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Glenn Howard's rink Brier-bound after winning 18th Ontario Tankard

Led by son Scott, Howard's team defeated John Epping's rink for a chance to wear Ontario's colours at next month's Canadian championship

Glenn Howard and his rink are returning to a familiar place next month.

The curling legend and his team are heading to next month’s Brier in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Skipped by son Scott Howard, Howard’s rink defeated John Epping’s foursome 5-3 in Sunday’s final to secure the 18th Ontario Tankard of the elder Howard's playing career. The younger Howard stole singles in the ninth and 10th ends to pick up the victory.

This will mark Glenn Howard’s 19th appearance at the Brier with the first six coming as third on his brother Russ Howard’s team.

Howard has been part of four winning teams at the Canadian championship, capturing it all in 1987, 1993, 2007 and 2012. All four teams also went on to win the world championship.

While Glenn Howard wasn’t able to play during last week’s Tankard due to injury, it’s not clear whether he or Scott will be throwing skip stones when the rink hits the ice in the western Canadian city.

The 59-year-old has a “wonky” knee, which became seriously irritated after Howard competed in the busiest fall season of his lengthy career.

“I think I overdid it,” Howard told the Curling News during last week’s Tankard. “This fall I’ve never curled so much in a short time. Over 60 games in less than two months.”

With Scott Howard taking over skip duties at last week’s Ontairo championship in Port Elgin, long-time spare Adam Spencer filled in at vice with second David Mathers and lead Tim March playing their regular positions for the team based out of the Penetanguishene Curling Club.

Howard was in a similar position at last year’s Brier after a snowmobile accident forced him to watch from the sidelines. In that case, former teammate and long-time friend Wayne Middaugh handled the skipper’s duties with the team finishing the round robin at 7-1 record before being knocked out in the championship pool.

The Brier field is also taking shape in other provinces along with Northern Ontario where perennial favourite Brad Jabobs and his Sault Ste. Marie rink, who are competing in their 14th Canadian championship since 2007.

Returning Canadian champion Brendan Bottcher gained direct entry to this year’s event while Alberta and Manitoba will be represented by Kevin Koe and Mike McEwen, respectively.

Also of note, former Bottcher third Darren Moulding, who was cut from the team following a disappointing team performance at last year’s Olympic curling trials will be out for some measure of revenge as he joins New Brunswick champ James Grattan’s rink.

This year's Brier runs from March 4 to 13 with the winning team representing Canada at the 2022 World Men's Curling Championship in Las Vegas.


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Andrew Philips

About the Author: Andrew Philips

Editor Andrew Philips is a multiple award-winning journalist whose writing has appeared in some of the country’s most respected news outlets. Originally from Midland, Philips returned to the area from Québec City a decade ago.
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