Hartley Miller's Slap-shots: February 2nd Edition

By Hartley Miller

Although I am not a diehard curling fan I do enjoy the game when something big is at stake.

However, count me out if it is a skins game or another made for television event; but if it is the Canadian Ladies Curling Championship or Tim Horton’s Brier, I will make an effort to watch.

The recently completed BC Scottie Ladies Curling final in Kamloops caught my attention because it was televised throughout the province, on Shaw, and it featured a Prince George rink playing for a gold medal.  Skip Patti Knezevic, Third Tracey
Jones (who throws final stones), Second Kay-Lynn Thompson and Lead Melinda Kotsch (as well as Coach Dave Johnston) would rather forget this championship match after getting whipped 10-4, in just eight ends, by the Kelley Law foursome.

Of course, this is the same Law, from New Westminster, who won the 2000 National Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Prince George.  Two years ago, the Knezevic Team also reached the BC final, dropping a 7-6 extra end decision to Kelly Scott of Kelowna.

This begs the following question: is it harder to accept losing a last rock exciting game than it is a blowout when a Provincial title is on the line? Either way, being the runner-up in BC is a result to be proud of, but it is still second best.

Moments after the closing ceremonies Knezevic said, “This was definitely different. I don’t know how to explain it. I think going back two years ago we got on a roll. We knew we could be there. We knew we could be at the top. We accomplished all of our goals and played a great game in the finals. It was heartbreaking, but very satisfying. This year, we knew we could be at the top of the province. We got to where we needed to be; hit the final game and came out flat. That is extremely heartbreaking. I have to say, I’m not sure which is worse.”

Because this televised game was a new experience for the PG rink it may have played a role in its substandard play in the final. Knezevic agrees by saying, “I think it might have played a part in it for sure. We certainly weren’t the team we were
all week. It is different because you know you are on TV. Wearing the mics is an adjustment. I was having a few complications with mine right out of the gate for the first three ends. So that was a bit of a distraction.” (The television
commentators mispronounced Patti’s last name throughout the telecast, so it wasn’t just Knezevic’s team that had difficulty during the final)

Law will now represent BC at the National Scotties Tournament of Hearts, February 17th-25th in Lethbridge. Knezevic, Jones, Thompson, and Kotsch, will have to settle for watching the Canadians on TV. However, knowing how close this team came to being a participant and not a spectator may make viewing this event painful. The other option for them is to avoid the “tube” during that week. Yes, plan B is worth considering.



       
Are you tired of all the Super Bowl hype yet? I believe that the Super Bowl game is often boring and a blowout because of the unnecessary two week break. I’m not a huge fan of either the Bears or the Colts but like most other football fans, I will plan
my Sunday around the game. Chicago QB Rex Grossman isn’t as bad as everyone says, but obviously he is no Peyton Manning. My pick, with no guarantees, is Indy by two touchdowns, in a less than memorable game.

From the quote rack:

“Pepto-Baseball."                                                                 
           -- Richard Oliver, of the San Antonio Express-News, on Dodger Stadium offering bleacher seats for $40 that
include all-you-can-eat hot dogs, peanuts and sodas. 

“You’ve heard of playing for the love of the game. Then there’s Bills tailback Willis McGahee. With three paternity suits in two years, he’s playing for the game of love."  

           --  Jim Armstrong of the Denver Post

“When you’ve been married to Kevin Federline, even a member of the Arizona Cardinals is a step up.’’ 
          --  Comedy writer Jerry Perisho, on the speculation of a romance between Arizona quarterback Matt Leinart and singer Britney Spears.

“He said he’s been doing yoga for the past year. He’s very flexible. In fact, he said he can smoke a joint with his toes now."                                       
           -- NBC’s Jay Leno, on running back Ricky Williams wanting to return to the Miami Dolphins after serving a one-year suspension for using marijuana.

“Reportedly, he will be signed by the Detroit Lions next week.”                
             -- Drew Curtis of fark.com, after a 70-year-old man in Glen Falls, N.Y., chased down and then tackled a 19-year-old who robbed him.

“The Police are set to reunite at the Grammys. I guess they heard some Bengals plan to attend"
              --  Contributor Bill Littlejohn of South Lake Tahoe, California

“The boy obviously hasn’t spoken his first words yet, but did boo Rex Grossman." 
               --  Mike Finger of the San Antonio Express-News, on the Chicago Bears pregnant fan who had her labor induced so that baby would arrive before the Bears-Saints NFC Championship Game.

And in case you missed it:
Tickets for the first Super Bowl game, which did not sell out, cost $6 each.  The face value of tickets this year is just over $600
And how was your week?

Hartley Miller is the sports director for radio stations 94X and the Wolf@97fm. He also writes for the PG Free Press. Send along a quote, note or anecdote to hmiller@94xfm.com.

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