Happy New Year

Team Bernard members want to wish everybody a healthy and happy new year. Thank you all for your support, means a lot.

Susan

Took by me on the ice in Brantford. It was during Team Bernard second match on November 18th.

Just Because...

During the Sunlife Classic, practing before the first match: on the ice with Team Bernard.

Team Bernard all over the world

As mentioned yesterday, several Team Bernard videos are now available on other websites bringing with them their sponsor SierraSil too. Berry Naturals promo video was also added. They copied the videos I created keeping the credit, isn't it cool? However, there is one that isn't there yet, either I haven't find it or they didn't, but there it is. I guess you seen it, but I thought it would be a nice post to do for Christmas. Merry Chrismas Everybody!

Team Bernard all over the world

Lately, a user of the Chinese version of youtube is adding Team Bernard videos, including mine, to the website. I won’t complain, after all, it’s about spreading curling love all over the world. And speaking of it, no matter where you live, you should be able to see it. They recently added the finale of the Canada Cup 2010, but here’s an end of the Continental Cup, Team Bernard Match against Team Ott – North America taking over Team World. That was almost a year ago! Oh, the memories!!!

Thanks for your support

Cheryl, Susan, Lori , Jennifer and Terry would like to take this opportunity to thank their sponsors – Dairy Queen, Airdrie Dodge Jeep, SierraSil, Asham, Priority Print - for all their support this past season – “we couldn’t do it without you”!

Also, thanks to all our fans on Facebook and Twitter -” your support is huge”.

“We wish you and yours a wonderful Holidays Season !”

Let's talk about artwork

Close to Christmas, while not talk about art, Daniel Van Klei and his awesome work. Numerous corporations, government and individual collected Daniel Van Klei artwork and Cheryl is one of them. “Thanks Daniel for the gorgeous painting you did of my African Baobob tree!” – Cheryl.

Visit daniel’s website to discover his work and see that painting.

Autographed Book

If you want an autographed copy of “Between the Sheets: The silver lining” now would be a good time to do it because if you buy one before Christmas day, it will be personally autographed to you by Cheryl Bernard. The only thing you have to do is to order it on Team Bernard website. Just click here and there you go.

The Chargers charge back...

Last year around a similar date, Cheryl and Terry were asked to be a judge in a tailgating competition during a match of the Chargers in San Diego. This year, they wanted them to judge the Iron Bartender competition and of course they didn’t hesitate. That will be this Sunday, during a match between the Chargers and the Ravens and Cheryl and Terry will be there to accomplish their tasks as judges.

Happy Picture

After a crazy November, everything that has been going on and the holiday season coming fast, I felt to share a happy picture and send happy vibes to the entire world. So, there was this picture hidden on my treasure box. Carolyn and Cheryl after Team Bernard win on Denmark at the Olympics 2010: it was their fourth victory out of fourth matches. That is one hell of a happy picture, if you ask me.

2 years ago...

... Team Bernard squad became Olympians. On December 12th 2009, in Edmonton on a cold winter evening, Team Bernard warmed up the Rexall arena and recorded a 7-6 win at the Roar of the Rings to get a ticket to the Olympics 2010. They were the underdogs, but had proven all week that they belong there. Great tournament, aggressive play, some unbelievable shots. I am working on a video right now to rememorize that great final but till it’s done, you can review the entries I’ve made about this unforgettable tournament here: videos, comments, articles, best shots and great pictures.

Pictures from the sunlife Classic

It took me a while but I finally got through my curling pictures taken in Brantford. I hadn’t talk about it on the blog but you can guess that it was quite an experience and an adventure: not only I decided to go only 2 days before the tournament started but it’s not like it is right next door. It is even only on location that I made my hotel reservation for my stay.

It was great to be there and gave the girls a high five or a hug after matches instead of texting them a few words. It was great to see how people are supportive and amazing to realize that when fans talk about a match it’s : "we scored 2, or we were stolen 2 or we played tomorrow morning at 8.30am". Some people drove hours to make it there. A guy even has Cheryl’s name tattooed on her forearm.

People knew who I was : “are you the girls that post for them?” not that my “coach” pass was telling anything but they just knew. They were asking me favors, telling me that I am doing a good job and hope that I was going to share my pictures. Even Team Bernard driver wouldn’t have left without telling me but she didn’t have to because the girls looked for me. That was awesome... I hope to do it again.

