It’s my Parting Shot to talk about why the Tim Horton’s Brier might be better quality curling than what the Scotties Tournament of Hearts was…..

       That’s the kind of intro that smacks of being sexist…but it really isn’t!

       Throughout the Scotties, there were comments about how the level of play wasn’t up to its usual expectations. Two retorts came to mind…one: there are 18 teams and several of them aren’t from strong curling areas, something that will be seen again during the Brier. Two: the teams haven’t had much opportunity to play games, or even practice, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. That will, also, be a factor during the Brier I’m sure.

       But, a competitive curler and curling fan that I know mentioned to me that there’s a reason why The Brier will be more riveting on a draw-by-draw, game-by-game basis…the Brier field is deeper than the Scotties was!

       Yes, my competitive curler/curling fan friend is a male…but he makes an interesting point. The Scotties was won by Kerri Einarson for a second straight year, beating…for a second straight year…Rachel Homan. A very pregnant Rachel Homan, I might add, which made her run to the final all the more remarkable! Beyond, the third place Laura Walker foursome from Alberta is solid, but at least a half-level below the Einarson and Homan quartets. Also at the Walker level is veteran Jennifer Jones…but she is on the downward side of the curling mountain. After that, it’s at least another level down for the rest of that field!

       My competitive curling/curling fan buddy feels there’s seven Brier teams that could be considered favourites with another three teams a half-level beneath them that could rise up and be victorious with a good stretch of games at the right time!

       I tend to agree with that assessment about the Brier field…I can’t pick a winner with confidence! But, The Fearless Predictor will give it a shot at this tomorrow!!

       That’s my Parting Shot, I’m Les Lazaruk…..