For the first time in four decades, curling legend Glenn Howard's focus has fully shifted to coaching duties instead of his playing performance.
That doesn't make it any easier when the four-time world champion walks into an arena.
"I still want to play, I don't know if that's ever going to go away," said Howard. "The game is in my blood and I want to play all the time. But I know it's time with the old knee."
Howard announced his retirement last spring, ending a remarkable playing career that included four national titles and 14 Grand Slam of Curling crowns.
He battled knee issues in recent years before formally handing the skipping reins to son Scott, who threw fourth stones at times last season when his father was on the shelf.
The elder Howard first got into coaching in 2016 with Eve Muirhead's team in Scotland. He worked with Team Jennifer Jones over the last two years.
This season, he's splitting coaching duties between his son's Ontario squad and Jones's former team now skipped by Chelsea Carey.
"He's truly passionate about the game," Carey said in a recent interview. "He's very honest and he's straightforward but in a productive way as far as giving feedback.
"It's to the point and it's not sugar-coated, but it's positive and it's constructive feedback. So he's been fantastic. He's a great asset for us."
Howard guided the Jones team to the national final last season. The Winnipeg-based side finished second to Scotties champion Rachel Homan in the Canadian rankings.
Carey did get occasional ice time with third Karlee Burgess, second Emily Zacharias and lead Lauren Lenentine as a substitute last season before joining the team in April.
They've had mixed results so far but can breathe a little easier knowing they
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