Glenn Howard, iconic Canadian curler, announces retirement
One of the nation's most beloved and decorated curlers, Glenn Howard, officially announced his retirement on Tuesday.
The decision marks the end of an illustrious career spanning decades.
"I bet you didn't think this day would ever come," Howard posted on X (formerly Twitter), along with a statement announcing his official farewell to the competitive sport.
Howard says issues with his knee have led him to what has been a difficult decision.
"My mind still wants to play. I want to be out on the ice, that's where I feel I belong. I love to compete. I love to play obviously with my son but the body's saying I think it's time," Howard said to CTV News.
The 61-year-old said he wanted to finish his career playing alongside his son, Scott. The duo has played side-by-side for eight years.
Glenn Howard and his son Scott (CTV Barrie)
Howard's legacy in Canadian curling is nothing short of legendary.
Hailing from Penetanguishene, Ont., he made his mark on the sport with a remarkable list of accomplishments, including multiple world and provincial championships, plus four Briers. He has played more Briers than any other curler.
"It's not an individual sport. You need three other guys with you to be able to get to the highest levels and some of the guys I've played with have just been amazing and we're still friends today," said Howard. "I can say that everybody I've curled with we are still friends and I'm really proud of that."
Beyond his impressive trophy cabinet, Howard was revered for his sportsmanship, leadership, and dedication to the game.
"It's turned me into a better human," said Howard. "My dad was a big believer you had to learn how to lose before you could learn how to win and I learned that early on and I realized that winning isn't everything. It's a lot of fun but you have to take it graciously."
In 2013, he was inducted into the Penetanguishene Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2022, Tiny Township, where he now calls home, named a street after him, Glenn Howard Court at Overhead Bridge Road.
Glenn Howard (R) stands with his 97-year-old mother at a street naming ceremony in his honour in Tiny Township, Ont., on Wed., Oct. 6, 2021, with a street naming ceremony. (CTV News)
"While I am sad that this journey and my curling story is coming to an end, I am hopeful that I will keep my hand in the best sport in the world in some way, shape or form. I look forward to the future and what it will bring for both myself and the sport of curling," Howard signed off.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Baby, grandparents among 4 people killed in wrong-way police chase on Ontario's Hwy. 401
A police chase which started with a liquor store robbery in Bowmanville Monday night ended in tragedy some 20 minutes later when a suspect fleeing police entered Highway 401 in the wrong direction and caused a pileup which killed an infant and the child's grandparents, as well as the suspect, investigators say.
McGill requests 'police assistance' over pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University says it has 'requested police assistance' about the pro-Palestinian encampment on its lower field.
Freeland tables motion previewing omnibus budget bill
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling yet another omnibus bill to pass the sweeping range of measures promised in her April 16 federal budget.
Judge holds Trump in contempt, fines him US$9,000 and raises threat of jail in hush money trial
Donald Trump was held in contempt of court Tuesday and fined US$9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to his New York hush money case. If he does it again, the judge warned, he could be jailed.
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Court upholds Milwaukee police officer's firing for posting racist memes after Sterling Brown arrest
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a former Milwaukee police officer was properly fired for posting racist memes related to the arrest of an NBA player that triggered a public outcry.
New cancer treatment approved, but not everyone thinks it's what's best for patients
A new cancer treatment recently approved in Canada promises to cut treatment time down to just minutes, but experts have differing opinions on whether it's what's best for patients.
T. rex is at the centre of a debate over dinosaur intelligence
Surmising even the physical appearance of a dinosaur - or any extinct animal - based on its fossils is a tricky proposition, with so many uncertainties involved. Assessing a dinosaur's intelligence, considering the innumerable factors contributing to that trait, is exponentially more difficult.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.