A look in from the curing action this weekend at the Last Chance Playdowns in North Battleford. (Martin Martinson/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

On the Ice

Viterra Scotties Last Chance Playdowns continue in North Battleford

Jan 6, 2023 | 5:55 PM

Day two of the Viterra Scotties Last Chance Playdowns kicked off Friday in North Battleford, as the tournament will run throughout the weekend at the Northland Power Curling Centre.

Featuring 17 teams from as far south as Whitewood, Estevan and Swift Current, and all the way north, the spiel offers curlers across Saskatchewan their final shot to qualify for spaces nine through 12 in the Viterra Scotties Women’s Provincials Jan. 25-29 in Estevan.

President of Twin Rivers Curling Club Al Gabert said this weekend’s tournament is an event they’re happy to be able to host in the community.

“We really appreciate CurlSask allowing us to host it, and it brings members from the community in, it brings high-end curlers in, and we’ve got excellent ice and great ice makers who get the opportunity to show their skills,” he said.

“There’s some young teams and some [veteran] teams and they all come in and put on a great show, so we’re happy we get the chance to host this.”

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Robyn Silvernagle headlines the local talent competing at the tournament, along with her team of Kara Thevenot (lead), and new additions, Sherry Just and Kelly Schafer.

Also among the familiar faces to local curling supporters, are Alison Ingram with Team Blais, and Ava and Leah Beausoleil on Team Taylor.

Ava Beausoleil said with one win and a couple of close losses, she and her Team Taylor teammates are just trying to soak up the experience, as it marks their first time together competing against the highest level of women’s teams from around the province.

“It’s low expectations for us this weekend as this is our first women’s event ever, so we’re having fun and learning lots, seeing how we can compete with the women’s teams here,” she said. “It’s good for us to learn what it takes to play at this caliber and we’re loving the experience.”

Beausoliel added that being able to do so at home in the Battlefords adds another special element as well.

“There’s a lot of fans that I know from town and everyone comes up and talks to you and cheers you on, so it’s really exciting to see everyone out and there’s lots of people here – even more than I expected – so it’s been great.”

The Last Chance Playdowns wrap their third and final draw of the day Friday night at 6 p.m., followed by two more days of action Saturday and Sunday.

Draws Saturday will start at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m., before the final two Sunday at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Full scoring updates throughout the event are available at the CurlSask website.

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Martin.Martinson@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @MartyMartyPxP1