MANITOULIN—There will certainly be Manitoulin representation at the Ontario Men’s curling championships this year. Two of the three rinks that qualified from the Travellers East Qualifier this past weekend include curlers with Island ties.
Haweater Jordan Chandler and his rink have qualified for the provincials, as has Robbie Gordon, who has family ties to the Gore Bay area and his rink.
“We qualified for the provincials,” confirmed Mr. Chandler when contacted by the Recorder. “Three teams from the eight that took part made it through the East qualifier, which included rinks from around the North.”
Mr. Chandler is skip of his rink, but throws third. Other members of his rink includes third Matt Dumontelle, who throws last rock. Sandy MacEwan is the second and Lee Toner is third. “I’ve played with Sandy and Lee on this team for the past three years, and Matt joined this year replacing Mike Jakubo, who retired last year.”
“We finished with a record of six and zero (six straight wins) (to take first place),” Mr. Chandler told the Recorder.
Mr. Chandler pointed out “we have been to the provincials the last few years. We ended up fourth last year and third the year before.”
The Robbie Gordon rink, which includes Ron Henderson, Dion Dumontelle, and Doug Hong, posted a five win one loss record to qualify for the provincials.“We are feeling pretty good about our team and chances this year,” said Mr. Chandler. “We will have a couple of weeks practice before the provincials. I think the (Brad) Jacobs rink, as defending Olympic champions are going to be forecast to be the best qualifier; and maybe we will be the next best favourite to move on.”
The Men’s Provincial Championships will take place in North Bay on February 10-13.
