NEWS RELEASE

 

Howard and Ferbey to Meet in Finals of Grey Power Players’ Championship

Glenn Howard’s foursome clinches Capital One Cup; Ferbey keeps hopes of securing final direct Canadian Trials berth alive

GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALTA., April 18, 2009 – Glenn Howard (Coldwater, Ont.) will attempt to win his second consecutive Grey Power Players’ Championship tomorrow when he faces-off against Randy Ferbey (Edmonton, Alta.) in the finals of the season’s last Capital One Grand Slam of Curling event, taking place at the Crystal Centre in Grande Prairie, Alta.

 

Howard moved into the championship game after a convincing 7-1 win over Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, Man.) while Ferbey advanced to the finals with a 6-5 victory over Kevin Martin (Edmonton, Alta.).

 

The men’s championship game will take place on Sunday, April 19 at 10:00 a.m. MT.  Sunday’s final will air live on CBC Television and at CBCSports.ca.

 

Howard’s victory, coupled with Martin’s defeat, clinched the inaugural men’s Capital One Cup for the Ontario-based foursome.  As the season’s Capital One Cup champions, Team Howard earned a $50,000 (CDN) bonus.

 

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” said Howard.  “It’s the culmination of four different events. To win the Capital One Cup for the first time is pretty special.  An extra $50,000 for the Cup.  Love it”.

 

Ferbey and Martin have each secured at least a top three finish in the Capital One Cup standings.  The second and third place winners will not be determined until after tomorrow’s Grey Power Players’ Championship final.  Ferbey can secure second place in the standings with a win over Howard.

 

The runner-up in the Capital One Cup will receive a bonus of $25,000 (CDN) while the third place team will win $10,000 (CDN). 

 

Aiming for his second victory over Martin in the tournament, Ferbey seized control of the game in the fourth end.  Already leading 2-1, Ferbey was able to steal a key two points after Martin’s raised takeout attempt went off line.

 

“(Martin’s) team didn’t play great today,” said Ferbey.  “They let Kevin in a lot of trouble shots sometimes and Kevin normally makes those but today he didn’t.”

 

Ferbey’s win over Martin also kept his squad in the running for the fourth and final direct Canadian Trials berth.

 

Ferbey can clinch the final direct Canadian Trials berth if his team wins the Grey Power Players’ Championship.  A loss by the four-time World Champions in the finals will allow Wayne Middaugh (Midland, Ont.) to grab the fourth spot.

The Grey Power Players’ Championship represents the final opportunity for teams to earn points towards securing a direct berth into the 2009 Canadian Olympic Trials event or a spot into the 2009 Canadian Olympic Pre-Trials tournament.

 

Howard controlled the play with McEwen most of the evening.  Leading 3-1 through three ends, Glenn made an open draw to the eight-foot for two points to grab an insurmountable 5-1 advantage.

 

Held annually since 2001-02, the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling is a series of eight premier men’s and women’s events that boast Canada’s deepest and strongest curling fields. 

 

The Capital One Grand Slam of Curling is one of a select few events that are tied to the Canadian Curling Association's qualifying process for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Through their performance in the Capital One Grand Slam of Curling events, rinks can earn points towards securing a berth at the 2009 Canadian Trials or the 2009 Canadian Pre-Trials event.