In Saturday evenings tiebreaker, Jordan Steinke of Dawson Creek grabbed three points heading into the 5th end break and never looked back. Steinke led 4-3 at the point, and after forcing Smith to a lone single, kept the house clear, blanking until the final point was needed in the tenth end. Steinke won the game 5-4 and will face Dylan Gousseau in tomorrow mornings semi-final.
In women's action, Brittany Whittemore stole her way to a 4-0 lead and held on defeating Athena Sturmay 6-4. With the win, Whittemore advances to the semi-final and will face Edmonton's Keely Brown.
Awaiting the women's semi-final is Jocelyn Peterman of Red Deer who finished round-robin action in first place with a 6-1 record. Meanwhile, Brendan Bottcher of Edmonton is awaiting the winner of the men's semi-final due to his first place finish as result of a 7-0 record. The semi-final is scheduled for 9:00am and the championship-final scheduled for 2:00pm. The winner will represent Alberta at the 2012 M&M Meat Shops Canadian Juniors.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Tiebreakers are set at the Alberta Subway Juniors
Brittany Whittemore of Edmonton came out of the gates strong Saturday morning defeating the Missikewitz rink 9-4 to guarentee herself at least a tiebreaker. Later, Athena Sturmay clipped Megan Orr 4-3 to earn her rink at least a tiebreaker as well. Keely Brown suffered a loss from Stephanie Powell 12-7 dropping Brown to the same 4-3 record as Whittemore and Sturmay. However, Brown has defeated both Whittemore and Sturmay in round-robin action and as a result, earns a bye through the tiebreaker to the semi-final this evening. Whittemore will face Sturmay in the tiebreaker.
In men's action during the final round robin draw, Steinke kept the momentum rolling as his Dawson Creek based rink edged Dylan Webster of Sundre 6-4. The win improved Steinke's record to 4-3. Dylan Gousseau required an extra end to get past Kyler Kleibrink to improve his record to 4-3 as well. Scott Smith rallied late to tie the game and stole the win from Shane Parcels in an extra end to improve his record to 4-3 also. The final round robin draw saw Brendan Bottcher continue his perfection defeating Brett Vavrek 7-5. Vavrek's loss dropped him to 3-4 which is not enough for a tiebreaker.
During round robin, Dylan Gousseau's rink, from the Saville Sports Centre, defeated both Jordan Steinke and Scott Smith and through virtue earns placement in the men's semi-final. Steinke and Smith will play each other in the men's tiebreaker held this afternoon at 1:30pm. Both semi-finals will take place this evening at 7:00pm. The provincial championship-final is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm.
Correction: Tiebreaker is scheduled for 7:00pm tonight and the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday morning at 9:00am.
In men's action during the final round robin draw, Steinke kept the momentum rolling as his Dawson Creek based rink edged Dylan Webster of Sundre 6-4. The win improved Steinke's record to 4-3. Dylan Gousseau required an extra end to get past Kyler Kleibrink to improve his record to 4-3 as well. Scott Smith rallied late to tie the game and stole the win from Shane Parcels in an extra end to improve his record to 4-3 also. The final round robin draw saw Brendan Bottcher continue his perfection defeating Brett Vavrek 7-5. Vavrek's loss dropped him to 3-4 which is not enough for a tiebreaker.
During round robin, Dylan Gousseau's rink, from the Saville Sports Centre, defeated both Jordan Steinke and Scott Smith and through virtue earns placement in the men's semi-final. Steinke and Smith will play each other in the men's tiebreaker held this afternoon at 1:30pm. Both semi-finals will take place this evening at 7:00pm. The provincial championship-final is scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 2:00pm.
Correction: Tiebreaker is scheduled for 7:00pm tonight and the semi-finals scheduled for Sunday morning at 9:00am.
Bottcher and Peterman earn bye through to Sunday's Provincial Final
Brendan Bottcher and his Edmonton based rink playing out of the Saville Sports Centre knew that if he could grab just one more round-robin win, he would secure him self a bye straight through to Sunday's final. In draw 6, Bottcher had his toughest game where his early duece proved to be enough where teams otherwise traded singles in a game against Dylan Webster. Bottcher's record remains undefeated at 6-0 and no other team will be able to match him since the closest team already has a three-loss record. In fact, there are five teams with 3-3 records heading into the final round-robin draw, all tied for second place.
