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Russ Howard
Russ Howard
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Russell W. "Russ" Howard, CM, ONL (born February 19, 1956, in Midland, Ontario) is a Canadian curler and Olympic champion, based in Regina, Saskatchewan, but originally from Midland, Ontario. He lived in Moncton, New Brunswick, from 2000 to 2019. Known for his gravelly voice, Howard has been to the Brier 14 times (8 as Ontario, 6 as New Brunswick), winning the title twice (both as Ontario). He is also a two-time world champion, winning in 1987 and 1993.[2][3] He has also won three TSN Skins Games in 1991, 1992, and 1993, and participated in two Canadian Mixed Curling Championships in 2000 and 2001. He won gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics. He played in two Canadian Senior Curling Championships in 2008 and 2009 finishing with a silver medal both of those years. Russ Howard was inducted into the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.[4] He is currently a curling analyst and commentator for TSN’s Season of Champions curling coverage.[5]

Key Information

Career

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In 2005, he joined team Gushue to call the shots for Brad Gushue's team at the Canadian Olympic Trials, while he played second. Howard, along with Gushue (who throws last rocks), lead Jamie Korab and third Mark Nichols, went on to win the trials, giving them the right to represent Canada at the 2006 Winter Olympics,[6] where they won the gold medal, defeating Finland 10–4 in the final match.[7] It was the first time that a Canadian team had won the gold medal for men's curling.[3] Howard, who turned 50 during the Olympics, is also the oldest Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal.[2][7] The oldest person ever to win a gold medal was Robin Welsh, aged 54, who won gold in curling at the 1924 Winter Olympics.

As a skip (captain), Howard has been in three previous trials (in 1987, 1997, and 2001), but never went on to the Olympics. Howard is also the innovator of the "Moncton Rule", which evolved into the "free guard zone", part of international and Olympic rules.[2] This makes his 2006 medal particularly significant, as it is likely that without the excitement this rule adds to the sport it would not have become an Olympic event in the 1990s.[8]

In the 2009-10 curling season, although he played in bonspiels throughout the year, Howard did not curl in the New Brunswick Tankard due to his broadcasting commitments with The Sports Network (TSN). Howard has been commentating curling events for TSN since 2001.

In 2006, he was inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame. In 2013, he was inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame.[9] He was named a Member of the Order of Canada and inducted into the WCF Hall of Fame in 2015.[10]

Brier records

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At the end of the 2009 Brier, Howard had appeared in more Briers than any other player (14), and played more games at the Brier than any other player (174).[11] The 2012 Brier saw his brother Glenn Howard tying his record for Brier appearances and breaking his record for most career games played at the Brier.[12] As of 2017, Russ had appeared in the second most Brier games ever, behind his brother Glenn.

Broadcasting career

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Howard stepped into the broadcast booth for the first time in 2001, serving as an analyst for TSN’s coverage of the Brier.[5] Since 2008, he has been a mainstay analyst on the network, also providing colour commentary for TSN’s Season of Champions curling.[5]

Howard handled colour commentating duties for Canada’s Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium during the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.[5]

Personal life

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Howard's grand-aunt, Jean Thompson, was an Olympic runner. His brother, Glenn Howard, is also a well known curler. Howard's daughter, Ashley Howard, is a competitive curler and the executive director of CurlSask, the governing body of curling in Saskatchewan.[13]

Outside of curling, Howard worked as a real estate agent for Royal LePage Atlantic, in addition to his commentator work with TSN, and as a curling coach in Switzerland. He moved to Regina, Saskatchewan in 2019 to be closer to his children.[14]

