Featured Curling Athlete: Colin Thomas

Like so many accomplished junior curlers, Colin Thomas began his career thanks to the support of a curling family. In fact, if you ask him who has been the most influential person in his curling life, he’ll name his dad, Jeff Thomas. “He’s been my coach for my whole life,” he says. Thomas was five when he first stepped on the ice at the ReMax Centre in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador, and since then he’s gone on to compete – and win – at the provincial, national and international level. He was provincial junior men’s champion in 2008, and in 2011, won the bronze medal at the M&M Canadian Junior Curling Championships. Last season he led his Memorial University team to the gold medal at the Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) curling championship. More recently, he led his team in action at the Karuizawa International Curling Championships in Karuizawa, Japan, earning a silver medal. Outside of his own competition, Thomas has volunteered as a curling coach for the past three years. And off the ice, he’s also added a provincial soccer gold medal to fill out the trophy case. Watch for Colin and his Newfoundland and Labrador team at the M&M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships which get underway February 4 in Napanee, Ontario. Birthplace:  St. John’s, NL Hometown:   St. John’s, NL Curling Club:  Remax center Current Team: Team Thomas Position:  Skip Delivery:  Right Nickname:  Mort   Quick Hits with Colin Thomas Do you have any superstitions? “I’m not superstitious, I’m a little-stitious. I have a pair of game-day boxers.” Three people, living or not, whom you would invite to a dinner party. “Tiger Woods, Gandhi, Steve Carell” If you could be a star in any other sport, what would it be, and why? “Golf, because I’d have a lot of money and still be able to play curling!” If you could change any rule in curling, which one would it be, and why? “I’d like to see a 5-rock rule put in place; it gives the team with hammer a better chance to get their 2 points, and more rocks in play means more exciting games.” What music do you like to listen to before a game? “ ‘Lucky Man’ by Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Rihanna is always a good call.” Favourite: … Website?  “Pro-linestadium.com” … Order from Tim Hortons?  “French vanilla, chocolate chip muffin” … Vacation destination?  “Mediterranean cruise” … Junk food?  “Sweet chili heat Doritos and Dr. Pepper” Do you have any pet peeves (and you are NOT allowed to say “filling out questionnaires!”)? “People telling over-exaggerated stories.” Three things you always travel with? “Laptop, Phone, Friends.” First thing on your Bucket List? “Skydive onto a mountain.” Favourite pastime between draws at spiels? “Constantly beating Wicks and Steve at ragdoll volleyball.” One thing most people don’t know about you? “I have a soft spot for puppies.” What is the biggest misconception about curlers? “That each player only does one thing. ‘Do you sweep, throw or yell?’” Your ideal shot to win an Olympic gold medal: “An in-turn cross-house double.”   Featured Curling Athletes in Action: The M&M Meat Shops Canadian Junior Curling Championships will include junior curlers who have been Featured Curling Athletes throughout the season. Competing athletes in the men’s competition include Thomas Scoffin (Yukon), Derek Oryniak (Manitoba), Brendan Bottcher (Alberta), Colin Thomas (Newfoundland and Labrador) and Andrew O’Dell (New Brunswick), whose profile is coming soon. On the women’s side, watch for previously featured athletes Sarah Fullerton (P.E.I.) and Emily Dwyer (Nova Scotia), as well as upcoming featured athlete Jocelyn Peterman (Alberta).