Robert LaBonte

This article is about American curler. For American car racer, see Bobby Labonte.
Robert LaBonte
Curler
 ♂
Team
Curling clubGrafton CC, Grafton, ND
Curling career
Member Association United States
World Championship
appearances		1 (1972)
Medal record
Curling
World Championships
Silver medal – second place 1972 Garmisch-Partenkirchen
United States Men's Championship
Gold medal – first place 1972 Wilmette

Robert "Bob" LaBonte (born c. 1950) is an American curler, a 1972 World Men's silver medallist[1] and a 1972 United States men's curling champion. He currently lives in Minot, North Dakota and is employed as a stock broker.[2]

He is best known for the "Curse of LaBonte" - one of the most famous curses in curling history. It was caused by an incident at the finals against Canada at the 1972 world men's curling championship, the 1972 Air Canada Silver Broom in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany.[3] After the last shot of the 10th end came to rest, it appeared as though they had won, and LaBonte leaped in the air to celebrate, but upon his descent he burned (touched) a Canadian stone. The stone was replaced and was found to be closer, giving Canada the point and forcing the game to an extra end, where Canada scored again, winning the match. Canada did not win another World Championship until 1980, and were said to have been "cursed".

Personal life

LaBonte attended the University of North Dakota.[4]

Teams

Season Skip Third Second Lead Events
1971–72 Robert LaBonte Frank Aasand John Aasand Ray Morgan USMCC 1972 1st place, gold medalist(s)
WCC 1972 2nd place, silver medalist(s)

References

  1. ^ Robert LaBonte at World Curling Edit this at Wikidata
  2. ^ "Broom at the Top Baby, it's cold outside, so North Dakotans like to curl up with a good CURLING tournament".
  3. ^ The Curling News - Labonte Curse on YouTube
  4. ^ "'72 Grafton curling team's lost victory still shapes the lives of its members". Grand Forks Herald. April 1, 2008.


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