THUNDER BAY -- The long wait is just about over for Saskatoon’s Nancy Martin.
Martin and her Nutana foursome of third Chaelynn Stewart, second Kadriana Lott, lead Deanna Doig and alternate Colleen Ackerman will take the ice in their first game at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts national women’s curling championship on Friday night, kicking off what is hoped to be solid showing for Team Saskatchewan.
Their task won’t be an easy one, though, as they’ll not only be facing a multiple-time Scotties competitor, but also the host team in Krista McCarville, who curls out of the Fort William Curling Club in Thunder Bay. That contest will take place during the tournament’s first draw at 6 p.m.
Here’s a quick look at the rest of Martin’s games throughout the preliminary round, with rinks broken into two nine-team round robin pools (all times Sask time).
Saturday, Feb. 15
6 p.m. -- Jane DiCarlo (P.E.I.)
Sunday, Feb. 16
1 p.m. -- Corryn Brown (B.C.)
Monday, Feb. 17
8 a.m. -- Melissa Adams (New Brunswick)
6 p.m. -- Rachel Homan (Canada)
Tuesday, Feb. 18
1 p.m. -- Kayla Skrlik (Alberta)
Wednesday, Feb.19
8 a.m. -- Julia Weagle (Nunavut)
6 p.m. -- Selena Sturmay (Alberta)
Thursday, Feb. 20
Off
The top three teams from each pool will advance to the Page Playoffs, with the first two draws on Friday at 12 p.m. and 6 p.m. The Page 3-4 game takes place Saturday at 1 p.m., with the winner advancing to the semifinal, while the 1-2 game will be played at 6 p.m., with the winner advancing to the final and loser to the semifinal.
The semifinal is set for 1 p.m. Sunday, followed by the Scotties championship final at 6 p.m.
Martin advanced to the Scotties by defeating Regina’s Jolene Campbell 8-7 in the Viterra Prairie Pinnacle final back on Sunday, Jan. 26.
Be sure to keep an eye on www.curling.ca for updates throughout the week, and catch the action from each draw on TSN.
