First real game for Martin April 17, 2008 Kevin Martin had an easy night last night at the Players' Championship. His scheduled opponent, Martin Ferland, had his flight delayed and couldn't make it to St. John's in time for his fist draw. This resulted in a forfeit, advancing Martin to the next game. But Martin still gave the crowd a show, as his team took to the ice to play a scrimmage against a team made up of a couple of local junior curlers and Jamie Korab of the 2006 Olympic gold medal team. But Thursday, Martin took to the ice for his first real game of the tournament. His opponent this time was Greg McCaulay of Richmond, B.C., who won an upset over crowd-favorite Brad Gushue.

Photo by Brent Hayden

Martin got the first point in this one, scoring one point in the first end. Keeping the offense going, Team Martin managed to steal another point in the second despite some excellent shot making by McAulay.

The McAulay team got on the board in the third end, where they scored a single point to make the game 2-1. But Martin answered right back to regain a two-point lead by picking up a single.

McAulay would pick up another single point in the fifth end, giving Martin the hammer in the seventh. And with that hammer, Martin dealt a crushing blow. A massive four-ender put Martin ahead 7-2, and McAulay decided that was enough.

The win improves Martin to 2-0, while McAulay suffers his first loss of the week, dropping to 1-1.