OK here goes. Its that time of year again, some hate it.....some thrive on it. (Sick!). I have come across a few good ones of late and will post them. I have also received a few via email and will post those. Send in yours.... if its printable, I'll post it.

April 20, 2000
NS - The latest and greatest is in..... I was fortunate to participate in the Annual Greenwood Mens Closing Spiel this past weekend. Who would have thought that a social spiel might be the birth place for one of the greatest Bluenose Teams of all time. OLeary, Rafuse, Palmer, Slaunwhite, Josephson, J.D. Tallon and Claveau.
NB - We hear that Gary Mitchell will lace them up again. And what about Wayne Tallon on the ATV News (Apr. 20.00), announcing his retirement to spend time with family. Great thought, actually quite a classy exit. The way it should be. Interesting!

March 28, 2000
PEI - James Grattan is rumored to have landed a golf job at the academy at Brudenell. That should keep him there until Septemeber....who knows from there. Many rumors are surfacing that he has again signed with his '99-'00 crew. Good move.
NS - The Flemming saga continues.... appearently, there is no (I repeat) no conflicts on this team. Blaine and Mark are best of buddies. We hear that the Flemming squad will team up again, lined up the same way. We also hear that someone on that squad was 'upset' at the published rumors regarding their team. Please.... these are only rumors.... no offence intended. And what about that foursome from Cape Breton(Kris Tynski)....appearently Kris, Scott MacLean will bulk up for another run with overage junior Scott Coleman.
NB - We hear that Grattan is with Howard (can this guy play in every province?). What about that Dude from Shediac... we hear he'll now back track and re-form...reform.... that '98 Brier team.
NFLD - If experience is worth anything then what about this squad, Glenn Goss, Mark Noseworthy, Geoff Cunningham and Eugene Trickett. Appearently, signed, sealed and delivered. Also, confirmed is Rick Rowsell's Brier '00 crew. We hear Mark Ward has signed Rob Thomas. What about that Gushue Lottery.... it appers the Brad will Skip with Jeff Thomas at Third and Mark Nichols on the front end. On the ladies side, Cathy Cunningham is skipping with Peg Goss, Kathy Kerr, Heather Martin. Laura Phillips is retiring ( the Laliberte senario ) Heather Strong is looking for a ladies team as her third Kelli Sharpe is skipping and took the front end with her. It is rumoured that Strong's younger sister Laura is being recruited to play front end.

March 2000
PEI - In "SpudVille", James Grattan appears to be leaving (See Nfld rumors). Robert Campbell will team up with his old squad. John Likely has been seen talking with Garth Mitchell and Brier Rep. Andrew Robinson will surely be looking to bulk up for another run.
NS - Mark Ward exits (See Nfld rumors). The Paul Flemming Four appears to be breaking up. Rumors has it that Mark Dacey and Blaine Iskiw don't get along like Western Buddies. We hear that Iskiw is hoping for a spectacular WCT effort to save his position like it did after his 99 Brier. Mike Pace's squad is no longer. The long distance love affair didn't appears to work well. Mark Kehoe has moved to Port Hawkesbury but will keep his squad intact. Smart move, although Jim Nix could be the loser there.
NB - The other Garth Mitchell will reappear after a few lonely seasons on the coach. We hear that Wade Blanchard and Jim Sullivan will change teams once again. Wade Blanchard has formed his old team of 99-Brian Dobson , Jason Vaughan and Peter Case and Jim Sullivan has Charlie Sullivan, Dan Alderman and a lead unknown as yet(however Mark Dobson could be possibility). The Mike Kennedy squad appears to be breaking up. Early reports have Terry Odishaw going to the World Championships and therefore dedicating all his efforts to that Fifth Man Contest. He is alot closer than St.Stephen. And Terry Odishaw 98-99 Third Tommy Sullivan re-surfaces with the Philip boys (Dan and John).
NFLD - The "Rock" has been the most active of late. Mark Ward has been transfered back to St. Johns. We also hear that James Grattan is following his girl friend to St. Johns (job related). Noseworthy and Ward seem to be the early favorites to team up with Grattan. And what about Brad Gushue, he appears to be finished Juniors and appearently the locals are referring to his entry into mens as the "Brad Gushue Lottery". Early favorites are Jeff Thomas at Skip, Gushue at Third, Mark Nichols at Second. We hear Glen Goss will stick together for another season. Early word has Neil Blackmore departing Mark Noseworthy, leaving Noseworthy with ol'e trusty Eugene Trickett. Other areas of interest include John Boland hooking up with a crew from St.Johns and Kent Blandford (Prov. Runner-up this year) bulking up his squad. Rob Thomas will return. Could there be a reuniting of the 1987 Brier Third Place Finishers ?

