The MTS Center echoed with the crash of rocks and shouts of skips as Roar of the Rings sweept into Winnipeg on Sunday. Although the crowd cheered for the top curlers in the country, much of the attention was on a certain burgundy-coloured anchorman.

Ron Burgundy (aka. American comedian Will Ferrell) is in Winnipeg to cover the tournament as part of TSN’s team. This is Burgundy’s Canadian broadcasting debut.

The legendary fictional anchorman for Channel Four in San Diego praised Winnipeg. "The sights and the sounds and the smells, just fantastic," he said.

Burgundy’s appearance was a delight to curling fans. "I came 905 km, all the way from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan," said Blair Farthing.

"There was absolutely nothing that would keep me away from attending this event today," said Jane Puchniak.

Many fans showed their support with signs and costumes depicting phrases and characters from Burgundy's “Anchorman” movies.

"He's a big celebrity. It's good to have him here and it's great that he came out," said one man dressed as Burgundy.

After a quick lesson, Burgundy tried his hand at curling, with surprisingly decent results. "That was a damn good throw," said Burgundy. "It was awesome. Yeah, damn good throw."

The antics continued all afternoon. At one point, Burgundy borrowed a kilt from the Winnipeg police pipe band.

"I don't believe I've ever seen a man dressed as finely as one Mr. Ron Burgundy," said Puchniak.

Hometown heroes

Eight of the country's top men's and women's rinks are competing in the event, and the pressure is intense. The men’s teams held their final practice on Saturday. As the Canadian Olympic curling trials, the tournament is arguably the toughest bonspiel in the world.

“A couple of sleeps have been a bit different, maybe a little bit anxious, a lot of excitement. Just want to get this thing going,” said Winnipeg skip Mike McEwen.

Normally a local rink would have an advantage, but Jeff Stoughton says momentum will be determined end by end. “Someone was asking, do you need to get off to a good star, and of course you do,” said Stoughton.

“After four games, you’re pretty much gonna know how you’re doing and how you’re feeling.”

“I think the last five, six days have really cemented some things that I really like to see in my team and I think we’ve got a good vibe going in,” said McEwen. “I think we’re ready.”

McEwen and Jeff Stoughton aren't the only Manitoban men chasing the flame this week. Ryan Fry of team Jacobs and Koe lead Nolan Thiessen will also have large cheering sections.  

“It’s nice to have lots of friends and family in the stands,” said Thiessen. “I moved in ’04, so it’s been a while, and I don’t get to see my family as much as I’d like to, but they’re still going to be here cheering me on.”

Big day for curling

The magnitude of The Roar of the Rings is a testament to the evolution of the game. Glenn Howard says, win or lose, the sport of curling is the real winner this week.

“I think it’s great,” he said. “The game’s getting better. The conditions we’re playing on are getting better all the time. The players are by far better than they’ve ever been, and I think the game is in a good place right now."

Even the most expert of experts say there really is no clear-cut favorite. “It’s gotta be one of the best ever,” said former world champion Howard.

“I really believe it. The only team that isn’t here is Brad Gushue. In my estimation, it’s the top eight or nine in the country. It’s, again, probably the best field I’ve ever been up against.”

- With a report by Kevin Olszewski