Team Epping’s Stellar Start to the Season: From 33rd to 11th in the World

The John Epping curling team has wasted no time making waves this season, showcasing determination, skill, and a winning formula that has catapulted them up the global rankings. Starting the season ranked 33rd in the world, Team Epping curling has climbed an impressive 22 spots, now sitting proudly at 11th.

The team’s ascent is fueled by three major event victories, each highlighting their growth and synergy on the ice. With strategic precision and ice-cold nerves, the team John Epping roster has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with on the competitive curling circuit.

A Season of Triumphs

Victory #1: KW Fall Classic

The season began with a bang at the KW Fall Classic. Team Epping showcased their exceptional teamwork and precision, navigating a strong field of competitors to claim their first title of the season. This early win set the stage for their remarkable climb up the world rankings.

Victory #2: Stu Sells Toronto Tankard
Building on their momentum, Team Epping turned heads at the prestigious Stu Sells Toronto Tankard. Their strategic gameplay and resilience under pressure led them to a second championship, solidifying their place among the top teams this season.

Victory #3: Stu Sells Living Water Collingwood Classic
The team took home the title at the Stu Sells Living Water Collingwood Classic. With a consistent and dominant performance, Team Epping proved they’re a team to watch as the season unfolds.

What’s Next for Team Epping?

The next stop for the John Epping curling team is the RBC Dominion Securities Western Showdown, taking place in Swift Current, Saskatchewan, from December 13–16. With their current momentum, the team is optimistic about continuing their success on the ice.

Beyond Swift Current, Team Epping has their sights set on the new year. Their impressive world ranking puts them in contention for an invitation to the Grand Slam of Curling Masters. A strong performance there would further cement their status among curling’s elite.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, Team Epping is making this season one to remember. Follow their journey as they continue to climb the ranks, aiming for even greater success on curling’s biggest stages!

Team Epping Welcomes The Ridge at Manitou as Our Title Sponsor!

We are excited to announce that The Ridge at Manitou has officially joined Team Epping as our title sponsor! Their support means the world to us as we continue to strive for success on the ice, and we are incredibly thankful for their partnership.

Why The Ridge at Manitou?

The Ridge at Manitou is not just a golf club—it’s an experience. Nestled amidst the stunning scenery of the Canadian Shield, this course offers breathtaking views, meticulously maintained greens, and a world-class golfing experience. For us at Team Epping, this sponsorship goes beyond the rink, allowing us to partner with a brand that shares our values of excellence and community.

Exclusive Golf Packages at The Ridge

Whether you're a curling fan, a golf enthusiast, or someone who appreciates a little getaway, The Ridge has something to offer for everyone. Their range of golf packages includes everything you need to make the most of your time on the green:

Stay & Play Packages: Enjoy a luxurious stay near Lake Manitouwabing with rounds of golf included. Perfect for a weekend escape or a mid-week retreat, these packages provide the ultimate relaxation and fun for golf lovers of all skill levels.

Fly & Play Packages: Elevate your golf game with a Fly & Play package from The Ridge at Manitou Golf Club and Loft Air. Arrive in style from downtown or your cottage dock to one of Canada’s premier courses. Soak in stunning landscapes and enjoy:

• Round-trip flight from GTA, Muskoka, and more

• Dockside pickup/drop-off (where accessible)

• Green fees, cart, and practice range

• Post-round patio meal

• Dedicated service rep

• Welcome package

Seasonal Memberships: For those who can’t get enough of the game, The Ridge offers seasonal memberships that give you unlimited access to the greens throughout the golfing season, along with exclusive perks and discounts.

A Perfect Partnership for the Season Ahead

With The Ridge at Manitou as our title sponsor, we are more energized than ever to hit the ice this season. We believe this partnership will not only elevate our team but also introduce our fans to one of Ontario’s most beautiful golf courses. Whether you're watching us curl to victory or hitting the links at The Ridge, we're proud to bring our communities together.

