TSN's curling experts make their bold predictions

The 2015-16 curling season is underway and before you know it the Season of Champions will arrive when the Canada Cup kicks off December 2 from Grande Prairie, Alberta. With that being said, TSN's curling experts Vic Rauter, Cheryl Bernard, Russ Howard, Bob Weeks, Cathy Gauthier and Bryan Mudryk are here to make their picks for this season's Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Tim Hortons Brier, the World Curling Tour money winners as well as their dream mixed doubles pairings which will make its Olympic debut in 2018 in PyeongChang, South Korea. Do you agree with what they have to say?

Take a look at TSN.ca's 2015-16 curling previews: MEN - WOMEN

 

Vic Rauter's Picks

2016 Brier Champion - Brad Gushue (St. John's, NL)

I think it’s going to be a magical year for Brad Gushue. He will win the Brier and then go back next year as Team Canada when St John’s is named as Brier host in 2017. 

2016 Scotties Champion - Val Sweeting (Edmonton, AB)

Val Sweeting will finally take the big step after losing last year in the final to Jennifer Jones. A full year with Lori Olson-Johns as her third will be big for this rink. 

Men's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Brad Gushue (St. John's, NL)

Team Gushue is always up early money and will play a lot again this season. My only question is whether he burns himself out, hurting his Brier chances.

Women's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Chelsea Carey (Edmonton, AB)

Throw stones and Carey On. Chelsea Carey, now skipping the team previously led by of Heather Nedohin, brings more bite to the team. She could give Sweeting a good run in Alberta.

Dream Mixed Doubles Pairing - John Morris and Joanne Courtney 

Morris loves it and has the ability to throw up-weight while Courtney (Rachel Homan’s second) is arguably the best brusher in the women’s game right now. Also, Cathy Gauthier and Russ Howard. They would simply win because the other team would die laughing.

 

 

Cheryl Bernard's Picks

2016 Brier Champion - Kevin Koe (Calgary, AB)

As a second year team I think they will have worked out a lot of the kinks that all new teams have. They have all the talent, just needed a year to find common ground with regards to style of play and timing. Not an easy route out of Alberta, but if they make it, I pick them at the Brier.

2016 Scotties Champion - Jennifer Jones (Winnipeg, MB)

You can’t argue with her track record at the Scotties. She has won it five times in the past 10 years and the years she didn’t win, she was in the playoffs. And the other important element is that she is guaranteed to be at the Scotties as Team Canada from last year. 

Men's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, MB)

McEwen was the overall money winner in the 2014-15 season, making $172,500. They have been the No. 1 money winner four out of the past five years. You can’t argue with that type of consistency or talent. 

Women's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Rachel Homan (Ottawa, ON)

Homan was the overall money winner last year with a total of $91,000 in winnings and now a second year under their belt with Joanne Courtney as their second will give this team the benefit of knowledge and experience as a unit.

Dream Mixed Doubles Pairing - Val Sweeting and Marc Kennedy

He can do it all and she is a clutch skip that can draw. They're a perfect pair to win Canada another medal in curling.

 

Russ Howard's Picks

2016 Brier Champion - Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, MB)

Finally, it is going to be Mike's year. The new father will finally win Manitoba and the flood gates will open and he will win the Canadian Championship on his first try. They are the best all round team in the world right now.

2016 Scotties Champion - Jennifer Jones (Winnipeg, MB)

Now that Dawn McEwen has had the baby, the team will round into form for the Canadian Championship and defend their title. Amazingly enough, this team is still motivated, looking for a world championship.

Men's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, MB) 

Team McEwen has been the top money winner two years in a row. There is no reason to believe they won't repeat as they are extremely consistent at all four positions.

Women's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Rachel Homan (Ottawa, ON)

She is very motivated after last year’s disappointing Scotties.  Emma Miskew has changed careers to dedicate more time to training which should only help this young team.

Dream Mixed Doubles Pairing - John Morris and Kaitlyn Lawes

In mixed doubles you need a skip that can brush - John fits that bill. He’s a great team player, gets along with anyone and is not afraid to make the big shot. Kaitlyn is very similar. She has a great attitude as a team player, has all the shots and like John, the sweeping judgement is key for all the finesse shots required in mixed doubles.