Thanks the volunteers to have been so nice to me. Thanks to the fans for their support and thanks to Cheryl, Susan, Lori and Jennifer: I know it wasn’t your best tournament, but it was great to hang on with you.

To see my favourite picture of the tournament, visit team Bernard gallery and yup, they will be more to come.

Comment from the Skip

It has been a really good half for Team Bernard, even more so that is was a new team Bernard. They started strong with 4 straight participations in playoffs and now have a spot for the provincials in Alberta, acquired in their last tournament with a quart final participation.

Here’s comment for our Skip about their promising first half.

“Its been a great start to our year with the new team! Jennifer and Lori are amazing women on and off the ice and have incredible work ethic – we are lucky to have them as part of Team Bernard. For Susan and I this is our 11th year playing together and it’s great to still feel that same drive and love of the game and competition that we always have. Susan and I are both enjoying the challenges that come with new players – it’s always a work in progress, but that’s what keeps you motivated!”

Team Bernard Gallery

Team Bernard gallery added a few goodies lately. When I reminded you of it in November, i didn’t know that I would head to Brantford to take my own pictures and have a great time with the Girls on Friday. The tournament last a little less longer than we thought, so we couldn’t do everything we wanted to, but I sure brought back home hundreds of pictures. I haven’t sort them out all of them yet but it sure make the pleasure last longer.

Here are some more exclusives but visit Team Bernard gallery for the very best.

Berry Naturals partners with Cheryl Bernard

Remember that day Cheryl spent with Berry Naturals team to shoot and curl ? Well, the promo vid is out and ready to watch! Scroll down, it's below the the pic. Enjoy!

Team Bernard Exclusive

As you know, I was on location in Brantford. Not done yet with all the picture of Team Bernard but i figure it's always good to make the pleasure last. I don't know if you like black and white - I personally love color better - but sometimes, it is just nice to vary. Here are some of the fourth match in Brantford.

Who’s in Cranbrook?

Carolyn Darbyshire answered the call Kleibrink gave her once again but this time, she has to fit different shoes : she is the lead of Team Kleibrink. Chelsea Matson decided to stay in Saskatchewan to be with her father who is having some health problems.

Our Silver medal second, was known to be one of the best hitter in the women’s game and it’s been a while since she hasn’t play as a lead. "I'm playing a lot more draws. A LOT more draws. I threw a lot of draws in practice on the weekend, just to get the feeling of it, and a lot of hack-weight shots for the tick shots."

Darbyshire played second earlier this season with Kleibrink for 2 tournaments – this time as a second and the team had a streak of 13 victories. She will probably continue on as a second for a while as Bronwen Webster is expecting her first child in March.

Canada Cup Memories

Well, the Canada cup is on its way on Cranbrook, BC - Team Bernard isn’t competing BUT that doesn’t mean that you can’t watch. I am sure the girls will take a peek this weekend so can you. That doesn’t mean either that we can’t go back on time and view images and videos about Team Bernard participation in that tournament. They usually do good there and I am pretty much sure that they are going to have a shot at it next year but for now, you might like to take a look here to see some great pictures, stats and score.

Boundary Ford Classic : Quarter finalist

As things happen on the ice, Team Bernard went home as a quarterfinalist this year. Under the circumstances, it isn’t so bad since Bernard had earned a spot in the provincials even before the day begins by qualifying in the playoffs.

Things looked pretty bad after 3 for Bernard who was behind 0-4. With a lot of effort and consistent play afterward, they managed to turn things around and lead 6-5 after 8 but Chyz came back and scored 3 taking a 8-6 lead and our squad ran out of rocks in the 10 ends with no other choice to shake hands.

As it is always after a loss, they were pretty disappointed, especially that they felt they were playing really good this weekend, but today wasn’t their best day, unfortunately. Team Bernard as now a little break and will come back in January for a bonspiel in Airdrie before the big event.

This is a well deserved rest for our girls. The first half of the season was totally hectic and recording 5 playoffs out of 7 tournaments this is most certainly quite impressive for a new team – well, for any team as a matter of fact. Bernard will take the fourth position on the CTRS ranking behind Ovorton-Clapham, Jones and Middaugh.

I won’t stop posting, maybe not just every day: I got many pictures to share from the Sunlife Classic since i was there on location, Cheryl will take part of a few off ice events and I will probably dig in my treasure box for some uncovered jewels while patiently waiting for our team to get back on the ice.

Stay tuned!

