Team Ontario skip Glenn Howard makes a shot as he plays Team Wild Card Two at the Tim Hortons Brier in Lethbridge, Alta., Saturday, March 5, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Veteran curling legend Glenn Howard has officially hung up his broom, marking the end of a storied career in competitive curling. The announcement came via social media on Tuesday, where the 61-year-old from Midland, Ontario, revealed that a lingering knee injury has prompted his decision to retire.
In a heartfelt post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Howard expressed mixed emotions about stepping away from the sport he loves. "I never thought this day would come as I was convinced I would play the game forever," he wrote. "Unfortunately, my knee is telling me I have gone past my expiry date."
Howard's illustrious journey in curling spans decades, with numerous accolades decorating his remarkable career. His early years saw him excel in junior competitions, with notable achievements including two consecutive runner-up finishes at the Ontario Junior Championship in 1980 and 1981, as well as leading the University of Waterloo to an Ontario University Athletics Association title in 1984.
Teaming up with his brother Russ in 1985, Howard found himself catapulted into the spotlight as they clinched the 1987 Brier title in Edmonton and secured a decisive victory at the men's world championship in Vancouver later that year. This triumph was followed by another sweep of Canadian and world titles in 1993, with Howard at the helm as skip alongside a talented team that included future star Wayne Middaugh.
In 2000, Howard assumed the role of skip for his own team, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his curling journey. His leadership skills and strategic prowess came to the forefront in 2007 when he led his team to victory at the Brier, overcoming Olympic champion Brad Gushue in a thrilling final. This triumph was mirrored on the world stage, with Howard securing his first of two world titles as skip that same year.
Howard's remarkable career reached its pinnacle in 2012 when he completed a remarkable title sweep, clinching both the Canadian and world championships in Basel, Switzerland. With an impressive record of 20 Brier appearances, including seven runner-up finishes and three bronze medals, Howard's legacy in the sport is etched in stone.
Throughout his journey, Howard shared the ice with his son Scott, who has been a part of his team since the 2015-16 season. Reflecting on their time together, Howard expressed pride in his son's growth as a curler and signaled his readiness to pass the baton. "It has been a wonderful journey watching Scott grow into the confident curler that he is today," Howard remarked. "Now it is time to pass the baton off to him as he is ready to take on the skip position."
As Howard bids farewell to competitive curling, his contributions to the sport and his indelible mark on its history will long be remembered by fans and fellow curlers alike.
