morning - curling canada€¦ · he said, ‘perfect. ... towns. “for a curling ... post-script...

Morning

Issue 4 – Saturday, January 14, 2017 • An Official Publication of the World Financial Group Continental Cup.4Is

sue

Today in

Newfoundland

-12° Feels Like -14

These girls don’t care... they’re in Las Vegas.

Today at the Cup 9:00 am Draw #7 – Team Competition

11:30 am The Patch opens

11:45 am Selfie Session #1 • Orleans Arena Concourse (Involving athletes not competing in Draw #8)

1:30 pm Draw #8 – Mixed Doubles

3:45 pm Selfie Session #2 • Orleans Arena Concourse (Involving athletes not competing in Draw #9)

6:30 pm Draw #9 – Team Competition

9:00 pm Live Band in The Patch Royal Purple Rockers

Morning Cup Photos by: Mike Bober

WORLD ROOKIES.

STORIED VETERAN.Page 8

Page 4

Saturday, January 14, 2017

2017 World Financial Group Continental Cup of Curling - Morning Cup

Thursday, January 12

Draw Points

1 Team Competition (3 points) 3

2 Mixed Doubles Competition (3 points) 3

3 Team Competition (3 points) 3

Friday, January 13

Draw Points

4 Team Competition (3 points) 2.0 3 1.0

5 Mixed Doubles (3 points) 2.0 3 1.0

6 Team Competition (3 points) 1.5 3 1.5

Saturday, January 14

Draw Sheet Mixed Doubles (6 points) Points

7 AVicky Persinger - Kevin Koe

2Franziska Kaufmann - Johnny Frederiksen

7 BAmy Nixon - Heath McCormick

2Agnes Knochenhauer - Rasmus Wranå

7 CLaine Peters - Tom Howell

2Chinami Yoshida - Håvard Vad Petersson

Draw Sheet Team Competition (3 points) Points

8 ATeam Jones

2Team Fujisawa

8 BTeam McCormick

2Team Stjerne

8 CTeam Carey

2Team Hasselborg

Draw Sheet Team Competition (3 points) Points

9 ATeam Carruthers

1Team Ulsrud

9 BTeam Sinclair

1Team Feltscher

9 CTeam Koe

1Team Edin

Sunday, January 15

Draw 10 Skins 15

Draw 11 Skins 15

0.5

2.0

2.0

2.5

1.0

1.0

FREE SHUTTLE SCHEDULE

Between

and the

Saturday, January 14

7:15am - 1:30amSunday, January 15

8:00am - 11:59pmPick Ups are approximately every 20-25 minutes.

Times subject to change without notice.

To catch this shuttle, go to the Shuttle Stop, located outside on the south side of

Orleans Casino (facing Tropicana Avenue – near the statue of the 3 Alligators).

Canadians have a reputation as some of the nicest people on the planet. It’s a well-earned reputation, to be sure. And just when you think they can’t be any more accommodating, well, those friendly folks north of the border walk the extra mile. Literally, in this case.

Last Saturday afternoon, I’m on the phone with Vic Rauter, the widely heralded curling play-by-play announcer for Canadian sports network TSN. Rauter, at his home in Orillia, Ontario, graciously grants me 50 minutes of his time.

While walking his dog, Liza.In massive amounts of snow.Oh, and it’s -7 degrees Celsius – or 19 degrees Fahrenheit – and I hear the

wind blowing a bit through his cellphone, so surely it feels significantly colder than that.

Yet there Rauter is, chatting away like it’s a lazy summer day. But when you’ve dedicated half your life to the sport you love, and you’re Canadian, you want to share that wealth of institutional knowledge and spread that love.

“I’m out walking in the woods with my dog,” Rauter tells me. “We’re right in the Snowbelt area, and we’ve gotten several good dumps the last week or so. But go ahead, we’re fine.”

OK then. So how did it come to be that Vic Rauter is synonymous with curling?

