It may not rank up there with the Battle of Waterloo, the sinking of the Titanic, or Custer’s Last Stand, but it will rank high among the Canadian Curling establishment and its fans for a long time to come.
That would be none other than Kevin Martin’s loss to the Scots in the 2009 Ford World Curling Championship at Moncton. How could all these talented Canadian teams, the men’s, ladies, and juniors all go down in the same year? Kevin Martin, the unbeatable juggernaut, Jennifer Jones, the comeback gal - but it was not to be. Any money on Martin seemed 100% safer than the stock market, but as baseball great Yogi Berra once said “It ain't over 'til it's over.”
Such was the case in the 10th end of the Canada vs Scotland game. They took as much time as committee members to discussing their options, and then, like a committee, Martin ditched his 1st rock, and stunned the nation. Then came up short on his last rock while his entire team curled 5% better throughout the game. Curling country at that moment was blown away, if not a little angry.
But fear not, my sidekick Terry, and I have a solution to this dilemma.
A few changes will be required at the Canadian Curling Association level, but we don’t see that as an issue. It could be done by bringing in a few T.V. game show features. Using the lifeline strategies of “Who wants to become a Millionaire” we would offer 3 lifeline options:
1. The 50-50 option, whereby 2 rocks that are in play from each team could be removed, causing less consternation for all.
2. The audience result screen would indicate their preference for: a draw, take out, bum up, or guard. This would help in clearing out the cobwebs in the skip’s mind.
3. Call a curling buddy (one with a Blackberry), so he/she can size up your dilemma on their tiny screen, and then advise you where the closest Liquor Mart is should you blow your shot.
Does it have possibilities? You bet!
Because these options would surely favour Canadians, we could once again dominate the World Curling scene.
