Jacobs’ rink turns to veterans
JACOBS ANNOUNCES THAT KENNEDY, WOZNIAK WILL PLAY AS SUBSTITUTES WITH FRY OUT
Team Brad Jacobs will turn to a couple of curling veterans to fill the vacancy created by Ryan Fry’s decision to take an indefinite leave after his disqualification from the Red Deer Curling Classic.
Two-time Olympian Marc Kennedy will play as a substitute at the Dec. 5-9 Canada Cup in Estevan, Sask., while Matt Wozniak will fill in at the Dec. 11-16 National in Conception Bay South, N.L., the team said Monday in a statement.
“It’s mixed emotions,” Kennedy said Monday from Toronto before boarding a flight to Edmonton. “I’m excited to get back out there, to test out my hip and to have a chance to play with a pretty incredible team. I’m looking forward to that. I know they’ve been through a tough couple weeks here.
“Hopefully I can come in and add a positive spark and help get them through this difficult time that Team Jacobs is going through.”
Fry announced last week that he would be taking a break from the Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.based team to focus on his “growth and selfimprovement.” His decision came a few days after he was ejected from a World Curling Tour event for what organizers called unsportsmanlike behaviour resulting from excessive drinking.
Fry, who was playing as a substitute in Red Deer, was kicked out of the competition with teammates Jamie Koe, Chris Schille and DJ Kidby. All four players later issued statements to apologize for their actions.
Organizers said Fry broke three brooms and that the team used foul language and was disruptive to other players on the ice. The WCT fined Fry $1,000 and said that his behaviour was the reason for the team’s disqualification.
“We are fortunate to have such great players step up and help us out in this time of need while Ryan takes the time he needs to manage his well-being,” Jacobs said in an email. “It says a lot that two great players in Marc and Matt are willing to support us. We know they will fill Ryan’s shoes very well and give us a great opportunity to compete as we try to win the Canada Cup and the National.
“We are excited to be only one week away from competing. Last week was a whirlwind for our team and quite stressful but thankfully it is behind us now. Our focus has now shifted to doing everything possible to be prepared for the Canada Cup. It’s crucial we maintain a healthy mindset and are well rested going into the next few weeks of competition.”