only province yet to declare its representative, with weekend playdowns delayed due to weather conditions. Early qualifiers include 2006 champion Jean-Michel Ménard of Quebec, Jamie Koe of the Northwest Territories/Yukon, James Grattan of New Brunswick and Saskatchewan’s Brock Virtue. Closer to home, two big curling competitions are coming up for fans in the Edmonton region… it’s easy to qualify and entry is free. The Jam Can Curling Championships will be on the outdoor ice Feb. 20-21 at City Hall.  It’s the chance to bring back the days when so many curlers got their first chance to play the game.  Register your team by email at [email protected] or [email protected]. The Cool Shots public playdowns will be underway Saturday, Feb. 23 from 11 a.m – 4 p.m. at the West Edmonton Mall.  Just drop by and sign up to play the tabletop version of the roaring game! “You Gotta Be There” for the excitement of the 2013 Tim Hortons Brier.  It’s shaping up to be one of the best fields in the history… get your tickets right away by clicking here.