Let鈥檚 be honest, competitive curling has been back in full swing for almost a couple of months now.
However, since televised action of 鈥渢he roaring game鈥� officially gets underway Thursday with the Grand Slam of Curling鈥檚 Masters event in Okotoks, Alta., we can now begin to start gearing up for another exciting campaign.
I鈥檓 pretty sure I鈥檝e mentioned it in this space over the last couple of months, but I鈥檓 a massive curling fan.
It鈥檚 my second favourite sports, after auto racing, and I鈥檒l be pretty much following along with every provincial playdown during the lead-up to the 2017 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and the Tim Hortons Brier.
Plus, we鈥檒l actually get a Grand Slam of Curling event here in the new year, as the Canadian Open will take place in North Battleford from Jan. 3-8 at the Civic Centre.
I鈥檒l be living at the arena all week long, but that鈥檚 another story entirely.
When you look across the curling landscape, this should be a pretty interesting season, and not just because everyone鈥檚 trying to make it to the 2017 Olympic Trials in Ottawa.
The sweeping brouhaha from last year seems to be rectified with new regulations, but I would rather focus on the actual on-ice product.
On the men鈥檚 side, the depth is a strong as ever with almost a dozen teams being legit contenders to win the national title.
Personally, I鈥檓 rooting for Brad Gushue to finally win the Brier, especially since the event is taking place in St. John鈥檚, N.L.
At the moment, the 2006 Olympic gold medalist is dealing with nagging hip and groin injuries, but I expect him to be in fine form as he looks to win his province鈥檚 first title since 1976.
Over on the women鈥檚 side, though, the biggest storyline for me will be how Rachel Homan does.
Granted, I鈥檓 slightly biased when it comes to the Ottawa, Ont. native and her rink. She鈥檚 right up there with Scotland鈥檚 Eve Muirhead when it comes to my curling fandom.
Last year, the two-time Scotties champion dominated the cashspiel circuit and was already being handed a third title.
Then a funny thing happened on the way to the dance. She was upset in stunning fashion in the Ontario final by Jenn Hanna.
After that shocking result, I totally expect Homan and her squad to come back with a vengeance this year.
That鈥檚 probably not what the rest of the field wants to hear as they prepare to face her on the World Curling Tour.
