Saskatchewan’s Rookies in the Mix at New Holland U-20 Nationals

The number of opportunities for young curlers to compete at a national level has never been higher. There used to be one junior championship. Then came the U-18 nationals, and U-21 Mixed Doubles, and depending on the year – Canada Games. 

With that many chances to compete among the nation’s best, it’s surprising to see a top team at the New Holland U-20 Canadian Championships comprised almost entirely of rookies. No U-20 appearances. No U-18s. No Canada Games. 

And yet, coming into Tuesday’s action in Sudbury, Ont., Saskatchewan #1’s Chloe Semeniuk had skipped her squad from the Nutana Curling Club in Saskatoon to three straight wins to start the competition. Three of her four players had never been to a national championship. 

“For three of us being rookies, we’re impressed with ourselves,” said Semeniuk, following a last-rock loss to New Brunswick’s Mya Pugsley on Tuesday afternoon. “We just hope to keep the good times going, although this one didn’t go our way, we’ll shake it off and move on to the next.” 

Only third Leah Beausoleil had any national experience prior to their first game Saturday night. She tried to prepare the team for what was to come. 

“We talked a lot about what the atmosphere was like,” said Beausoleil. “We talked about how there are a lot more people and fans around, a lot more officials, and stuff like that. It’s just a different atmosphere than playing at a provincial event.” 

There’s also the implied added pressure of representing a whole province. Semeniuk, second Kelsey Wall, and lead Lindsay Miller had never gotten the chance to wear the Saskatchewan green. 

“Putting on that green jacket never gets old,” said Beausoleil of the provincial uniform. “Living in the moment is such a big part of these events. Taking it shot by shot. Focusing on your own sheet and not what’s going on around you.” 

““We’re just trying to soak in the experience of every moment,” said Semeniuk. “Once we settle in out there, we shoot like we’ve been here just like everyone else. You can’t tell us apart from the others. We play a tough game, and we’re going to give it our all every time we’re out there.” 

So far that effort has earned them a 3-1 record, which puts them in the mix at the top of Women’s Pool A. Currently Nova Scotia #1’s Cassidy Blades and Quebec’s Jolianne Fortin remain unbeaten, while Newfoundland and Labrador’s Cailey Locke has skipped her team to a 4-1 record. Most teams have four games left to play, including some important head-to-head battles. 

“We just need to keep pushing, keep grinding,” said Beausoleil. “As long as we’re staying positive and sticking together as a team, we’ll make some good shots. We just have to take them one at a time!” 

In the Women’s B Pool, British Columbia’s Erin Fitzgibbon and Alberta #2’s Sierra Androschuck lead the way, each with one loss. The eight-game round robin will conclude on Friday morning. 

Playoffs begin Friday afternoon with the top seed from each pool advancing to the semifinal. Second and Third place teams will play a cross-over qualifier to reach the semi.  

Scores and schedules can be found at curling.ca/scoreboard while live streaming can be found at Curling Canada’s YouTube channel.