Ben 🥌
@hoppecurls.bsky.social
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US Contributor for Rock Channel and the Grand Slam of Curling
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US Contributor for Rock Channel and the Grand Slam of Curling
Read my latest 👇
https://linktr.ee/hoppecurls
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Ben 🥌
@hoppecurls.bsky.social
· 28d
Ruohonen ready to embrace 'old guy role' on Team Casper at Winter Olympics
For the uninformed viewer of curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics, it will be easy to assume that Rich Ruohonen is the coach or a long-time advisor of the team. He knows it, too. He will, after all, be...
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
Danny Casper's family lives in New York, and he wasn't able to go home for Thanksgiving. Rich Ruohonen made sure Casper had a family to spend the holiday with.
On Rich Ruohonen being whatever he needs to be for Team Casper: www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
On Rich Ruohonen being whatever he needs to be for Team Casper: www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
Reposted by Ben 🥌
We made it
Self-Portrait (rotated), potential sketch for The Creation of Adam, by Michelangelo, late 15th//early 16th c
February 14, 2026 at 11:44 PM
We made it
Team Peterson is off to a phenomenal 3-1 start. The team is looking relaxed and strong.
Some of that comes from Tab and Tara Peterson having a more relaxed approach to the game.
My feature on what changed their perspective:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/new-per...
Some of that comes from Tab and Tara Peterson having a more relaxed approach to the game.
My feature on what changed their perspective:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/new-per...
New perspective for Peterson sisters
When they became mothers, the priorities in life shifted for the Peterson sisters. While qualifying for the Winter Olympics was the goal they strived for on the ice, their children helped them…
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 14, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Team Peterson is off to a phenomenal 3-1 start. The team is looking relaxed and strong.
Some of that comes from Tab and Tara Peterson having a more relaxed approach to the game.
My feature on what changed their perspective:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/new-per...
Some of that comes from Tab and Tara Peterson having a more relaxed approach to the game.
My feature on what changed their perspective:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/new-per...
Reposted by Ben 🥌
Utah friends, come out to join us for a watch party for tomorrow's USA vs Canada game at 11am MST!
February 14, 2026 at 1:43 AM
Utah friends, come out to join us for a watch party for tomorrow's USA vs Canada game at 11am MST!
Massive win for USA. Germany has looked really good early in the event, and the Casper was able to weather the furious comeback.
Oldenburg with another 96% at lead. Richardson throws 95%, Violette 93%.
You'll win a lot of games with those numbers.
Oldenburg with another 96% at lead. Richardson throws 95%, Violette 93%.
You'll win a lot of games with those numbers.
February 14, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Massive win for USA. Germany has looked really good early in the event, and the Casper was able to weather the furious comeback.
Oldenburg with another 96% at lead. Richardson throws 95%, Violette 93%.
You'll win a lot of games with those numbers.
Oldenburg with another 96% at lead. Richardson throws 95%, Violette 93%.
You'll win a lot of games with those numbers.
What an insane shot from Marc Muskatewitz. USA sitting a bundle on the 4-foot and he runs his own rock into the pile and scatters everything.
February 14, 2026 at 2:43 PM
What an insane shot from Marc Muskatewitz. USA sitting a bundle on the 4-foot and he runs his own rock into the pile and scatters everything.
I *love* that conversation that Team Casper just had. Everyone contributed. Danny asked the front end "What's happening with Marc's draws?" and front end is able to give them their thoughts on what they think is going on.
Really excellent stuff all around.
Really excellent stuff all around.
February 14, 2026 at 2:40 PM
I *love* that conversation that Team Casper just had. Everyone contributed. Danny asked the front end "What's happening with Marc's draws?" and front end is able to give them their thoughts on what they think is going on.
Really excellent stuff all around.
Really excellent stuff all around.
That's because won a medal in Paris and is able to play loose.
I expected everyone to love Aidan Oldenburg, I did not expect him to also be the best throwing lead through 3.5 games
February 14, 2026 at 2:35 PM
That's because won a medal in Paris and is able to play loose.
Confident Danny Casper can be a scary Ghostman
February 14, 2026 at 1:36 PM
Confident Danny Casper can be a scary Ghostman
Team Germany has been really good in their first three games, and Team USA just put up four on them in the first end. Luc Violette with outstanding runbacks.
Dream start for Danny Casper and team.