“We all have mentors, and one of them for me was a gentleman by the name of Jim Thompson,” Rauter fondly recalls of the co-founder of The Sports Network in Canada. “When I got to TSN in the fall of 1985, Jim asked, ‘What do you know about curling.’ I said, ‘I play in a little sportsmen’s league, but not much.’ He said, ‘Perfect.’”

That short conversation between Thompson and Rauter evolves into Rauter pairing with analysts Ray Turnbull and Linda Moore – outstanding curlers both – for the better part of 25 years, and now with renowned curlers Russ Howard and Cheryl Bernard as analysts.

“It’s been a great ride, I’ll tell you. I’d have never thought this,” Rauter says. “So to be doing this for 31 years, I’ve been very, very fortunate in my life.”

What keeps him coming back for the next tournament, the next end, the next thrown stone often comes down to something we’d all love to hear from those who consume our work.

“The nicest compliment I get is, ‘We watch your work. We love the way you all bring it to life for us.’ But they don’t play. They say, ‘No, we don’t curl, but we love to watch you,’” he says. “I find that a great compliment.”

To have that kind of connection with viewers speaks volumes about the voice of curling – who is also the eyes and ears, along with Howard and Bernard, of course.

“I was a radio guy first,” Rauter says. “When I started this, we are in people’s living rooms, bedrooms, in bars. People feel like they know you. And this game is played by people from 8 to 80. People come up and say they’ve been watching me since they were kids.”

It’s certainly an interesting dynamic, one unimaginable to all but a very few extremely capable people on this planet. There’s a personal relationship there, even though Rauter primarily serves only as the conduit for curling fans, relaying what’s happening on the ice.

“Do they know me? Sure. Do I know them? Well, not personally, but I know them because they’re curling fans – good, down-to-earth people who love and respect the game,” he says. “That makes us instant friends. We don’t know each other personally, but we know each other because of the game.”

So speaking of that game, how about some of the greatest shots you’ve ever called?

“I’m not a statistical person,” Rauter says, though he does toss out at least one gem. “Glenn Howard’s ricochet double vs. Saskatchewan in the (2009 Tim Hortons) Brier. That was spectacular. Anything in the Olympics. But honestly, the guys kid me, ask me who won an event within a couple of hours after it’s over. I’m one who doesn’t retain that stuff. I’m looking ahead to the next event. It’s just the way I’m wired.”

OK then, that next event is right now, as Las Vegas hosts the WFG Continental Cup for the third time in four years. Rauter is of course calling the action, just as in 2014 and 2016. The tournament has been a smash success in Vegas, which admittedly surprises Rauter, but also delights him.

“I had my doubts, but by the same token, as a group we thought, ‘Why not take the game somewhere that Canadians want to go as a destination,’” he says. “So on the other hand, what a great idea, a super idea. In 2014, I thought people wouldn’t be there for the morning draw. But people were there morning, noon and night, no matter what they were doing the night before.”

Which could be quite a lot in Vegas, the 24-hour town to end all 24-hour towns.

“For a curling venue, it’s perfect – 5,000-plus seats, you sit right on top of it. Last year’s final draw was as exciting as any we’ve had in the sport. It came down to the final shot, the last point, as close as it could possibly get,” Rauter recalls, while noting the literal polar opposition between Las Vegas and most major curling hosts at this time of year. “I get the greatest kick out of watching people come into the arena in shorts and flip-flops to watch curling. I’ll tell you what, they’re not in shorts and flip-flops today in Orillia!”

If they’re in shorts and flip-flops here in mid-January, just think about how they’ll be dressed from March 31-April 8, 2018, for the World Men’s Curling Championship, again here in Vegas. Rauter expects the WFG Continental Cup’s success to significantly spill over into the nine-day event.

“Las Vegas is a destination. You don’t go there just to gamble. That’s 5 percent of it,” he says. “Shows, hotels, pools, Red Rock, Hoover Dam. I think the World Championship will attract people, and I think it’s gonna be a big hit.”

