32 teams, hundreds of fans, a countless number of volunteers, a world-class ice maker and a top-notch facility, that's what has come together and will be displayed today in full effect.

The Telus Junior Men's and Women's Curling Provincial Championships will begin inside of Credit Union Place and the Dauphin Curling Club. The 32-teams are split between the men's and women's. 

This tournament will be extra special for several teams that are taking part as they'll be playing in their home region. Last year's champion on the women's side, Lauryn Kuzyk is returning for the tournament. When Darnell Duff had a chat with her earlier this month, she had this to say on playing in the event.

"I'm very excited to take part, it's going to be very exciting to do this in my hometown," said Kuzyk. "I'm so happy that my family will be able to take part in this. Some of them are volunteering and I'm just really excited that I get to spend an extra week with them."

Lawson Yates will be playing in his final junior curling provincial championship. He also offered his thoughts on playing in Dauphin.

"Playing in my hometown of Dauphin, you really can't get any better than that," said Yates. "We know that everyone in this tournament has a good chance, it's all going to come down to who plays better come the weekend."

Of course, Lauryn and Lawson are just two of the Parklanders that will take part in the event. For a full list, head to the sports page where Darnell Duff chatted with most of every single one.

"We have a tremendous local flavour for this event," said Al Jensen, Finance/Treasurer. "Roughly just about 25% of the kids have origins in this area that are taking part. Many of the players are also spread out between very good teams as well."

Preparations for this event began when it was first announced back in February. When it comes to transforming Credit Union Place into a curling facility, that began late last week. Greg Ewasko who is a world-famous ice maker made his way to Dauphin to make sure the ice is and will remain in perfect shape for the entirety of the championship.

"By 6:00 p.m. on the 27th, Credit Union Place looked just like a curling rink, it was incredible," said Mark Hadway. "He started doing the ice one day prior."

Tickets for the event are on sale right now and are $50 for the entire week pass. Day passes are $15 while you can watch the late draw for $10. You can get them at the door beginning tomorrow morning and everyone is asked to enter through the southside of Credit Union Place. 

On top of the Parkland flavour that will show off their skill during the event, the entire province will offer up some very tough competition. For instance on the men's side, Jacques Gauthier and Jordan Peters are playing on a team last year. They played on Team JT Ryan last year and they advanced to the nationals.

On the women's side, Team Serena Gray-Withers will be in town and that foursome includes Lane Prokopowich. They have dominated the junior scene this season with three wins and they had a semifinal performance in Red Deer.

"It's going to be ultra competitive, there's no doubt about that," concluded Hadway. "There will be a lot of good fans and if you like curling, get your tickets because this event will be great."

There's also a unique opportunity on the men's side. Manitoba has recieved two berths to take part in the nationals which take part in Langley, B.C. from January 18-26. The champion and finalist will earn their spot. On the women's side, just the champion will earn their berth to the 2020 New Holland Canadian Junior Championship, also in Langley.