By Ben Hoppe
While curling has taken centre stage due to controversy in recent days, Monday night’s draw between Italy and the United States showcased the best of the sportsmanship curlers are used to seeing.
The game brought significant meaning to each team. The United States was off to a hot start, seeking to move to 5-1 and move themselves one step closer to the playoffs. Meanwhile, Italy was seeking their first win in front of a raucous hometown crowd. The Italians were in strong position to earn that first notch in the win column, but the game came to an abrupt halt in the 7th end.
Trailing by 4-1 and playing without the hammer, the United States was attempting to play a freeze on Cory Thiesse’s first rock. With the…