It’s my Parting Shot for my Monday curling Musings…..

It was mentioned to me late last week, and I agreed, that the person speaking was hoping that Rachel Homan would win the women’s division of the Canadian Olympic Curling Trials. The reasoning was simple – the person speaking to me, via text by the way, felt that Homan’s Ottawa foursome would represent Canada better at the Milan Games in February because of their excellence and experience when compared with that of Christina Black’s Halifax quartet. Mind you, had Black’s team won the right to wear the Maple Leaf in Halifax – shortly after the passing of her childhood hero and Nova Scotia royalty, Colleen Jones, that would’ve made for a great story!

I’ll take it one step further – I was also happy that Brad Jacobs’ team won the men’s berth to represent Canada at the Olympics over Matt Dunstone. Same reason for me – I’d rather having a proven champion in Jacobs throwing fourth stones instead of Dunstone! At least right now!!

The possibility that a team like Christina Black’s had a shot at winning the Trials calls into question for some people whether having an event like this is the correct way to determine who represents Canada at the Olympics! I’m just not sure what a better alternative would be – discuss amongst yourselves!

What I think is not open for debate is the need to bring back tie-breaker games to national curling events. The idea of L-S-D, or Last Stone Draw, is used to determine who gets the hammer to start a game. I’m fine with that. But, to determine final standings placings – especially when it comes to who continues into playoffs and who is out of contention – is sheer lunacy! And, when you look at the section on the Curling Canada website, Pre-Game Practice and Last Stone Draw process, the amount of points and words needed to explain it all tells me that the person or people who came up with this are on the other L-S-D! Bring back tie-breakers for the fans!!

That’s my Parting Shot. I’m Les Lazaruk…and it turned out nice again!