What you need to know about the Grand Slam of Curling

When it comes to being a curling spectator, I jumped in head first.

St. John’s, NL was hosting the Brier in 2017 and I had free tickets as part of the conference I was attending.

This was my very first time watching curling live… and it was the Brier.

I actually felt guilty.

I felt like I was taking up prime real estate for someone who was more deserving of being there.

But all of the guilt quickly went away when I got caught up in the excitement of a live curling event.

Fast forward to 2018 and I now have a unique, behind-thescenes view of the Grand Slam of Curling Canadian Beef Masters coming to Truro.

While I am still very much a newbie to the ins and outs of the sport, I’d like to think I offer a unique perspective on what someone else who may be a newbie to curling needs to know before going to the Grand Slam at the RECC.

Curling 101

If you’re like me, there are lots of terms in curling that may be confusing to you.

The hogline, for example, is a line located 10 meters from the hack at each end of the ice (I know what you’re thinking – the hack is the foot- hold that can be found at each end of the ice from which the stone is delivered… thanks Curling Canada!).

Rather than listing all of the terms here (google is a great resource), I will share this bit of trivia (which I admittedly didn’t know until recently): curling got its name because the stones have a pre- determined spin, which makes them curl upon release. What is Pinty’s Grand Slam of

Curling?

An annual series comprised of seven curling tournaments that started in 2001-02.

The Canadian Beef Masters is one of the four original events in the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling, thus making it a major. All Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling games are played to eight ends.

Who will I see play?

The best of the best! The Canadian Beef Masters features 15 of the top men’s teams and 15 of the top women’s teams from around the world. What’s great about the Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling is that they reserve the right to invite a sponsor’s exemption for both divisions.

This rule was implemented for the upcoming Canadian Beef Masters, which means that local reigning world junior curling champions Karlee and Lindsey Burgess get to play in their hometown against the best in the world.

Others include three- time winner of the Canadian Beef Masters ( who also captured the crown the previous time Truro hosted the event in 2015) Rachel Homan of Ottawa, and defending champions Team Brad Gushue of St. John’s, N. L., and Winnipeg’s Team Jennifer Jones.

Who should go? Everyone. Anyone. Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling is open to fans of all ages and experience levels. (Remember me at the Brier? The same rules apply here). If you are a long-time fan of the sport or you are looking to take in a brand new experience, this event is for you.

If you’re a newbie and you’re still on the fence:

•There are lots of folks around to answer any questions you might have if you get confused (just find anyone from the Burgess family like I do).

•The players encourage fans to make as much noise as possible.

•There is live entertainment between draws in the lobby.

•Pinty’s pub and grill allows fans to catch the action right at ice level (with wings!).

In other words, you are guaranteed to have a good time. How can I attend? Tickets are available at the RECC or through Ticketpro.ca.