Another Saskatchewan curling team will be representing Canada on the world curling stage.
The Amber Holland team out of the Kronau Curling Club won the Scotties Tournament of Hearts on February 27 in a game that kept fans and family on the edge of their seats. Holland and her team-mates, third Kim Schneider, second Tammy Schneider and lead Heather Kalenchuk, will now head to the World Women's Championship in Esbjerg, Denmark, March 19 to 27.
"Congratulations to the Amber Holland curling team," Premier Brad Wall said. "Your solid play, steady, calm approach to the games and the way you carried yourselves on and off the ice adds to the pride we have in you and your accomplishment. I also want to congratulate Ms. Holland for receiving the Sandra Schmirler MVP Award. You and your team have made curling history and I am sure you will be great Canadian representatives at the Worlds."
The Holland team was in a tough position after the games' first end when Team Canada, skipped by Jennifer Jones, jumped ahead with a 3-0 score. However, in true Saskatchewan style, the Holland foursome put on a display of gutsy curling that lead to a tie in the last end. Holland tucked her last rock on the button - behind cover. Jones' double-raise take-out rolled a bit too far, leaving Saskatchewan with the winning point.
The Holland team win is the first Saskatchewan Tournament of Heart's title since the late Sandra Schmirler and her team won in 1997.
Saskatchewan now has three curling teams representing Canada on the world stage. The Trish Paulsen foursome of Saskatoon will carry Canada's flag at the World Junior Women's Championships and the Braeden Moskowy team of Regina will be representing Canada at the World Junior Men's Championships. Both competitions will be held in Perth, Scotland, March 5 to 13.
"We are proud of our curlers," Wall said. "Their commitment to our provincial sport and determination to succeed reflects what makes Saskatchewan such a great place to live."
The next national curling championship is the Brier which will be held in London, Ontario from March 5 to 13. The Pat Simmons Team of Regina, featuring former Weyburnite Brennen Jones, will represent Saskatchewan.
