Today’s Northumberland got the chance to speak with one of the most decorated curlers of all time at the Ontario Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships in Cobourg.
The Provincial Championship started on January 19, 2025 and continue until January 26 at the Cobourg Community Centre.
There are 24 men’s and women’s team competing for the Provincial Championship.
Glenn Howard is a retired Canadian curler who has won four world championships, four Briers and 17 Ontario provincial championships including a record eight straight from 2006 to 2013. Howard has made 20 Brier appearances playing in a total of 227 games, the third most of any curler.
But for this week, Howard is coaching his daughter Carly’s team and his son Scott’s team.
Today’s Northumberland spoke with Howard after his daughter beat Julia Markle’s team on Wednesday evening.
Howard said he has fond memories of Cobourg where he won his 17th Ontario title in 2017.
“It’s great to be back. Obviously some great memories from several years ago in Cobourg. Great people, great place and I love this arena. It’s a beautiful arena and the people are wonderful.”
Howard doesn’t hesitate to say it’s, “100% more stressful” coaching than being on the ice calling the shots.
“It’s way more stressful coaching. Coaching in general is more stressful because you don’t really have much control. As a player you’re out on the ice and you can make some shots and make a difference.”
“Coaching your kids adds that much more to it – but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love it and I’m glad I’m still apart of the game.”
Howard was forced to retire in December 2023 due to arthritis in his knee.
“I had a MRI and it’s full of arthritis and it’s just to sore. When you play with a sore knee it takes the fun out of it and I like to play this game for fun and I just decided it’s time.”
“I think it was nature telling me to pack it in,” said Howard with a smile.
The level from both the men and women competing in Cobourg is something that Howard says is good for the sport.
“I love the fact that the game is in good hands with the youth.”
Carly is 34-years-old and Scott is 31-years-old.
“I love to see the fact that these kids love the game. They’re out, they are honing their skills and they are fabulously talented athletes.”
“Our game is in good hands – especially here in Ontario.”
Playing since he was 10-years-old, he’s seen a lot of changes in five decades of curling.
“It’s changed a lot. The ice conditions have changed a lot, the sweeping has changed a lot. The athletes are in better condition then they used to be back in the day. I think the product on the ice is better.”
“But that being said, there was good talent back in the day, but it’s evolving into a really athletic sport and very, very talented athletes.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
