Michalski Scores 8 Ender

Michael Michalski’s rink of son Peter, business partner Gord Neilsen and Reverend Paul Dempsey scored a rare 8-ender en route to victory in the 2010 Molsons Bonspiel at South Muskoka on Saturday. The team won top prize with a perfect 3-0 record just edging out David Robson’s team, who also won 3 games but counted fewer points.

Michalski’s 8-ender came in the final end of game three, against the Andy Nelan rink. Both teams were undefeated and vying for the first place trophy. Playing the final end, Michalski was down 1 with hammer, when Nelan’s last rock failed to curl and left an open hit and stay for the win and a count of 8. With Reverend Dempsey holding the broom and the Nelan team holding their breath,  Michalski remained cool under pressure and calmly made the required hit and stick.

The Nelan team, including Al Helmer, Tim Kuehn and John C Smith,  is now said to be seeking the curling equivalent of the witness protection program.