Jordan Steinke kept his playoff hopes realistic by obtaining a 10-5 win over Sexsmith's Brett Vavrek friday evening. Elsewhere, Scott Smith of Calgary beat Kyler Kleibrink 7-4 and Dylan Gousseau clipped Shane Parcels 10-5 leaving Parcels with slim tiebreaker hopes. For Parcels to make a tiebreaker, he must win his final round-robin game and require Bottcher and Kleibrink to pick up wins which would then create a 4-way tie for the third and final playoff spot. In other games, Webster and Steinke control their own destiny as they match off Saturday morning. The winner guarantees themselves at least a tiebreaker, pending other results.
Jocelyn Peterman proved to the crowd that her experience is enough to earn her a bye straight through to Sunday's provincial final as well. On Friday, Peterman picked up wins against both Brittany Whittemore and Keely Brown to improve her record to 5-1. Also, in Friday evenings draw, both Athena Sturmay and Megan Orr made their playoff hopes realistic as Sturmay defeated Brittany Whittemore 11-6 and Orr defeated Courtney Missikewitz 10-4 to create a log-jam of teams tied for the final playoff position. All tied teams tied for the third playoff spot with 3-3 records play each other Saturday morning and a win will secure at themselves at least a tiebreaker.
The other game Friday evening saw Kellie Henricks of Grande Prarie pick up her first win against Peace rival Stephanie Powell, eliminating Powell from the playoff picture. The final round-robin draw goes Saturday morning at 9:00am where in both fields, a 4-3 record will guarantee at least a tiebreaker.
Jordan Steinke kept his playoff hopes realistic by obtaining a 10-5 win over Sexsmith's Brett Vavrek friday evening. Elsewhere, Scott Smith of Calgary beat Kyler Kleibrink 7-4 and Dylan Gousseau clipped Shane Parcels 10-5 leaving Parcels with slim tiebreaker hopes. For Parcels to make a tiebreaker, he must win his final round-robin game and require Bottcher and Kleibrink to pick up wins which would then create a 4-way tie for the third and final playoff spot. In other games, Webster and Steinke control their own destiny as they match off Saturday morning. The winner guarantees themselves at least a tiebreaker, pending other results.
Jocelyn Peterman proved to the crowd that her experience is enough to earn her a bye straight through to Sunday's provincial final as well. On Friday, Peterman picked up wins against both Brittany Whittemore and Keely Brown to improve her record to 5-1. Also, in Friday evenings draw, both Athena Sturmay and Megan Orr made their playoff hopes realistic as Sturmay defeated Brittany Whittemore 11-6 and Orr defeated Courtney Missikewitz 10-4 to create a log-jam of teams tied for the final playoff position. All tied teams tied for the third playoff spot with 3-3 records play each other Saturday morning and a win will secure at themselves at least a tiebreaker.
The other game Friday evening saw Kellie Henricks of Grande Prarie pick up her first win against Peace rival Stephanie Powell, eliminating Powell from the playoff picture. The final round-robin draw goes Saturday morning at 9:00am where in both fields, a 4-3 record will guarantee at least a tiebreaker.
Friday 13 January 2012
Peterman and Brown on top of standings in Medicine Hat
Following Friday afternoon's draw, Jocelyn Peterman of Red Deer and Keely Brown of Edmonton remain on top of the leader board in the women's field. Peterman rallied from an early 4-0 Whittemore deficit to cut the lead to 5-3 at the fifth end break. Later, Peterman scored a five-spot in the 8th to set her ahead and edged Whittemore 9-8 blanking the final end. Keely Brown added one more to the win column after doubling up Athena Sturmay 6-3. In other action, Courtney Missikewitz got a crucial victory to improve her record to 3-2 by defeating Kellie Henricks 7-5 and sits tied for the third and final playoff spot. Stephanie Powell stole her second win of the event by clipping Megan Orr 7-6 in an extra end.
Currently, Peterman and Brown sit on top of the standings with 4-1 records who play each other in tonights draw. Megan Orr can get her team back into the thick of things by grabbing a win when she squares off against Coutney Missikewitz and the same goes for Athena Sturmay who will face Brittany Whittemore.
