There’s a New Curling GM In Town

TORONTO – I touched down in early Wednesday morning after cutting my trip down south short, determined to catch some of the action from the new Rock League at the TMU Mattamy Athletic Centre that same afternoon.

As the greatest supporter my family has ever had, I naturally found myself at the curling rink on a very cool April afternoon (a far cry from the 30-degree weather I was soaking in just a day prior). But as only the best daughters do, I came to support Maple United and their ecstatic General Manager, Glenn Howard, aka Dad.

I would tell you all about the days leading up to this event and the amount of time and energy Dad had already spent strategizing and mentally preparing for it, but unlike him, I can keep a short story short.

When Dad first told us he was going to be part of this league, we were all absolutely thrilled. If you didn’t already know, the Howards all struggle with severe FOMO, and this was one party we didn’t want to miss.

Seeing him this excited about Rock League reminded all of us of a time when we weren’t quite sure what life after high-performance competition would look like for him.

To be honest, years ago when Dad’s retirement from competitive curling started to linger in all our minds (turns out it lingered for more years than we ever anticipated), we probably all individually wondered how he would handle it. 

What would he do with all his time? What hobby would he take up? Who would he be?

It turns out, the guy has never been busier than he has post-retirement.

He’s coached teams at the provincial (shoutout to my team!), national, world and Olympic level (go Switzerland!) and has now weaseled his way into another commitment.

Years ago, when Dad wouldn’t retire, my mom said she was going to get a dog because he was always away from home. Looks like she may need to get another.

But honestly, I can’t think of a better person for the GM role. There are only three things in life I know for sure: death, taxes, and Dad’s commitment to the cause. That guy doesn’t do anything halfway. Well… unless it’s his putting stroke.

In all seriousness, Dad is right where he needs to be. He’s got his runners on – running more than he has his whole life – hasn’t answered a family group chat message in days because he’s so busy trying to do whatever he can to support his players, and I can guarantee he’s having the most fun out of everyone out there. I know if he could, he would be on the ice throwing with them.

Now, after spending just one day watching the new league, I have to say, I am a fan.

The format brings together players who normally compete against each other, mixing teams across countries and backgrounds and forcing everyone to adapt on the fly. These athletes spend so many years with the same teammates, obsessing over shared goals and routines, that it’s refreshing to see them in a completely different dynamic – working with new teammates, dealing with language barriers, adjusting to new deliveries, and finding comfort in being uncomfortable.

While I suspect there will be hesitation, confusion, and of course some negative opinions about the new league (some people just hate change), I think this league has the makings of something really special.

Believe me, I’m the last person who wants a shakeup to happen to the Brier, Scotties, worlds, etc., but this new league could be really great for our sport. And anything that can make curling better is something us Howards are huge supporters of.

I’ll be around all week and weekend taking in the action, watching dad run down Maple United’s time clocks because he just can’t not be in the middle of every strategy session, and cheering for a Maple United win (yes, I have a favourite team).

Keep an open mind about this new league, even challenge it a bit, but remember to stay positive and good things may happen.

If not, you might just three-putt like Glenn.