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Ben 🥌

@hoppecurls.bsky.social

270 followers 108 following 1.9K posts

Freelance contributor for thegrandslamofcurling.com Covering curling in the USA on Substack. Read my latest 👇 linktr.ee/hoppecurls

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Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 3h

When your teammate makes an amazing run double but your opponent follows it up with a perfect freeze.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 3h

Happy Spooky Lake Month to all who celebrate.

Reposted by Ben 🥌

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

It was a long four years for Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, but it ended with a life-changing experience in Cortina. On how life has changed and how priorities have shifted for Cory and Korey ahead of their season opener this week: rockleague.com/posts/dropki...

Thiesse, Dropkin share why they're all-in on mixed doubles this season

In shifting their focus to mixed doubles for the season ahead, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin acknowledged that this would allow them to prioritize their personal lives while also taking steps forward...

Reposted by Ben 🥌

SeanOne @seanone.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

It was a pleasure talking to Ben, as always! And it has been and continues to be a joy being teammates with Katie 🥌

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

It was a long four years for Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin, but it ended with a life-changing experience in Cortina. On how life has changed and how priorities have shifted for Cory and Korey ahead of their season opener this week: rockleague.com/posts/dropki...

Thiesse, Dropkin share why they're all-in on mixed doubles this season

In shifting their focus to mixed doubles for the season ahead, Cory Thiesse and Korey Dropkin acknowledged that this would allow them to prioritize their personal lives while also taking steps forward...

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

The first of two large mixed doubles events was held in the US this past week, and it was a full circle moment foe Paralympian Katie Verderber. My weekend recap: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/lights-out...

curlingintheusa.com

Verderber and O’Neill Lights Out in Lafayette

Recapping the first US Mixed Doubles event of the fall, plus strong showings by US teams in Winnipeg

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 24/09/2026

When you're holding broom for your mixed doubles partner for a hit and you want to sweep.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I spent some time last night watching clips of Thiesse and Dropkin's run at the Olympics. I remembered the hype being incredible, but it was even beyond what I had in my memory. It was truly curling at its best, absolutely perfect for TV and prospective fans.

Reposted by Ben 🥌

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Two of the women's national teams made their season debuts this past weekend while Team Casper earned a semifinal finish. Check out my latest recap: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/tour-seaso...

curlingintheusa.com

Tour Season Shifts Into Gear

O’Hara, Cousins make season debuts while Danny Casper earns a semifinal finish.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Two of the women's national teams made their season debuts this past weekend while Team Casper earned a semifinal finish. Check out my latest recap: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/tour-seaso...

curlingintheusa.com

Tour Season Shifts Into Gear

O’Hara, Cousins make season debuts while Danny Casper earns a semifinal finish.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

After dropping their first game of the season to a Chelsea Carey-led Team Njegovan, Anne O'Hara's team rebounded to finish 3-1. Unfortunately, they ended on the wrong side of the 3-way tie in their group to just miss the playoffs. Good season opener for the new team.

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Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

Joel Retornaz just handed Danny Casper his second loss of the season. Retornaz takes the top spot in the group at 5-0 while Casper drops to 4-1. Both teams advance to tomorrow morning's quarterfinals of the AMJ Shorty Jenkins Classic in Cornwall.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

I touched on this last month for my site (curlingintheusa.com), and as expected, USA Curling is only going to enforce World Curling's alternate rule for a select few national championship events. www.usacurling.org/press-releas...

UPDATES TO 2026-27 CHAMPIONSHIP RULES AND INTRODUCTION OF RECREATION RULES — USA CURLING

With the recent release of the 2026-2027 World Curling Rules of Curling , USA Curling has opted to make some minor modifications to the 2026-2027 Qualification Procedures. The newly-released World…

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Rock League championship is headed to the Zoo!

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Danny Casper told me yesterday that they had made a lot of changes in the offseason and got to put those to work this past weekend in their victory in Oakville. My recap of Casper's season debut along with other action from US teams this past week: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/casper-win...

curlingintheusa.com

Casper Wins Oakville Tankard in Season Debut

Casper led a strong showing by US teams at the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard

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Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The season couldn't have started much better for Danny Casper in his team's first event. Read about their season opening win in a good showing from the US teams in Oakville. www.curlingintheusa.com/p/casper-win...

curlingintheusa.com

Casper Wins Oakville Tankard in Season Debut

Casper led a strong showing by US teams at the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

