Holland Curling Team

Hello all, I am so, so sorry I have been neglecting my diary entries.  I do have a great excuse; the party from Thursday night carried over until much too early Friday morning Friday night was not a whole lot better, and despite my good intentions of coming home earlier last night it just didn’t work out.  I know that I typically have had a few drinks prior to sharing my stories with you all, but add in the fact that I have been really tired and I think Kerry would have had to spend a little too much time censoring my work. Haha.

Well we had a tough finish for sure on Thursday.  We played fairly well but ran into a bit of a hot skip and we just couldn’t seem to get multiple points on the board.  Tammy wasn’t feeling great so I subbed in after the 5^th end. I really wish I could have helped the gals get that win.  We did bounce back with a strong game against Alberta in the evening and there was that outside chance that 6-5 could make the playoffs, but I am sure you heard all about that on TSN. I was really excited to have the opportunity to play a full game at the Scotties, but it was too bad that Tammy wasn’t able to finish out the week.  I did play fairly well though, but apparently one game does not qualify a player for an all star award. Hahaha.

Following the game we went over to the HeartStop Lounge, the band was awesome!  After closing it down we came back to our hotel and enjoyed a couple of drinks in the hotel bar, where we managed to get Russ Howard sporting one of our flashy green scarves.  After closing down the hotel lounge we enjoyed a couple of drinks in room 704, after that was shut down we enjoyed some snacks in our own room … the evening officially ended at 5:00 Friday morning … hence the diary was not completed.

Friday we had a bit of a sleep in and after lunch a few of us went straight back to bed.  Some of the Saskies went across the border to Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan ... some of us are not able to cross the border – it isn’t what you think, I just haven’t renewed my passport since I got married.  During the day we lost the wig crew – Ken, Jared and Marc all flew home.  These guys were practically celebrities here; they were in the newspaper more than most of the curlers and rumor has it they even signed a few autographs … ya I found that one hard to believe myself.  When the group returned from down south (and I crawled out of bed) we all went out for dinner and to the 1 vs. 2 Page Playoff game in the evening.  We had the opportunity to teach Sexy Rexy what the game of Ends is all about – I am not sure he liked it too much, haha.  Walter and Larry both had to buy a round too – Larry practically had to run to the bar as it was closing down while the last rock came to rest in the 9^th end!  It was an interesting game; those Islanders had some great chances so I think the rematch should be interesting.

Friday evening was concluded with … you guessed it another night in the HeartStop Lounge.  The band was not quite as impressive but the drinks were just as good and the company was terrific!  When it closed down we hit the hotel bar again and then back to our room where we finished off some of our leftovers from supper with ¼ of Team Smash aka Team Alberta. This evening was a bit better ending at 3:30 am.

Saturday morning we had the CCA Awards Brunch.  Heather was in the running for second tem All Star she was tied with Jacquie Armstrong at 82%, bummer the award went Jacquie’s way as she had the better +/- record, but we were so proud of our little lead for doing a great job!  The sportsmanship award was also handed out to Kelly Scott.  But it  was brought to our attention a bit later that Kelly may have let a little F-bomb out following her loss to us, we all had a good chuckle about this later that day.  After brunch we had just enough time for a nap before getting ready for the autograph signing in the HeartStop.  We were there for about an hour and signed a lot of autographs and met some more wonderful fans.  Then we went back to the room, and I am not gonna lie I considered trying to squeeze in another nap.  Instead I settled for a coffee with Baileys (thanks to Jan and Marcia for providing the Baileys, Super 5^th enjoyed the majority of this) and that seemed to get me back on track.  We went to the semi final last night and participated in the Schmirler Sweep of the stands after the 3^rd end.  It was a bummer to see the hometown team have a bit of a struggle last night.  They never really seem to do things the easy way, so we really thought they might pull it out, but it just wasn’t meant to be I guess.  How great would it be if PEI wins this as they have the Scotties in Charlottetown next year … two teams from PEI would be great for ticket sales and the PEI fans are out in

After the game we had the chance to attend the Kruger Reception – free food, free drinks and more great people … what more does a fifth player need?  Kim and I ended up being the last two Saskies standing and we spent some time with Team Ontario. Kari MacLean convinced me to get in on a poker game with her and a bunch of the Kruger reps and customers.  I was having flashbacks of some late nights in the Lampman Curling Rink Lounge and I lost my money just the same … at least it didn’t all go to Jim Packet this time!  Kari ended up splitting the pot in the end … don’t let her beauty fool you she is a sneaky little one! We shared a cab with Tara George and her hubby back to the hotel … we missed the party in the Hotel Bar this time and were to bed around 3:30 am … again too tired to be clever.

