Saskatchewan finding ways to win on Thursday at 2025 Canadian Senior Championships

There are many ways to win a game of curling, as showcased by Saskatchewan’s Team Amber Holland at the 2025 Canadian Senior Curling Championships.

Some games are more exciting and stressful than others. However, all ended the same for the Saskatoon team: two wins on the first day of the Championship Pool and an inside edge at one of four national championship playoff spots.

Team Holland, now 7-1 and tied for third in the standings, needed all eight ends to complete an 8-6 win against New Brunswick’s Team Shelly Graham (4-4; Fredericton) on Thursday morning at The Ottawa Hunt & Golf Club. New Brunswick climbed to a 5-0 lead in the first three ends by scoring one in the first, stealing one in the second, and stealing four in the third. However, Saskatchewan rallied with eight straight points in the second half to earn the win. Skip Holland, third/vice-skip Jill Shumay, second Sherri Singler, lead Trenna Derdall, alternate Danette Tracey, and coach Travis Brown scored a single in the fourth. They then stole three in the fifth, two in the sixth, and singles in the seventh and eighth to seal the victory.

“We’ve had some ups and downs. We’re not necessarily mastering the ice or ourselves every game, but we’re persevering,” Holland said. “Every game seems to be a little bit different, probably for us and the ice. So that’s been a bit challenging, but we kind of know what we need to do. It’s just always figuring out how to do it.”

The late afternoon game featured a Saskatchewan team that was much more in control of the ice. Manitoba’s Team Marlene Lang (3-5; Winnipeg) scored a single in the first end, but Team Holland responded by dominating the remainder of the game, stealing three in the fifth end and adding another steal in the sixth to secure an 8-1 victory.

Saskatchewan focused on getting the early lead to control the scoreboard and push opponents into tougher shots.

“The ice changes a bit throughout the game, and the speed slows down a bit in the slide paths,” Holland said. “If you can get the lead and not have to be playing finesse shots later in the game, that always seems to be a bit easier on you than trying to do that later.”

Holland is competing at her first Canadian seniors and has been enjoying the ride. Earlier today, a friend texted her, saying the rosters of the teams competing were comparable to some Scotties Tournament of Hearts and Montana’s Brier fields of the past, which is certainly no understatement.

Holland has skipped at three Scotties Tournament of Hearts and won the event in 2011. She has played against many of these competitors in her women’s career, including her next opponent, Ontario’s Team Sherry Middaugh (8-0; Barrie). Both teams are eyeing the four-team playoffs, which begin on Saturday.

“We only have the one loss. So now we’re here, trying to keep the wins coming to get to the playoffs. But every game is an adventure,” Holland said.

British Columbia’s Team Sheilla Cowan (7-1; New Westminster) is tied for second with Saskatchewan in the Championship Pool standings. Ontario’s Team Middaugh leads the way with its undefeated record. Nova Scotia’s Team Andrea Saulnier (6-2; Kentville), Alberta’s Team Delia DeJong (5-3; Okotoks/Grande Prairie) and New Brunswick’s Team Graham all remain in the hunt for the final playoff spot.

In the men’s competition, Saskatchewan’s Team Bruce Korte (7-0; Saskatoon) leads the way in the Championship Pool. Ontario’s Team Mike Harris (5-2; Brantford), New Brunswick’s Team James Grattan (5-2; Saint John) and British Columbia’s Team Neild Dangerfield (5-2; Victoria) are tied for second. The remainder of the teams in the Championship Pool include: Newfoundland & Labrador’s Team Keith Ryan (4-3; Labrador City), Quebec’s Team Robert Desjardins (4-3; Chicoutimi/Riverbend/Montreal West), Manitoba’s Dave Boehmer (4-3; Petersfield) and Northern Ontario’s Team Al Belec (3-4; Sault Ste. Marie).

The top four in each pool then advance to the Championship Pool for crossover games beginning Thursday, Dec. 4, against teams from the other pool, while the remaining teams go to the Seeding Pool. 

After the Championship Pool round robin wraps up on Friday, Dec. 5, the playoffs will start Saturday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. with the semifinals, pairing the first-seeded team against the fourth-seeded team and the second- and third-ranked teams in the second semifinal. 

The winners advance to their respective gold-medal final, while the losers will play for bronze. The medal games for both genders will be at 2:30 p.m.

Action from the 2025 Canadian Senior Curling Championships resumes this evening at 6 p.m.

For live scores, live streaming, team rosters, and the draw schedule, CLICK HERE.