Brad Gushue’s curling team is widely considered one of the best to ever play the game, and Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans are incredibly proud of their accomplishments. Watching them compete, whether on TV or live, is a true thrill. For any curler, the opportunity to meet them or even step onto the ice with them is a dream come true.
A few years ago, our recreational curling team got to experience this dream firsthand. We participated in a funspiel at the St. John’s Curling Club, where Brad’s team was invited as special guests. Their role was to offer advice to other curlers, and they were allowed to take one shot per game. We were lucky enough to have both Brad and Mark Nichols help our team during a game against a more seasoned St. John’s squad. To our surprise, we managed to keep the score close, heading into the final end with the other team’s rocks perfectly placed.
To win, I needed to make a crucial shot — either outdraw their rocks or perform a take-out to remove them. Now, I’ve built a bit of a reputation for being a take-out player. It’s what I prefer, and I tend to throw a lot of weight with it, even when it might not always be the best choice. However, I assessed the situation. There were two possible options: a well-lined-up double take-out or a makeable draw. We turned to Mark Nichols for advice. Yes, that Mark Nichols — widely regarded as the best take-out player in the world. He immediately said, “The double take-out is there.”
I suggested that the draw was a viable option too, and Mark agreed, but still insisted the double take-out was the better choice. So, I made my way down the ice, but before I got to the hack, Brad asked what my decision was. I told him I was going with the draw. He looked a bit confused but said, “Okay.” At the other end, Mark asked our third, “Is he going with the draw?” and my third replied, “I think so!” So, there I was: the guy who loves take-outs, about to throw a draw, with Mark Nichols — the ultimate take-out artist — watching from the other end and Brad Gushue standing behind me. Can you believe it? My one chance to impress Team Gushue with a take-out, and I’m playing it safe with a draw. Mark Nichols couldn’t believe it, and neither could my teammates.
As it turned out, my shot came up short. We lost the game. To this day, I can’t live down the moment I chose to go for a draw when I should have trusted my instincts and taken Mark’s advice. The moral of the story? When the top curlers in the world offer you advice, take it!
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