And sure as the snow in Orillia, Rauter and his crew will be here to call it for the multitude of curling fans watching back home in Canada. He’ll make that personal connection, calling a game as only he can, in a way that has led many to term him the Vin Scully of Canada. Rauter is humbled by the comparison with the legendary, smooth voice of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Continued on Page 6


THE MAN WHO REALLY CALLS THE SHOTSBy Colin Kelly theShotsColin


BECAUSEOF

STORIED VETERANContinued from Page 4

“Vin is a guy who is able to paint a picture with words. So that’s a wonderful compliment,” he says. “I try to make curling exciting. I call the game in a different way. If a comparison can be drawn, I try to paint a picture as Vin Scully would. With Russ and Cheryl, the three of us all have our roles. I ask questions that, after 31 years, I know the answer, but I’ll ask Russ and Cheryl, and they’ll say, ‘Well, if they do that …’ they explain it to the fan who has that same question.”

Rod Palson can certainly speak to that element of Rauter’s style. Palson has been part of all three WFG Continental Cups in Vegas, as a marketing consultant to the Reno-Tahoe Winter Games Coalition. More notably, as a Canadian, he’s been a huge fan of curling for decades who has taken in countless broadcasts.

“I remember back to curling’s beginning of time on TSN and thinking, ‘Why is he asking such basic questions?’” Palson says. “Thirty years later, boy, did he ever have the right formula! Today in Canada, there are millions of armchair enthusiasts who feel like they know the game inside and out, and they owe that all to Victor – as Ray often called him – and the incredible commitment to curling that continues to be made by TSN.”

Rauter says it all boils down to one key commitment he makes with every curling broadcast.

“My role is to be the fan, the guy watching or the woman watching. That’s never gonna change.”

And at that, our conversation ends, and Rauter comes in from the cold. But he’ll always be the warm, soothing, friendly Canadian voice of curling.

Post-script from Colin Kelly: So your humble Morning Cup correspondent, even more a curling greenhorn in 2014 than Rauter back in 1986, got to meet the gentleman himself Friday afternoon. We had a quick chat, and the ever-gracious Rauter agreed to pose for a picture with me, as we shared a laugh about that 50-minute phone call, him trudging through the snow, chasing Liza, talking curling with a complete stranger. Believe me, the man you hear on TV is exactly the same in person. Class personified.


BECAUSEOF


ALL ROOKIE CLASS OF 2017If you could use one word to describe

the Team World skips who are rookies to curling in Las Vegas, it would have to be this: uninhibited.

Team World has three skips making their first competitive appearance in Vegas, in the World Financial Group Continental Cup at the Orleans Arena: Binia Feltscher, with her team from Switzerland; Anna Hasselborg, skipping a quartet from Sweden; and Rasmus Stjerne, with his Denmark squad.

“We were told a lot of stories about Vegas, and I think we can confirm all of them are true,” Stjerne said with a broad smile, admitting he was thrilled to take part in such sleuthing after the Danish federation gave his team the good news. “They asked if we wanted to come. We said, ‘No doubt, we will be there.’”

Feltscher was even more to the point when asked what she was most excited about.

“To spend money to the blackjack,” she said as her third, Irene Schori, showed off a handful of $25 chips.

Hasselborg had perhaps the most unique thought in advising her teammates on how to handle this week.

“My advice should not be listened to, right girls?” she queried.

Yes, these three Vegas rookies are a journalist’s dream. Best. Quotes. Ever.

Seriously, though, all three skips and their players are thrilled to be part of the WFG Continental Cup’s third trip to Las Vegas. Team Feltscher won its way here as the 2016 world champion and not surprisingly is the reigning Swiss champ, as well.

“Yes, we are very excited to be here. It’s so cool,” Feltscher said, noting the 20 additional members of Team World – several of whom have competed in Vegas before – have been quite helpful. “They give us tips about the stones, the sheets, tactical. They try to make us better.”

