Curling Canada Adopts new Residency Rule

  There’ll be a new format and new residency rules for the Tim Hortons Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts.
 
  Curling Canada announced Monday that the pre-qualifying round for the Canadian Men’s and Women’s Curling Championship will disappear in 2018, with champions from all 14 provinces and territories being allowed into the field.  The field could also other pre-qualfied teams like the defending champions.
 
  "As always, we listened to the input of our Member Associations and stakeholders and I think this is a format worth trying out," said Curling Canada board chair Hugh Avery in a release, "After the 2018 events, we will consult again with Member Associations, players and other stakeholders to see where we go with this."
 
  Meanwhile, the new residency policy will allow teams to have one non-resident from outside the province, but the other three players will be subject to stricter proof-of-residency rules.
 
  "We’re ready to do our part for the integrity of the game," said Brandon product Mike McEwen in the release, "We understand the thought process that went into this decision, and we know it wasn’t an easy decision, but we believe it was the right one and we will do what we can to help Curling Canada and the Member Associations make it work."
 
  Curling Canada also announced that junior-eligible players will now be able to enter the playdowns leading to the Brier and Scotties.