Congrats Team Lobel

Some great news for a Monday morning early in a new year.

After years of frustration, Toronto’s Lobel brothers – Rob and Steve – will compete in their first-ever Ontario men’s provincial, next month in Kitchener-Waterloo.

Blogreaders might be somewhat familiar with younger brother Steve (in the photo above, taken by the intrepid Jim Henderson of SWEEP! Magazine) as per his creative talents. He recently submitted a curling-themed Indy car for a design contest – have you voted for it yet? – and he’s been doing the ProCurler Curling Stuff thing for years. Older brother Rob, who skips, is the quiet one.

Strengthened by their new front end – multi-provincial veterans Kenny McDermot and Oakville ice technician Scott Foster – the Lobels, representing Brampton, beat Guelph’s 2007 provincial playoff skip Greg Balsdon in the first game at their regional playdown, and followed that with two more wins over Owen Sound’s Dave Twining and former provincial playoff skip Dale Matchett of Churchill (with Ed Werenich’s son Ryan at third stone).

And just like that, the lads are into the Tankard final. What seemed so difficult for so many years finally looked easy.

Congrats to two great TCN friends on a long curling career, and this latest accomplishment.