The TSN Skins Game is an innovative, made-for-television event that was developed at a time when curling was suffering from plenty of low-scoring, defensive play that left audiences snoring. It not only became one of the most popular curling events for viewers, but also one of the most lucrative for curlers. A few notes about the skins:
• The idea for the format was developed by Jim Thompson, then vice-president of TSN, and entrepreneur Doug Maxwell. They decided to break all the rules in building a new event that would sell to television audiences.
• The event has been held in all ten provinces as well as the Yukon.
• McCain Foods sponsored the tournament from 1989 to 2004, then it went dormant until 2007, when it was revived and held at Ontario’s Casino Rama.
• The highest payout for a single skins game came in 2004 when Kevin Martin earned $100,500.
• Wayne Middaugh has been a member of seven winning teams and has earned a total of $365,750 in his skins game appearances.
• A women’s version of the skins game was held for eight years but dropped in 2003.