In Friday afternoon's draw, Brendan Bottcher of Edmonton kept the ball rolling as he defeated Shane Parcels 5-3. Dylan Webster got a much needed win as well as he beat Dylan Gousseau in a quick six ends. Vavrek and company lost their second straight by the hands of Scott Smith to tie them with Webster for 2nd but Webster did defeat Vavrek last night and holds the tiebreaker. Jordan Steinke also got a much needed victory after dropping three straight as he crushed Kyler Kleibrink 9-2.
Presently, Bottcher remains undefeated at 5-0, Webster and Vavrek sit tied with 3-2 records and teams with 2-3 records (Parcels, Gousseau, Steinke, Smith) must win to keep their playoff hopes tonight. Tonight's round robin game is scheduled for 7:00pm and the final round robin game takes place Saturday morning at 9:00am.
Currently, Peterman and Brown sit on top of the standings with 4-1 records who play each other in tonights draw. Megan Orr can get her team back into the thick of things by grabbing a win when she squares off against Coutney Missikewitz and the same goes for Athena Sturmay who will face Brittany Whittemore.
In Friday afternoon's draw, Brendan Bottcher of Edmonton kept the ball rolling as he defeated Shane Parcels 5-3. Dylan Webster got a much needed win as well as he beat Dylan Gousseau in a quick six ends. Vavrek and company lost their second straight by the hands of Scott Smith to tie them with Webster for 2nd but Webster did defeat Vavrek last night and holds the tiebreaker. Jordan Steinke also got a much needed victory after dropping three straight as he crushed Kyler Kleibrink 9-2.
Presently, Bottcher remains undefeated at 5-0, Webster and Vavrek sit tied with 3-2 records and teams with 2-3 records (Parcels, Gousseau, Steinke, Smith) must win to keep their playoff hopes tonight. Tonight's round robin game is scheduled for 7:00pm and the final round robin game takes place Saturday morning at 9:00am.
Thursday 12 January 2012
Bottcher alone in first with undefeated record in Medicine Hat
Thursday night proved to be another easy-going outing for Bottcher as his rink remained in control for the most part to keep his undefeated streak alive. Brendan Bottcher got the better of Jordan Steinke defeating him 7-3 to improve his record to 4-0 and saw Steinke's record drop to 1-3.
Dylan Webster of Sundre clipped Brett Vavrek of Sexsmith in the evening draw as well to see Webster remain in a tie for the third and final playoff position. Also in the tie for third is Dylan Gousseau of Edmonton, who defeated Calgary's Scott Smith 8-3, and Edmonton's Shane Parcels who setback Kyler Kleibrink. Brendan Bottcher could face a run for his money as he has yet to play Parcels, Webster and Vavrek. Kleibrink and Smith and Steinke will likely need to win-out to force any form of a tie-breaker and potentially require help from other rinks before their playoff hopes slip away.
In women's action, playoffs look promising for Edmonton's Brittany Whittemore after rolling off three consecutive wins to remain in a tie for first place. Thursday evening, Whittemore edged Red Deer's Megan Orr 4-3 taking advantage of hammer in the tenth end. Jocelyn Peterman came out flying crushing Stephaine Powell's rink by a score of 10-3 to improve her record to 3-1. Also, Keely Brown defeated Kellie Henricks 11-2 to join Peterman and Whittemore in a three way tie for first place. The final round-robin game of draw four saw Courtney Missikewitz of Airdrie edge Athena Sturmay 8-6 to keep her playoff hopes alive. Missikewitz improved to 2-2 with the win and dropped Sturmay to 2-2 as well. Megan Orr is also tied with both rinks at 2-2.
Tomorrow, Jocelyn Peterman controls her own playoff destiny as she matches up against both Brittany Whittemore and Keely Brown. Wins against both rinks would secure first place and a bye straight through to Sunday's final. Athena Sturmay is in similar circumstances as a successful Friday against Brown and Whittemore could clarify her playoff or tiebreaker picture. Tomorrows draws take place at 1:00pm and 7:00pm at the Medicine Hat Curling Club.
Dylan Webster of Sundre clipped Brett Vavrek of Sexsmith in the evening draw as well to see Webster remain in a tie for the third and final playoff position. Also in the tie for third is Dylan Gousseau of Edmonton, who defeated Calgary's Scott Smith 8-3, and Edmonton's Shane Parcels who setback Kyler Kleibrink. Brendan Bottcher could face a run for his money as he has yet to play Parcels, Webster and Vavrek. Kleibrink and Smith and Steinke will likely need to win-out to force any form of a tie-breaker and potentially require help from other rinks before their playoff hopes slip away.
