Garth McQueen/CTAL/CTC 03/24/2005 08:59 AM 
Subject Pioli Papers - PrePlayoff Edition 

In a recent Welland Tribune article, Rod Oakes spoke out on curling and gave some very insightful 
observations as to why we are C Flight Champions. I am passing on some of the article (with comments of course) 

There’s a lot of strategy in this game,” says Rod Oakes while playing an end at the Welland Curling Club. 

“It’s like somebody said, ‘It’s chess on ice.’”  Now Mark, that doesn't mean lying on the ice and moving 
the rocks from square to square 

Speaking from experience, Oakes says curling rinks need to be able to think – and work — together as one to 
really be competitive. OK,  at the best of times putting thinking and working in one sentence has not been 
one of our strong points....except for the front end. 

And winning curling takes a bit of foresight, too. 

“You have to anticipate shots ahead of the time, before you actually make them,” ... I would have to guess 
that his team ALWAYS finishes on time because they know what they are doing!!...novel concept 

Oakes has a few words of advice for curlers seeking to play together as a rink. 

“First of all, you have to be good friends,” he says. “And you have to have a skill level that you’re all 
willing to play the positions that you’re in.” ... well we're three for three on this one...no one is friends, 
there is precious little skill and everyone thinks they know everyone else's positions. 

“It not like playing golf all your life and never breaking 100.“ ... I beg to differ 

Ok gents,  we are in the layoff week which means it's time to reflect. Who wants what with their omlette!!.  
Reflection over, time to kick butt or drink beer.  We're headed to the playoffs, my wife's headed out of 
town and I am off to the rodeo....cut'em loose bronco billy. 

We are C Flight champions and that's all that matters. This statement will self destruct on April 16th.