1999 Brier
SLAM! Sports
SLAM! Curling
1999 BRIER
ON THE ROCKS
INTERACTIVE
ALSO ON SLAM!
That guy!
Guy Hemmings snapped out of his freefall just in time.
Hemmings won both his games yesterday, assuring himself a playoff spot.
And that's great news for everybody. With Ken Hunka relegated to the sidelines, organizers of the Labatt Brier needed some sizzle to sell tickets for the playoff round.
Hemmings makes a great alternative. As it turns out, he's the only alternative.
He's carried his charisma all week despite a three-game skid that had threatened to blow him out of playoff contention.
Even Hemmings was a bit worried.
"I thought yesterday we'd be in trouble, but I have to lift my hat to my team,'' said Hemmings in his unique style. "They stepped up to the plate and played really well.''
He teased them for a while, but that's the way it's been all year, even on the cashspiel trail.
"The thing that's characteristic of our team over the last few years, we've played a lot of spiels, lose a couple of games early and qualify out of C,'' said Hemmings. "We play a little bit better when we have our back on the wall. Today was more proof.''
Even before he went on his three-game skid, Hemmings looked dead tired.
At times, he's been his own worst enemy. He's tried to be as accommodating as he can.
Early-morning radio shows. Late nights at the Brier Patch adding to his widening circle of admirers.
Listen, though. He can take life seriously again when he gets back to his greenhouse in St.-Amie, Que.
Less than two weeks of living life to the full seems to be a small price to pay.
"No, I don't think so,'' said Hemmings. "We went to the Patch last night and then the Maritimes night (at the Granite). It was good to show up to see the people who appreciate our curling. We got a chance to sign autographs in the stands (Wednesday) because our game finished early.''
There will be plenty of time to rest later. This is not the time to cut back his activities. Why put yourself in solitary confinement when there's so many friends to make?
"We play the game for fun,'' said Hemmings. "If we have to sit around in our room until the next game and not meet anybody, I don't think it's worth it.
"This is not a job. The main thing we're here for is to play games and meet people we like.''
Hemmings, like the rest of the team, has already gone through the marathon round-robin. It's down to one game a day now. With less time that he has to play, there's going to be more time for him to be a player in the biggest party on earth.
After the Jekyl and Hyde ride, Hemmings has his playoff face on.
"It's a good time to start playing better,'' said Hemmings. "I don't wonder which team will step out on the ice. I just hope it's the good one.''
He didn't give his fans much to cheer about during his losing streak.
But Guy-mania was back again yesterday. The "Guy, Guy, Guy" chants were ringing in his ears again.
The tired look has been replaced by his smile. He's got his game face back.
And when he's happy, everybody else seems happy.
He continues to kibitz with the crowd.
Hemmings is the best thing that's happened in curling since the Paul Gowsell craze 20 years ago.
How can you not like him?
He doesn't even like what's going on in the crazy world of professional sports.
Ask him about the proposal to tax curlers.
"You're going to give $20 million to the Montreal Canadiens but you want to take my little money,'' said Hemmings, whose rink earned $43,000 on the World Curling Tour this year.
"If they're going to come after me, I will keep my receipts and show them. And, they will not get a penny from me.''
He's a money player, all right.