(by Jason Simmonds)
EDMONTON – Kevin Martin has curled in 11 Briers, four world championships and won two Olympic gold medals, so he knows a thing or two about assessing the competition.
Kevin Martin (Submitted photo)
Martin and his Edmonton-based rink will be one of eight men’s teams competing in the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling Players’ Championship in Summerside from April 17 to 22.
“My wife (Shauna) and I were talking the other night about how tough every single game is because it’s only the best,” offered Martin, 45. “Losing a couple (of games) in this round robin is not a big deal because no one is going through undefeated.
“Tiebreakers are certainly a possibility. It’s going to be a really hard mental week just because there are no easy games. In most curling events there are a couple of games that are not so tough, but not so in the Players’ Championship. That’s why I like it so much – that’s why it’s my favourite.”
Jeff Stoughton, Glenn Howard, John Epping, Kevin Koe, Brad Gushue, Mike McEwen and the Niklas Edin rink, which will be skipped Sebastian Kraupp, round out the men’s field. Edin is unable to compete as he is scheduled to undergo surgery.
“I really like the new format with the top eight teams in the world,” said Martin, who owns and operates a curling supply store. “I don’t think there’s any other event in the world that is like this, where you only have the top eight in the world.”