In women's action, playoffs look promising for Edmonton's Brittany Whittemore after rolling off three consecutive wins to remain in a tie for first place. Thursday evening, Whittemore edged Red Deer's Megan Orr 4-3 taking advantage of hammer in the tenth end. Jocelyn Peterman came out flying crushing Stephaine Powell's rink by a score of 10-3 to improve her record to 3-1. Also, Keely Brown defeated Kellie Henricks 11-2 to join Peterman and Whittemore in a three way tie for first place. The final round-robin game of draw four saw Courtney Missikewitz of Airdrie edge Athena Sturmay 8-6 to keep her playoff hopes alive. Missikewitz improved to 2-2 with the win and dropped Sturmay to 2-2 as well. Megan Orr is also tied with both rinks at 2-2.
Tomorrow, Jocelyn Peterman controls her own playoff destiny as she matches up against both Brittany Whittemore and Keely Brown. Wins against both rinks would secure first place and a bye straight through to Sunday's final. Athena Sturmay is in similar circumstances as a successful Friday against Brown and Whittemore could clarify her playoff or tiebreaker picture. Tomorrows draws take place at 1:00pm and 7:00pm at the Medicine Hat Curling Club.
It's a log-jam in Medicine Hat
After three draws at the 2012 Alberta Subway Junior Provincials standings and playoff pictures are clear as mud. In this afternoon's men's draw, Brendan Bottcher of Edmonton hammered Kleibrink 8-1 and Vavrek scored two three-spots to rally from a late 6-2 deficit to emerge victorious over Gousseau 8-7. In other men's scores, Shane Parcels stole a victory from Dylan Webster and Scott Smith beat Jordan Steinke 6-4. Bottcher and Vavrek remain undefeated at a perfect 3-0 record heading into this evenings draw with all remaining men's teams in a six way tie for the final playoff spot with 1-2 records.
Tonight, Dylan Webster will test Brett Vavrek's undefeated record and Jordan Steinke of Dawson Creek will test Bottcher's perfect record. As well, Gousseau matches up against Scott Smith and Shane Parcels will play Kleibrink.
On the women's side, it was a sister vs. sister matchup between the Brown family. Dacey Brown who plays third for Courtney Missikewitz had a 4-3 lead over her older sister Keely Brown after the fourth end. Then the tables turned where Keely scored in the fifth and sixth end 8-4 and never looked back defeating Missikewitz 9-7. As well, Jocelyn Peterman's undefeated record was on the line when she faced Athena Sturmay. Sturmay jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and went on to defeat Peterman by a score of 10-4 suffering her first loss of the event. also, Brittany Whittemore crushed Stephanie Powell 10-3 and Megan Orr edged Kellie Henricks 6-5. Brown, Orr, Peterman, Sturmay and Whittemore are all tied with 2-1 records for first place.
This evening, first place remains on the line where Brittany Whittemore faces Megan Orr. Peterman plays Powell, Sturmay faces Missikewitz, and Brown plays Henricks. Action continues this evening at the Medicine Hat Curling Club tonight at 7pm.
Tonight, Dylan Webster will test Brett Vavrek's undefeated record and Jordan Steinke of Dawson Creek will test Bottcher's perfect record. As well, Gousseau matches up against Scott Smith and Shane Parcels will play Kleibrink.
On the women's side, it was a sister vs. sister matchup between the Brown family. Dacey Brown who plays third for Courtney Missikewitz had a 4-3 lead over her older sister Keely Brown after the fourth end. Then the tables turned where Keely scored in the fifth and sixth end 8-4 and never looked back defeating Missikewitz 9-7. As well, Jocelyn Peterman's undefeated record was on the line when she faced Athena Sturmay. Sturmay jumped out to an early 3-0 lead and went on to defeat Peterman by a score of 10-4 suffering her first loss of the event. also, Brittany Whittemore crushed Stephanie Powell 10-3 and Megan Orr edged Kellie Henricks 6-5. Brown, Orr, Peterman, Sturmay and Whittemore are all tied with 2-1 records for first place.
This evening, first place remains on the line where Brittany Whittemore faces Megan Orr. Peterman plays Powell, Sturmay faces Missikewitz, and Brown plays Henricks. Action continues this evening at the Medicine Hat Curling Club tonight at 7pm.