The season couldn't have started much better for Danny Casper in his team's first event. Read about their season opening win in a good showing from the US teams in Oakville. www.curlingintheusa.com/p/casper-win...

curlingintheusa.com

Casper Wins Oakville Tankard in Season Debut

Casper led a strong showing by US teams at the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

I recently caught up with Brad Gushue about his decision to join the Grand Slam of Curling broadcast book. We talked about his now-dual role with USA Curling, what he aims to bring as an analyst, and the mixed doubles team that almost was. www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/gushue-...

thegrandslamofcurling.com

Gushue ready for next chapter with GSOC's broadcast team

'I imagine I'm going to go through some learning curve like anybody in a new role,' Brad Gushue said as he joins the Grand Slam of Curling's broadcast team this season. 'Hopefully, some people have…

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Casper opens their season with a win! In their first event since the Winter Olympics, the Ghostman scores two in the 7th and then steals the 8th to win the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard.

Reposted by Ben 🥌

Grand Slam of Curling @grandslamofcurling.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Brad Gushue will be working both as a member of the GSOC commentary team and the USA Curling High Performance Director for the upcoming season. But he sees the two roles as complementary, not a burden. Read more in our exclusive interview from @hoppecurls: bit.ly/4xZRW6c

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Danny Casper is into the finals! He throws a bullet to remove three rocks in the four-foot and take the victory over Brendan Bottcher.

Reposted by Ben 🥌

Grand Slam of Curling @grandslamofcurling.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

🚨 NEW BROADCAST TEAM!📺 Please welcome Brad Gushue, Joanne Courtney, Jennifer Jones, Brent Laing, Darren Dupont, John Cullen, and Devin Heroux to the GSOC broadcast crew for the 2026 season! More details below and on thegrandslamofcurling.com

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Casper defeats Shuster, and Hebert beats Waddell to move two US teams into the semifinals at 12pm ET. Casper will face Brendan Bottcher while Hebert gets the winner of McDonald/Hösli which is in an extra end.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Great team shot from Hebert as Wendtland sweeps a hit through a port to secure a big score of 4 for Hebert in the 5th end. They lead 7-3 over Waddell in their quarterfinal.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Shuster defeats Dunstone, and Hebert pulls out an extra end win to make the playoffs. They join Casper in the playoffs, with US teams making up 3/8 of a solid field in Oakville.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Excellent triple made by John Shuster on his last, and moves into a C qualifier against Matt Dunstone. Hebert takes on Stefano Spiller and Scott Dunnam also advances to a C qualifier game against Jordon McDonald.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Round 2 goes to Casper. The 6-2 victory propels them into the playoffs. Hebert drops to the C bracket.

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Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

The first US team is about to book their spot into the playoffs in Oakville. Danny Casper is looking to avenge his A-bracket loss to Caden Hebert. Winner qualifies for playoffs through the B event.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

It was a good day for junior skips from Eau Claire playing against an Olympian skip.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

This is Caden Hebert's first-ever win against a Doubletakeout.com top 25 team. It is just one win in a September spiel, but these are the kinds of steps you want to see from a team in their last season of junior eligibility.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Incredibly perfect freeze from Caden Hebert, and he steals the 7th and 8th ends against Danny Casper to take the win in Oakville. Hebert moves to 7-0 on the season and will face Jordon McDonald in the A qualifier semifinals.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It's their first game since February, and Team Casper is streaming their own game in Oakville. Danny Casper and Ben Richardson are mic'd up. Curling is so back. www.youtube.com/live/bduO0OY...

https://www.youtube.com/live/bduO0OYTXdk?si=UEfPsxjyqp-Z8qRp

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Team Casper takes the ice for the first time since the Olympics and the new-look Teak Shuster make their debut at the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard. All US men's teams in Oakville are on the ice tonight at 9pm ET.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Originally, I wanted to learn how Coyotes Curling Club produced two different 5U national championship teams in two years. What I ended up discovering was a club history rooted in collaboration and engagement. My latest: An Unlikely Powerhouse www.curlingintheusa.com/p/an-unlikel...

curlingintheusa.com

An Unlikely Powerhouse

How a club in the desert Southwest built the most robust 5-and-Under curling program in the country

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Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Two teams from Arizona's Coyotes Curling Club won the 5-and-Under National Championship in consecutive years. I dug into how a club in the desert Southwest found so much success nationally, and it all comes down to culture and community. My latest: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/an-unlikel...

curlingintheusa.com

An Unlikely Powerhouse

How a club in the desert Southwest built the most robust 5-and-Under curling program in the country

