The opening night of the Canadian Women’s Curling Championship saw travel delays, illness, and gritty performances as teams battled for early victories in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
B.C.’s Corryn Brown, nearly six months pregnant, overcame a late arrival to defeat Alberta’s Selena Sturmay 11-4. Saskatchewan’s Nancy Martin, whose lead Deanna Doig also arrived late, secured a 10-6 win over Northern Ontario’s Krista McCarville.
Alberta’s Kayla Skrlik led a three-player rotation due to Geri-Lynn Ramsay’s illness, defeating New Brunswick’s Melissa Adams 8-4. Meanwhile, defending champion Rachel Homan cruised to a 13-4 victory over Prince Edward Island’s Jane DiCarlo.
Travel disruptions from snowstorms across southern Ontario delayed flights, forcing Brown and Martin to skip morning practices and prepare just hours before their games. Despite the fatigue, Brown credited her team’s focus and adaptability, while Martin praised her players’ aggressive play style and resilience.
Skrlik’s team, playing short-handed without Ramsay or alternate Crystal Rumberg, also showcased determination. Margot Flemming stepped up in strategy roles, and Ashton Flemming delivered key shots to support the team’s victory.
The 18-team championship is divided into two pools, with the top three teams from each advancing. The final winner on February 23 will represent Canada at the World Championship in Uijeongbu, South Korea, from March 15-23.
Source: Swifteradio.com
