The Tournament of Hearts

2011 edition of the Scotties is behind us. All Team Bernard’s followers know that our favorite team didn’t win the provincials so, it was Kleibrink squad that represented Alberta: they didn’t make it to the playoffs. No, this year, it is Amber Holland that stole the victory in the 10 ends when Jennifer Jones last stone rolled too far. Stole: maybe not, Team Saskatchewan dominated all week. Maybe they won this one with a little bit of luck, but hey, you gotta be good to be lucky!

It will be good for Curling that another team will represent Canada on international events – and good for Jones. If we learn more by losing, maybe it was destiny that the talented skip fell short. No one can deny that she is one great curler, but let say that a few things happened and many people doubt at her sportsmanship, with good reasons. So, it is an occasion for her to prove many things.

It is Nova Scotia that won the bronze medal after defeating the young and talented Ontario Team lead by Homan. 2 thumbs up to Nova Scotia Skip Heather Smith-Darcey, usually third, who replaced the veteran Colleen Jones out with a meningitis, in a brilliant way.

So, back to our favorite Skip: It wouldn’t be surprising to see Team Bernard at the Scotties within a couple of year. If everything happens for a reason, she didn’t decide to go for another 4 years just like that. Most probably the first reason was because she loves this sport, but if she keeps going, it’s because she still has the passion and believe there are still things to accomplish out there and winning a provincials is certainly one of them. Many people have to be ready to win events, Cheryl Bernard is reading to win a Scotties.

In the next days, I am going to share some informations about Team Bernard at the Scotties starting with this 2007 picture of Cheryl warming up before her match again Kelly Scott.

Vancouver 2010 Review

It was with this quote from Susan O’connor that started my blog : "Cheryl is the reason we're sitting up here now, she's the reason that we're at the Olympics," said O'Connor. "There is nobody in the world that I would rather have throwing last rock."

It was not even a millimeter, but when the match was over, the whole world would have hugged Cheryl Bernard. At the end of the journey, it was a great silver Medal and even thought the gold was so close, there is no shame on bringing home Silver. You Guys are champions in the heart of millions and make us Proud.

See some images from the final on these past treats.

Vancouver 2010 Review

February 25th – It is exactly one year ago today that Team Bernard secured their silver medal with a win in semifinal against Team Switzerland 6-5. It is the first match that we really felt the nervousness of the Canadian Team but at the end, they were able to make the shots in key moments. Review the match in picture, watch and listen to Cheryl’s comment about the match and see all about here.

Between the Sheets Update : The Silver Lining

And this entry, Cheryl let her friend and co-author of her book "Between the Sheets: the Silver Lining" talks. Read all about it on the Canadian Curling Association Website.

Vancouver 2010 Review

February 23rd - Cheryl was darn sick, no kidding, but that didn’t stopped her. If she was a little inconsistent on Team Canada’s earlier match on that same day, Cheryl Bernard was literally on fire for that last match of the Round Robin: all team members played great. Team Bernard 7 Team Russia 3.

It was just like figure skating as people throw flowers and gifts on the ice for our Canadians after the game. It was pretty unusual for a curling match, but those games were pretty unusual too. And Awesome!!!

Review all the action here.

Vancouver 2010 Review

February 23th – Even if they were sure to be on the medal round, Team Bernard members didn’t let it go and keep playing great curling in front of a frantic crowd. Great Britain had some chances but it is Team Bernard that made the shot when it mattered. Make the final Team Canada 6 Team Great Britain 5. You can consult earlier entries on this match for details, video and great images of another thrilling match.

Vancouver 2010 Review

February 22nd - Back on winning way, despite the Cold, Cheryl and her squad won their match to ensure a spot in the playoffs defeated Sweden 6-2. They had still 2 matches left to play then. The crowd was almost hysterical, just like it had been since the beginning of the tournament and the girl enjoyed it.

Here’s a short review of the match. Follow the link here to enjoy pictures, stats and more on this session 10.

Vancouver 2010 Review

February 21st : It was the one and only loss of Team Bernard in the round robin, and that was very tight till the end. Team Bernard 5 Team Wang 6. Team Canada was still leading the pool with a 5-1 record. Click here to view many great images and pictures, score and stats, article and video about this match.

Vancouver 2010 Review

February 21th: It was a fifth victory in a row and it was one of those games that they all played great in same time, which didn't give much chance to Team USA. Make the final: Team Canada 9 Team USA 2. At that time, Team Bernard was the only team undefeated. Follow this link to view awesome pictures, interview and video, score and stats.

