Defending champion gets bye to Napanee

Doug Graham
Kingston Whig Standard

September 23, 2009

Napanee has received a double bonus for the Ontario men's curling championship in February at the Strathcona Paper Centre.

Not only has the Ontario Curling Association given defending champion Glenn Howard a berth in the men's provincial field, there will also be a three-draw day to accommodate the 11-rink, round-robin competition over five days.

Traditionally, the event has featured 10 rinks.

The additional team means that for four of the five days of round-robin play, there will be two draws a day. The exception will be Wednesday, Feb. 3, when there will be a morning draw to go along with the normal draw times of 2 and 7 p. m.

Stephen Paul, host committee chair for the Feb. 1-7 championship, said that having a top rink to market before Christmas is a plus for the organizers.

"Normally, that wouldn't be known until later in January. It is a good advantage," Paul said.

"It gives us additional time to promote (a) champion being back."

The Ontario field isn't usually finalized until zone and regional playdowns are held in December and January.

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