WINNIPEG — To the surprise of absolutely no one, the reigning Olympic champions in women’s curling have been chosen as the top seed for the upcoming provincial Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Winkler, Manitoba.
The Jennifer Jones foursome from the St. Vital Curling Club selected as the favourite to win this years event after skipping last years provincials to prepare for the Sochi Winter Games. 2010 champion Jill Thurston is seeded 2nd followed by Kristy McDonald, Barb Spencer and Michelle Montford.
Chelsea Carey skipped her team to the title in 2014 but is now curling with a new team out of Alberta. Although her 3rd from last years team Kristy McDonald is there to defend the crown and is not surprised by their number three seed.
“We knew we were gonna be second or third or probably around there,” said McDonald. “And we figured we’d be in the same pool as Thurston and we’ve been pretty close to them neck and neck on the tour all year so really no surprises at all.”
McDonald is currently ranked 13th on the World Curling Tour’s order of merit and has recently re-united with Raunora Westcott who will play lead.
“It’s been a long time since I curled with my current front end. We’re back together after I think a six year hiatus. We’re really excited to be back at the Scotties together and we did lose a couple finals together back in 05 and 06. I think, you know, we just want to come together and have a great showing. You never know what can happen right.”
The event runs from January 21st to the 25th at the Winkler Arena.
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