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By Mike McEwen

Looking back only one week ago to the Syncrude Elite 10, both the players and fans experienced a brand-new format for the very first time. We’ve competed in Fort McMurray before — don’t forget last season’s mad dash to tarp the ceiling to save the ice and event from the “rainy” indoors! That was quite the event in itself and it was amazing what the local committee, Sportsnet crew, and ice makers were able to do on such short notice.

There was no exception this time in Fort McMurray as our comfort zones were tested again. It wasn’t normal curling, it wasn’t skins, and it wasn’t just five-rock play. It was all of those combined and much more in match play! In fact, there was so much going on that initially the fans and the athletes might have felt and looked a bit confused. In all honesty, I’m used to being able to easily recall past situations and strategy for our own team, but I had trouble remembering much more than what I ate for breakfast!

However, I thought it was remarkable how quickly the players adapted to the unfamiliar format and after all it was still curling … just curling on ‘roids! The teams worked through some initial brain cramps and by the weekend the play, shotmaking, and sheer entertainment of the Syncrude Elite 10 became very evident.

So, what are my top five lessons to take away from this event and its unique format and experience?

5) Be ready to play from the word go! Every end became an end of equal magnitude. In normal gameplay there are quite often times where teams are feeling out the ice or jockeying for hammer strategically via the use of blanked ends. Not so the case here.

4) Was last rock really an advantage anymore? All the teams are conditioned to pre-game practice and focus carefully to win the draw to the button, but the statistics from the first-ever Syncrude Elite 10 would say maybe not to worry too much! By event’s end the numbers were very close to an equal 1/3 split for each of the three scenarios of: scoring a steal of one or more, scoring two or more with hammer, or a push (blank/score one with hammer).

3) Brain drain was on full display! I felt it wasn’t physical but mental fatigue that took its toll. (But what do I know … I don’t sweep!)

2) Amazing shots and complicated situations became the new routine. By the weekend I think it was safe to say we witnessed some of the best curling all year.

2A) Don’t leave Niklas Edin any runbacks! If you can hook the guard and take that shot away from him make sure you do!

1) It’s tremendous to have Sportsnet’s Grand Slam of Curling series continue to explore and expand our imagination. The entertainment possibilities for our sport are very exciting!