Page 2 - Brandon Sun - Tim Hortons - Brier 2019

2 THE BRANDON SUN • BRIER’S BACK IN BRANDON • FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Brandon’s last Brier was a truly special event

BY THOMAS FRIESEN
If history can repeat itself, this Tim
Hortons Brier will be one for the ages.
With the success of local athletes hit-
ting the pebbled ice in Brandon, the
breakthrough for one of curling’s leg-
ends and an idea that sparked a tradi-
tion that encapsulates the beauty of the
game like none other, the 1982 Brier,
which was the last one hosted by Bran-
don, was a monumental one.
The 2017 Brier in St. John’s, N.L.,
showcased a hometown team in Brad
Gushue — this year’s Team Canada. The
support for a local team is undeniably
strong, and the 1982 Brier was off to a
good start well before it started, when
Mel Logan and his team out of the
Souris Curling Club claimed the provin-
cial title — a massive feat in itself.
“Compared to Newfoundland, it’s a lot
tougher,” Logan said. “When Mark
Noseworthy won, he played five games
to get to the Brier. We played 18.”
Logan had to win the Souris club title,
then play a lengthy zone qualifier just to
reach provincials.
Along with Doug Armour, Lloyd Lang
and Allan Granger, Logan reached his
first provincial final and played Garry
Ross, who was in his sixth-straight
championship game. Ross was snake-
bitten, and Logan was no match for him
in that contest. Up 4-2 late in the game,
Logan made a perfect hit-and-roll to
count four and force a tough draw,
Manitoba skip Mel Logan watches as Doug Armour (from right), Lloyd Lang and Allan Granger sweep a rock during a game at the 1982 Brier in Brandon. The Souris
which sailed long. foursome was the hometown favourite at the Canadian men’s curling championship and went on to a third-place finish, losing to eventual champion Al Hackner in
“As soon as I was sweeping that rock
through the house I said, ‘We got it, we the semifinal. (Brandon Sun file)
got it,’” said Armour, who was named to the super league,” Logan said of the Logan noted how special their op- tickets but didn’t want to get them now.
the all-star third at that year’s Brier. now 43-year-old Westman elite curling portunity is. I figured they’d go like hot cakes. Hell, as
“They played one more end, but the league. “If it hadn’t been for it, you “You don’t often get the chance to play it got closer and we won, everybody
third man said, ‘We’re being pretty darn wouldn’t get the top-notch competitive a Brier in your home province,” he said. wanted tickets,” Logan said.
ignorant staying out here right now.’” curling. You can go out there and curl “Somebody said: ‘But you didn’t get a With a total attendance of 106,394, it
Just like that, Logan was headed to a 100 games against mediocre teams, but trip.’ was the first Brier to hit six figures. The
Brier only 35 minutes northeast of his that doesn’t toughen you up. “Hell, I can go on a trip any time, but I mark wasn’t surpassed until Saskatoon
hometown. “There were really good teams in there can’t do that very often.” saw 151,538 through the gate in 1989 —
How exactly does a group of farmers at that time.” Already with the fans on his side, it Edmonton holds the record with
and a carpenter from rural Manitoba ac- Armour has won the league 11 turned out Logan was able to pick and 285,985 in 2005.
complish such a feat? Logan feels his times, and this year’s Manitoba skip, choose who could get into the Brier, to Team Manitoba was popular on the
group, along with other Westman teams Mike McEwen, won it in 2006-07. some extent. Prior to even winning ice, and off of it as well. While most
to reach the Brier in the future had a McEwen, 38, lived in Brandon until he Manitoba, he said he bought around teams had obligations to attend two
common thread. was 27. Derek Samagalski, his second $1,000 worth of tickets. For reference, evening functions, Manitoba had five,
“I contribute all of our teams, (Duane) moved just a few blocks from Westoba full-event passes ranged from $55-110. on top of the two official banquets.
Edwards, (Brian) Fowler and ourselves Place a year and a half ago. “I knew a lot of curlers would want » See ‘Hackner’ — Page 3