The men's provincial curling championships will soon be underway at TOGP with the very first games Wed. at 8:30 a.m., including Virden's own Freeman rink up against Marnoch & Co. of Carberry.
The playoffs are set for Saturday and the finals on Sunday. The 32 teams are playing a double knockout schedule whereby eight teams will qualify to play in a double knockout playoff round with the top four teams advancing to the championship round.
There's no shortage of talent at these provincials with the top five seeds being very competitive, deep in talent, experienced and all from Winnipeg. Defending champion Reid Carruthers, with Mike McEwen now throwing third rocks, has been selected the number one seed, as they should be because between them they've won the last four titles.
They are followed by veteran Jason Gunnlaugson, young Braden Calvert, Tanner Lott and Dennis Bohn. Our own Graham Freeman, because of his past history and success, can certainly play with the big boys and with a little help from Lady Luck, can do a lot of damage if he gets on a roll.
This is Virden's time to shine with the provincial sporting spotlight directly upon us, so let's hope that the many curling fans in the surrounding area come out in full force, fill TOGP and support this tremendous and worthwhile endeavour.
Trivia time, what city is hosting the 2020 Viterra Championships?
---------
Trivia answer, believe it or not, for only the second time in 24 years, Winnipeg will be the host.