Teams

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Season Skip Third Second Lead
1979–80 Russ Howard Larry Merkley Robert Ruston Kent Carstairs
1985–86 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Tim Belcourt Kent Carstairs
1986–87 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Tim Belcourt Kent Carstairs
1988–89 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Tim Belcourt Kent Carstairs
1989–90[15] Russ Howard Glenn Howard Wayne Middaugh Peter Corner
1990–91 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Wayne Middaugh Peter Corner
1991–92 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Wayne Middaugh Peter Corner
1992–93 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Wayne Middaugh Peter Corner
1993–94 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Wayne Middaugh Peter Corner
1994–95 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Peter Corner Ken McDermot
1995–96[16] Russ Howard Glenn Howard Peter Corner Noel Herron
1996–97 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Scott Patterson Phil Loevenmark
1997–98 Russ Howard Glenn Howard Noel Herron Steve Small
1998–99 Russ Howard Glenn Howard
Wayne Tallon
Peter Corner
Rick Perron
Neil Harrison
Grant Odishaw
1999–00 Russ Howard Glenn Howard
Wayne Tallon
Peter Corner
Rick Perron
Neil Harrison
Grant Odishaw
2000–01 Russ Howard James Grattan Rick Perron Grant Odishaw
2001–02 Russ Howard James Grattan Marc LeCocq Grant Odishaw
2002–03 Russ Howard James Grattan Marc LeCocq Grant Odishaw
2003–04 Russ Howard James Grattan Marc LeCocq Grant Odishaw
2004–05 Russ Howard James Grattan Grant Odishaw Marc LeCocq
2005 Russ Howard Mark Dobson Steven Howard Grant Odishaw
2005–06 Brad Gushue (fourth) Mark Nichols Russ Howard (skip) Jamie Korab
2006–07 Russ Howard Grant Odishaw Mark Dobson Steven Howard
2007–08 Russ Howard Grant Odishaw Mark Dobson Steven Howard
2008–09 Russ Howard James Grattan Jason Vaughan Peter Case
2009–10 Russ Howard James Grattan Jason Vaughan Peter Case

Publications

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Howard has released two books: Hurry Hard: The Russ Howard Story (2007), an autobiography that vividly describes his journey to becoming an Olympic gold medallist, and Curl to Win (2008).[17]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Russell W. "Russ" Howard (born February 19, 1956) is a Canadian , Olympic gold medallist, and curling innovator from , who later represented in competition. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Howard achieved remarkable success, including eight provincial men's curling championships (1980, 1986–1987, 1989, 1991–1994) and six New Brunswick titles (1999–2000, 2002–2004, 2009). He represented at the Brier 14 times, tying the record for most appearances, and played a record 174 games in the event by 2009. Howard's national and international triumphs include two Brier victories in 1987 and 1993, along with corresponding world championships that same years, making him a two-time world champion. At age 50, he contributed to Canada's first men's Olympic curling gold medal at the in , , as vice-skip on Brad Gushue's team, throwing the second stones and becoming the oldest Canadian to win Olympic gold at the time. Beyond his on-ice accomplishments, Howard is credited with developing the "Moncton Rule" in the 1980s, which prohibited removing guards from play early in an end and evolved into the modern four-rock free guard zone rule used in international and Olympic curling. His distinctive gravelly voice and enthusiastic "Hurry hard!" calls during games became iconic in the sport. Post-retirement from competitive play, Howard transitioned to broadcasting as a commentator for (TSN) since 2001, served as a coach for the Swiss men's team, and pursued careers as a and with . He has been inducted into multiple halls of fame, including the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame (1991), (2013), Sports Hall of Fame (2011), World Curling Hall of Fame (2015), and Sports Hall of Fame (2006), and was appointed a Member of the in 2015 for his contributions to .

Early Life and Background

Early Life

Russell W. Howard was born on February 19, 1956, in . Growing up in a household passionate about sports, Howard was the son of Bill and Barbara Howard, who were avid enthusiasts and had curled recreationally. His parents instilled a love for the sport in their sons, Russell and Glenn, with Bill serving as the manager and icemaker at the Midland Curling Club, providing the family close access to the ice. Howard's introduction to curling came early, at the age of 10, when he began playing at the local Midland Curling Club, inspired by watching his parents and practicing by sliding salmon cans across the kitchen floor. This early exposure through the club's facilities, facilitated by his father's role, allowed him extensive practice time and quickly led to his involvement in junior competitions during the 1970s. His initial forays into competitive curling yielded significant success, including success in early competitions such as the 1976 Ontario Colts championship, marking his emergence as a promising young curler in the province.

