Feb 7, 2018
John Aassand doesn't live in the
past. In 1972 four young players from Grafton, North Dakota
competed in their first mens playdowns. From State to US
Nationals and then to Germany, their magical run would eventually
land them in the finals of the World Championship against Canada's
Orest Meleschuk. Johnny at second, his brother Frank at
third, lead Ray Morgan and skip Robert Labonte took a 9-7
lead into the 10th end. After what was thought to be the
final rock of the game, with players preparing to shake hands, it
appeared USA had won. In a dark twist, however, Labonte
jumped in celebration, slipped on his landing and kicked a Canada
stone. Meleschuk was awarded two points and the game went to
extra ends, with Canada taking the Silver Broom trophy. John
will share the story of what happened during that moment, and
the repercussions for both teams in the years that
followed. You'll hear stories from the Hibbing bonspiel,
Barry Fry and learn why the team John skipped to two USA finals in
the mid-80's was like the Oakland Raiders of the 1970's.
You can watch clips from the 1972 World Championships and Bob's famous fall . After Canada
failed to win the Worlds for the next 8 years, it became known as
The Curse of Labonte. Here's an
article on John from 2008 and if you find yourself in
Grafton, be sure to check out The Extra End Bar.