Stjerne has found the big-team format quite appealing, too, drawing a parallel

between this event and another very well-known international competition.“The scene here is kind of special, because

you get to be on a bigger team,” he said. “Some of us are really into golf, we’ve seen the Ryder Cup,

where you get to be part of something bigger. It’s that same feeling when you play in the Olympics, with skiers and such. It’s nice to feel that.

“We know Nicklas Edin and Thomas Ulsrud really well. They have tons of experience. Being Scandinavian, we can leech and get some know-how on what to expect.”

Hasselborg expects this four-day tournament to be a huge boon for her team.

“It’s an amazing experience,” she said. “To be a better curler and play in bigger events, this is a nice way to improve. It’s for

sure different, but it’s very, very fun. Just to get the support of teams we normally play against,

it’s a great experience. To be teammates with the guys is also amazing. We all learn from each other. In the run for greater experience, this is an event you have to say yes to.”

Hasselborg loves the fans, too, though it’s clear there’s a bit of a North American tilt at the arena, with the Canadian masses turning up huge once again.

HeroesKelly’s

By Colin Kelly

Irene Schori • Franziska KaufmannChristine Urech • Binia Feltscher

Mikkel Poulsen • Rasmus StjerneJohnny Frederiksen • Oliver Dupont


ANOTHER CHECKMARK ON YOUR BUCKET LIST IS WORTH A LITTLE SNOW IN YOUR BOOTS.

TravelNevada.com/Curling17

Chickadee Ridge, one of many ways to hit the powder this winter. From snowboarding and skiing to epic nature hikes among the chickadees, Nevada has endless miles of trail begging to be explored.

ANOTHER CHECKMARK ON YOUR BUCKET LIST IS WORTH A LITTLE SNOW IN YOUR BOOTS.

TravelNevada.com/Curling17

Chickadee Ridge, one of many ways to hit the powder this winter. From snowboarding and skiing to epic nature hikes among the chickadees, Nevada has endless miles of trail begging to be explored.

“It’s a nice crowd, but you can definitely hear they’re for Team North America,” she said. “But they share applause for all good shots.”

After talking up the benefits of the competition, it’s time to revert back to the less-serious, unreserved side of these skips.

So how’s that blackjack going, Binia?“I’ve won and I’ve lost. I’m even. But maybe tomorrow, I’m plus,” she

exclaimed.And the quotes just keep rolling from Feltscher, as she explains what she

really likes about the 24-member team experience.“It’s better than only these three, because these three are not always

lovely to me,” Feltscher said, as teammates Schori, Franziska Kaufmann and Christine Urech all laugh in agreement. “Now I have new friends.”

And that’s something she has in common with everybody who comes to the WFG Continental Cup in Vegas.

Agnes Knochenhauer • Sara McManusAnna Hasselborg • Sofia Mabergs

FAN FORUMSunday, January 15 – 11 am • in The Patch

Join us for a cup of coffee or tea as Event Manager, Jon Killoran, answers queries and share thoughts, as we get nearer to the launch of tickets for the 2018 World Men’s Championship, coming to Las Vegas next year.


MORE LAS VEGAS ROOKIES

“I love watching these guys make shots I know I’ll never make.”


Free Wi-FiAvailable in the Orleans Arena

BOYD_GUEST-WIFI

Keep us in your Tweets. Please use the following hashtags: #LasVegasRocks #ContCup2017

Get the Inside Tweet. Follow The Morning Cup on Twitter at @inhousewpg

Next best thing to being there! Remind your friends and family back home to read The Morning Cup

online at www.curling.ca OR www.LasVegasCurling.rocks

@InHouseWPG On this, Friday the 13th, who else would be visible at #ContCup2017 than the 13th Man? #RidervilleInVegas @CurlingCanada @TSNCurling

WIN A 9 DAY/ 10 NIGHT ORLEANS HIT & STAY PACKAGE

FOR 2 PEOPLE.

To get an entry form, visit our booth located on the main concourse, just outside the entrance

to the official Merchandise Store.And be sure you get into our database

for ticket pre-sale opportunities!

morning - curling canada€¦ · he said, ‘perfect. ... towns. “for a curling ... post-script...

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