"We have a strong mix of new and returning curlers who work well together, supporting and encouraging one another, while learning and improving their game."
Saskatoon’s high-school curling teams are sweeping towards the final stage of their season.
In boys A-league curling, the Holy Cross Crusaders and St. Joseph Guardians are sitting atop the standings with 20 points each and playoffs starting on Feb. 13.
In the girls A league, there are only two teams competing, with the Evan Hardy Souls first with 21 points and Holy Cross second with 17. The two teams will face off for the city championship on Feb. 15. The boys B and Open B curling playoffs get underway Friday at Sutherland Curling Club. Girls B playoffs start next Thursday.
With the playoffs at hand, the StarPhoenix presents a look at each team, with thanks to coaches for passing along information about each team competing.
Aden Bowman Bears
Head coaches: Jason Sanche & Millie Jamieson
Curlers to watch
- Charlotte Wildeman and Lucas Robinet (Grade 9, Open B).
Last year’s results
“Last season the Aden Bowman Open B team curled with enthusiasm. They didn’t make it into the finals, but they played their best at every game.”
Expectations for this season
“This year is proving to be a good one for Aden Bowman’s Open B team, and we are looking forward to playoffs. We have a strong mix of new and returning curlers who work well together, supporting and encouraging one another, while learning and improving their game.”
Bethlehem Stars
Head coaches: Jessie Kraus & Jason Cody
Curlers to watch
- Ashton Rochefort (Grade 12, skip) & Kaelynn Rochefort (Grade 11, third). This brother sister combination, are leading the Open A team. They both curl with great consistency, focus, and leadership. They have both improved greatly since last season, and are terrific leaders for the school.
Last year’s results
Open B Division: 8-3-1
Expectations for this season
“We have two teams this year; one in Open A and one in Open B. We hope to win a city championship and make regionals this year for our Open A team. In our Open B team, we strive to teach the players to have fun, and learn the game.”
Bishop Mahoney Saints
Head coach: Keith Johnson
Curlers to watch
- Shae Pickering (Grade 10, third). His first year curling, he plays on the boys B team. He has really improved his skills and delivery with a beautiful slide. He was asked to join the boys A team as an alternate.
Last year’s results
Boys B – Third. Girls B — Second.
Expectations for this season
“A growing year with many new players. We hope to build on those skills next year.”
Centennial Chargers
Head coach: Jamie Pokol
Curlers to watch
- Jayden Weibe (Grade 12, mixed, third). Hard worker with dedication.
Expectations for this season
“A year of trying new things. Not expecting a lot but that the team ends their final season with their heads high and enjoying the game.”
L’Ecole Canadienne Francaise Patriotes
Head coach: Moise Gaudet
Curlers to watch
- Lili, Saran, Aspen (Grade 9, girls). Rising to create a team for the future.
Expectations for this season
“That they enjoy the game to return with others to play.”
Evan Hardy Souls
Head coaches: Chantelle MacLeod, Nikki Motilag & Cristin Britton
Curlers to watch
- Olivia Fisher (Grade 11, girls A, skip).
Last year’s results
Girls A team — won their regionals competition, competed in provincials.
Expectations for this season
“Girls A — Expecting to make it to regionals, then hopefully to provincials.”
Holy Cross Crusaders
Head coach: Randy Strueby
Curlers to watch
- Rogan Snow, Nick Nguyen, Maisie Gudmundson, Layne Thoms and John Little (Grade 12).
Last year’s results
Boys team and Open Mixed teams competed at regional championships.
Expectations for this season
“Our Open mixed, boys and girls teams hope to do well at city championships and possibly advance to regional and provincial championships.”
St. Joseph Guardians
Head coaches: Nathan Fillinger & Jaden Kraus
Curlers to watch
- Luke Olson (Grade 12, boys A, skip). Great leader who knows the game on a very technical level and is representing Saskatchewan at the national U18 curling finals.
- Elijah Buhler & Matthew Olson (Grade 9). Students who have both taken a leadership role on the Open mixed team. They have improved so much from the start of the season, both in strategy and skill.
Last year’s results
Silver in provincials.
Expectations for this season
“Gold in boys provincials.”
Tommy Douglas Tigers
Head coach: Kim Isaak
Curlers to watch
- Cole Chapple (Grade 11, skip). Excellent leader on and off the ice.
Expectations for this season
“We started slow but have come together to create a great team.”
Walter Murray Marauders
Head coach: Dwight Purcell
Curlers to watch
- Alexandrea McCannn, Josh Bell, Evan Dennis
Last year’s results
One team got to final three.
Expectations for this season
“Hope to get farther in playoffs and possibly to carry on to regionals.”
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