McEwen: The evolving curling experience — Slam style
By Mike McEwen
Just like every other sport on the planet, ours too is evolving. We are experiencing growth in our abilities as athletes, the quality of playing conditions, fans’ knowledge and the stylistic methods of broadcasting curling to the world.
The Grand Slam of Curling series is one place where we as competitors have significant input and great desire for our sport to push the limits. Limitations that we are knocking down include both the rules/format we compete in and also the entertainment value that curling projects. It’s not like curling hasn’t gone through evolution in the past and the Grand Slams are an important and proactive outlet to continue this growth.
So, let’s have a look at some of the changes going on!
Last weekend’s tournament held in Selkirk, Man., was the first ever curling event where both genders simultaneously tackled the new five-rock rule. I think it’s safe to say the Masters was an extremely entertaining event and perhaps one of the most exciting Grand Slams in recent memory.
Never mind more rocks in play, but how about the added element of careful diligence with respect to your team’s time clock? The five-rock rule does create more complications and subsequently managing how much time your team is burning per end could/should be a high priority. Get a lead in the game and “run away” with it? Not so fast, as you can’t simply do so if the other team wishes and executes. The five-rock rule suggests that you will be dealing with more options and a higher degree of difficulty when executing the shots needed to defend against your opponent.
All this adds to the likelihood of more chaos and more excitement (there were some awesome highlights) — not to mention mentally draining for skips and other strategists alike! I know there were a few times where even we were pressured to hurry up the last couple of ends in a few of our games. “Even we” you say? Yes, I used that a little loosely as people who watch us know we are fairly deliberate, haha! But suffice it to say there were a few more than normal circumstances which included ladies teams getting used to timely decision-making as the annoyance of the ticking clock noise grew louder and louder in one’s head!
How about the fans? As a player, it did not go unnoticed all the fans that came out to the Selkirk Recreation Centre. Crowds were consistently solid and the atmosphere built upon that support.
Sportsnet introduced a new master of ceremonies to the event, Peter Steski, who is well known amongst the players and thus he was able to poke fun of just about every team in competition. At first, there were a few crickets as he took jabs here and there when announcing the teams before each draw. As the event grew nearer to the intensity of the playoffs, so did the fans interest of what MC Steski had to say. You could tell they were waiting for him to give them something to laugh and cheer about!
One particular introduction that sticks out in my mind was when he introduced Team McEwen, wearing our red playoff pants, as indeed having a heart even though we are still looking to win one! Ah yes, purple hearts are donned on Brier uniforms for those teams competing that have won their respective provinces. Still working on that one …
Interested in this Steski fellow? Check out this “Pete on the Street” video here:
Players and fans alike also noticed the VIP seating area at ice level just beyond the scoreboards. This was a test setup and rumour has it that Sportsnet will be looking to execute this new idea in full at the National in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. With the exciting announcement of Pinty’s becoming the official title sponsor of the Grand Slam of Curling, could this idea become even better? Imagine in Sault Ste. Marie a VIP seating area that’s raised up a bit from ice level, but still right behind the scoreboards. Add to that a full-service bar with the smells of appetizers wafting over ice level — provided by Pinty’s of course! Seeing as I love competing a little bit hungry, what’s another distraction than food and drink right behind the house?
A quick note on the broadcasting of the semifinals — what did everyone think? Sportsnet executed a concept where they would show the “red zone” of each game live. This meant playing leapfrog from all four games to show the conclusion of each end, which were usually third and skip’s rocks. I talked to people and received mostly positive feedback. There were those who might have been confused, but all were entertained! Consequently, I did notice some really tired looking Sportsnet people the next day. Apparently, this was a difficult concept and produced some mentally drained people off the ice. Regardless, bravo Sportsnet for giving this a go and I hope they keep us on the edge of our seats with new ways to broadcast our sport!
Next up is the National, running Nov. 19-23 in Sault Ste Marie, Ont., and I’ll have something to say just before the men take to the ice in the hometown of Olympic gold medallists Team Jacobs. Going to be an amazing event!