December 23th, 1999
NS - It appears Santa came early for the Bridgewater foursome of Adams, Blanchard and Hopkins. Shortly before the Club Membership deadline, they were told that their long time(and one of the best) lead - Robert MacArthur, would elect to accompany his wife to Aruba during February. Well after what we hear was a frantic review of the eligible leads, who pops out of retirement but Jason Blanchard (brother of Ben). Nice recovery guys.
NB - News out of the 'Hub of the Maritimes', our sources tell us that '76 Brier Champ Jack MacDuff has been seen at local curling supply shops trying to purchase a Wild Cat [HEAVY] straw broom. This can only mean one thing.....Nason, MacDuff, King and King. Stay tuned for more. Hap Maybe wins the Senior Mens.
NF - In the Junior ranks, Brad Gushue has made a switch at second stone. Ryan Ledrew is now skipping his own team and Jamie Korab will replace Ryan. Jamie has national experience playing third for Randy Turpin. This is surprising news seeing Gushue has been dominant and is leading the St.Johns Superleague against the best the St. John's Club has to offer.
PEI - In the Senior Ladies, it appears that someone wanted to be 50 a tad before their time. Rumor has it that the winning squad had their title taken away as a player was ineligible (age).

November 16th, 1999
PEI - Well if your not watching, there is an un-offcial race going on in Island country. With Robert Campbell moving over to Skip John Likely and crew and James Grattan moving in to take the helm with Peter and Mark (x2), the challenge begins. So far they are even with Grattan getting the nod in Bridgewater but Campbell winning the money game in Charlottetwon. More to follow.
NS - OK, the latest rumors out of bluenose country are..... Scott Saunders, Tom Hakansson, Paul Arbuckle and David Delahunt. No one has seen or heard of this foursome on the cash trail but just ask Bill Campbell Jr. how much the cash trail contibuted to his squads Tankard win in '86. This south shore foursome will be a force. Also surfacing from the south of metro is Paul Nason. Paul will complete the Andrew Corkums squad. These four will see action this weekend at the Maritime Curling Classic in Halifax.
NB & NF - Boring...... these guys are all too well adjusted. No back stabbing, complaining or over consumption. In Newfoundland they just completed the Travel Spiel. Well done organizers. Appearently there was a few mens teams on the losing side to the ladies.... well done ladies.

October 14th, 1999
NF - It appears that the Travel Spiel lives on. The event has been down sized but is scheduled for November 5-7th.
NS - The newest signing appears to be Thomas Hakkinson, Bruce Saunders, Paul Arbuckle and Peter Hopkins. Playing out of the Lunenburg CC. Welcome back Tom. Also, a sighting was report that Scott Saunders was seen in the area of the Halifax CC.

September 19th, 1999
NB - Terry Smith moves to Charlottetown. Rick LeBlanc moves to Ontario. Also, word has it that Russ Howard will attend two or three spiels in the East with his NB Mens team.
NS - Glen MacLeod gets the nod to play Thrid for Craig Burgess. Lohnes out - MacLeod in. Mike Robinson will ice the same squad. And the Bridgewater Spiel no longer belongs in this section. Jimmy Nix is losing half of his sweeping. And what about this Senior team (Belyea, Copp, MacKenzie and Quinn). Duane Linton surfaces from past years, having competed with Mike Flannery of NB fame.

