Fans soaking in every minute of curling trials

Loud roars from the crowd at SaskTel Centre have been a common theme to start off the first few draws of the Olympic curling trials.

There are nine men’s teams and nine women’s teams competing to see who will represent Team Canada at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Every game in every draw has its fair share of significance, as the fans cheer them on from the edge of their seats.

Diehard curling fan Pam Schaufert has seen many major events in her life around the country and says it has been an absolute treat to watch the games right here in Saskatoon.

“It’s fabulous,” Schaufert says with a gleaming smile. “To get to see men and women at the same time, it’s pretty rare.”

The trials began Saturday, and continue until this Sunday, when they will crown the champions to represent the country.

Several teams competing have already represented Team Canada, such as Brad Gushue of Newfoundland & Labrador, Brad Jacobs out of Ontario, and Kevin Koe’s rink based in Alberta.

For Joelle Sparvier, it’s pretty neat to see the best of the best laying it on the line.

“It has been awesome to watch the different teams,” Sparvier said. “It’s great to see such wonderful curlers, especially those that have been to the Olympics.”

Most curling fans would be happy enough to watch the trials from the comfort of their own home, but it doesn’t compare to the in-person experience with the electric atmosphere.

For Rachel Larson, it’s nice to finally see live curling again.

“I think it’s really great. I watch it quite a bit on the TV and I enjoy the strategy and some of the shots they make,” Larson said. “Seeing some of your teams that you really favour close up, it’s really exciting.”

Team Dunstone

While the fans are soaking up the curling atmosphere, the lone Saskatchewan team — Matt Dunstone’s rink — hasn’t had much to cheer about.

Dunstone’s team dropped its second straight game of the trials to Jacobs in a 7-6 thriller. Dunstone found his team down 7-3 entering the ninth end, where it managed to strike for two to cut the lead in half.

Going into the 10th end without the hammer needing two to force an extra was just too tall of a task. Dunstone managed to just squeak out one in a steal, falling just one rock shy.

With a field of nine teams and just three playoff spots up for grabs, Dunstone’s rink has to start playing for its tournament life going forward.

On Monday afternoon, Dunstone will be searching for his first victory of the trails against Koe’s team, which sports a 1-1 record.

Gushue stayed perfect with a 2-0 record after handing Koe his first loss in a 7-3 affair.

In a shocking upset, Team Horgan out of Kingston found a way to steal one in an extra end against Brendan Bottcher. Horgan’s team evened its record at 1-1, while Bottcher’s team fell to 0-2.

Team Epping got in the win column with a dominating 10-5 win over Team Gunnlaugson. Epping is now 1-1, and Gunnlaugson is 0-1.