Here are a few final thoughts from the week:

1 – Amber does not know about this, but the first day she ordered a BLT from SubWay and it came with only bacon on it.  Worried that our skipper would be less than impressed with this Tammy and I picked our Tomatoes and lettuce off of our own subs and fixed her sandwich.

2 – Elaine, aka the F-Bomb Mom, aka our driver truly was the bestest driver ever!!!

3 – Our Fans were the best in the house.  Like I said they made the paper numerous times and people were asking us where they were all day yesterday.  Bryan Mudryk even invited them to a celebrity golf tournament, ha … Classic.

4 – We almost got hit by a train one afternoon … ok, not a real train; it was some kind of maintenance car … or buggy as Heather calls it.

5 – My apologies to Troy, I did not find out the meaning of the logo … or if I did I forgot it before I wrote it down anywhere.  I promised I would find this out and I will, you can expect an email in the future.

6 – Super 5^th made it into Larry Woods’ 5^th Player All-Star Team … was there ever a doubt?

7 –Now that I have seen him in person I can confirm that Rex Goudie truly is sexy.

8 – Bryan Mudryk has at least 2 pairs of Women’s jeans … we aren’t saying he doesn’t look good, we are just saying …

9 – Amber is responsible for driving the team everywhere they go for the next 2 seasons in her new wheels!

10 – If you all have enjoyed reading this as much as I have enjoyed writing it I might have to consider a career in journalism … Murray McCormick look out!

So here we are, sitting in the Soo Airport getting ready to head home.  We have had a ton of fun representing Sask at the Scotties and we thank you all so much for your wonderful support.  I have a feeling this team will be back for another shot sometime in the near future (although I have to admit I am not really cheering for them, sorry team). 

Sask Super 5^th in the Soo.

Whoo Hoo, two wins in one day, I knew this was coming!  What can I say; we really started to look like ourselves today. It was great to watch the girls get things back on track and have some fun in the process!  The game against B.C. was a battle, there were a lot of great shots and it came down to last rock, as it should against another great team.  We were happy to be on the right side of the inch this time.  This afternoon’s game was a bit more comfortable.  The gals played really well and controlled the score board, we even scored in the 3^rd quarter … what did I tell you, just like the green and white to make it happen when it really matters!

We had a great evening off at the hotel; all of our family members came for supper.  Ok, supper itself was a bit of a struggle (I am pretty sure my filet was mooing) but the company was great and the drinks were delicious!  Having a break seemed like a great idea for me as I officially got the evening off to “represent” the team in the HeartStop Lounge. By the way, it was brought to my attention this evening that I have a habit of writing HeatStop Lounge … so sorry to my critics out there, you try being witty and grammatically correct at 2:00 am after a few drinks … at least I am not wearing a mullet wig and I do not have a man crush on Bryan Mudryk!!!   Anyway, I headed to the HeartStop Lounge with our supporters to enjoy the battle of the bands tonight.  The first band left a little to be desired, so I tried to create my own entry with Jeff Wilson, Michelle Dewar (NFLD Coach and 5^th) and Rex Goudie … yes Sexy Rexy from Canadian Idol, he dates Steph Ledrew from team Newfoundland and I told him he could sing my back-up vocals if he wanted, haha. However, half way through the first band Kim texted me and said Tammy wasn’t feeling well, so like a good little 5^th player I called a car and came home to bed.  Hopefully Tammy will be feeling better in the morning. Kind of ironic that one of the fans asked me “what happens if someone can’t play tomorrow” to which I responded “no worries, I am really good hung-over”.  This happens to be the truth (all 3 of my sisters can vouch for me here), but we will not have to test it tomorrow as they caught me before things got heated at the old HeatStop … I mean HeartStop Lounge.

