O'LEARY, P.E.I. — It’s an unglamorous but essential role for any successful curling team.
Although front-end players often go about their business with little or no fanfare, it’s a responsibility lead Michelle McQuaid and second Meaghan Hughes excel at and take great pride in.
“We have a great time together, and we joke that we will probably move up to seniors together,” said Hughes, 35. “We have a good thing going, I think.
“We work hard and look at other elite front ends and what they are doing, and we try to mirror as much of our process and game off of the people who are doing it really well. We have a great team that makes it easy for us.”
McQuaid credited a “great chemistry” between the two longtime teammates for their success. They have played together for five straight years, including the last three with the Suzanne Birt-skipped rink.
“It makes it a lot more enjoyable playing on the ice when you enjoy spending time with your teammates,” said McQuaid, 29.
Complete game
Birt acknowledged the critical role Hughes and McQuaid play in the team’s success. The veteran skip said her front end brings a complete game to the rink every night and praised Hughes and McQuaid’s consistency.
Birt described Hughes and McQuaid as "fabulous throwers and excellent sweepers" who are respected by their teammates and opponents.
"They are both strong," said Birt. "I am so glad they are sweeping my rocks all the time.
"We trust each other and are very confident in their play.”
Versatility
One word that can describe front-end players is versatility. They are responsible for executing in all areas of the game, with little room for error. Just one small mistake that may not seem like much at the time can impact an end and even the outcome of a game.
“We spend a lot of time working on our sweeping and judging and, of course, shot-making, but it’s important to focus on our role as sweepers,” said McQuaid, an employee with Veterans Affairs Canada in Charlottetown.
Hughes said she and McQuaid have a “very defined game plan” that the Birt rink has worked on the last couple of years when it comes to their turn to throw rocks. She said knowing what the plan is going into most ends simplifies things.
“We can anticipate before the end starts what our two shots will likely be, so the game plan kind of makes it easy on us to make sure we are making our shots,” said Hughes, a lawyer with the province.
Communication is essential on the ice, especially when it comes to judging and sweeping rocks. Hughes said it’s not uncommon for her and McQuaid to be thinking the same thing on the ice.
“We just have to look at each other, and we know what’s on the other’s mind,” said Hughes. “We have a great time out there, and it’s a nice chemistry with the whole team.”
Winning formula
Hughes and McQuaid, who both live in Charlottetown, know what it takes to win. When Team Birt steps onto the ice in Calgary for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, Feb. 20-28, it will mark the sixth year in a row Hughes will be wearing Team P.E.I.’s green and white colours at the Canadian women’s curling championship. McQuaid will be making her fifth straight appearance at the national Scotties and her sixth in seven years.
2021 will also mark the fifth year in a row Hughes and McQuaid have formed P.E.I.’s front end at Canada’s premier women’s curling event.
“Meaghan and I spend a lot of time together,” said McQuaid. “We have a lot of fun together.
“We have a lot of trust in each other as sweepers. We have a pretty good groove going.
"I am really excited about the Scotties this year and feel good."
Resumés:
Following are the appearances at national Scotties for Meaghan Hughes and Michelle McQuaid:
Hughes
- 2021 – second with Suzanne Birt rink
- 2020 – second with Suzanne Birt rink
- 2019 – second with Suzanne Birt rink
- 2018 – second with Robyn MacPhee rink
- 2017 – second with Robyn MacPhee rink
- 2016 – second with Suzanne Birt rink
McQuaid
- 2021 – lead with Suzanne Birt rink
- 2020 – lead with Suzanne Birt rink
- 2019 – lead with Suzanne Birt rink
- 2018 – lead with Robyn MacPhee rink
- 2017 – lead with Robyn MacPhee rink
- 2015 – second with Suzanne Birt rink
Jason Simmonds is The Guardian's sports reporter.
