In the Rings: Highlights and lowlights from a curling season to remember

Winnipeg Free Press

22-05-2025

Curling made some strides over the 2024-25 campaign yet also remained behind the times in other areas, leaving the Roaring Game in a peculiar spot entering the all-important Olympic season.
Equipment issues have been a concern in recent months and the sport's archaic rule structure and lack of video review have sparked controversy. The new-look Grand Slam of Curling series had some hits and misses under new ownership.
Here's a look at some highlights and lowlights from the previous season with a look ahead at what's to come.
BURNING ISSUE
The handling of a situation involving an apparent burned rock in a China-Norway playoff game at the world men's championship sparked heated online comments from many top players.
It also showed just how far behind curling is compared to other sports.
Video footage appeared to show the Chinese sweeper hit the rock with his broom just before it entered the house.
Put in a tough position as the non-offending team, Norway's Magnus Ramsfjell felt the stone was burned but agreed to let it remain rather than have it removed. Umpire involvement was minimal since the players decided to play on.
'If we're not going to have umpires or officials there that are actually going to officiate and umpire the game, they shouldn't be there in my opinion,' veteran skip Brad Gushue said in a recent interview.
'And if that's the case and we have cameras, we have streaming services on just about every game now played at the top level, why not utilize that?'
A World Curling spokesman noted Norway didn't make a complaint after continuing play. Chinese coach Weidong Tan, who served as interpreter for skip Xiaoming Xu, said the team didn't feel the broom made contact with the rock.
World Curling director Jill Officer was made available for an interview at the event but a communications staffer shut down questions on the subject.
HOMAN DOMINANT
Rachel Homan's Ottawa-based team became the first Canadian women's rink to repeat as world champions since Sandra Schmirler's side did it in 1994.
The top-ranked Homan finished with a remarkable 75-9 record over a season that included a fifth career Scotties Tournament of Hearts title along with Grand Slam crowns at the Kioti National and Co-op Canadian Open.
Top-ranked Bruce Mouat of Scotland won the men's world title. Italy's Amos Mosaner and Stefania Constantini took the world mixed doubles crown.
HITS AND MISSES
The Curling Group tried some new things over its five-event calendar after purchasing the Grand Slam of Curling series last spring.
Some things worked and others didn't. More changes — including a new pro league — are on the way next season.
A big hit was the decision to provide live streaming of all games at Slam competitions. Curler walkouts — or slideouts in some cases — also proved popular.
Misses included the dizziness-inducing 'hat-cam' live camera and a GSOC playoff draft where skips selected pool opponents. The draft's start was delayed, players didn't have their own microphones and graphics weren't used.
CLEAN SWEEP
Call it what you will — Foamgate or Broomgate 2.0 — but broomhead foam density was a hot topic among athletes in recent months.
Many teams believe firmer foam products allow sweepers to have too much control on the ice. World Curling and Goldline Curling mutually agreed to suspend the approval of Goldline's Pursuer foam from competitive play last February.
Curlers, manufacturers, federations, the athlete commission and officials have had discussions about equipment in recent months but it's unclear when there might be clarity on the subject.
'The athletes need to know by the beginning of August what sort of broom they're going to have (in) their hand for next (season),' Officer said. 'And I plan (to) keep trying to push that timeline.'
HOG-LINE VIOLATIONS
In the wake of repeated electronic sensor issues with curling stones, the honour system has been in place for hog-line violations over the last few seasons.
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The setup has generally worked although many curlers do not release the rocks in time. Opponent apathy may be to blame.
'There's a line there that has to be abided by and it has to be enforced,' said World Curling Hall of Famer Warren Hansen. 'And to ignore it, to me, is just ridiculous.'
A first-hand look from ice level at the recent world men's championship revealed several uncalled violations.
A player can still request an umpire to watch the line if desired.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 22, 2025.