NBC Sports, in collaboration with USA Curling, is creating a special new event – “Sticks & Stones” which combines the stars of curling, NHL & USA Hockey women’s team in a four-team, round-robin curling competition.
Keep on reading to learn about the basics of curling, plus some interesting physics! Also, keep reading to find a curling club near you!
The event was taped at the IcePlex, 2601 Raleigh Blvd, Raleigh, on Sunday, Aug 25th, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
It was free to attend. It first aired on NBCSN on September 14th, 2020.
During the taping, there were special appearances by Carolina Hurricanes mascots – Stormy & Hamilton the Pig, as well as the Storm Squad.
Hurricanes head coach Rod Brind’amour presented the winning team with the first ever Sticks & Stones championship cup.
There were t-shirt and hat giveaways for some fans.
Promo for Sticks & Stones
The Basics of Curling
Curling originated in Scotland, and has been depicted (or something similar to curling has been depicted) in art from as early as the 1500s.
If you’re new to curling, here are the basics. You’ll hear about “rocks” or “stones” and “brooms.” Players slide a 40-pound stone down a sheet of ice to a target.
Each of the four players on each team throws two stones in each “end” (which is like an inning, or a round.)
When you throw the stone, it curls in one direction or another.
Players “sweep” the ice with brooms to make them curl less and travel a greater distance.
The score for each end is based on where the stones end up in the target, called the “house,” which looks like a bullseye.
The two houses are 150 feet from each other.
Two Minute Guide to Curling
The Physics of Curling
Curling Clubs in the Carolinas
Interested in trying curling? If you’re in the Carolinas, check out one of these clubs. If you’re elsewhere, search for a curling club in your state.
Charlotte Curling Association
Coastal Carolina Curling Club
Triangle Curling Club
Charleston Curling Club
Palmetto Curling Club
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