Peterman out in front early
Jocelyn Peterman of Red Deer came into the 2012 Alberta Subway Juniors with some hefty experience. In fact, this is Peterman's 4th junior provincials where last year she lost the provincial final to Nadine Chyz. As well, Peterman won a juvenile women's provincial title and to top it all off, she claimed a silver medal last year at the Canada Winter Games. This year, Peterman has led her team off in the right direction once again knocking off both south teams on day #1. Peterman opened the day with a 10-7 win over Megan Orr, also of Red Deer and closed out with a strong 8-2 win over Courtney Missikewitz of Airdrie. Peterman looks to keep it rolling in day #2 where she will take on Athena Sturmay of Calmar and Stephanie Powell of Sexsmith.
Also from Sexsmith, is Team Vavrek skipped by Brett (Vavrek), brother Daylan, second Chad Krantz and lead Jordan Guenette. Vavrek build on their 1-0 record with a second win on the day over Shane Parcels of Edmonton. Both Peace teams got the better of Parcels on opening day where Vavrek scored seven unanswered points to defeat Parcels 9-2. Also undefeated in the mens division are the Bucholz brothers who play front end for Brendan Bottcher. Bottcher who lost last years semi-final to Scott Smith of Calgary was to much to handle as Bottcher won this match by a 9-4 score. Bottcher will play Kyler Kleibrink of Okotoks tomorrow afternoon with his undefeated record on the line where today, Kleibrink finished with a 1-1 win/loss record. Kleibrink was edged by Brett Vavrek and then proved to be too much for Dylan Webster of Sundre who upset the Southern Alberta A qualifier by a final score 7-3.
In the other men's game, Dylan Gousseau defeated Jordan Steinke 9-4, and on the women's side, Brittany Whittemore knocked off Kellie Henricks 11-5, Megan Orr clipped Keely Brown 7-6, and Stephanie Powell defeated Athena Sturmay 10-7. Round robin action continues with two draws both Thursday and Friday and a lone morning draw Saturday. If needed, tiebreakers will be played Saturday afternoon with the Semi Final slated for Saturday evening and the Championship Final Sunday afternoon.
Wednesday 11 January 2012
And they’re off…at the 2012 Alberta SUBWAY Junior Provincials
The 2012 edition of the Alberta Subway Junior Provincials got underway Wednesday in Medicine Hat as 8 men's teams and 8 women's teams playdown for the rights to represent Alberta at the 2012 M&M Meat Shops Canadian Juniors next month in Napanee, Ontario.
Round robin games are being played at the Medicine Hat Curling Club with the finals slated for Sunday afternoon where the winners will earn a trip to Napanee scheduled February 4 - 12, 2012.
In one of the opening games during the first draw Wednesday afternoon, Keely Brown's rink of the Saville Sports Centre in Edmonton rallied from a 3-2 deficit at the 5th end break to emerge victorious over Brittany Whittemore also of the Saville Centre by stealing multiple points in the seventh and ninth ends.
It is crucial for teams to get off to a strong start on Day #1 where in the women's field, Peterman edged Orr 10-7, and Missikewitz and Sturmay also picked up wins.
Brett Vavrek's rink of Sexsmith, Alberta stole a critical two points in the 6th end to break the 3-3 tie which proved to be enough as Vavrek squeaked by Kleibrink 5-4. In other action, Steinke, Bottcher, and Webster ended their matches early to begin the event with a 1-0 record.
Draw #2 goes this evening at 7:00pm.
Round robin games are being played at the Medicine Hat Curling Club with the finals slated for Sunday afternoon where the winners will earn a trip to Napanee scheduled February 4 - 12, 2012.
In one of the opening games during the first draw Wednesday afternoon, Keely Brown's rink of the Saville Sports Centre in Edmonton rallied from a 3-2 deficit at the 5th end break to emerge victorious over Brittany Whittemore also of the Saville Centre by stealing multiple points in the seventh and ninth ends.
It is crucial for teams to get off to a strong start on Day #1 where in the women's field, Peterman edged Orr 10-7, and Missikewitz and Sturmay also picked up wins.
Brett Vavrek's rink of Sexsmith, Alberta stole a critical two points in the 6th end to break the 3-3 tie which proved to be enough as Vavrek squeaked by Kleibrink 5-4. In other action, Steinke, Bottcher, and Webster ended their matches early to begin the event with a 1-0 record.
