I hear there are possibilities of some men's and women's teams changing line ups for next year? Anyone know of the for sures!!!??
I hear there are possibilities of some men's and women's teams changing line ups for next year? Anyone know of the for sures!!!??
I noticed the other day that Fenson scratched TO from their team web site...
It seems that Fenson will continue to switch their lead until they win again, who knows if that will happen. They all struggled in Hibbing.
Rumor that the Johnson team split up.
Do you think team McCormick will stay together after the 09 trials?
Jimbo
I doubt Team McCormick would stay together after '09 if they DON'T win. They have dominated the past couple years though.
Johnson's broke up? Are any of them staying together?? What are the young gals on Team Sormunen doing, seems like they struggled against the best teams in Hibbing?
ON the mens side i don't think there will be a lot of changing! Look at the Mens teams at Nationals-
Brown, Disher, Larway, & Birr will all likley stay togather.
Fenson is rumored to just change his lead & Romunik will prorbaly stay togather.
Then there are the two young teams that have the question!!
Shuster- Will little Ike play, will smitty come back from Florida & Will the young Plys leave to put in more time into his Jr's... lots of Questions there
How about that George team that made a cinderella run last year.. Rumors right after the nationals were over that Perkovich might be done.. How about Drobnick will he continue to play or will he devote himself to coaching?? He has been pretty successful with that!!
Rumors right after the nationals were over had Roe taking some time off for a baby. What will happen with that team??
How about E. Fenson? After 2 very dissapointing years will they stay togather??
Let hear what everyones thoughts are on all of this stuff...
I talked with a member of Team Fenson earlier today:
the reason that Tom is missing from the website is that as part of the USCA website crash, they put up an older version of the Team Fenson site, which was pre-Tom.
Sorry to wreck one of the best rumour's going, but that is the fact!
I dont think you will see alot of changes on the mens side for next year because of the olympics. Teams will stay together until after the trials, but doesnt mean you will see some movement. It will be intresting to see the movement after trials....
Yeah, for the most part I agree with you. I think you want to have your established team and make your Olympic run. However, last year for Men's, the two Birr brothers hooked up with Bill and Greg and won nationals. This year we had two St. Paul hook up with two Madison and win nationals - so if the last two years are any indication - 2 plus 2 can work too. I don't know that it is the ideal situation, but for the dreamers out there - it can happen. clutch
Johnson team split.... the back end wanted to spend more time focusing on family commitments, and the front end is ready to step it up and become more competitive...
Wow has there been a lot of rumors flying around about the new team forming. Heard that we could be seeing a break up of the Sormunen rink. They could possibly be hooking up with the front end for the Johnson rink. Also some talk about Shuster's new team with the addition of John Benton. The Plys rink possibly playing Mens & Jr's. Also heard issues with the Birr rink & Pustovar trying to form a new team. We can also look for a mix up on the E. Fenson rink. Lots of questions and new looks for the coming Olympic year? Who will go with who and what will work the best? Anyone got any info on this stuff?
Rumors, some confirmed some not.
Men's side: The Birrs are not playing with the other two. Benton is playing with Shuster. Plys is leaving Shuster and playing mens and juniors with their World Champion junior team. Some of team George may not be playing.
Women's: Schultz and Brunt not playing with the Johnsons, but Lemke is. Unconfirmed rumors that team Sormunen is looking to mix it up. Erika Brown is looking for a team.
Things heard in GF this weekend.
Men: Todhunter and Greg have found another team, rumored to be a MN-WI mix. Jason Smith is moving back from Florida to play third for Shuster. Heard that Perko is questionable on Team George and also another member.
Women: Johnson's asked Bonner to join the team. Erika has called many people and is trying to set something up.
Mr. Todhunter -- Care to shed any light? Surprised to see the split.
Firstly, 2007 was an unbelievable year; we played a limited schedule (St. Paul, Duluth, and Madison), played well enough to get some breaks, and got the breaks when needed. When we got to Edmonton, everything clicked - Todd, Greg, and I curled exceptionally well and Kevin held his own in every game. Eleven of the 13 games we played went into the 10th end and if not mistaken, all 11 came down to skip’s rocks. Edmonton was just one of those weeks you dream about. We finished with an 8-3 record, but it could have been 3-8 (or 3-6 like our record at Nationals in Hibbing).