Cheryl named 2010 female athlete by Calgary Booster club

(photo by Robert Firlotte)

Cheryl should be really proud of herself with all the things she’s done and accomplished. She was recently name the female athlete of the year by the Calgary Booster Club.

To read more about it, visit Team Bernard website.

Vancouver 2010 Review

February 19th: Canada won over Denmark 5-4. Another thrilling match decided on the last rock with a perfect draw to the pin. Read and see all about right there.

Vancouver 2010 Review

February 18th : another match that left us on the edge of our seat till the last rock. Cheryl had to draw to the pin and made it: her trade mark. The women in red won 6-5. I got some articles, great pictures, exclusive images, score and starts, and that famous draw to the pin right here.

Vancouver 2010 review

February 17th, 2010: a year ago, our Team Canada was playing against Team Japan. They started slow but finished strong. To review this day, visit this treat! It includes earlier posts with awesome pictures, scores and the shot of the match. Enjoy!

Seem there is going to be a Team Bernard next season

Since the current Team Bernard announced that they are going to part ways at the end of the season, there are a lot of speculations going around. I guess we don't have to worry, seems THERE WILL BE A TEAM BERNARD next year. Ah!

Apparently, Cheryl and Susan will stay together; why part the best back-end combinations in women's curling? They are together for 10 years now. Of course, they have all mixed emotion about letting go Carolyn and Cori, but those 4 women will be friend for life, they are going to cross path again, either on the curling tour or to have a bottle of wine on remembrance of their great time together.

So, we've been told that as second, Lori Olson-Johns will joined the team. She played with Kelly Scott and then Crystal Webster. And the lead is going to be Jennifer Sadleir, who hasn’t play for the elite for some times, but she is up to the challenge.

The Olympics – Vancouver 2010

I reviewed the Olympics from every angle on this blog: there were some awesome articles, results and scores, fantastic pictures and amazing videos. I suggest you visit my Olympics Treat to have your own look back of Vancouver 2010. We are also doing an Olympics review on Facebook, so you can also visit the official Team Bernard Facebook page for a day to day to review.

However, I still have a few hidden jewels in my treasure box that I will share with you to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Let’s start tonight with some exclusive pictures of Team Canada first match against Team Switzerland. It was on February 16th, 2010.

A look that says a lot about Cheryl's focus on the ice.
You can see the last shot here, which was a draw to the pin for Team Canada first win. I also an article and stats for this match and awesome captions. Oh, there are some more pictures there.

“Between the Sheets: The Silver Lining” Get it now

That you curl or not, there is something to learn from this book. I personally didn’t curl when I read the first edition 4 years ago and not only I enjoyed all the quotes from other athletes, but I was amazed at how we can associate several parts to different aspects of our everyday life.

This new edition is more inspirational than before as it combines poignant behind-the-scenes stories and pictures from Team Bernard’s emotional Olympic experience with valuable information on the mental, technical & motivational aspects of this compelling & captivating team sport.

You are a fan of Team Bernard, you should get it! You are playing a sport, you should get it. You want the understand better team work, you should get it! You like brilliant quotes, you should get it! And if you curl, you should definitively get it!

Cheryl special guest at the games

It is the one year anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. There were many activities on going in Vancouver. Some athletes were asked to be part of the puck dropping at a game between the Canucks and the Flames: Cheryl was one of them. You missed it, I got it for you! I am working on a better recording, this is is not so good but it will give you a pretty good idea.

Cheryl dropping a puck in a hockey game

Yup, today, February 12th, after signing book all afternoon, Cheryl will head to the Rogers Arena to drop the puck, as special guest star, in a game between the Canucks and the Flames. Good news: the games will be broadcasted on CBC. Don’t miss it, it starts at 22:00.

The occasion for that is also, because today marks the one year anniversary of the beginning of the Olympic winter Games in Vancouver. We are all a little nostalgic, those were great Games and Team Bernard was in the middle of it, but it is also great to look back and see how these 4 amazing women made a nation proud.

This picture was taken about 2 years ago. You can see that Cheryl is a great fan of her hometown hockey team. Thanks to let me use that picture, Mary!

Vancouver : Cheryl Bernard is coming

On February 12th, Cheryl will be at the Chapters Robson bookstore from 3pm to 5pm to promote her book "Between the Sheets: the Silver Lining. Drop by the get your own author sign copy.