From all of us at Team Epping, a heartfelt thank you to The Ridge at Manitou for their incredible support. We’re looking forward to making this season a memorable one—on the ice and on the fairways!

Team Epping Claims Victory at KW Fall Classic in Thrilling Extra End Finish!

Kitchener-Waterloo, ON – KW Fall Classic Champions!

We had a great weekend curling in the KW Fall Classic.

Our match started with 3 blank ends. We managed to take 2 points in the 4th end, setting a strong pace for the game. The momentum continued as we then stole 1 point in the 6th end, giving us a solid lead. However, Team Yanagisawa wasn’t going to go down without a fight. They rallied back and took 2 points in the 7th end, making the score tight at 3-2. To add to the drama, they stole 1 point in the 8th end, bringing the score to a tense 3-3.

With the match tied, we headed into an extra end. We made some crucial shots and played with precision, ultimately coming out victorious!

A Big Thank You

We extend a huge thank you to the KW Granite Curling Club for hosting such a fantastic event this year. The facility was impeccable, and the atmosphere was electric, thanks to the efforts of all the dedicated volunteers and staff. Your hard work and commitment to the sport helped make this tournament a memorable experience for all teams involved.

What’s Next?

With this exciting win behind us, Team Epping is excited to announce that we will be back on the ice from October 10 to 14 for the Stu Sells Toronto Tankard. We are looking forward to facing more formidable opponents and continuing to build on our success.

Please mark your calendars and come out to support us as we strive for another exciting performance! See you at the High Park Curling Club!

Team Epping Gearing Up for PointsBet Invitational in Oakville, Ontario

Team Epping is excited to announce our participation in the highly anticipated PointsBet Invitational, set to take place at the Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, Ontario. This prestigious event, featuring sixteen men's and sixteen women's teams from Canada, promises intense competition and a chance at a substantial prize purse of $350,000, all in a sudden-death single-knockout format.

The PointsBet Invitational: A Showcase of CANADIAN Curling Excellence

The PointsBet Invitational is a marquee event in the world of Canadian curling, bringing together the nation's top talent for an exhilarating competition. Held at the state-of-the-art Sixteen Mile Sports Complex in Oakville, this venue offers the perfect backdrop for showcasing the skill, strategy, and teamwork that define our beloved sport.

What to Expect

With a prize purse of $350,000 on the line, the competition promises to be fierce and the stakes high. Teams will compete in a sudden-death single-knockout format, where every shot and strategic decision will be critical. It's a true test of skill, nerve, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Get Your Tickets

Don't miss the chance to witness curling at its finest! Whether you're a die-hard curling fan or new to the sport, the PointsBet Invitational is an event you won't want to miss. Secure your tickets now by visiting the official Ticketmaster page at this link and be part of the excitement in Oakville!

Join Us in Oakville

Team Epping is thrilled to be part of this incredible event, and we invite you to follow our journey, engage with our updates, and share in the excitement as we prepare to compete against some of the best in Canadian curling. Stay tuned for more details!

See you in Oakville!

• Team Epping

#TeamEpping #PointsBetInvitational #CurlingExcellence #Oakville #SuddenDeathCurling

Welcoming Small Living Co. as Our Newest Partner

Introduction

Team Epping is excited to announce a new addition to our curling family – Small Living Co. We are thrilled to have them on board as our newest sponsor, and we can't wait to share this exciting partnership with our fans and fellow curling enthusiasts.

Meet Small Living Co.

Small Living Co. is a company that's making a big impact in the world of small and sustainable living. Their commitment to innovative, eco-friendly, and space-efficient living solutions aligns perfectly with our team's values. You can explore their incredible offerings and learn more about their mission on their website: Small Living Co.

The Pioneer Tiny Home

This small and affordable 10x10 tiny home is perfect for your short-term rental, bunkhouse, or backyard office, providing everything you need in a cozy space.

