Stoughton to prepare Canada’s mixed doubles curlers for Olympics

WINNIPEG — Jeff Stoughton couldn’t stay away from curling for too long.

RELATED: Jeff Stoughton calling it quits

The retired three-time Brier and two-time world champion was named Curling Canada’s mixed doubles program manager on Tuesday. Stoughton will be responsible for preparing curlers for mixed doubles debut at the 2018 Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.

“We have a great national team program for the men and ladies but there isn’t one available yet for the mixed doubles,” said Stoughton. “That’s what I’m going to be spearheading. Trying to put a really good program together to come up with strategy, training, mental, everything that could be involved with this different game.”

Stoughton has been working with coaches and players throughout the summer. He’ll also be involved in the inaugural Canad Inns Mixed Doubles Classic in Portage la Prairie from October 20 to 21.

Mixed doubles curling features teams of two consisting of one man and one woman. Five rocks are thrown by each pair instead of the traditional eight.

“It’s very fast, it’s very quick,” said Stoughton. “You have to be on your toes the whole time. There’s only two of you out there so the feedback has to be quick and concise.”

Stoughton stepped away from curling at the end of last season at the age of 51. The Winnipegger won a record eleven provincial championships during his 25 year career.