In making my decision, I understand my strengths, but more importantly I know my weaknesses. I openly admit to not being able to throw heavy weight take-outs/runbacks with accuracy and although I have spent a lot of time in gym doing lunges, squats, etc. and feel I have improved, I just don’t feel it is enough to win consistently at the elite level. You have to look no further than top Canadian and European teams and they have the ability to move a lot of granite in a single shot - whereas I do not.
I have always said I was a lead playing 3rd by default and felt the team would have a difficult time recapturing the success we had in 2007 with me at 3rd. Playing lead for Todd was out of the question as Kevin is family and understand Todd's commitment to his brother.
Then you look at the competition and realize the top US teams are getting better; Craig has up-graded with Rich at 3rd. Colin Hufman has become a top-notch third, Dish and team are so talented, and you know Pete Fenson will be at the top of his game come an Olympic year. Then you throw in the new mix, Shuster, Romaniuk, Roe, and Tyler George – and winning with the our style of play based on our line-up would be difficult.
This was a very tough decision because I have the utmost respect for Todd and his abilities. He is a first-class guy to curl for and a great guy off the ice. I wish him nothing but success with his new team and I know he will field a strong team for the upcoming season and beyond.
However, when Jason called to offer Greg and I a chance to play with him, Colin, Joel; it made a lot of sense. I can play my favorite position with a team that I believe has a legitimate chance to win and I can continue to curl with Greg - he is a great friend who I rely on heavily for input and feedback on the ice.
Sorry for the long-winded explanation!
Not a problem - thanks for the fully explained and well said answer.
Not too winded at all and well said. Good luck on the road to Vancouver. Make sure Jason knows that with you and Greg comes a team mascot!
what team mascot would that be?
So does anyone know who todd and kevin are playin with??? if anyone??
So I guess its time to get the list going for who is together and who are the free agents out there...
These teams sound like they are a go
1. Pete Fenson
2. Disher
3. Brown
4. Romaniuk
Teams that are forming or rumoured to be forming
1.Shuster
2.Plys
3.Pustovar
4.
And yes teams that ? for 2008/2009 season
1. Birr
2. Roe
3.
And yes the free agents
1.
2.
Feel free to expand this list, I know a little bit of whats going on and this does help anyone looking...
Havent seen anything from the east or west coast for that mater... Is Larway still a go?
East Coast
teams staying together
Edie
Forming
Gemmell
Free agents
Surka
Mooney
Morehouse(?)
Just from my small part of the world.
Team Roe has disbanded. Jeremy will be taking some time off.
Got news that Brad Height is making a move to the states for work related stuff, and he's picking up Tim Sommerville at third and possibly Pustovar at second. No news yet on who the potential lead might be.
Hope he has fun playing in the Club Nationals.
Any news on who Todd will pick up. Think that KJ would be a great fit in the number 2 spot if there if George rink is disbanding.
What's goin on with Sormunen's team....I'm hearin that Courtney is out, and that Jessica, Maureen, and Molly are in. Any truth to this?
I also heard that! I heard Molly and Aileen wanted to change things and left the other two and paired up with Jessica Schultz and Maureen Brunt.
The new Sormunen team will be a good one to compete against McCormick and the others. Who is Courtney teaming up with?
Erika left team Lank eh? Why?
Looks like there's no one left from the original 2005 Trials team.
Who is left for Birr to pick up?
Reahume,Maskel, or Pustovar at 2nd?
Barcome or Peplinski at 3rd?
Todd, in my opinion is still the most talented skip in the country; but options are may be getting slim. Perhaps teaming up with Shuster? - That team would blow the valley girls out of the water - and would be a solid fave over both Larway and Fenson.
Is Jordan from the Sormunen team on a new team or are she and Courtney looking together for two more?
Heard she is looking on her own! I also could see a Brown/George hook up....
I sure hope the USA stay with RR and CB.... what a 1-2 punch! These guys will be in the Vancouver Olympics They have the hunger and the desire and if RR can chase the golden ambulance and the gold medal with equal fervor He will be standing on the podium 2010!!
