Olympic and two-time world champion Russ Howard defeated PEI’s Mike Gaudet rink in this afternoon’s final of the Hub City Shootout at Moncton’s Beaver Curling Club. Scores were not available. Other members of Team Howard are James Grattan, Jason Vaughan, Peter Case, and 5th player Steve Howard. Playing with Gaudet are Eddie MacKenzie, Tyler Harris, and Sean Clarey.
Photo: Team Howard
In semi-final play, Gaudet beat Jamie Brannen of Fredericton NB, while Howard defeated PEI’s Bill Hope foursome, which includes Dennis Watts, Jeff Gallant, and Phillip McInnis.
In Saturday night’s quarter-final round, Gaudet knocked off former Canadian men’s and mixed champ Mark Dacey of Halifax, while Brannen beat Mark Kehoe of Windsor. Howard eliminated Rick Perron of the host club, while Hope beat Stephen Burgess of Fredericton. PEI’s Robbie Doherty plays on the Burgess rink.
The winning Russ Howard rink will take home $3400, with $2000 going to the runner-up Gaudet foursome and $1350 going to the Bill Hope and Jamie Brannen teams. Kehoe, Perron, Burgess, and Dacey each go home with $950 for making it to the quarter-final round.
Defending champion John Likely of Charlottetown eliminated clubmate Kevin Champion Saturday at noon in this triple-knockout competition, but lost to Howard in the 4 pm draw. 16 teams took part in this annual cashspiel.