Commitment to the sports you love.
Game On!
Sooites are passionate about sports. For some, it’s about socializing and having fun. For others it’s competitive and involves serious training to be the best. Whatever your level of commitment is to the sport you love, whether it involves planks, pucks, balls, blades, bats, or rocks—it’s Game On in the Soo!
Sault Ste. Marie has been a hotbed for sports for years, especially when it comes to hockey. Famous competitors, like Wayne Gretzky, Adam Foote, Ron Francis, Craig Hartsburg, and Joe Thornton have all played for the Soo Greyhounds at the Essar Centre (formerly and affectionately known as the Memorial Gardens). Ted Nolan who originates from the Sault coached the Greyhounds, and led them to victory at the Memorial Cup in 1993.
Hockey Hall of Famers, Brothers Phil and Tony Esposito, also hail from Sault Ste. Marie. Even today, hockey continues to be a huge part of sport culture in the Sault.
Curling—what was once a fringe sport has now become mainstream. The Soo Curlers Association is where Team Jacobs and Coach Tom Coulterman call home. All four members of Team Jacobs were introduced to curling at a young age and influenced by experienced players in the sport. Choosing a career in sports has not replaced their working careers. These young athletes have active lives outside of the spotlight. Brad Jacobs balances curling and a career at RBC Royal Bank in the Sault and finds time for hobbies, like camping, boating, golf and football. When asked, ‘What’s your favourite thing about Sault Ste. Marie?’ Brad tweeted “The people and the outdoors!”
Their dedication to this physically and mentally challenging team game has led them to capture a Silver in the 2013 Ford Men’s World Championship, a win at the 2013 Tim Horton’s Brier Championship (Canadian Men’s National Championship), and they’ve been the Northern Ontario Provincial Champions four years in a row. Now, working their way towards the Olympics in 2014, Skip Brad Jacobs, third Ryan Fry, second E.J. Harnden and lead Ryan Harnden are staying focused on the challenges ahead.
“At the end of the day we are four young men who are chasing their dreams and beyond any success we achieve for ourselves, our hope is that along the way we inspire others to do the same, whether it is in the sport of curling or anything else.”
Good luck to Team Jacobs Gold Medal game today! Visit the live blog on SooToday.com!
Visit the Essar Centre Event Calendar to catch the Soo Greyhounds in action!