THUNDER BAY – SPORTS – Team Brad Gushue of St. John’s, N.L., and Team Kerri Einarson of Gimli, Man., are set to wear the Maple Leaf once again at the prestigious 2023 Pan Continental Curling Championships. The championship is scheduled to take place at the iconic Kelowna Curling Club in British Columbia from October 29 to November 4.
Battle for World Championship Berths
The Pan Continental Curling Championships will be the battleground where nations from the Americas, Asia, and Pacific regions compete for the coveted berths at the 2024 world women’s and men’s curling championships. The top five finishers in Kelowna will secure their spots, except for countries hosting a world championship, whose berths are already secured.
For Team Einarson, this competition holds special significance. Skip Kerri Einarson, along with her dedicated team, must maintain their standing within the A Division to provide Canada with a chance to earn a berth in the 2025 World Women’s Championship outside of Canada.
Canadian Pride and Nostalgia in Kelowna
Both teams, led by Einarson and Gushue, achieved significant victories at the inaugural Pan Continental Curling Championships in Calgary. Team Gushue brought home Canada’s historic gold medal, while Team Einarson clinched the bronze medal, securing Canada’s place at the world women’s event.
For Gushue and his vice-skip Mark Nichols, Kelowna holds a special place in their curling journey. The duo, who later became Olympic gold medalists, competed at the same venue during the 1999 Canadian Juniors, earning bronze in an intense semifinal match against Ontario’s John Morris.
Road to World Championships
While both teams are vying to maintain Canada’s standing and earn coveted spots at the upcoming world championships, their journey doesn’t end in Kelowna. The honour of representing Canada at the 2024 world championships must be earned by triumphing at the 2024 Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Calgary and the 2024 Montana’s Brier in Regina, where both teams are defending champions.
International Competition Beckons
Kelowna will witness intense battles as men’s teams from Australia, Chinese Taipei, Guyana, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States compete. The women’s event will feature skilled teams from Australia, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United States.
For fans eager to witness this exhilarating showdown, event details and ticket information can be found on the host committee’s website. Stay tuned for more updates as broadcast details and other pertinent information will be announced at a later date. Curling enthusiasts, mark your calendars – the ice is set, and the competition promises to be nothing short of spectacular!
