A 37-23 victory helped Team North America take back the World Financial Group Continental Cup from Team World.
Glenn Howard's rink secured the win and Craig Savill quickly dashed towards the North American bench, which he leaped into.
“I’m just ecstatic,” said Team North America skip Glenn Howard to the Canadian Curling Association after sealing the victory with a three-point skin in the sixth end of his game against Team World’s Thomas Ulsrud. “We had a terrific game, curling wise, and getting along-wise we had so many great times. You feel part of a bigger team, 24 players instead of just four and it’s that what’s more satisfying, playing for a bigger team.”
Adding to the trophy, the North American team, coached by Rick Lang and captained by Kelley Law, received $52,000 Canadian ($2,000 per member, including captain and coach).
As well, for winning the most points from the final three skins games on Sunday night, Team North America won a $13,000 bonus ($500 per player, plus captain and coach).
Howard won his men’s skins game 3-2. In the other final-round games, Team North America’s Jennifer Jones downed Team World’s Mirjam Ott 4-1, while Team North America’s Kevin Martin prevailed 3.5-1.5 over Team World’s Eve Muirhead.
“It was so fun to win today; I pretty much could tell you every shot that was played on the other sheets,” said Jones. “It was really exciting to watch, and when Glenn made that shot, it was crazy, it was super fun.”
Team North America had a large lead going into the final day, but with 30 points available from the six skins games, there was a chance for Team World.
“Well, it feels awesome,” said Law, who played on the first Continental Cup Team North America championship team in 2002. “It’s unbelievable; they played so well all week, and it makes my job so much easier. They were on a roll out there, they were so pumped and supporting each other and making great shots.”
Team World, with coach Peja Lindholm and captain David Hay settled for the runner-up prize of $26,0 ($1,000 per member, including captain and coach).
“We just didn’t play too well,” said Hay to the CCA. “In a few games we failed in pretty much the last end with several of our last shots and you just can’t afford to do that. These guys played very well. It just wasn’t to be our week. We weren’t a mile off the pace, just a fraction. They played very well, the big guns were firing all guns tonight, and the North Americans played exceptionally well here. They deserved to win.”
For two players on Pottinger’s team, third Nicole Joraanstad and second Natalie Nicholson, it was their fourth Continental Cup victory.
Next year’s event will be the first WFG Continental Cup staged outside of Canada as Orleans Arena in Las Vegas it will be the hosts Jan. 16 to 19, 2014.