Why Small Living Co.?

At Team Epping, we believe that partnerships should be built on shared values and a common vision. Small Living Co.'s dedication to sustainability and their creative approach to compact living spaces resonated with us. Their passion for making life more efficient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly mirrors our dedication to excellence on the curling sheet.

Small Living Co. & Team Epping: A Winning Combination

As we embark on this exciting journey with Small Living Co., we are confident that together, we can achieve great things. Their support will play a vital role in helping us reach new heights in our curling endeavors. We look forward to representing Small Living Co. proudly and working together to achieve success on and off the ice.

A Word of Thanks

Before we sign off, we want to express our sincere gratitude to Small Living Co. for choosing to partner with us. Your belief in our team and our shared values means the world to us. We're excited to create a lasting and successful partnership together.

Stay Tuned

As we continue to prepare for upcoming competitions and embrace this exciting new partnership, we invite you to stay tuned for more updates and insights into our journey. Be sure to check out Small Living Co.'s website to discover their fantastic products and services.

Thank you for being part of our curling family, and here's to a bright future with Small Living Co. by our side!

• Team Epping

Team Epping and Small Living Co. Partnership

#TeamEpping #SmallLivingCo #NewSponsor #CurlingFamily #Sustainability #Innovation #Partnership

Team Epping at the Shorty Jenkins Classic: Overcoming Challenges and Striving for Success

Introduction

Competing at the Shorty Jenkins Classic in Cornwall, Ontario, was a thrilling experience for Team Epping. While the weekend may not have unfolded as we had hoped, we want to take a moment to reflect on the journey, embrace the challenges, and reaffirm our commitment to working harder and practicing relentlessly to achieve our goals.

Patrick Janssen and Matt Camm Sweeping Curling Stone - Photo Cred: Mike Martin

Challenges Faced

The sport of curling is a true test of skill, teamwork, and mental fortitude. At the Shorty Jenkins Classic, we encountered formidable opponents and faced obstacles that tested our mettle. Each game was a battle, and while the outcome didn't always favour us, we remain undeterred.

The Power of Resilience

One of the hallmarks of our team is our unwavering resilience. In the face of adversity, we draw strength from each other and from our incredible supporters. Curling has taught us that setbacks are not failures but opportunities to learn, adapt, and grow. We are grateful for the valuable lessons we've gained from this weekend.

The Path Forward

As we leave Cornwall and head back to the practice rink, our determination is stronger than ever. We know that success in curling, as in life, requires dedication and continuous improvement. We are committed to honing our skills, refining our strategies, and working tirelessly to achieve our goals.

Thanking Our Supporters

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Cornwall Curling Centre and the dedicated volunteers who made this event possible. Your passion for the sport is inspiring, and we are honoured to have competed on your ice.

To our fans, your unwavering support is our driving force. Your cheers and messages of encouragement motivate us to push harder and reach higher. Thank you for being there with us, every step of the way.

Looking Ahead

While this past weekend may have been challenging, it's just one chapter in our curling journey. Team Epping is determined to learn from our experiences, grow stronger as a team, and come back even more formidable in future competitions. Our eyes are set on our ultimate goals, and we are ready to put in the work to achieve them.

Conclusion

The Shorty Jenkins Classic in Cornwall, Ontario, may not have gone exactly as planned, but it has strengthened our resolve. We're excited about the future and the opportunities it holds. Thank you to everyone who supports us on this incredible journey. We’ll be back on the ice on September 27th, 2023 in the PointsBet Invitational! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to chase our dreams on the curling sheet.

• Team Epping

#TeamEpping #CurlingJourney #Resilience #ShortyJenkinsClassic #CurlingGoals #Dedication #Determination #CornwallCurlingCentre

2017-18 Grand Slam of Curling Season Begins

We kicked off the Grand Slam of Curling Season in the GSOC Tour Challenge! The week-long tournament was held in Regina, SK. Coming from Toronto we were expecting cooler temperatures, but that was not the case. There was sweltering summer weather all week long, with average temperatures of 30 degrees Celsius. 

