Oh Baby! Gushue has a friend in Cole, who also skipped for Newfoundland at Brier
ST. JOHN’S, N.L. — Hockey isn’t the only winter sport close to Bob Cole’s heart.
Cole was an elite curler before his hockey broadcasting career took off in the 1970s. He represented Newfoundland at the national men’s curling championship on two occasions and played a role in helping St. John’s land the 2017 edition of the Tim Hortons Brier.
St. John’s skip Brad Gushue was also involved in the city’s successful bid to land the event. He got some help from Cole, a longtime friend, who lent his voice to some promotional material.
Cole always kept an eye on the sport even after he stepped back from competitive curling. When the NHL lockout wiped out the 2004-05 season, Cole would often head over to the local curling club and watch Gushue, then coming into his own as an elite skip.