Family and Personal Life

Russ Howard has been married to Wendy Howard since the early 1980s, and the couple has shared a life deeply intertwined with family and the sport of curling, including occasional mixed team competitions together in New Brunswick. They have two children: daughter Ashley, a competitive curler who represented Saskatchewan at the 2016 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and served as executive director of CurlSask from 2016 to 2023, and son Steven, who also curls recreationally. Howard's family has long influenced the sport of , with his younger brother establishing a parallel career that includes four Brier championships and four world titles, fostering a legacy of excellence passed down through siblings and the next generation. His mother, Barbara Howard, passed away in April 2024. In 2019, Russ and Wendy relocated from , , to , primarily to be closer to their adult children, both of whom live in the province and continue to engage with curling. Post-retirement from competitive play, Howard maintains an active lifestyle centered on family proximity and personal pursuits, including recreational , a he professionally engaged with earlier in life as head pro at Brooklea Golf & in , where he grew up honing his skills on his father's nearby driving range. This relocation and shift in focus have allowed him to enjoy more quality time with and their children while occasionally participating in casual events.

Curling Career

Provincial and National Competitions

Russ Howard's domestic curling career was marked by consistent excellence at both provincial and national levels. Representing from 1980 to 1994, he skipped teams to eight provincial men's championships, qualifying for eight appearances at the Brier, Canada's national men's curling championship. After relocating to , , in 1998, Howard secured six additional New Brunswick titles in 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2009, earning six more Brier berths through 2009 and bringing his total national appearances to 14. Howard achieved his greatest national success as skip for , winning the Brier title twice—in 1987 in , , where his team posted a 9-2 round-robin record before clinching the final, and in 1993 in , , with a 10-2 preliminary record and a 5-3 victory in the championship game. His teams demonstrated strong strategic play and precision sweeping, exemplified by their ability to steal ends and maintain control in high-stakes matches against formidable opponents like in 1987. Beyond these victories, Howard's squads earned four silver medals at the Brier—in 1986, 1992, and 1994 for , and 2000 for —along with bronze medals in 1989 () and 2003 (), highlighting his sustained competitiveness. At the Brier, Howard amassed a remarkable record of 174 games played by 2009, with 113 wins and 61 losses, establishing him as the leader in career victories as skip—a mark later surpassed by his brother . This longevity and win percentage underscored his tactical acumen and endurance in the demanding round-robin format. Notably, in the 1989 Brier in , , Howard's team finished with an 8-4 record and advanced to the semifinals despite personal challenges, including a temporary loss of his signature gravelly voice during the tournament. Howard also contributed to the evolution of rules through the "Moncton Rule," first proposed by him in the late to counter defensive "rock-up" strategies that stalled games. Initially tested as a three-stone protection at the 1991 Brier in , it was modified to protect the first four stones and trialed successfully at the 1993 Brier in , earning its name from a popular exhibition in , . This innovation, which prevented early removals of guards, transformed the sport by promoting more aggressive, offensive play and higher-scoring ends, eventually becoming the foundation for the international free guard zone rule adopted in the . These domestic triumphs positioned Howard for international representation following his Brier wins.

International and Olympic Achievements

Russ Howard's international career is highlighted by two World Curling Championship gold medals as skip for Team , both representing . In 1987, at the Hexagon World Men's Curling Championship in , , Howard's team from the Penetang Curling Club achieved a 9-2 round-robin record before securing the title with a 9-5 victory over in the final. This marked 's 18th world men's title at the time. Howard repeated the feat in 1993 at the World Men's Curling Championship in , , where his team again represented and dominated the tournament, culminating in a win that solidified his status as a premier international skip. The 1993 victory was particularly notable as Howard's rink adapted to varying rules across provincial, national, and international play while maintaining excellence. Howard's most celebrated international achievement came at the in , , where he served as vice-skip (throwing second stones) for Brad Gushue's Team Canada, comprising players primarily from alongside Howard from . At age 50—the oldest athlete on the Canadian Olympic team—Howard contributed to a 7-2 round-robin record, including key wins over and . The team advanced by defeating the 11-5 in the semifinal before claiming gold with a 10-4 final victory over , marking Canada's first Olympic men's curling gold medal. This triumph made Howard the first New Brunswicker to win Olympic gold in any sport. Following his 1993 world title, Howard shifted his competitive representation from to starting in 1998, reflecting his relocation to , though his 2006 Olympic participation remained under the unified Canadian banner.

