In the House – Hunter hangs ’em up

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This article was published 07/04/2011 (5531 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Lana Hunter has hung up her corn broom.

One of the last true tuck sliders in Manitoba’s competitive women’s curling, Hunter has decided to retire from the game after 12 provincial Scotties appearances and three provincial mixed titles.

"It’s time for family, friends and different things," Hunter said. "All the people I’ve met over the years, that’s what I’ll miss. That and the different bonspiels that you go to in a year. I’ve had some success, too, and that makes it more fun. I’ve had the opportunity to play with a lot of good people."

The Brandonite has contemplated retirement for a couple of years. However, with a shot at the Canadian mixed curling title last November in Morris, Hunter had to slide from the hack for one more competitive season.

"I’ve really enjoyed playing in the mixed because curling with the men is a whole different game," Hunter said. "The strategy is different and the camaraderie is different."

Hunter’s highlight was playing in the 2004 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Red Deer, Alta., where she threw lead rocks for Lois Fowler‘s team that went 7-4 and lost the Page 3-4 game to Marie-France Larouche of Quebec 9-4.

The deciding factor to call it quits came when Hunter tired of missing out on family events.

"I missed a lot of volleyball this season and if (former Brandon University Bobcat) Teagan (Hunter) turns pro this year, I want to go and see her play, and there’s my niece Tasha, who’s recently had a little one," said Hunter, who added she’d also like to travel more with her partner Drew.

WCT — Brandon’s Rob Fowler will try to qualify at the $100,000 GP Car and Home Players’ Championship, April 12-17 in Grande Prairie, Alta.

Other Manitobans in the 16-team men’s field include Jeff Stoughton and former Brandonite Mike McEwen. Kevin Koe‘s Edmonton-based team with former Brandonite Nolan Thiessen, will also play.

Aside from the last $100,000 purse of the season, teams seek valuable CTRS points.

McEwen and Stoughton are also in the running for the $85,000 Capital One Cup, which offers $50,000 to the team with the most points earned in Grand Slams. McEwen leads the men’s standings with 29 points while Stoughton has 25. Fowler has 12 points, but can make up ground by winning it all, as the winner of the Players Championship adds 24 points to their total.

SHUFFLE — Some of the top men’s teams in Manitoba are standing pat, such as Brandon’s Terry McNamee and Fowler, as well as McEwen and Stoughton.

However, that hasn’t stopped the annual team shuffle, which started when Brandon’s Brendan Taylor joined Vic Peters as his new second. Cory Naharnie was the odd man out after Taylor’s addition, when Kyle Werenich dropped to lead.

"When I dropped down to play second for Kevin Park in a Slam, I realized I really liked the position," said Taylor, who has skipped for the last couple of years. "I get to focus on my game there. I’ll definitely have to work on my sweeping."

For the second straight season, Manitoba’s women’s championship won’t get to defend their title without new teammates. Cathy Overton-Clapham and Breanne Meakin have added Jenna Loder and Ashley Howard, daughter of Russ Howard. Leslie Wilson and Raunora Westcott left the team, as did Karen Fallis, who filled in for Meakin at the Manitoba Scotties.

The Brandon-based Lisa Blixhavn rink has broken up, with Blixhavn and Jaimie Campbell taking the year off, Hunter retiring, and Tanya Enns set to give birth to twins.

Brandon’s Kristen Phillips is looking for a new team after the breakup of the Jill Thurston team. A new third, or skip is required on the Tina Kozak‘s Neepawa team, as third Kortney Teale won’t return.

"We’re open to a few different options," said Kozak, whose remaining teammates are Pam Robins and Krystal Stewart. "If we can’t find anybody, maybe we have to take a year off. We hope that doesn’t happen."

Kozak said she is willing to drop to third, if a skip signs on.

LAST ROCK — This will be the final curling column of the 2010-11 season.