Boundary Ford Classic Update - in the playoffs

Efficient, that might be described best Team Bernard today. On the first match, they were meeting Team Sonnenberg. A strong start, scoring 4 with the hammer, kinda “hammered” they opponent right from the start. They were cautious for the rest of the game, trying to minimize the mistakes and stay consistent resulting on keeping that lead till the end of the match. Team Bernard wins 7-4.

On the second game, it was a rematch against Team Galucha who defeated Team Bernard on their first game but this one was the qualify through the B event so, they didn’t let that one go, but, it wasn’t that easy. At some point, Team Bernard led 6-2 until Galucha started a comeback - a little bit like Bernard had done on the first match - to level the game at 6-6 after 7. However, back with the hammer, Bernard got a deuce and stole the 9 end and finally won 9-6 to get a spot in the playoffs. Well done Team Bernard!

The quarter final match starts at 9.00am (mt) against Team Chyz. Enjoy the game Ladies!

Boundary Ford Classic Update

They were close last night, and they got it right today: 2 matches, 2 wins. First match was against Team Eyamie. A steal in the fourth and fifth ends made the big difference, giving Bernard a sufficient lead with a final score of 7-4.

In the second match, Bernard had the lead 3-2 after fifth and went on with a series of steal and confirmed a 7-2 against Team Campbell.

The next 2 matches will be played back to back. Next opponent is Team Sonnenberg at 1pm (ET) on Sunday.

Boundary Ford Classic update

It was a slow start, and then they bounced back, they even got the lead for a short moment but their opponent managed to steal the extra end. They were so close. Well, everything is good for now as they will compete in the B event tomorrow against team Eyamie in the morning at 9.00am (mt). A good night of sleep ladies, and you'll win your first one! GO GO GO

Boundary Ford Classic

Team Bernard left yesterday to Lloydminister to compete in their last schedule tournament in 2011. At the end of this tournament, 2 more teams will qualify for the Provincials, as it is also the last tournament schedule by Dec 1 on the world tour. Nothing changes yet: Bernard leads on the CTRS ranking and Webster on the Alberta points but for Team Bernard, they will have to go one step further of Sonnenberg and Webster to get one of those 2 spots remaining. First match today is schedule at 5pm after one of the 32 teams withdrawn.

The team that coudn't make it is the Team of Carolyn Darbyshire, our second of the Silver medal team.

Happy Birthday Lori

I am a couple of hours early, but in case I forget it, it is Lori's birthday on November 24th. They are heading to Lloydminister this weekend, maybe she can pay herself a treat and be part of the winning team this weekend. ;)

Have a great one Lori!

Sunlife Update

So, that will be it for Team Bernard at the Sunlife Classic. Yesterday's match against Potter didn't end for our Girls either. The 6th end could have turned things around –and it did but not in their way- as they had 5 stones in the house and only one blue in, but conveniently place for second shot. At the time, it was 5-3 potter and they wanted to get the big hit to score more than 2 If Bernard last rock manages to find the house and pushes the opponent stone away, but 21 ends later, call it fatigue or whatever you want, she wasn’t sharp enough and hit a guard to score only one.

They were very disappointed, losing is always a pain, but in early round, on matches you should have won, this is just so sad. We were all sad. They started strong this season, so, a lot of expectation from them but they will come around and come back stronger at their next tournament this weekend as we learn more by losing.

I took thousand of pictures, still sorting them out. I will put them on our facebook and blog, and the best on our Gallery. Of course, i will keep a couple for my personal flickr. I will let you know in time when it will be done.

Sabrina, don’t forget to contact me via facebook. I will try to keep my hand of the bargain.

Sunlife Update

Have you even been robbed of a victory ? well, that what happened in this fourth match against strong. It had been a tough match, nothing was easy, but Bernard had set the perfect table to steal the winning point and even Strong, once her last stone was thrown thought she had lost it, but it managed to push away Team Bernard stone enough to win in the most dramatic way. So the girls had to get back on the ice in 10 minutes, in another club, with this feeling still in their chest. That a short delay to refocus and stay positive.

Sunlife Update

Rendezvous at the Brant curling club in early in the morning. I arrived a little late but still got a spot right behind them. It was a match with ups and downs, but at the end, it was Bernard being the most consistent. They did what they had to do to win. Make the final Team Bernard 6 Team Holland 4. Now the day wasn’t over as we move to another curling club 3 hours later. A little time for a little nap and back on action at 3pm against Team Strong.