UPDATE March 1
Jim Cotter and his B.C team from Vernon and Kelowna dropped to 1-1 at the Tim Hortons Brier after an 11-3 loss to John Epping’s Ontario rink (2-0) Sunday in Kingston, Ont.
Next up for B.C. will be Saskatchewan (1-1) skipped by Matt Dunstone of Regina at 6 a.m. PST Monday.
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UPDATE Feb. 29
Jim Cotter and Team B.C. defeated the Northwest Territories 6-4 in their Brier opener Saturday in Kingston.
B.C. takes on Ontario’s John Epping (1-0) at 11 a.m. PST Sunday in draw 4.
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Jim Cotter’s B.C. team from Vernon and Kelowna will take on Jamie Koe of the Northwest Territories in their opening match Saturday at the Canadian Mens Curling championship in Kingston Ontario.
Cotter, a Vernon resident, is a nine time B.C. champion who is searching for his first national title.
Cotter is the “vice-skip” on his team as he will throw fourth stones. Steve Laycock of Saskatoon is the skip and will throw third stones. Andrew Nerpin of Kelowna is the second, Kelowna’s Rick Sawatsky, who has also won nine B.C. titles with Cotter, is the lead, with Brad Wood the alternate.
Curling afficionados are calling it one of the best fields ever for a Brier.
Kevin Koe of Calgary is the defending champ and a four-time Brier winner, leaving him tied with Ernie Richardson, Randy Ferbey and Kevin Martin for the most Canadian men’s curling titles.
Brad Gushue of Newfoundland and Labrador is making his 17th trip to Brier, sponsored by Tim Hortons, and his team is vying for its third national title in the last four years.
Eight teams will advance to the championship round starting Thursday at Leon’s Centre. The top four teams will qualify for the Page Playoffs starting March 7.
The semifinal and final are set for March 8.
The Brier winner will represent Canada at the world men’s curling championship in Glasgow, Scotland March 28 to April 5.
