Team Clendenan

In a game designed for thinkers, you would expect that adversiy is almost welcomed as an added challenge, but when the variables are outside of the game itself (such as when a major highway closure holds two team mates hostage in traffic) a real test of character ensues. Luckily, Team Clendenan is keen to grow stronger – even with bumper to bumper grief – and after raiding the Oakville supply closet for equipment the two and a half available members hit the ice with a “ show must go on” attitude.

Getting under way against a home club mixed team, it was hard not to notice their green coats that were decorated with zone win patches but the purple girls were not about to go down without a fight. Rallying for the first couple of ends with two points each, it was obvious that the opponents had mastered their draw weight with home ice advantage. Yet in a classic case of the score board not revealing the play, even when the opponets took the lead with a couple of steals, it is still worth mentioning that there was also a couple of 3 pointers for each team and an elusive millimeter or two in our favour would have changed the outcome dramatically. With a sigh of relief as the missing members arrived in the third end, there were multiple occasions that followed where a decision needed to be made on last stones to either safely draw for a single point or go for a riskier hit to break the game wide open with a large end. Appearing very patient and perhaps taking comfort in knowing that the summer league is a safe place for the girls to try some of the hero shots they might not try in official event play, it was still exciting to see the potential of the season ahead. The gallery was treated to some thrilling port shots and advanced strategy but alas after a see-saw of points, the win was eventually handed to the opposition with a missed draw to the pin that slipped to the back four foot. The good news is that after all was said and done, the team had their first chance to play with all four members and there are still four games left to work out the kinks and have fun in the process.

Well done keeping your cool with the bumpy start girls. One day you’ll look back on this game and see it as a stepping stone to a higher place!