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By Mike McEwen 

The World Curling Tour has been in full swing now for four weeks. Just about every team has touched the ice surface for some competition, however, there is the odd horse that hasn’t seen any action.

We’ve seen the kings of Norway (and world champions) Team Ulsrud scoop up the opening WCT event in Baden, Switzerland. Following that, my team leaped out of the gate to win the WCT’s first stop in Canada at the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard. And just this weekend our Olympic champions Team Jacobs began their season with a smooth victory at the AMJ Campbell Shorty Jenkins Classic in Brockville, Ont.

Also of note, both Glenn Howard’s and Jeff Stoughton’s new lineups looked to be gelling quickly this past weekend. As well, John Epping’s foursome has put up very good results extending deep into the playoffs in their two opening events.

Despite all this early season action there are still a few teams we haven’t seen yet this September. That changes with this week’s stop in Saskatoon at the Point Optical Curling Classic: seven out of the top 10 men’s teams in the world in action!

Specifically, we get to see the new Team Koe: the Koe/Martin/Howard former team members’ creation. We’ll begin to witness the “big boys” clashing more often starting here and again through events in October leading up to the Masters Grand Slam of Curling event in Selkirk, Man. (Oct. 28 – Nov. 2). The only rare exception will be the reigning Canadian men’s champions, the former Team Koe, now skipped by John Morris. They could literally be foaming at the mouth when they arrive in Selkirk in a month’s time for their first competition of the season.

Speaking of the Masters, this weekend is the final date for qualifying into this event. So, not only will local fans in Saskatoon be treated with some heavyweight battles, new-look lineups, but also a few teams scratching and clawing for points to get them to the opening Sportsnet show! Only the top 14 teams by their world ranking get invited as well as a 15th spot reserved for a sponsor’s exemption.

In particular, Manitoba teams skipped by Jeff Stoughton and Reid Carruthers are the ones to watch as they’ll both be looking to grab some final qualifying points. Currently, Team Stoughton sits in 15th place and in all likelihood holds the last berth into the Masters as they are the next team in ranking and could easily be the sponsor’s choice. Team Michel, Olympic representatives for Switzerland in Sochi, sit fairly comfortable in 14th position. However, should they gain no points this weekend and Team Carruthers (in 18th) wins in Saskatoon and/or Team Stoughton makes the final, Team Michel could find themselves passed and riding the pine for the first Grand Slam of the season.

Once a team slips out of the top 14 there are no guarantees — that 15th spot can and will likely go to the team deemed best for the event. For the Masters in Selkirk, I wouldn’t bet against it going to Team Stoughton or Team Carruthers.

A quick look on the ladies side has former Manitoban (and last season’s Manitoba women’s champion) Chelsea Carey holding onto 15th position with her new team out of Edmonton. Team Flaxey, from Listowel, Ont. — with former Manitoban Allison Flaxey holding the reigns at skip — sits in 14th position.

A huge event takes place this weekend for the ladies in Stockholm, Sweden — keep an eye on 16th ranked Team Jaggi out of Switzerland. They could easily disrupt one of the aforementioned women’s teams plans. Don’t book your flights just yet ladies — change fees suck!

There you have it — enjoy some interesting story lines happening this week!