Epping's Patient Approach to Early Inconsistency

A glance at Team John Epping's website reveals a recent blog post that focuses on positivity, goal-setting and resilience as the team begins the new curling season. It's part of the Toronto-based foursome's efforts to make sure they stay in the right frame of mind and keep expectations reasonable as they move forward. "It's something we're really trying to focus on," Epping said. "I'm happy or comfortable admitting that I don't have the time to put into the sport what some of the top, top, top countries and players (do). "I'm not saying it can't be done, but as a team, we're okay with working as hard as we can realizing that we have a lot of other things going on in our lives right now." Epping's team has trimmed its calendar a bit this season. The veteran skip is also active on the mixed doubles scene with longtime curling partner Lisa Weagle. Epping is giving his new-look squad a B-grade for the season so far as it begins play at this week's Stu Sells Tankard at the Barrie Curling Club. Epping reached the quarterfinals at the season opener in St-Felicien, Que., and reached the semifinals at the Stu Sells Oakville stop last month. The team didn't qualify for the playoffs in its most recent event in Cornwall, Ont. Epping's lineup includes vice-skip Mat Camm, second Patrick Janssen and Camm's younger brother, Jason, throwing first stones. "His youthfulness and I would say his wanting to be the best is exciting for us," Epping said of the new lead. "As an older guy that's been around a long time, it definitely brings some new life and excitement for me." Epping opened the Barrie stop with a comfortable 8-2 win over Switzerland's Andrin Schnider on Thursday. Epping opened the scoring stealing 2 in the first end, stealing another in the third end, then added a steal of 3 in the sixth end to seal the win. Epping was left at 1-1 though, after dropping the morning draw to Whitby's Sam Mooibroek, after giving up three in the first end, then dropping four straight stolen ends for the 7-0 loss. He's slated to play Halifax's Owen Purcell and Jean-Michel Arsenault of Levis, Que., over the next two days. Glenn Howard of Tiny, Ont., American John Shuster and Epping are some of the favourites in the men's field. "I think it's good for our team to step up and make sure that if you're expected to win, (to) go out and perform," Epping said. "I think it's a good added pressure to have on you and to face." The women's field includes Krista McCarville of Thunder Bay, Ont., Hollie Duncan of Woodstock, Ont., and South Korea's EunJung Kim. Play continues through Monday. The Team Epping blog post went up in late September after the rink underperformed at the Shorty Jenkins Classic. "I think it's tough when in the past, you had these expectations of being maybe top three in the world," Epping said. "That was it and that was the top goal. I think you get to the point where you have to realize that goal might not be as attainable with what we're doing (and) I think it's making sure that we stay positive." Epping's short-term goal is to win the Ontario playdowns and get back to the national championship. Longer-term, he has his eye on qualification for the Canadian Curling Trials ahead of the 2026 Milan Olympics. Epping has a career record of 47 wins and 28 losses in 12 previous appearances at the Stu Sells Tankard, winning in 2020 alongside current second stone Patrick Janssen. "You can look at having the rankings and the CTRS points (but) honestly, doing well and being consistent in events - that's always been key to me," Epping said.