Curling bubble plans provide hope for some teams, others left disappointed

The fields are slowly filling up for the national curling championships, events that have provided a beacon of light in what has been a dreary competitive season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Positivity for some curlers has come with frustration for others as everyone involved — from athletes to member associations to the national federation — tries to navigate the various hurdles along the way.

It’s up to the 14 provincial and territorial associations around the country to decide on representation for the Feb. 20-28 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and March 6-14 Tim Hortons Brier.

Some are planning traditional playdowns to determine entries. Others cancelled their championships and used last year’s results. A few associations used out-of-thebox ideas to make picks.

Six-time Scotties champion Colleen Jones was left on the outside looking in after the Nova Scotia Curling Association made its decision this week.

The Scotties and Brier will be held in a so-called bubble at Calgary’s Markin MacPhail Centre. Six events will be held there in all running through late April.