Jill Officer set to square off against niece at Scotties

Even though it’s a national bonspiel, this week’s Scotties will have more of a Manitoba feel.

“She’s my first niece,” said Jill Officer, who play second on Jennifer Jones’ rink. She is referring to Kristin MacCuish, who is lead on Team Kerri Einarson. “I was 17 when she was born. I remember being super excited about the fact I had a niece.”

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MacCuish will wear the buffalo crest after winning last month’s provincials. Officer will also be there, wearing the maple leaf representing Canada.

“She’s definitely a great mentor,” MacCuish said. “Someone I’ve looked up to since I was little.”

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MacCuish is the daughter of Officer’s sister.

“I’ve actually said she could be my daughter, not my sisters daughter…We are very similar,” Officer said.

While Manitobans know Officer for her curling skills, MacCuish knows a different side.

“Oh my gosh, she is a lot of fun,” she said. “Seeing her with her confidence on the ice and her personal life, I’ve definitely looked up to that and strived to be the person that she is.”