Star CFL quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell won’t be making the jump from football to curling anytime soon, even if he’s developed a strong appreciation for the winter sport.
He recently had the opportunity to throw stones with his friend Ben Hebert, who plays lead for Alberta’s Kevin Koe.
“When you’ve got the best lead in curling history in there brushing for you, it’s not hard to throw it out there,” Mitchell told The Sportscage on CKRM 620. “I did OK. I wouldn’t say good but I definitely like it and it’s a game I would definitely go play, especially having a couple drinks.”
Mitchell plans to drive to Lethbridge, Alta. on Thursday to watch the 2022 Brier as Hebert looks to win his fifth Canadian men’s title. The pair co-host The Benny and Bo Show, a podcast that has featured special guests such as CFL legend Doug Flutie, star NFL receiver Chase Claypool, and former Toronto Raptors’ guard Kyle Lowry.
Saskatchewan Roughriders’ strong-side linebacker Derrick Moncrief has never tried curling, though he’s watched it on television. He’s open to learning the game, which shouldn’t be hard given how many curlers there are in the province of Saskatchewan.
“I’ll watch it. Yeah, it looks interesting,” said Moncrief. “They gotta break me in on that one.”
The Brier got underway on Friday with Koe and Saskatchewan’s Matt Dunstone — participating as one of three Wild Card teams — tied atop Pool A with 4-0 records. The teams are scheduled to meet on Monday night in a draw that has massive playoff implications.
Hebert joined Koe’s rink for the 2014-2015 curling season following an eight-year run with Kevin Martin. He is widely considered the best lead in the history of Canadian men’s curling having won four Briers, two World Championships, and one Olympic gold medal.
Koe lost last year’s final to provincial rival Brendan Bottcher, who had been the runner-up in the previous three Briers. He is currently tied with Ernie Richardson, Randy Ferbey, and Kevin Martin for most Brier wins as a skip with four.
