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.