MEDIA ALERT

U.S. MEN’S OLYMPIC CURLING TEAM SKIP JOHN SHUSTER VISITS THE SOUTHLAND PRIOR TO THE VANCOUVER GAMES SUNDAY, JANUARY 31-MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1

America’s Top Men’s Curler Visits Los Angeles for the First Time Offering Instruction and Signing Autographs at Hollywood Curling’s Learn-to-Curl Event Sunday, Jan. 31

Who: John Shuster, the Skip (Captain) of the 2010 U.S. Men’s Olympic Curling Team, is making a guest appearance at Sunday’s Hollywood Curling Club Open House/Learn to Curl session. Shuster will be providing instruction, greeting new curlers and explaining the fastest-growing game on ice.

What: Hollywood Curling’s Open House/Learn to Curl event allows anyone of any age to get out on the ice and learn the basics of the sport of curling.

Info: The Hollywood Curling Club will provide all equipment necessary. Participants should wear warm clothes, sturdy flat-soled shoes (sneakers), and come equipped with the willingness to have a lot of fun! Visit www.hollywoodcurling.org for more info or e-mail info@hollywoodcurling.org.

When: Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 6:15 p.m. to approximately 8:30 p.m.

Where: Valley Ice Center (8750 Van Nuys Blvd., Panorama City, CA 91402)

Cost: The cost for the public is $10 per person or $30 for a group of 4. MEDIA ARE FREE.

Media For outlets interested in covering the event or arranging interviews with John Shuster Contact: while he is in Los Angeles, contact Marissa Messier at (818) 209-1721. Media interested in covering the session or needing more information, please RSVP to Marissa or email marissa@hollywoodcurling.org.

JOHN SHUSTER BIO INFO

Age: 26 Position: Skip Hometown: Duluth, MN Nickname: Shoostie

Home Club: Duluth Curling Club Years Curling: 12 Curls: Right-handed

How He Got Started: Sunday night Jr. Curling Program (in Chisholm) when he realized he wasn’t going to be a basketball player.

Career Highlights: 2006 Olympic Bronze Medalist, 2010 Olympic Trials Champion, 2007 World University Games Gold Medalist, 4-Time Men’s National Champion, 2004 Jr. Men’s National Champion.

Curling Achievements: Olympic Winter Games: 2006 (bronze); U.S. Olympic Team Trials: 2009 (champion), 2005 (champion), U.S. National Championships: 2009 (champion), 2008, 2007, 2006 (champion), 2005 (champion), 2004 (runner up), 2003 (champion); World Curling Championships: 2009 (5th), 2006 (4th), 2005 (6th), 2003 (8th); and World University Games: 2007 (gold)

Shuster takes command of the ice, the game and the team.