I know they could use your help! so send a cheque!! Any amount between $US 2,500 and 10 thousand will help then realize their dreams. Do your small part today!!!
Haven't been on in the hack in a while and upset I've been missing out on all of this!
I am excited about the new Team Sormunen, I have enjoyed watching those 4 and am glad I'll be able to root for all of them now! Good luck girls.
Also, am not surprised by the happenings of teams that were in the lower end of the pack - Birr, Shuster, Roe... Glad to hear the Disher's are making another run at it.
It's official Birrs hook up with Greg Wilson and Paul Pustovar. Who is going to sweep?
Now there are only 4 teams that have a chance to win.
any chance the plys junior team plays mens in addition to jr's. i feel that team could stir things up in the mens field.
Rumor has it they are already playing men's. Which is why Chris left Shuster's team. I'd be surprised if they made it top 3 or 4 but they should be middle to upper of the pack.
Not sure if Plys will/can play in Mens Nationals....if the team were to advance to Colorado Trials it would conflict with WUGs.....It could again create a messy scenario if he does advance at Nationals to Trials and then has to not participate due to the WUGs. Haven't we seen that before with other teams? Using the Nationals qualifying rounds or challenge rounds as a tune up for other events. Not sure what the best solution is. Just something to think about. What is up with women's teams? Lots of movement and some surprises. Where will Courtney or Jordan end up? Is Sormunen's team really stronger now without Courtney? Could be Debbie's year again next year!
WUGs are not Junior Worlds, two different things. WUGs is not high competition. I'd assume they'd play juniors nationals and then men's nationals for better competition heading into Junior Worlds. There are also conflicts with certain things, it's inevitable, and the USCA does what they can.
I don't think Courtney leaving will hurt their team, but Jordan seemed to be fairly solid during the playoffs at Nationals. When I was watching throughout the week in Hibbing it seemed to me that Courtney was without a doubt the weak link on the team.
If you re-read my post I did not say that WUGs were Junior Worlds or that that was the conflict. I believe the question was whether they would do Men's Nationals playdowns which lead to the Trials....having said that....Plys I am sure will compete and win Jr. Nats and go onto Jr. Worlds. As for Mens Nats moving onto Trials......that event would conflict with the WUG games. Plys can do Jrs and Mens or Jrs and WUGs but because of date conflicts they cannot do WUGS and Mens. Remember Chris and company won WUGs last time, why wouldn't they go back and defend their gold! Same as for Junior Worlds. My guess is they would defend both of those golds and they should! They have many years to compete in Mens Nationals/Trials/Olympics. You can't do it all! They are a great team!
I also realize the USCA does its best to avoid scheduling conflicts, that was never the issue or complaint so don't stir up that pot it is unproductive at best!
Regarding the Sormunen team.....they are/were also a great team. Just needed more time to develop. Dissappointed to see them break up. I do think Courtney is by far an all around stronger player than others on her team.(we obviously disagree) I also have no doubt she will land on her feet and will be a great addition to anyone that picks her up. The womens side could get interesting. Debbie will probably emerged as the front runner again.....although I heard some rumblings there may be too many chiefs and not enough indians on that team as well..... Maybe there is another darkhorse out there yet....Just the rumblings of the casual observer!
:QUOTE:
although I heard some rumblings there may be too many chiefs and not enough indians on that team as well....
:UNQUOTE:
Yeah, heard about that one too. At times I think Allison just smothers Debbie and Debbie just rolls with it.
Team Gushue will have some changes.Schille is out because of new curling NFL regulations that dont allow him to work in Alberta over the summer and curl in NFL in winter.Noftall is leaving as well (family matters).
Rumor has it that Jamie Korab may be back and Ryan Fry off Pat Simmons team is moving over to Brad's team (confirmed).
Curious to see if that works.In my opinion Brad is trying too hard to get back to old glory days...but maybe it works for him.
I think Ryan Fry was on Jeff Stoughton's team.
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John Murphy - Dartmouth NS
http://www.maritimecurling.info
Here are the facts about this story:
http://curlnews.blogspot.com/2008/04/new-team-gushue-confirmed.html
Yes, Ryan played for Jeff Stoughton...