Curling Players Association plans met with 'cautious optimism' from some top Canadian curlers

The organizer of a new curling players' association said the group's efforts have been generally well received by athletes since its executive group and plans were unveiled a month ago.

Rylan Hartley recently held a town hall session with curlers eager to hear about next steps from a group that lists Sweden's Niklas Edin as its interim president and Canadians Tyler Tardi and Emma Miskew among its leadership.

Over 60 athletes have signed an initial "letter of support," Hartley said, a number he thinks will rise significantly by the spring.

"Of course you're still going to have a couple of segmented groups from various places that are kind of on the fence with things," Hartley said. "I would say that there's more work to be done to get everyone sort of onside with this initiative.

"But I think the general response so far has been fairly positive."

However, many questions remain as the association makes baby steps. There is no vote date for board elections, specifics on bylaw plans haven't been unveiled and there's no word on financial outlay requirements.

"I just hope we're not putting the cart before the horse," said reigning Canadian men's champion Brad Gushue. "We want to make sure that when we put this together that it's put together the right way."

In addition, Hartley — who also runs a marketing agency — is a co-founder of a curling streaming service. And in his first news release, he listed himself as CEO of a new Players' Tour (for select non-major bonspiels).

When asked about the apparent conflict, Hartley said the association intentionally will be a not-for-profit organization, adding he's organizing the PA initiative for the betterment of curling to help move the sport forward.

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