St. John's Brier could be boon for local curling, says N.L champ Brad Gushue

Brad Gushue is hoping for some home-sheet advantage in the Brier this year, as the national championship is in his hometown of St. John's.

"I don't see it as extra pressure, because I don't think anybody could put more pressure on us than what we do ourselves,"Gushuetold CBC on Sunday.

"I think playing in front of the home crowd, having that support and having them behind us,cheering for us and maybe giving the other team a bit of a hard time, that'll certainly play to our advantage."

• St. John's wins right to host Tim Hortons Brier in 2017

The skip, who reclaimed his provincial curling title Saturday night with a 5-2 win over AdamBolandatBallyHalyin St. John's, saidhe's looking forward to representing Newfoundland and Labrador in the 2017 Brier in early Marchwith leadGeoffWalker, second Brett Gallant and third Mark Nichols.

On the women's side, skip Stacie Curtis of St. John's and her rink of lead Erica Trickett, second Julie Devereaux and third Erin Porter, also won the provincial title, her fourth, with an 8-4 victory over Shelley Hardy.

They'llbe representing the province in St.Catharines, Ont. for the Scotties Tournament of Hearts Feb. 18-26.

Gushue said having the Brier inSt. John's is a good opportunity for local enthusiasts to promote the sport to everyone from hardcoreplayers to casual fans.

"The important part is the stakeholders in the curling community really need to capitalize on it and get those people that have the interest in the game into the clubs, and have them become members andplay in the leagues and be part of the club."

The Brier will be held March 4-12 at Mile One Centre.