Rock League Curling Event Features Mixed Teams of Top International Players in Toronto

The Rock League curling event began in Toronto earlier this week, featuring four teams made up of top curlers from around the world. Players have been assigned to mixed teams, resulting in new alliances and competitions between individuals who were previously teammates or opponents. The event includes men's, women's, and mixed doubles games, with teams competing over multiple days.

On Thursday, Canada's Rachel Homan, representing Maple United, played against her former teammate Emma Miskew of the Alpine Curling Club in a women's four-person game. This marked the first time the two had opposed each other since they were 11 years old. Miskew's team won 6-1, contributing to Alpine's 2-1 overall victory over Maple in the match.

After the game, Homan remained on the rink for about 30 minutes to practice ahead of Friday's games.

“I always want her to play well and it felt weird to play against her. I wouldn’t say it was my favourite thing I’ve ever done, but it’s part of the reality of being on separate teams here.”

the men's game on the adjacent sheet, Alpine Curling Club defeated Maple United 10-6. " Earlier, his team avoided hogging a rock due to a center guard mistake, which sweepers attributed to watching the women's game. Muskatewitz's team secured the win without blaming the new scrambled format.

Miskew observed teammates glancing at other sheets during tight games, adding to the event's dynamics. Through four days, the mixed team structure has created shifting relationships among players.

the Ice Scotland's Bruce Mouat, skip for Northern United, described his regular lead Hammy McMillan of Alpine as a good friend despite competitive banter during their Wednesday matchup, which Northern won. Mouat's team, comprising players from Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland, Italy, and Norway, has focused on off-ice bonding.

Under general manager Kristoffer Svae, the team attended a Toronto Raptors game on Tuesday and played dodgeball with Alpine on Wednesday. Mouat noted that the event allows players to learn about each other's lives beyond curling. In Thursday's early draw, other Homan teammates Sarah Wilkes of Frontier and Tracy Fleury of Shield competed, with Fleury's team winning 10-1 in women's play as part of Shield's 2-1 match victory.

Wilkes, representing the American Frontier team, described the experience as welcoming.

the afternoon draw on Thursday, Northern United achieved a sweep over Typhoon Curling Club, winning in mixed doubles and men's games, and securing a draw-to-the-button victory in women's action. This marked the second sweep of the week for Northern. The event continues with crucial games scheduled for Friday, as teams vie for positioning in the standings.