One more note before I hit the sheets.  I am embarrassed to say that I think I have forgotten the English words to Oh Canada.  I have heard our anthem so many times sang partially in French (every draw at the Pre-trials, Olypmpic Trials and now the Scotties) and I stand beside Heather that sings in French, so the other day I found myself at a loss for English words.  The exciting part is I am now bilingual when singing the national anthem!

That is pretty much it for the day, I am keeping it short tonight cause I should probably get some sleep.  I did not get the chance to complete my research on the logo, hang in there Troy; I will not let you down!

One more 2-win day and hopefully we will be looking good for the weekend! Cheer Hard.

I would like to begin this entry into the Diary by saying “they do so listen to me at time-outs, Murray”!  I finally had a chance to read his Blog and realize I got burned a bit. Lucky for him I am a bit of a media pig (or so I have been told in the past) so I will not hold a grudge! Plus Murray and I were discussing how the HeartStop Lounge is quite a trek from the arena, being the problem solver I am, I suggested that we try to rent a tandem bicycle to make the journey there - the buddy system is just a wise idea when in a strange place.  I think I had convinced Murray that he should take the front and steer the bicycle when he mentioned something about “breaking wind” … I will take a cab.

Our game against Quebec this morning was a good one and exciting for me as I finally made my Scotties debut!  With a comfortable lead heading into the 10^th end Heather let me sub in and throw her stones.  I played a perfect 100%; I guess maybe I am a lead at heart.  Ok, I threw then both through, but that is what was called so that means I am in the running for All-star lead, right?

With a tight turn-around between games we enjoyed some sandwiches and a few laughs with team Newfoundland/Labrador in the locker room.  Shelley Nichols is hilarious and Steph Ledrew does a pretty good job of keeping stride so we were feeling pretty loose heading into the evening game.  We had a wonderful start against New Brunswick this evening; we just seem to be having some trouble keeping it together for all ten.  Maybe it is the green and white we are wearing because we just can’t seem to score in the 3^rd quarter.  Where are some watermelon heads when you need ‘em?  Like our beloved Riders I feel confident that we can get it together in time for a run at the playoffs.  Enough about curling …

We were pleasantly surprised with a bottle of home-made wine when we got back to the room tonight.  We think it is compliments of our favorite Security Guard.  Once again the fifth player makes a sacrifice and drinks the home-made wine.  I am sure there is nothing dangerous in it, but then again I do think she really wanted us to have a good time and she was carrying a satchel so you just never know.  Now that I am thinking about it, my face feels like it is on fire, I hope we are not on TSN tomorrow.

I was asked to do some research into the Scotties Logo that they have this year for the Soo.  Here is what I found out:

Top Blue Arc – represents the blue sky

White and red semi-circles – represent the 8 foot and 4 foot … duh

The light blue triangle – represents the harbor

The green sideways arc – represents an infamous water creature that was discovered in the Soo harbor in 1946 that was cleverly named the Soo Creature

The Grey arc – represents the sail of a sailboat

So there you have it, in the middle of a day with back-to-back games I managed to create a clever little answer that has no truth to it whatsoever.  Sorry for one more sleepless night Troy, I promise I will discover the truth eventually.

Thanks to everyone who sent emails, they are so great to receive!  Again, a special thanks to our fans that are here, especially for making me feel like the best 5^th player there ever was.  You all feel like family … weird family that drinks too much, wears wigs that are mullets, and has man crushes on Bryan Mudryk (you know who you are)  but family none the less.

Time to catch some ZZZZ’s … well maybe one more glass of the “special” wine before I hit the sheets.

Thanks to everyone who sent messages over the last couple of days … especially my sister Rene – you rock.  And a special shout out to Mopper, thanks for the one-liner, keep em coming my friend! 

Stay tuned for more on the logo tomorrow … sorry if this is keeping you up at night Donna, but a 5^th player needs some time for drinking, it can’t be all work & no play.