Dauphin's Lauryn Kuzyk is a Manitoba Champion and now she's getting set for her chance to become a National Champion. The Dauphinite and her curling team are heading to Prince Albert for the Canadian Junior Curling Championships from January 19-27. The event is held at the Art Hauser Centre which is home to the WHL's Prince Albert Raiders and the Prince Albert Golf & Curling Club.
Kuzyk, Caitlyn Labossiere, Emily Zacharias, and Mackenzie Zacharias boarded a plane today en route to the event.
"We're all super excited for this but it's also pretty nerve-racking because I've never been in a position like this before," said Kuzyk. "It's going to be a really good time and we can't wait to represent the province."
Kuzyk and the rest of the foursome do have some pretty big shoes to fill. For years, the Manitoba women have been considered a top contender and the same is to be expected this year. Manitoba has won the second most titles of any province or territory as they have won the Championships nine times. Alberta also has nine while Saskatchewan has won the title 11 times.
"I think going in, there will be high expectations but we're trying to just keep it loose," said Kuzyk. "We're hoping we can continue the tradition of Manitoba doing well in Prince Albert."
"We're just going into it with an open mind. We just want to have fun and enjoy it while it lasts," she added.
Manitoba is joined by Quebec, New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Saskatchewan, and Northwest Territories in their pool. Out of the seven teams, four will qualify for the Championship pool. Last year, the Manitoban's finished 3-3 which was just outside the Championship pool.
Here's the team's draw:
Saturday, January 19 - vs Northwest Territories & Saskatchewan.
Sunday, January 20 - vs Newfoundland & Labrador.
Monday, January 21 - vs Quebec.
Tuesday, January 22 - vs Prince Edward Island & vs New Brunswick.
The Championship final is set for Sunday, January 27 at 10:00 a.m.
