(Bathurst, NB) – December 1-2004

With the 2004 McCain TSN Skins Game just days away organizers in Bathurst are busy gearing up for the biggest curling event ever to come to Northern New Brunswick.

“Our group of dedicated volunteers have done a wonderful job in preparing for this event,” said co-chair Ed MacDermaid. “We are just busy putting the finishing touches on what promises to be a wonderful weekend.”

With his win in last months McCain SuperSpiel, Glenn Howard of Coldwater, Ontario snatched up the final berth in the four-team event. He’ll be joined by McCain SuperSpiel West winner Kevin Martin of Edmonton, Alta., defending champion Wayne Middaugh of Toronto, Ont. and 2004 Brier champion Mark Dacey of Halifax, N.S. All four will be competing for a total purse of $150,000.

“We are very fortunate to be able to play host to this years event,” said co-chair Beth Sullivan. “With the caliber of the rinks that have qualified we are all looking forward to some very exciting curling.”

The 2004 McCain TSN Skins Game will take place December 4 and 5 at the Bathurst Curling Club.

This is the 16^th year for the event that began in 1989 with original winner Mark Dacey from Nova Scotia back amongst the field. Each of the four rinks has been a past winner of the McCain TSN Skins Game with Middaugh coming out on top four times. Martin won the event in 1997 and 1998 while Howard captured top prize at the 2001 McCain TSN Skins Game.

A limited number of tickets are still available by calling 1-888-293-4333. The cost is $55 for all three weekend games.