August 27th, 1999
NFLD - Randy Perry's team is confirmed (Randy, Gary Crocker, R.Baldwin and Gary Perry). Also, word on the street is that there will be a cash spiel on the "Rock". Appearantly the event will be held on the first week in November. More to follow.
NS - Latest team rumors have Scott Saunders, Paul Arbuckle and Dave Delahunt teaming up. Can't wait to see "Captain Canada" (ie. Dave D.) swing the straw. Another of the Harris boys on the move. Graham has signed on with '86 Champ Bill Campbell as a five man squad. We have confirmation that the CFB Early Bird is no longer. Great starter event over the years. Much thanks to Ken & Pat Crocker for their time and efforts.

August 20th, 1999
NFLD - The legendary Randy Perry is back (Mark Noseworthy's perennial third through his Junior and Brier runs). He will apparantly be skipping a team with Gary Crocker throwing third stone.
NS - Word has it that Craig Burgess and Calvin Christianson may be leaving the province for work reasons. Trevor Gordon re-surfaces from work duties in Toronto. Mike Currie appears to be moving back to Dartmouth from Fredricton, where he's been back in the game for 4 years. After a fairly successful run at the NB mixed and seniors, he should be a hot item on the free agent list.
NB - What about that Capital Winter Club in Fredericton. Bids for the 2000 TSN Skins Game and gets it. Well done!
PEI - On the Island, it appears that Andrew Robinson is off to a great Skipping start with his finish in the annual Summer Spud. Pat Lynch, Doug Weeks and Jeff Hemphill team up.

Send Us Your Rumors !

August 7th, 1999
NS - On the player front, word on the street has Andrew Corkum returning from "down under". This should surely make the foursome of Corkum, Myers, Harris and Cameron a possibility. And how about that Bruce Lohnes winning the Mayorilty race in Shubebacadie, NS.
Still no word on the annual Early Bird at CFB Halifax.
PEI - Ultramar Cash Spiel changes weekend to November 4 through 7, 1999.

June 23nd, 1999
NFLD - Appearently, the Travel Spiel will not surface this year. Shame! The 'boys' on the rock are trying to put together a series of smaller cash spiel though.
NS - The Yarmouth combo of Doucet / Newell will again hit the ice. This foursome has been together for a while...should be strong. Rastelli signs career lead (sometimes Third) Greg Hilliard. Allan Darragh will try it again with the same foursome (Bentley, Xidos and Zinck).
NB - Not much happening in NB. We have been told that the Moncton spiel could be cancelled. We'll keep you informed as we hear more.
PEI - Everyone is golfing on the little island.

May 14th, 1999
NFLD - By the looks at the Free Agents list, there is a enormous amount of interest on the compeditive side on "The Rock". Rumors has it that the talent pool has increased most to the north in the Labrador area.
NS - In the "Bluenose" province we see many teams confirming that they will stay together with the same line-up as last season (Christianson, Clarke, Ogden, Adams, Jansen, Oleary and Rafuse).
NB - Confirmation has come in that Terry Odishaw will indeed play for Mike Kennedy next season. Filling out the squad are Mark Lecocq and Daryell Nowlan ('97 Champ). Others on the move, are Wade Blanchard signing Charlie Sullivan Jr. ('90 , '97 Champ) at Third, Mark Dobson ('98 Champ) at Second and Jeff Lacey ('97, '99 Champ) at Lead.