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Two teams from Arizona's Coyotes Curling Club won the 5-and-Under National Championship in consecutive years. I dug into how a club in the desert Southwest found so much success nationally, and it all comes down to culture and community. My latest: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/an-unlikel...

curlingintheusa.com

An Unlikely Powerhouse

How a club in the desert Southwest built the most robust 5-and-Under curling program in the country

Reposted by Ben 🥌

CJ Fogler @cjzero.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

At this point it is so bad there is an army of volunteers including the players from each time on their hands and knees trying to dry the court and they are peeling the midcourt logo off the floor

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

With 18 people signed up, we ended up with a fun setup for our 6-week Tuesday summer league. We split into two teams of 9 and used a Rock League-inspired format. Every week, we had one doubles game, one triples game, and one 4-person game. Frontier Curling Club vs Maple United

Reposted by Ben 🥌

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Are all the Rules of Curling made for all curlers? My thoughts and what final teams punched their tickets to the Arena National Championships are in my latest newsletter: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/rules-for-...

curlingintheusa.com

Rules for Thee but Not for Me

Do all rules need to be followed? Plus, the final teams qualify for arena nationals.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Are all the Rules of Curling made for all curlers? My thoughts and what final teams punched their tickets to the Arena National Championships are in my latest newsletter: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/rules-for-...

curlingintheusa.com

Rules for Thee but Not for Me

Do all rules need to be followed? Plus, the final teams qualify for arena nationals.

Reposted by Ben 🥌

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The youths started their season strong in Morris. Hebert moves to 3-0 lifetime against Scott Dunnam. Hagenbuch's only losses came to a Scotties contender. And Pekowitz nearly pulls off epic comeback. More: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/hebert-sta...

curlingintheusa.com

Hebert Starts Season with a Win

USA Youth Shine in Season Opener in Morris

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

The youths started their season strong in Morris. Hebert moves to 3-0 lifetime against Scott Dunnam. Hagenbuch's only losses came to a Scotties contender. And Pekowitz nearly pulls off epic comeback. More: www.curlingintheusa.com/p/hebert-sta...

curlingintheusa.com

Hebert Starts Season with a Win

USA Youth Shine in Season Opener in Morris

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Estonian Olympic mixed doubles team Kaldevee/Lill are splitting up. Marie Kaldvee is leaving mixed doubles and will venture into women's curling while Harri Lill will stay in mixed doubles. Great example of how smaller countries can find success through mixed doubles.

Reposted by Ben 🥌

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

It was a good showing for reigning World and US Junior Nationals champions at their season opener in Morris, Manitoba. Team Hebert notched their third event win in a row dating back to last season. www.curlingintheusa.com/p/hebert-sta...

curlingintheusa.com

Hebert Starts Season with a Win

USA Youth Shine in Season Opener in Morris

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

It was a good showing for reigning World and US Junior Nationals champions at their season opener in Morris, Manitoba. Team Hebert notched their third event win in a row dating back to last season. www.curlingintheusa.com/p/hebert-sta...

curlingintheusa.com

Hebert Starts Season with a Win

USA Youth Shine in Season Opener in Morris

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Reigning world junior champion and US junior national champion, Team Hebert, is taking on fellow countrymen from Team Dunnam in the final at the Icebreaker Challenge. Stream can be found on Team Hebert's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/100076246871...

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Julia Pekowitz was down 7-1 to Serena Gray-Withers through three ends and managed to come back to tie the game at 7 after 7 ends. Gray-Withers scored two in the last for the win, but a good show of resilience from the young US team in their season debut.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

Great early season test for Bella Hagenbuch and Julia Pekowitz as they both have made the semifinals at the Icebreaker Challenge in Morris, Man. Hagenbuch is facing off against Selena Sturmay while reigning junior national champions Team Pekowitz take on Serena Gray-Withers.

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Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

6 months after becoming the oldest American to compete at the Olympics with Team Casper, and 4 months after winning gold at Senior Worlds, Rich Ruohonen announced today that he is stepping back from competitive curling.

Ben 🥌 @hoppecurls.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

A number of US teams hit the ice for the first time this season at the Icebreaker Challenge in Manitoba. Last week, I tried ranking the top 5 US teams in the women, men, and mixed doubles disciplines. www.curlingintheusa.com/p/way-too-ea...

curlingintheusa.com

Way-too-early USA Team Rankings

My subjective rankings of the top teams in the United States, and a quick glimpse of the national team coaching structure