Cheryl lends support to Husband at the Provincials

Cheryl Bernard keeps herself busy: she is now in Highriver, Alberta cheering for her Husband Terry Meek who is competing with his squad in the Alberta Men’s Curling Championship *go team Meek go*. While she was there, she had a quick chat with Sun Country 99.7FM.

On Friday, The tournament won’t be over but she will have to head back to Calgary to promote her book “between the sheets: the silver lining” at the Indigo Signal Hill bookstore.

Team Bernard is preparing to part company

We knew it was just a matter of time, but that time has come, too fast, and at the end of the present curling season, Team Bernard members will go part ways. There are no hard feelings, they were ready for that. That last year together was a bonus for them, but, most of all, a bonus for all the fans and supporters out there.

As for each member’s future, there aren’t any plants established yet, so we don’t know who go where and who will do what, but, it might not be a surprise to see them all back on the ice again, with different teams, with different purposes. Let’s not forget those ladies are curlers at heart!

I will keep you posted on what their decision will be. As for Cheryl, she hasn’t made any decision at which level she will play at this time either but one thing for sure, she said she can't imagine her life without curling.

But ladies, gentlemen, this is not over yet. Our ladies have still butt to kick out there with 2 tournaments left to play. By then, they will know where they’re heading and that time will help ease up the emotion of these last moments together as a team.

Team Bernard visits their sponsor Airdrie

Between the Sheets update : January 2011 - A month Team Bernard won't forget

In the entry, Cheryl talks about Team Bernard’s frantic January : the Continental Cup, the Skins, the Provincials.

She talks about her book and about the Alberta Provincial Men’s curling Championships, in which her husband, Terry Meek, will be competing. Go Team Meek Go!
She also takes the time to thank the staff of the Provincials, and despite the loss and the fact that Team Bernard won’t compete till late March, she promotes her sport as the season is in full swing. She also thanks the fans for their support, and me, and my friends Bill and Cris. I guess all of you didn’t have any doubt, but here’s another proof that Cheryl is class act woman.

To read all about it, go on the Canadian Curling Association Website.

Bill is a long time supporter of Cheryl, and the root of my adventure with Team Bernard. So I, too, thank you Bill. Cris amazingly designed Team Bernard’s website and without noticing it, I turned my best friend into a curling fan; easy to do when the team you are cheering for is Team Bernard. ;)

TSN Skins Games Pictures

You can read more about the Skins game on previous entries right here, in which our Girls gave a scare to the Boys. I'll have some more tomorrow!

Cheryl Bernard promoting her book

I grabbed this one from facebook, still warm from posting. It was taken today at the Chapters Dalhousie. As covered earlier this week, Cheryl was there to promote her book “Between the Sheet: the Silver Lining”.

Alberta Scotties Pictures

It wasn't a bad performance overall, what sucks is what was at stakes. The girls were disappointed, highly disappointed, but that's sport: you can't win them all! What doesn't kill you makes you stronger, Team Bernard will come around.

To see more picture of the event, visit the Alberta Scotties website.

Continental Cup Article

I will soon post several caps of this great event in which Team Bernard play a key role

Meet Cheryl Bernard

Cheryl’s new book BETWEEN THE SHEETS: The Silver Lining is going to be available to purchase within a few days. In fact, she will showing up at some locations during February so you can meet her and purchase your author-signed copy. Here’s the information if you want to drop by:

- Chapters Dalhousie: 5005 Dalhousie Drive NW, Calgary, AB, 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Saturday, February 5, 2011
- Indigo Signal Hill: 5570 Signal Hill Centre SW, Calgary, AB, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, Friday, February 11, 2011
- Chapters Robson & Howe: 788 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC, 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Saturday, February 12, 2011


About BETWEEN THE SHEETS: The Silver Lining

How can the secrets and strategies of great curling champions be learned and taught? Is there more to their success than technique? Olympic silver medalist, Cheryl Bernard, teams up with curler and bestselling author, Guy Scholz to uncover the keys to success both on and off the ice. Concentrating on the mental and motivational aspects of the sport, Between the Sheets spotlights the importance of team dynamics, mental attitude, coaching, practicing and more. Meet the members of Team Bernard and read their inspiring stories about dedication, perspective, teamwork and triumph. Drawing on strategies, experiences and wisdom from legendary curlers and athletes, Between the Sheets will help you live, play and perform at your peak.

For those interested to buy the book, you can do it online from Team Bernard website.

Meet Cheryl Bernard - February 5th, 2011