Mike McEwen has curled himself most of his life, but even he gets nervous when there are crowds of people watching his every move.
“I’ll be honest, I haven’t had that anxiety, that extra power in a long time. I felt like my first provincials, in a way,” Team captain McEwen said.
McEwen is a favorite for this year’s Ontario Tankard, which takes position at a hockey rink in Port Elgin, Ontario.
“The first two games looked like the quarterfinals of the playoffs. It cannot be taken for granted. In a 12-team draw, everyone is solid, from start to finish,” he said.
This week in Port Elgin, Ontario’s most sensible male and female curlers will compete for the right to constitute the province in the upcoming Canadian championships. Big names like Glenn Howard, John Epping and Rachel Homan are on board.
The curlers are noticeable at the 2023 Ontario Tankard/Scotties Championships at Saugeen Shores on January 25, 2023. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“You’re never going to have a simple game, so to speak. Everyone is difficult and they act very well, especially in those conditions, so we have to have our Game A in each and every game, to be there at the end of the weekend,” said Howard team captain Carly Howard, whose father, Glenn, is the reigning Ontario men’s champion.
This is the consecutive time Port Elgin has hosted the Tankard. They may also host Scottie’s this year, as a compliment for its effects on last year’s low-capacity COVID-19 championship.
“We have 245 volunteers who have worked countless hours to put everything together for the wonderful curlers we have,” said Deb Struys, a member of the orientation committee.
During the week, 10,000 enthusiasts are expected, with crowds growing as the tournament culminates with Sunday’s finals.
The curlers and crowds are noticeable at the 2023 Ontario Tankard/Scotties Championships at Saugeen Shores on January 25, 2023. (Scott Miller/CTV News London)
“I think the weekend is 80% full, and I think they expect more as the week progresses. It’s exciting to have the enthusiasts close to us. We can hear them when we make smart moves, get inspired. It’s great,” Howard said.
“It’s a game at 9:30, and it’s pretty stuck in the stands. So you can see how much the network supports the event,” McEwen added.
Port Elgin’s organisers are hoping for good fortune this year and are putting them on the list for the last time to host such prestigious long-running curling events as Tankard and Scotties.
“Even though it’s a lot of work, it’s nice. The network has stepped up and is supporting us. And they love it too,” Struys said.
There is curling action all week, with finals on Sunday. You can learn more on the Port Elgin Curling Club website.