Feeling “10 occasions higher” after low season knee surgical procedure, the ageless Glenn Howard is feeling refreshed and energized as he goals to defend his staff’s title on the upcoming Ontario Tankard.
“It’s unbelievable. I’m 60 years previous and I’ve nonetheless received the hearth,” Howard stated. “Every time I lace them up — and I do not care who we’re enjoying towards — I at all times assume we will win. I plan on profitable.
“Am I nearly as good as I was? No. But I’ve nonetheless received that fireplace and that goes a good distance.”
The four-time world champion from Tiny, Ont., is without doubt one of the headliners in a 12-team area that begins play Monday in Port Elgin, a few three-hour drive northwest of Toronto.
Mike McEwen and John Epping are two of the opposite big-name skips in a area that features Pat Ferris, Sam Mooibroek and Jason Camm.
WATCH | Epping tops Howard at Brier:
Ontario’s Epping beats Howard’s Wild Card rink at Brier
Ontario’s John Epping improves to 7-3 document as he defeats Glenn Howard’s Wild Card rink 10-8 in Draw 20 of the Brier.
“I really assume this yr is extra up within the air than it has been in concerning the final 15,” Howard stated. “Anybody can win and I do not essentially say it is going to be Howard, Epping or McEwen.
“It might simply be one of many different 9.”
Rachel Homan and Hollie Duncan headline the Ontario girls’s championship, which can be performed on the similar venue by Jan. 29. The champion will earn a berth on the Feb. 17-26 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Kamloops, B.C.
‘Best pure thrower of the curling rock to ever play the sport’
The males’s winner will characterize Ontario on the March 3-12 Tim Hortons Brier in London, Ont.
Howard has received the Brier on 4 events over 20 profession appearances.
“I believe technically he is the very best pure thrower of the curling rock to ever play the sport and he simply persistently does it over and over,” stated former teammate Brent Laing, now a second on Team McEwen.
Howard received his first Ontario Tankard in 1986 at third together with his brother, Russ, at skip. Glenn skipped his personal staff to eight straight provincial titles from 2006-13.
“I’ve by no means met a man who loves the sport greater than Glenn,” Laing stated. “I do know that that is why he performs as a result of he nonetheless likes to play, likes to compete and likes to be a part of a staff.”
Despite a daily coaching routine, accidents have been a problem for Howard lately. A sore left knee prevented him from sliding at occasions final season.
Alternate Adam Spencer stuffed in finally yr’s Tankard and Howard’s son, Scott, moved from vice to fourth. The Penetanguishene Curling Club rink settled for a 4-4 end finally yr’s Brier in Lethbridge, Alta.
Howard underwent arthroscopic knee surgical procedure final summer season to repair meniscus points and make tendon repairs. The staff has performed a lighter schedule this season and seen its rating slip to No. 27 in Canada.
WATCH | Howard particulars accidents:
Glenn Howard reveals he just lately broke a number of ribs in a snowmobiling accident
The Ontario curling legend tells That Curling Show hosts Colleen Jones and Devin Heroux that he is unsure if he’ll have the ability to compete on the Brier subsequent month.
“It hasn’t been our greatest yr by any stretch however loads of it’s simply between the ears,” Howard stated. “You cannot fear about that. You simply exit and attempt to make photographs.”
At No. 7, Epping is the lone staff within the Ontario area within the nationwide high 10. Ferris is ranked eleventh in Canada whereas Mooibroek is 14th, McEwen is fifteenth and Camm is twentieth.
McEwen just lately parted methods with lead Jonathan Beuk. The staff introduced this week that Joey Hart — the son of coach Richard Hart — will fill in at provincials.
A house crowd on the nationwide championship awaits the Tankard winner. Howard received two of his 4 Brier titles in Ontario, taking the 1993 crown in Ottawa and the 2007 title in Hamilton.
“To me, it is like an additional level on the scoreboard,” Howard stated. “You get just a few extra followers cheering for you. That will get the adrenalin pumping and will get you extra excited. If you make an excellent shot, the cheers are hair-raising.
“I’d adore it. Nothing would make me happier than to drag this off and go to London and play in our residence province.”
