The last time the Brier appeared in London, Ontario was the year 1974.
Eddie Werenich, The Wrench, was there, playing second for his future third, Paul Savage. Another legend, Bernie Sparkes, was there... playing third for his future third – and the 2009 world wheelchair champion skip – Jim Armstrong.
Quebec’s Jim Ursel was there; he would win the Brier on home ice three years later.
And, of course, the eventual champions from Alberta were there (screen capture above), skipped by the Friendly Giant: Hec Gervais.
Thirty-five years later, Gervais’ second – the CCA’s Warren Hansen – is no doubt jetting to London for tomorrow’s news conference to announce the return of the Tim Hortons Brier to that city, in March of 2011.
Local media has the advance story here.
The 2010 Tim Hortons Brier returns to Halifax, just a few days following the conclusion of the Vancouver 210 Olympic Winter Games.
London could have a good showing with 2011 version of the Brier. With their new rink and a pretty good hockey team the past few years they have re-established themselves as a great sporting city. I don't see why that wouldn't translate well to a Brier. We'll watch with interest.
ReplyDeleteJeff - CurlingRink.ca