Jacobs survives challenge of curling legend

Randy Pascal

2015-02-11

ÿþ<html> Talk about the melding of two eras. In a Travelers NOCA Men's Championship that was devoid of nearly any upsets, the best storyline, by far, came courtesy of the Olympic gold medallists, and a senior who might well have turned the trick, earning Olympic glory, if the opportunity were there in his day. To the surprise of very few, the Brad Jacobs rink (Jacobs, Ryan Fry, E.J. Harnden, Ryan Harnden) will represent Northern Ontario at the 2015 Tim Horton's Brier in Calgary. What might have shocked some is the fact that Team Jacobs had to overcome a spirited run by curling legend Al Hackner of Thunder Bay. Having celebrated his 60th birthday last year, Hackner joined forces with Frank Morissette, Kris Leupen and Gary Champagne, reeling off four straight wins out of the gate, and earning a playoff berth with their 5-2 record. The "Iceman", as he is commonly known, then avenged a round robin loss to up and comer Dylan Johnston, turning the tables by a final score of 5-4 come the Saturday evening semi-final. Unfortunately, the magic of yesteryear could not overcome the combined talent of the reigning Olympic gold medallists, as Jacobs followed up on a 6-4 win over Hackner on Friday night, nearly duplicating the mark with a 7-4 triumph in the championship final. Only one Sudbury rink made the trek to Kenora, with Mike Jakubo, Jordan Chandler, Sandy MacEwan and Lee Toner unable to upset any one of the top three teams. Their 4-3 record left the Jakubo crew just one game away from qualifying for the playoffs, dropping decisions to Johnston (4-3), Jacobs (4-3) and Hackner (6-3), all in succession. </html>