Teams and Key Teammates

Howard's career began in during the 1970s and 1980s, where he competed on both junior and senior rinks, often out of the Penetanguishene Curling Club. One of his early senior teams in 1980 featured Howard as skip alongside lead Kent Carstairs, marking the start of a partnership that would endure through multiple championships. His breakthrough came with the 1987 Brier-winning team, which included skip Russ Howard, third and brother , second Tim Belcourt, and lead Kent Carstairs; this core group demonstrated strong synergy, blending veteran experience with precise shot-making. The same lineup evolved slightly for the 1993 Brier victory, with Russ Howard skipping, at third, Wayne Middaugh as second, and Peter Corner at lead, showcasing Howard's ability to integrate emerging talents like Middaugh into a winning dynamic. Relocating to New Brunswick in the late 1990s, Howard skipped rinks from 1998 to 2010, frequently teaming with local players such as James Grattan at third, Marc LeCocq at second, and Grant Odishaw at lead, as seen in their 2002 and 2003 provincial championship squads; these collaborations highlighted Howard's role in elevating curling through consistent leadership and tactical expertise. A pivotal later team was the 2005-2006 Olympic squad, where Howard threw second rocks for skip , alongside third Mark Nichols, lead Jamie Korab, and alternate Craig Savill, fostering a mentor-mentee dynamic that contributed to Canada's first men's Olympic curling gold. After 2010, Howard made a brief return to competitive play, representing in the 2020 provincial championships with a rink including his son and other young players, emphasizing his ongoing influence on family-oriented teams. Throughout his career, Howard evolved from a traditional skip—calling shots and throwing last rocks in his Ontario and early years—to a vice-skip-like role in his later stages, particularly with Gushue's team, where he delivered second stones while offering strategic to balance the younger skip's aggression with seasoned decision-making; this adaptability strengthened teammate dynamics, notably in long-standing bonds with and veterans like , who provided reliability in high-stakes scenarios.

Post-Competitive Contributions

Broadcasting Career

After retiring from competitive , Russ Howard transitioned into , joining TSN in 2001 as a curling analyst, where he provided expert commentary for the Brier. His role quickly expanded to include coverage of major international events, such as the and Olympic competitions, drawing on his extensive experience as a two-time world champion to offer insightful analysis during live broadcasts. Howard's contributions became particularly notable during high-profile tournaments, including colour commentary for the men's and women's events at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games as part of Canada's Olympic Broadcast Media Consortium. He has since covered numerous Scott Tournament of Hearts and Briers for TSN, enhancing viewer understanding through detailed breakdowns of strategy and shot selection informed by his own elite-level play. Known for his straightforward and engaging style, Howard's broadcasts emphasize the nuances of the game, making complex tactics accessible to audiences. As of November 2025, Howard continues to serve as a lead analyst for TSN's coverage, including the Season of Champions events, with no announcement of retirement. His long-standing presence on the network has solidified his reputation as one of 's most respected voices in Canadian media.

Coaching and Innovations

After retiring from competitive curling in 2009, Russ Howard transitioned into roles, focusing on mentoring younger players and family members. He has provided guidance to his daughter, Ashley Howard, who competes for , joining her team as coach for provincial women's events including the 2019 and the 2023 Saskatchewan Scotties. His involvement extends to occasional advising for other rinks, drawing on his experience as a certified Level 3 coach to emphasize strategic play and team dynamics. Howard also served as a coach for the Swiss men's curling team in international competitions. Howard's most influential contribution to curling rules came with the creation of the "Moncton Rule" in 1990, proposed by his team for The Moncton 100, a high-stakes cashspiel marking Moncton's civic centennial. The rule barred the removal of the first four stones thrown in each end, irrespective of their location on the sheet, to curb overly defensive strategies and foster aggressive, offensive play by allowing guards to remain and build scoring opportunities. Initially dubbed the "Howard Rule" for its Moncton debut, it gained immediate popularity for increasing end excitement and shot variety. The Moncton Rule evolved rapidly into the Free Guard Zone (FGZ) in 1992, refined to protect only stones in the zone between the hog line and the rings from early takeouts, with the first two stones per team (four total) safeguarded. Curling Canada adopted a three-rock version for national play, while the Federation standardized a four-rock FGZ for international competitions, including the Olympics, where it remains a core rule promoting dynamic gameplay and higher scoring. This innovation, credited to , transformed curling from a removal-heavy game into one emphasizing precision placement and strategy. Beyond rules, Howard has supported curling's growth in New Brunswick, his adopted province during much of his career, and Saskatchewan, where his family resides. He co-founded the Academy of Curling with Grant Odishaw and Mary-Anne Arsenault, delivering professional clinics nationwide to enhance skills in sweeping, strategy, and mental preparation for curlers at recreational and competitive levels. These sessions, held in provinces like British Columbia and Saskatchewan, have included events such as the 2023 Prince George clinic and continued into 2025 with programs in Abbotsford. In post-retirement years, Howard remains active in community , coaching youth programs like a 2020 event in , , to inspire the next generation. He also pursues as a recreational interest, building on his earlier career as a professional at Brooklea Golf & Country Club in . Additionally, Howard works as a and with .

