Glenn Howard's new line-up looks to bust through at The National

“There’s nothing like winning," Glenn Howard says, over the phone. “If you win lots, its easier to have fun.”

If ever there's been a curling quote that covers the pin, that's the one. If winning isn't everything - or the only thing - it's certainly the enjoyable thing.

Howard has had an awful lot of fun over the course of his career. He's hoping to add to that fun this week, in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, as his revamped team tries to find the range and lift a trophy for the first time this season.

“We’re gelling," said the 52 year old skip, when asked to size up his rink's shot at this week's Grand Slam event, The National. "Everything’s in the right place," he continued. "It’s just a matter of making one or two more shots a game, at the right time, is really all it is. That fine line. If all of us do that, I love our chances.”

Like so many other curling teams this season, Team Howard is a work in progress. The great line-up quake of 2014 has meant a bit of unsteadiness for a large number of veterans, as they become acquainted with new team members.

For Howard, winner of eight straight Ontario championships before being derailed by Greg Balsdon last season, that unsteadiness has been eased by a familiar face and another that just seems to be blending in perfectly.

With three semi-final appearances in their first three events, Howard, vice Rich Hart, second Jon Mead and lead Craig Savill had high hopes for the season's first Grand Slam event, The Masters, three weeks ago. However, they took a step back in that one, failing to qualify for the playoffs after losing a tiebreaker to Brad Jacobs.

“Just a little disappointed with the last one, not qualifying," said Howard before adding - with a pronounced uptick in his voice -  "The good news is we actually played pretty darn good.”

Howard and Savill are the only holdovers from last year's team. With second Brent Laing leaving for Kevin Koe's Alberta team and vice Wayne Middaugh going into 'mostly retirement,' Jon Mead signed on to play third. But, when former Howard third Rich Hart offered to come out of retirement, Mead agreed to play second and the new line-up was set.

“He’s got the skill set for any position,” said Howard of Mead, adding that the former Jeff Stoughton vice brings other qualities aboard; qualities that are absolutely crucial to Howard.

"He’s an easy going guy, he’s funny. He doesn’t get too upset with himself. He’s a great guy to be around on and off the ice."

“His demeanor and personality (are) just perfect for Team Howard."

Mead is a superb upweight bomber and having that bailout ability at second should be a boon for Team Howard as it continues to find its identity.

Part of that identity is already in place.  “It came back right away,” said Hart of his curling chemistry with Howard. After three years off the ice, Hart has rejoined the skipper he played with between 2000 and 2011, winning 6 Ontarios, a Brier and Worlds as well as 8 Grand Slams. He's regaining his form - "I feel like it’s come back quickly,” he said of his shooting -  and feeling rejuvenated.

"I’ve never seen him so excited, said Howard. "That just gets me going as well."

Early on in the season, it was apparent to Hart that the curling life still suited him. He got caught cursing a blue streak at the very first event of the year. Even though it wasn't televised, it was live-streamed on the internet.

“I got a message from my wife saying ‘well, you certainly haven’t lost your competitiveness,’" chuckled Hart, adding that it was a clear signal that being back on ice was right for him. “That feeling that curling gives me... she recognized it and I certainly have, this first couple of months of the season. It’s great to have that back in my life.”

Balancing work, family and game is a tricky bit of business. Hart has stepped back from his work life for the season, saying it allows him to give ample time to both his family and the sport. Howard has adjusted his work life, too. “I’ve got a few little changes at work that have enabled me to spend a little more time curling as well," he said. "That’s been wonderful."

At 52 years of age, Howard doesn't know if an Olympic run is in him, nor does it seem to be something for which he feels he needs an answer right now. “I still get giddy when I get on an airplane with my guys and travel to wherever we’re going to play," he said.

That suggests the end is not near.

With Hart, Mead and Savill around, Howard continues to have a ball. Balancing joy and the serious work of staying competitive is a task that appears to have been embraced by his teammates. Hart, for one, buys in although he notes that it is a difficult balancing act these days.

“I think our team is trying to find a real blend where we can still push ourselves, but mix in a little bit of fun and some good food and some good drink and some good laughs along the way. But it’s hard. I mean these top teams they’re full on, competitive mode, 24/7, and that’s what we’re trying to keep up with," he said.

“We love to be around each other," says Howard. "We don’t get sick of each other. We just have a ton of fun while we’re out there."

Then, he returns to the central theme. "That being said, winning does help that."

It is something with which Hart agrees, when asked to issue a report card on the new Team Howard's first four bonspiel battles; battles that have seen them post a won/loss record of 18 and 9 this season.

“Good results but we want to win events," he replies. "Not (merely) do well in events.”

“We’re ready to take home a championship,” he adds.

Because that's when the fun really begins.