Dream start for Danny Casper and team.
February 14, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Team Germany has been really good in their first three games, and Team USA just put up four on them in the first end. Luc Violette with outstanding runbacks.
Dream start for Danny Casper and team.
Dream start for Danny Casper and team.
Utah friends, come out to join us for a watch party for tomorrow's USA vs Canada game at 11am MST!
February 14, 2026 at 1:43 AM
Utah friends, come out to join us for a watch party for tomorrow's USA vs Canada game at 11am MST!
Sorry to interrupt the drama going on, but Aidan Oldenburg of Team Casper has been spectacular in his Olympics debut for the United States.
He is statistically the top lead in the field through three games, curling 95.7%.
He is statistically the top lead in the field through three games, curling 95.7%.
February 14, 2026 at 12:34 AM
Sorry to interrupt the drama going on, but Aidan Oldenburg of Team Casper has been spectacular in his Olympics debut for the United States.
He is statistically the top lead in the field through three games, curling 95.7%.
He is statistically the top lead in the field through three games, curling 95.7%.
I realize all of the attention is Marc Kennedy in this photo, but all I can see is that Germany's Ben Kapp curls in converted ASICS.
February 14, 2026 at 12:21 AM
I realize all of the attention is Marc Kennedy in this photo, but all I can see is that Germany's Ben Kapp curls in converted ASICS.
Just a few days ago, the curling corner of the internet was discussing Korey Dropkin for *checks notes* celebrating made shots.
Four-person curling is really delivering.
Four-person curling is really delivering.
February 13, 2026 at 10:21 PM
Just a few days ago, the curling corner of the internet was discussing Korey Dropkin for *checks notes* celebrating made shots.
Four-person curling is really delivering.
Four-person curling is really delivering.
Marc Muskatewitz 🤝 Marc Muskatewin
February 13, 2026 at 9:05 PM
Marc Muskatewitz 🤝 Marc Muskatewin
No American teams in this draw, but the drama between Sweden and Canada on top of the singing matchup between Italy and Germany fans has made this draw captivating.
February 13, 2026 at 7:48 PM
No American teams in this draw, but the drama between Sweden and Canada on top of the singing matchup between Italy and Germany fans has made this draw captivating.
A lot of credit to Tab Peterson in that game, but Taylor Anderson-Heide shot 94% and was a beast on the broom in that game.
Read more about Taylor's journey after being split from playing with her twin sister 2 years ago:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/taylor-...
Read more about Taylor's journey after being split from playing with her twin sister 2 years ago:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/taylor-...
Taylor Anderson-Heide carving her own path
Where she was once nervous about carving her own path in the sport, Anderson-Heide is bringing her positivity as she carves rocks on the ice at the Winter Olympics.
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:08 PM
A lot of credit to Tab Peterson in that game, but Taylor Anderson-Heide shot 94% and was a beast on the broom in that game.
Read more about Taylor's journey after being split from playing with her twin sister 2 years ago:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/taylor-...
Read more about Taylor's journey after being split from playing with her twin sister 2 years ago:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/taylor-...
United States women beats Canada for the first time in curling! They faced three of the top four ranked teams in the field in the first 3 games and go 2-1 to start round robin play.
What a run.
What a run.
February 13, 2026 at 3:53 PM
United States women beats Canada for the first time in curling! They faced three of the top four ranked teams in the field in the first 3 games and go 2-1 to start round robin play.
What a run.
What a run.
Canada will make a run at this game. If USA can weather the storm, a lot of focus will be on the score of 4 in the 6th end. But Tab's draw for 1 in the 3rd end against 4 counters might have been just as big.
February 13, 2026 at 2:50 PM
Canada will make a run at this game. If USA can weather the storm, a lot of focus will be on the score of 4 in the 6th end. But Tab's draw for 1 in the 3rd end against 4 counters might have been just as big.
Reposted by Ben 🥌
Column: Rich Ruohonen became the oldest American athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics. The 54-year-old curler nailed the assignment, then reiterated his views on ICE in his Twin Cities home. www.si.com/winter-olymp...
A Personal Injury Lawyer Is Now the Oldest U.S. Olympian to Compete at a Winter Games
At 54 years old, Rich Ruohonen made Team USA history Thursday during a men’s curling match. And the St. Paul native is just happy to be along for the ride.
www.si.com
February 12, 2026 at 5:39 PM
Column: Rich Ruohonen became the oldest American athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics. The 54-year-old curler nailed the assignment, then reiterated his views on ICE in his Twin Cities home. www.si.com/winter-olymp...
