Again in Östersund. After two years.
Swedes took over the organisation of this year's B-grade European championship, probably because they have a lot of experience with similar events. They have played the Junior World Championships, the Junior World Qualifiers, as well as the European A and B Championships together, among others. However, the main "venue" for 2024 is in Lohja (Finland), where the European Curling Championships - Group A will be held. The Czech men, who last year narrowly defended their right to stay in the elite group, also travelled to Lohje, while the women are set to return to the top of Europe in Östersund.
rnZuzana Paulova, Alžběta Zelingrová, Michaela Baudyšová, Aneta Müllernová, Karolína Špundová, Petra Benediktová (physio) and Karel Kubeška (coach) flew to the Swedish town of Östersund (64 thousand inhabitants), where part of the expedition stayed in the eponymous hotel. The other part lives in a house near the curling hall. Today's lunch program included a meeting of the teams with the organizers, pre-tournament training and other necessary organizational formalities, such as accreditation. A total of twenty-six teams from both categories filled the small space in the back of the local curling club and listened to the information presented by championship director Eeva Roetlisberger. A new way of tracking the fluidity of play is being introduced, based on statistical data from previously played matches, so there is no timekeeper, the hog-line issue is not being addressed, umpires are not tasked with measuring stones in the event of an unclear end result, and so on. At the same time, there is further tightening up on checking uniform dress, sponsor logos being displayed and policing the use of brooms in line with the gradually evolving rules.
rnAn hour-long practice session that allowed us to drop dozens of stones on all five lanes revealed that the quality of the ice is very good and if it holds up and doesn't change too much, this could be an enjoyable tournament. The stones are freshly sharpened, so they have good spin. In addition, it was mentioned that it is possible that maintenance will occur during the regular season. Usually, the Icemakers reach for a second resharpening a round or two before the playoffs to ensure that the "running surface" parameters are perfect for the matches that decide medals, advancement and relegation. The whole Czech team is already looking forward to tomorrow's first match - against Poland. We are keeping our fingers crossed for the boys in Lohja and at the same time we greet Anna and Klara, who are cheering us at home with their kids.
rnPhoto: team