Recognition and Legacy

Awards and Honors

Russ Howard has been widely recognized for his exceptional achievements in , receiving numerous prestigious awards and honors that highlight his impact as an athlete and ambassador for the sport. In 1991, Howard was inducted into the Canadian Curling Hall of Fame as both a curler and team member, honoring his leadership in the world championship-winning team. In 2006, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame and appointed an honorary Member of the Order of for his contributions to the province's sporting heritage, particularly as the first New Brunswicker to win Olympic gold in . That same year, he was inducted into the Sports Hall of Fame, acknowledging his roots and successes representing the province, including two Brier titles. Howard's national and international stature was further affirmed in 2013 with his induction into , where he is celebrated as one of the most decorated curlers in history, with 14 Brier appearances and an Olympic . In 2015, he received two significant honors: induction into the Hall of Fame as a curler for his two world titles and innovative influence on the game, and appointment as a Member of the for elevating curling's profile as an athlete, mentor, and broadcaster.

Publications

Russ Howard has authored two notable books on , both published in the late 2000s, which reflect his extensive experience in the sport as a player and innovator. These works, co-authored with established sportswriters and experts, target a broad audience including dedicated fans, recreational players, and those aspiring to competitive levels, providing accessible insights into the game's technical, strategic, and personal dimensions. His first book, Hurry Hard: The Russ Howard Story (2007), co-authored with journalist Bob Weeks, serves as an autobiography chronicling Howard's four-decade career from his early days in , to his Olympic gold medal win at age 50 in the 2006 Turin Winter Games. The narrative interweaves career highlights—such as multiple Canadian and world championships, Brier records for appearances, games played, and wins—with personal anecdotes about teammates, family influences, and the evolution of rules and equipment. It offers insider perspectives on pivotal moments, including Howard's role in advocating for strategic changes like the free guard zone, while emphasizing the mental resilience required in high-stakes competitions. Published by John Wiley & Sons , the book received positive reception for its engaging storytelling and motivational tone, earning a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon from early readers who praised its inspirational value for enthusiasts. Its legacy endures as a key text in Canadian sports literature, contributing to the sport's growing popularity by humanizing elite achievement and inspiring younger generations, with no major reprints noted through 2025. Howard's second publication, Curl to Win: Expert Advice to Improve Your Game (2008, with a U.S. edition in 2010), functions as a comprehensive instructional manual drawing on his over 30 years as a champion and coach. Structured with step-by-step guidance, photographs, diagrams, and 20 analyzed game scenarios, it covers foundational elements like equipment selection and delivery techniques, advanced sweeping methods, strategic shot selection, and practice drills to enhance accuracy and consistency. A dedicated section explores the application of the ""—Howard's influential proposal for the free guard zone, adopted internationally to promote more dynamic play by protecting guards from early removal. The book includes contributions from sports psychologist Bill Cole on mental training, making it a holistic resource for skill development. Released by HarperCollins Canada, it has been lauded in curling communities as an essential guide, with reviewers on platforms like and personal blogs highlighting its clarity for novices and intermediates; one 2011 assessment described it as "almost perfectly suited" for youth and adult learners seeking to elevate their game. Cited in academic discussions on curling tactics and community sport development, the book has influenced instructional programs and remains a staple in curling club libraries, underscoring Howard's impact on the sport's pedagogical literature, though no updates or new editions have appeared by 2025.

References

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