May 3rd, 1999
NFLD - Things are coming together on "The Rock". We hear that Rob Thomas will take a year off. Gary Rowe (Upcoming Mixed Rep), has elected to dedicate his time to Coaching Brad Gushue's Junior squad. Oh the things you can do when you have a gauranteed trip in January. Also, for you "Bluenosers", the ever popular Dave Noftall has surfaced in St. Johns playing Third for Ken Peddigrew.
NS - Again this year we have the relocation of westerners. Larry Higgins is in from Cold Lake via Timmins Ontario.
NB - The latest seems to be the possible union of Mike Kennedy from Edmonston and Terry Odishaw from the other corner of NB, Shediac.

April 28th, 1999
PEI - Mike Gaudet will change teams and pick up Eddie MacKenzie at Third and Shawn Ledgerwood will move to Lead. Two of Gaudet's EX players will team up as follows : Andew Robinson at Skip, followed by Evan Sullivan, Brian Scales and Bob Pritchett. The "shuffle" is happening on the Island.
NS - The Juniors stars continue to make news. We hear that Peter Eddy is Skipping a new team of Mike Flemming at Third, Andrew Gibson at second and Donald McDermaid at lead. Also in NS we have '96 Provincial Champ Bill Campbell bulking up with Calvin Christianson at Third and Greg Danchuk at Second. Late breaking news has former junior champ Mike Pace returning to the tee head. Joining Mike will be Mark Ward, Doug MacKenzie and Hockey Legend Paul Boutilier.
NB - The big news out of NB is '90 NB Provincial Champ teaming up with Brian Dobson at Third, Jason Vaughan Second and Dan Alderman Lead.

April 22th, 1999
A fair amount of "shaking" seems to be happening throughout the region. This is obvious to me by the "chat" I am hearing and also, the lack of chat in other circles. In PEI all is quiet except I hear that Blair Weeks may be playing Third for 1998 Champ Garth Mitchell. In NS, I hear that Dan Bentley and Jim Walsh will hang them up and Scott Saunders will put them back on. Also, Bruce Lohnes may run for office in central NS, leaving Burgess, Wallace and MacLean looking. Could it be Saunders ? A couple of "newbies" in NS are Steve Eddy returning from Bermuda ('90, '91 Jr. Champ), Trevor Gordon from Ontario and Paul Nason is a free agent moving in from Sue Ste. Marie.

April 16th, 1999
Well, back from the Worlds. Great show the people of Saint John, NB put on. The facilities were spectacular. Should be considered for one of the "Big Shows". Great job John Travis!

The rumors were "flying" in Saint John. Even the WebMaster was included in a few. Lets start with the movers & the shakers. Paul Nason (brother of Roger) has moved to Bridgewater, NS. The word is he will see some playing time with the Shawn Adams team. News out of PEI says that indeed James Gratton will take over the Robert Campbell rink. Also on the island, John Likely has a new squad rumored to be Skipped by Robert Campbell. Others on the squad may be Jeff Smith and Eric Brodersen. In NB it appears that the Howard squad will stay intact for the playdowns with a few spiels to kick (namely the MT&T in Halifax). Also returning to NB play is John Estabrooks after one year off. He will team up with Scott Jones and Derek Ellard. In Newfoundland we hear that Mark Noseworthy will team up with Jeff Thomas, Neal Blackmore and the famous Eugene Trickett.

April 2nd, 1999
First of all, the big one out of Nova Scotia seems to be Paul Flemming picking up Mark Dacey. Appearantly, Dauphinee is toast, Eskiw gets demoted. The news out of PEI is that James Gratton will take over Robert Campbell's team of the 90's. In New Brunswick, appearantly Russ Howard will be making changes that could include Grant Odishaw's younger brother Terry. Newfoundland has been quiet but I have heard that Gary Oke of Cornerbrook is looking at a gold pro job at a National Park a little closer to St. Johns.

Well, off to the Worlds for the week. Should be a show. And for those of you thinking that you should go but are on the fence, well just remember... you can go to a Worlds anytime, but can you witness an eastern team pull off a World Championship....anytime !

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