Draw #2 goes this evening at 7:00pm.
Tuesday 10 January 2012
2012 Alberta Junior Women's Provincials Preview
The 2012 Alberta Junior Women's Provincials have a strong field of play, yet this could have been stronger if NACA had 5 berths. In December, both Taylore Theroux and Kelsey Rocque failed to qualify, both favourites along side Brittany Whittemore and Keely Brown.
The race to 1st place on the Women's side won't be quickly determined either. In fact, it is likely to see a logjam on top of the leader board with 4 or 5 teams fighting for a tiebreaker position. That being said, Peterman, Orr, Brown, and Whittemore are among favourites this week to be crowned provincial champion and earn a trip to Napanee, Ontario.
SACA-A (Peterman) - Jocelyn Peterman is a fierce competitor who currently leads the women's division of the AJCT with an impressive win in Lloydminster. Peterman qualified in all of her other events but was exited by Bottcher and Webster who won Calgary and Red Deer respectively. Peterman brings ample experience to the table this time with high hopes of representing Alberta come February and opens the event up against Orr and Missikewitz both of the south.
SACA-B (Orr) - Megan Orr is also a veteran and hopes third Heather Rogers can provide additional experience to the table. Back in 2009, Rogers won the Juniors with Maria Bushell at the reigns. This season on the tour, Orr qualified in three of four events and will hopes to do the same in the playoff race here in Medicine Hat. Orr opens the event against Peterman and Brown, two crucial games which could determine tiebreakers at the end of the week.
NACA-A (Brown) - This is Keely Brown's first trip to the Juniors but that doesn't mean Brown doesn't have an extensive resume. Brown won Alberta Winter Games in 2008 and 2010 which was followed by a heartbreaking loss last season in the Juvenile Women's final to Kelsey Rocque. This season on the AJCT, Brown qualified in three of four events and opens up provincials against Whittemore and Orr.
NACA-B (Whittemore) - Brittany Whittemore has been knocking at the door for years now and hopes that this season is the dream come true. Whittemore acquired coach Kyle Reynolds, a world junior champion, and has shown strength at Junior events since. This season, Whittemore lost the final in Leduc and qualified in two other events this season. Whittemore is up against Brown and Henricks tomorrow to open the tournament.
Other rinks with young talent include Missikewitz, Henricks, Powell, and Sturmay who are full of potential and could make a break through this provincials and qualify for playoffs.
The race to 1st place on the Women's side won't be quickly determined either. In fact, it is likely to see a logjam on top of the leader board with 4 or 5 teams fighting for a tiebreaker position. That being said, Peterman, Orr, Brown, and Whittemore are among favourites this week to be crowned provincial champion and earn a trip to Napanee, Ontario.
SACA-A (Peterman) - Jocelyn Peterman is a fierce competitor who currently leads the women's division of the AJCT with an impressive win in Lloydminster. Peterman qualified in all of her other events but was exited by Bottcher and Webster who won Calgary and Red Deer respectively. Peterman brings ample experience to the table this time with high hopes of representing Alberta come February and opens the event up against Orr and Missikewitz both of the south.
SACA-B (Orr) - Megan Orr is also a veteran and hopes third Heather Rogers can provide additional experience to the table. Back in 2009, Rogers won the Juniors with Maria Bushell at the reigns. This season on the tour, Orr qualified in three of four events and will hopes to do the same in the playoff race here in Medicine Hat. Orr opens the event against Peterman and Brown, two crucial games which could determine tiebreakers at the end of the week.
NACA-A (Brown) - This is Keely Brown's first trip to the Juniors but that doesn't mean Brown doesn't have an extensive resume. Brown won Alberta Winter Games in 2008 and 2010 which was followed by a heartbreaking loss last season in the Juvenile Women's final to Kelsey Rocque. This season on the AJCT, Brown qualified in three of four events and opens up provincials against Whittemore and Orr.
NACA-B (Whittemore) - Brittany Whittemore has been knocking at the door for years now and hopes that this season is the dream come true. Whittemore acquired coach Kyle Reynolds, a world junior champion, and has shown strength at Junior events since. This season, Whittemore lost the final in Leduc and qualified in two other events this season. Whittemore is up against Brown and Henricks tomorrow to open the tournament.
Other rinks with young talent include Missikewitz, Henricks, Powell, and Sturmay who are full of potential and could make a break through this provincials and qualify for playoffs.
