BOB WEEKS From Saturday’s Globe and Mail Jennifer Jones knows the look well.
Whether she’s walking through an airport, standing in line at a store or on the street, eyes will make contact, look away and then do a double take for a second glance. As the world’s top-ranked woman skip, Jones has gone from just another citizen of Winnipeg to a celebrity, noticed for her on-ice prowess the same way a professional hockey player might be. “That says a lot about curling,” Jones said. “I think it’s great for the game.” Her notoriety is a clear indication that women’s curling has jumped up the recognition ladder past just the sport’s core enthusiasts and into the mainstream. It will get another dose of that starting Saturday, when the Scotties Tournament of Hearts begins in Victoria.
Jones is the defending champion and, along with teammates Cathy Overton-Clapham, Jill Officer and Dawn Askin, will play this week as Team Canada, getting a bye past provincial playdowns and directly into the national championship.