An opportunity to compete at the 2013 Tim Hortons BC Juvenile Curling Championships in Prince George on March 7-10 didn’t produce any medals for a South Cariboo team, but the experience was worth its weight in gold.
The battle for the provincial title featured the top 8 juvenile boys’ teams in British Columbia and the Habkirk Rink from Coquitlam Curling Club earned the title.
The Nielsen Rink from 100 Mile Curling Club, with skip Mathew Nielsen, third Ethan Sikiric, second Christian Taylor and alternating leads Michael Nielsen and Chance Bourassa lost all three of its games, to finish near the bottom, but got on the scoreboard in each game.
This was the first year in the skip position for Mathew, and the team’s members were among the youngest competitors at the tournament. Coach Maxine Todhunter notes inexperience was the team’s greatest obstacle and she anticipates a good future for the boys.
“They were at the bottom of their age level and the rest of the kids were at the top.”
Todhunter says she was pleased to just see them gain points.
“They were nervous and that had a lot to do with missed shots. They didn’t give up.
“They really hang in there and do their best. They’re not quitters.
“We definitely found things we have to work on. We’re still working on our sweeping and communication.”
The team now has its focus set on qualifying for the 2015 Canada Winter Games, says Todhunter.
“They want to work hard to at least get into the bonspiel for the Winter Games. A year makes a big difference.”
She adds going to provincials was expensive and it would have been difficult without donations from other club members.
“We have to thank the curlers and all of the others who donated to help the kids go. They really came together and supported the team.”
