Roar of the Rings starts today with Olympic berths at stake in Ottawa
OTTAWA (CP) — Craig Savill stepped on the ice at Canadian Tire Centre on Friday and began his usual pre-game stretching routine.
It was force of habit for the 39-year-old Ottawa resident, who’s serving as an alternate for Team Reid Carruthers at the Tim Hortons Roar of the Rings. Savill, a two-time world men’s champion, was originally hoping to make it to the Olympic Trials as a player.
With few qualification options available, he jumped at a chance last March to become the fifth for Carruthers.
“He’s a veteran guy, very quirky too, he’s full of piss and vinegar,” Carruthers said. “He’s a really funny guy and he brings not only the jokes when we need it, but he’s also a guy that keeps us on task.” Savill will take care of things behind the scenes for the team at the Dec. 2-10 competition. He’ll also serve as an adviser, study rocks, examine ice conditions, and handle equipment as necessary. He could also see game action as a substitute if needed. “I’m just sort of getting their heads wrapped around the Trials,” Savill said after a practice session. “Not making it such a big deal thinking about the end game. “It’s a long week. Let’s just prepare for the next game.” Savill won world junior titles with John Morris in 1998 and 1999. He was a longtime lead for Glenn Howard and won Brier and world titles in 2007 and 2012.
After departing the Howard rink a couple years ago, he went on to play with skips Shawn Adams and Charley Thomas. Savill also took some time off last year after he was diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma.
Now cancer-free, he plans to return as a full-time player in the quadrennial ahead of the 2022 Beijing Olympics. But for now, he’s focused on working with Carruthers, Braeden Moskowy, Derek Samagalski and Colin Hodgson in their quest to represent Canada at the Pyeongchang Games in February.
Morris, who skips the Vernon rink that includes Jim Cotter, is one of nine teams vying for the lone Canadian men’s team entry at the Games.
Carruthers booked his Trials ticket with a Canada Cup victory last December.