The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The biggest names in the curling world are on their way to St. Albert for the 2011 World Financial Group Continental Cup, January 13 Ð 16. "The Continental Cup is one of the most exciting events in curling," said Host Committee Chair Mike Howes. "We're extremely excited to host the event here in St. AlbertÉ especially in the seventh showdown with both sides tied up at three wins each." The Continental Cup brings together the finest players on the international scene, competing in a unique format where Team North America faces Team World in four different disciplines. Six teams on each side Ð three men's and three women's Ð square off in Team Games, Mixed Doubles, Singles and Skins competitions. Points are awarded for the outcome of each match with a total of 400 on the line. The first team to reach 201 earns the title, meaning every single shot carries championship implications. "With all the drama and emotion coming out of the 2010 Olympics last February, the sport of curling has reached a new level of excitement among fans," noted Howes. "The fact that many of the medalists from the Vancouver games will be on the ice here in St. Albert ensures we're in for an amazing display of talent." Team North America features Kevin Martin's gold medal winners as well as women's sliver medalist Cheryl Bernard. They're joined by 2010 Tim Hortons Brier and Capital One World Men's Curling champions Kevin Koe and 2010 Scotties Tournament of Hearts winner Jennifer Jones. The USA's Pete Fenson and Erika Brown round out the North American contingent. Team World is represented by Norway's Thomas Ulsrud Ð silver medalists at the Olympics and World Men's Championship Ð two-time world champion David Murdoch of Scotland and rising star Niklas Edin from Sweden. The women's teams include Bingyu Wang, winner of Olympic bronze in 2010 for China, Mirjam Ott of Switzerland and 2010 Ford World Women's champion Andrea Schopp of Germany. Every draw ticket also includes complimentary admission to Keith's Patch Ð the legendary party place where curling fans and competitors alike gather for a great lineup of food, refreshments and live entertainment. The social centre of the Continental Cup features performances by Hey Romeo (Thursday, Jan. 13), The Chevelles (Friday, Jan. 14) and Souled Out (Saturday, Jan. 15).