For the majority of the week, we only had one game per day. The light schedule left us with a lot of down-time.  In between work, food, and rest we decided to check out "The Escape Manor."  We thought, what better way to pass the time then to lock ourselves in a room together and try to escape. 

The first room was prison-themed. Called the "Prison Break," we were falsely accused and on death row. We had 45 minutes to find clues and escape before being executed. We were so close to escaping if only our lead (Tim March) could keep his hands off things that are clearly labeled "Do Not Touch!" What can we say, he's a curious guy.  In the end, we received the death sentence, and Mat Camm was the first to go. 

The second room was set up like an Asylum. We had to escape before a mad Doctor returned to lobotomize us. Tim didn't touch anything he wasn't supposed to, and we were able to escape in the time allotted. If you have never tried an escape room before, we would highly recommend it.

We also took a few trips to the Regina Casino where we tried our luck at some tables and slots. Some of us fared better than others. Let's just say, if you ever want to learn how to play blackjack our skipper (John Epping) is your man.

We had a great week on the ice! We went undefeated into the playoffs. Eventually falling to team Edin in a tight quarterfinal game where we were down 4-0, and we battled back. The final score was 5-4 for Team Edin. 

We wanted to thank all of the volunteers and Sportsnet crew for a great GSOC 2017-18 Season kick off! Thanks to all of our fans for your cheers and words of support throughout the event. 

We're looking forward to the Grand Slam Of Curling Masters coming up on October 24-29 in Lloydminster, SK!

- Team Epping 

The Epic Everest Curling Challenge

WELCOME

Welcome to our first blog post! We're excited to start documenting our curling journey and share our life on the road with you. 

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OUR TRIP TO FREDERICTON, NB & THE EVEREST CURLING CHALLENGE 

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Our summer holidays were cut short this year as we kicked off our curling season on August 25th with the Everest Curling Challenge. We traveled out to beautiful Fredericton, NB excited and anxious to get back on the ice. On arrival, we quickly realized how much fun the event was going to be!

The Everest Curling Challenge featured a unique, mixed-player format. We didn't play on our usual teams. Instead, all of the Skips took turns drafting players for each position, excluding team members from their regular competition teams. Each team had two men and two women.

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It was a fantastic experience curling with players and competitors we had never curled with before. It was also awesome being able to sit by the outdoor pool in our swimsuits - most of our curling season is spent wearing snow suits. (Cardboard John thoroughly enjoyed the pool too)

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Tim March and his team (Jennifer Jones, Marc Kennedy, & Joanne Courtney) were edged out of the competition in Draw 1 by Team Brad Jacobs. After the loss, Tim became our team's permanent cheerleader - cheering from the sidelines at every game. 

Mat Camm, unfortunately, had the same fate with his team (Rachel Homan, Jill Officer, & Geoff Walker). They were struck down by Team Brad Gushue in the quarterfinals.

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Pat Janssen made it to the semifinals with Team Kevin Koe (Emma Miskew, & Dawn McEwen) but was ousted by our skipper Team John Epping. 

John went on to have a tight game against Team Brad Gushue in the final. In the end, John and his team were clipped by one point - Team Gushue winning 6-5.

Even though none of us walked away with $200,000 it was an unforgettable event! The crowds/fans were incredibly energetic, and supportive. The volunteers were amazing! It was an experience that we'll never forget.

THANK YOU

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We'd like to thank Everest, Randy Ferbey, TSN and all of the volunteers for putting on an incredible event! 

We would especially like to thank all of our fans who tirelessly voted for us. It was such an honour to be apart of this event, and you made it possible.

It was an epic and unforgettable way to start our 2017-2018 curling season!

- Team Epping