Reposted by Ben 🥌
Rich Ruohonen going to step onto the ice for the 8th end, becoming the oldest United States athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics.
For more on the 54-year-old, read my profile about Rich and what he has brought to the team 👇
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
For more on the 54-year-old, read my profile about Rich and what he has brought to the team 👇
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
Ruohonen ready to embrace 'old guy role' on Team Casper at Winter Olympics
For the uninformed viewer of curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics, it will be easy to assume that Rich Ruohonen is the coach or a long-time advisor of the team. He knows it, too. He will, after all, be...
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Rich Ruohonen going to step onto the ice for the 8th end, becoming the oldest United States athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics.
For more on the 54-year-old, read my profile about Rich and what he has brought to the team 👇
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
For more on the 54-year-old, read my profile about Rich and what he has brought to the team 👇
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
Rich Ruohonen going to step onto the ice for the 8th end, becoming the oldest United States athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics.
For more on the 54-year-old, read my profile about Rich and what he has brought to the team 👇
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
For more on the 54-year-old, read my profile about Rich and what he has brought to the team 👇
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
Ruohonen ready to embrace 'old guy role' on Team Casper at Winter Olympics
For the uninformed viewer of curling at the 2026 Winter Olympics, it will be easy to assume that Rich Ruohonen is the coach or a long-time advisor of the team. He knows it, too. He will, after all, be...
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 12, 2026 at 3:01 PM
Rich Ruohonen going to step onto the ice for the 8th end, becoming the oldest United States athlete to compete in the Winter Olympics.
For more on the 54-year-old, read my profile about Rich and what he has brought to the team 👇
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
For more on the 54-year-old, read my profile about Rich and what he has brought to the team 👇
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/ruohone...
Reposted by Ben 🥌
Tab Peterson was in a must-win position at the Olympic Qualifying Event last December, and she stopped to think about her "why".
She realized she was no longer curling for herself.
My latest on Tab and Tara's new perspective:
She realized she was no longer curling for herself.
My latest on Tab and Tara's new perspective:
New perspective for Peterson sisters
When they became mothers, the priorities in life shifted for the Peterson sisters. While qualifying for the Winter Olympics was the goal they strived for on the ice, their children helped them…
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 11, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Tab Peterson was in a must-win position at the Olympic Qualifying Event last December, and she stopped to think about her "why".
She realized she was no longer curling for herself.
My latest on Tab and Tara's new perspective:
She realized she was no longer curling for herself.
My latest on Tab and Tara's new perspective:
Reposted by Ben 🥌
Jordan Moulton is the only woman coaching a men's curling team in 2026, and as far as I could tell, only the 3rd woman to coach a men's team in the history of the Olympics curling.
She is a major part of their chemistry and success:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/team-ca...
She is a major part of their chemistry and success:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/team-ca...
Team Casper facing challenges head-on
The Winter Olympics will be the toughest task yet for Team Casper, but no part of their journey to this point has been and just like every challenge they’ve faced thus far, they’ll meet it head-on.
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com
February 11, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Jordan Moulton is the only woman coaching a men's curling team in 2026, and as far as I could tell, only the 3rd woman to coach a men's team in the history of the Olympics curling.
She is a major part of their chemistry and success:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/team-ca...
She is a major part of their chemistry and success:
www.thegrandslamofcurling.com/news/team-ca...
Reposted by Ben 🥌
Tara and Tabitha Peterson experienced the Winter Olympics together in 2022, albeit with no fans in attendance. In 2026, the American curling sibling duo have found a new perspective as they head back to the big stage.
Ben Hoppe (@hoppecurls) has more:
https://bit.ly/4aewD7G
Ben Hoppe (@hoppecurls) has more:
https://bit.ly/4aewD7G
February 11, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Tara and Tabitha Peterson experienced the Winter Olympics together in 2022, albeit with no fans in attendance. In 2026, the American curling sibling duo have found a new perspective as they head back to the big stage.
Ben Hoppe (@hoppecurls) has more:
https://bit.ly/4aewD7G
Ben Hoppe (@hoppecurls) has more:
https://bit.ly/4aewD7G