 

Bob Weeks' Picks

2016 Brier Champion - Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, MB) 

This is finally the year that the team not only reaches the Brier but goes on to win it. They're just too good and too hungry. 

2016 Scotties Champion - Jennifer Jones (Winnipeg, MB)

Being Team Canada gives them a leg up on the field and when this team gets the Maple Leaf on its back, there's no team better in the game. 

Men's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Brad Jacobs (Sault Ste. Marie, ON)

These guys will be rolling again this year after a solid WCT season a year ago and looking to improve on the $100,000 they won in 2014-15.

Women's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Rachel Homan (Ottawa, ON)

There are no better money players in the game today than the four on this squad. They are truly pros. 

Dream Mixed Doubles Pairing - Marc Kennedy and Emma Miskew 

Two of the best thirds in the game would be an awesome combination and a favourite for gold. 

 

Cathy Gauthier's Picks

2016 Brier Champion - Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, MB)

Mike and his team consistently perform well on the money tour and has been one of the best three for several years – just cannot get out of Manitoba. The arrival of the new baby will provide the all-important perspective (or sleep deprivation) needed to break through.

2016 Scotties Champion - Val Sweeting (Edmonton, AB)

She is consistently a Cool Hand Luke throwing the last rock. Getting as close as she did last year has shown her what they need to do as a team to take it that one notch higher. Team Sweeting will be one of the hardest working teams this year.    

Men's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Mike McEwen (Winnipeg, MB)

They have figured out how to win at the highest of levels and this year should be no different. Team McEwen are being driven by the Olympic potential and there will be no change in focus in this season.

Women's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Jennifer Jones (Winnipeg, MB)

Jennifer will be close at the Scotties – she always is.  The Scotties is one week but the season is a long one.  Their incredible strengths throughout the lineup will generate a lot of high finishes and when Dawn rejoins the team when she is ready, look for an even bigger surge on the cash circuit.

Dream Mixed Doubles Pairing - Charley Thomas and Kalynn Park

There will be a big surge to mixed doubles now that it is an Olympic sport, but these two have worked hard at it and are very strong.  I watched them in Sochi at the World Mixed Doubles in April of this year and was impressed on many levels.  They are incredibly fit and have been great students of the European Mixed Doubles game in anticipation of the announcement of Olympic status. 

 

AND

 

TSN Curling Guru Bryan Mudryk's Picks

2016 Brier Champion - Brad Jacobs (Sault Ste. Marie, ON)

After last year’s disappointment in Calgary, Ryan Fry vowed to work even harder this season. He’s changed tactics and it’s paying off. Fry will actually drop his chin another inch closer to the ice this season ensuring chin burn and no broom missed. With the Brier returning to his home city of Ottawa, John Morris will win the Patch. Relegation or not, Jamie Koe will finish a close second. 

2016 Scotties Champion - Stefanie Lawton (Saskatoon, SK)

Why not? She’s a lovely young lady and I bet none of my colleagues select her. Also, Saskatchewan will get a major event again eventually and this pick ensures me no line and no cover at the Patch. Rachel Homan wins best kitchen (Pinty’s) and Val Sweeting’s squad with best performance at a charity golf tournament this year. (It might have been mine, but never let facts ruin a good prediction).

Men's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Marc Kennedy (Calgary, AB)

During an event in Northern Manitoba, Marc will be scouted by a top European speedo model company and make $1.4 million alone this year. Vogue Magazine also has him in the running to be Mr. July in the “2016 Dreamboats of Curling.”

Women's World Curling Tour Money Winner - Jennifer Jones (Winnipeg, MB)

Former World Champion. Olympic Gold. Scotties Champion. Married Lainger. The hits will keep on coming.

Dream Mixed Doubles Pairing - Kate Upton and Taylor Swift

We can all dream. Get them a broom.

 

 

National Championships

Scotties Tournament of Hearts - February 20-28 from Grand Prairie, AB

Tim Hortons Brier - March 5-13 from Ottawa, ON

Full SEASON OF CHAMPIONS Schedule

 

Brier

Who will win the 2016 Brier?

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