2012 Alberta Junior Men's Provincials Preview
With the 2012 Alberta Junior Provincial Curling Championships getting underway tomorrow afternoon in Medicine Hat, teams are aware that strong starts are critical to success in this event. This season's event appears to have the strongest field in years as not one team is the clear favourite.
Men's Preview:
PCA-A (Vavrek) - The Vavrek brothers are back again at the Junior Provincial Championships again and for sure will not be an easy defeat. Last season, the Vavrek brothers finished outside of the playoff picture, but little brother Daylan pursued Juvenile opportunities by skipping his rink to a Juvenile Men's provincial title and an international gold medal. Vavrek faces Kleibrink and Parcels opening day.
PCA-B (Steinke) - Likewise the Vavrek brothers, the Steinke brothers are back once again and have been the most successful Junior/Juvenile team to emerge from the Peace region since Charley Thomas back in 2006 & 2007 who went on to claim two back to back World Junior Championships. Brothers Jordan and Tristan picked up Brett Winfield this season after Sanjay Bowry departed to Victoria to pursue education. Steinke finished middle of the pack at last years Junior provincials after both brothers won the Juvenile Men's title in 2010 and Tristan with Vavrek in 2011. Steinke faces Parcels and Gousseau opening day.
NACA-A (Bottcher) - After Brad Thiessen aged out after last season's 3rd place finish, Brendan Bottcher and the Bucholz twins picked up Evan Asmussen to fill the third position. Bottcher qualifed in every AJCT event they entered this season and had mixed success on the WCT. Bottcher won spiels in Calgary and Lloydminster. This is Bottcher's 5th appearance at the Alberta Subway Juniors including a win in 2010. Last season Bottcher was eliminated by Scott Smith. Bottcher faces Gousseau and Smith opening day.
NACA-B (Gousseau) - Dylan Gousseau is a somewhat new face to Alberta curling but a veteran to national/international play. This season, Gousseau lost the final in Calgary to Bottcher and won in Gibbons. Gousseau [back in Manitoba] also won a Juvenile title back at the age of 14. Gousseau, still 18 years edged Shane Parcels in their B-Qualifier back in December to qualify for provincials. Likewise, teammates of Gousseau have had success of their own at the national level including Matt Brown and John Murray who is looking for his sixth straight national appearance. Gousseau faces Bottcher and Steinke to open the event.
NACA-C (Parcells) - Shane Parcels is no rookie to this event, this year teaming up with former teammate Carter Lautner. Together in 2010, Parcels and Lautner qualified for Junior provincials and lost back to back games to Steinke in the Juvenile final that season. Parcels looks to seek revenge against Steinke in the opening draw tomorrow afternoon at the Medicine Hat Curling Club. In tomorrows evening draw, Parcels faces Vavrek.
SACA-A (Webster) - This season marks Webster's third appearance at the Juniors but Webster is a rookie to skipping at this level. This season, Webster teamed up with former teammates from the 2009 Korean Exchange with Parker Konschuh, Jacob Ortt, and Mac Walton. Konschuh brings added provincial and national experience to the rink having won the province last year with Colin Hodgson. Webster qualified in every AJCT event this season with wins in Red Deer and Leduc. Webster opens up the event with matches against Smith and Kleibrink.
SACA-B (Smith) - Scott Smith arguably can be considered a favourite to make playoffs once again this year at the Juniors. Last year, Smith defeated Hodgson in the A qualifier and at provincials defeated Bottcher in the semi-final only to fall short to Colin Hodgson in the final. Over the summer, Smith picked up Taylor Ardiel to fill in the second position. Smith struggled early this season, but qualified in Red Deer, defeated Webster in Lethbridge to win, and lost the final to Webster in Leduc. Smith also traveled to Manitoba as part of an invitational event hosted by Manitoba Tourism. Smith opens the event tomorrow against Webster and Bottcher.
SACA-C (Kleibrink) - Kyler Kleibrink is a new face to this event but has been hot as of late where he needed to defeat Michael Roy (skip of 2011 Team Alberta at Canada Winter Games), and Josh Carroll to qualify out of the C event in Southerns. Kleibrink, son of Shannon, has also qualified for the 2012 Alberta Winter Games and is sure to be a dominant force in years to come. Kleibrink opens provincials tomorrow against Vavrek and Webster.
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