Toronto, ON - TSN today announced its star-studded lineup for the second annual Casino Rama Curling Skins Game, in which reigning women's World champion, Jennifer Jones, will compete against reigning men's World champion Kevin Martin, and former World champs Glenn Howard and Randy Ferbey.

The Casino Rama Curling Skins Game takes place January 10 and 11, 2009 and will air live on TSN and TSN HD.

This marks the first time a woman's rink will compete against men's rinks in a TSN Skins game.

"Jennifer Jones captivated an entire nation this year with her outstanding performances at the Canadian and World championships. She is an extremely competitive curler and her talents and accomplishments could not be overlooked as an invitee for this year's Skins game," said Phil King, President, TSN. "Along with Martin, Howard and Ferbey, this year's competition is stronger than ever."

The four competing skips boast an impressive list of achievements consisting of a combined eight World championships and 12 Canadian titles.

The Casino Rama Curling Skins Game is coming off a highly successful inaugural season in 2007, whereby Martin defeated Wayne Middaugh to win the title and $61,000, bringing Martin's career TSN Skins winnings to $346,350 (all figures Cdn). The made-for-TV original TSN production is an annual all-Canadian event featuring four Canadian rinks competing for a total cash purse of $100,000 (Cdn). The event consists of two semifinals on Saturday, Jan. 10, with the winners advancing to the final on Sunday, Jan. 11.

"The Skins game format rewards aggressive play and great execution. The four teams participating this year all utilize the perfect game plan for Skins and have made big shots en route to winning World titles. The only question now is which team can remain confident and perform these skills under immense pressure as the cash grows," said Linda Moore, TSN curling analyst for 19 years.

The Casino Rama Curling Skins Game uses a single-elimination format whereby anything can happen, as the winner is decided by total prize money and not total points.

Profiles

Kevin Martin (Alberta) - The two-time defending TSN Skins champion, Kevin Martin won his first World title last month (April 2008). His impressive resume includes three Canadian championships (2008, 1997, 1991) and a silver medal at the Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Throughout his career, Martin has won four TSN Skins titles (2007, 2004, 1998 and 1997).

Jennifer Jones (Manitoba) - Jennifer Jones is coming off of her most successful year ever, with her first career World title (April 2008) and her second Canadian championship (2008, 2005). This marks the second time Jones will be competing in a TSN Skins event, the first being in the 2001 TSN Women's Skins, in which she lost in the semifinals to Kelly Law.

Glenn Howard (Ontario) - Glenn Howard claimed his third Canadian championship last year and went on to win his third career World title (2007, 1993, 1987). Howard is no stranger to the TSN Skins game, having won the event in 2001, with career Skins earnings of more than $80,000.

Randy Ferbey (Alberta) - Randy Ferbey has won three World championships as a skip (2005, 2003, 2002) and four Canadian titles (2005, 2003, 2002 and 2001) throughout his distinguished career. Ferbey took home the 2002 TSN Skins title, earning $79,500 in winnings.

Rules of Play and Prizing

Each game consists of eight ends, with a skin won by i) taking two or more points when holding last rock, or ii) stealing the end. All money not won in an end will be carried over to the next end. If the money at stake in the eighth end is not won, each team plays one draw to the house, with the team whose stone is closest to the button declared the winner of the end/money.

Prior to the start of the event, each player delivers one shot to the tee. Each rock is then measured and the team's accumulated total distance from the button determines the teams' rankings. The team closest to the button receives the highest ranking, and wins a bonus of $1,000. In each game, the higher ranking team has the choice of either last rock in the first end or stones.

Game winners are determined by total prize money won. A $15,000 bonus is awarded to the overall winner of the tournament. The monetary prize breakdown is as follows:

Draw to the Button Bonus = $1,000
Tournament Winner Bonus = $15,000
Total Prize Money = $100,000

The Casino Rama Curling Skins Game operates under a modified set of rules by the Canadian Curling Association (CCA).

Beginning in 2008/09, TSN will be the exclusive Canadian home of all Season of Champions curling events. The deal between the network and the Canadian Curling Association runs through the 2013/14 season, and includes the semifinals and finals, as well as morning, afternoon and evening draws.