One of the big events of the year on tour is the Shorty Jenkins Classic. For the first time in 18 years, it moved from Brockville to the Cornwall Curling Club, and by all accounts was a huge success.
Brad Gushue went a perfect 5-0 in the round robin and faced John Epping in the quarterfinals. Gushue prevailed by a 4-3 score, taking one in the 8th to seal the win. In the semis, Gushue faced another tough opponent in Brad Jacobs, but again got the win 5-3.
In the finals, Gushue faced a formidable Glenn Howard team, who always seems to do well at the Shorty. The fans were treated to a great game with some amazing shots. Gushue took a two point lead into the 8th, but Howard scored his deuce to tie. In the extra end, Howard made an amazing shot to force Gushue into making a tough shot for the win. Gushue calmly made the shot, and claimed the Shorty Jenkins title! That makes two event wins and one finals in three weeks for Gushue. Quite the hot start indeed!
On the ladies side, 12 women’s teams took part, with Allison Flaxey qualifying as one of the four playoff teams. In the semis, Flaxey faced a tough Marie France Larouche team, and stole the extra end to reach the finals. In the finals Flaxey played Korea’s EunJung Kim who has been playing very well since the start of the season. Flaxey down 4-1 after 6 ends, scored a big 3 in the 7th to tie the game at 4-4. In the 8th, it came down to a measure, but Kim prevailed and scored her one. Congrats Allison and team on a great event!
Moving west to Edmonton, the HDF Insurance Shootout the men’s event was won by Shaun Meachem of Saskatoon, Hardline supporters. They defeated Brendan Bottcher in the finals 8-4! On the ladies side, Chelsea Carey went a perfect 5-0 in the round robin. In the quarterfinals, Carey beat Casey Scheidegger 6-1, and then faced Stefanie Lawton in the semis. Chelsea Carey came up just a bit short in the semis, falling 6-3 to Lawton. A great showing for Team Carey!
Finally out west in Surrey BC, the Cloverdale Cashspiel was good for Hardline, with Dean Joanisse starting off their season on a winning note, winning the finals 8-2 over Chase Martyn. Tyler Tardi also enjoyed a good event, with a semi finals finish!
Hardline Win Count after Week 5: 7
Brad Gushue – Stu Sells Oakville
Silvana Tirinzoni – GSOC Tour Challenge Tier 1
Kerri Einarson – GSOC Tour Challenge Tier 2
Jacqueline Harrison – OCT Oakville Fall Classic
Brad Gushue – AMJ Campbell Shorty Jenkins Classic
Shaun Meachem – HDF Insurance Shootout
Dean Joanisse – Cloverdale Cashspiel
