CALGARY – John Morris is about to make another golden run at a Brier's title.
The Canmorite and Team Kevin Koe was the first team to qualify for the men's championship playoffs in Calgary after controlling round robin action, but as things tighten up, crucial games stand between Alberta's wild card squad and glory.
"We're feeling good and we're kind of starting to get in a good groove here, but we also realized there are a lot of good tough games coming up here from Wednesday on, so we gotta be ready for that," said Morris, a three-time Brier champion.
Audio from John Morris on Team Kevin Koe's strong start to the 2021 Tim Hortons Brier. #2021Brier #Canmore #Banff #curling #hubcity2021 @johnnymocurler pic.twitter.com/xJXytGrJAP
— Jordan Small (@jordiesmall) March 9, 2021
Team Koe is first place in Pool B at 6-0 with two round robin games remaining. On Wednesday evening, the Albertans face Team Ontario at 6:30 p.m., and then challenge Team Quebec Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
The top four teams in each pool advance to the championship rounds from Friday to Sunday (March 12-14) to play for $100,000 and represent Canada at the 2021 World Men's Curling Championship, which will also be held in Calgary from April 2 to 11.
Morris said that even with a cushy lead in the standings and with what's on the line, they can't afford to take any teams lightly.
"I think most teams that have won this before realize there's not just one team you have to beat; usually there are a few playing really well that you have to beat," said Morris.
Wearing golden jerseys, Team Koe - playing under Wild Card 2 - has pulled away from the pack, knocking off Team Nova Scotia, 7-4; Team Newfoundland and Labrador, 7-6; Team Prince Edward Island, 12-5; Team Nunavut, 11-3; Team Saskatchewan, 9-2 and Team Canada, 9-7.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event is being played inside a bubble at Calgary's WinSport Arena, Morris said it's a little strange not having an enthusiastic Brier crowd providing a little extra spice during big moments.
"Our game against Gushue (Team Canada) came down to last rock and ... it would have been pretty cool to have the fans in there and feel that energy, you know, that's a big difference. That's been some taking to getting used to," Morris said.
The Brier is the first major championship that Koe, Morris, Ben Hebert and B.J. Neufeld have played in as a four-man team. As its newest member, Morris said experience they got from regional competition earlier this season has helped iron out a few kinks.
"We definitely had some good discussions about roles and communication and dynamics, so I think that gave us a bit of a head start and we're just continually trying to get better and work really well together," said Morris. "I feel like we got a great vibe already going on, and there's maybe a couple things here and there we have to fine tune and tweak, and if we're able to do that, I really like our chances."
