MOOSE JAW, Sask. – Saturday was about celebrating all things Saskatchewan at the Scotties in Moose Jaw.
Saskatchewan Day also saw the local team play at the top of its game, knocking Team Canada and two-time champion Rachel Homan out of the finals. The combination made for an electric crowd.
Curling fan Gary Blondeau was decked out in a Roughriders cap and jersey, as well as a green-and-white striped scarf.
“I’m very much impressed. They had a shaky start, but they’ve rebounded and they’re on a roll,” he said of Team Saskatchewan.
Nathaniel Cole agreed. He too got the memo to wear green, and couldn’t wait to see skip Stefanie Lawton’s plans on picking up some hardware.
“Lawton’s been here many times, and so has Sheri Anderson. They’ve never had a chance to win the title so it’ll be exciting if they win today to be one step closer to that,” he said.
Glenn Hagel, the host committee co-chair, admitted he wasn’t sure if the messaging about Saskatchewan Day would get out soon enough for fans to dig through their closets.
However, he was happily surprised. “They’re doggone proud to be from the only province in the entire nation that makes curling our official sport and they’re showing it off today by wearing green.”
“I think it’s got be an emotional boost for Saskatchewan. They’ve been getting a phenomenal amount of support from the fans vocally during the week, and now they’re getting it visually as well,” Hagel said.
That’s a statement Lawton herself agreed with.
“They’re just electric. It’s awesome! So supportive in cheering us on. They’re behind us 110 per cent and we’re just thrilled to be playing in front of them.”
Win or lose, Cole and others fans will still appreciate the skill and effort Team Saskatchewan displayed.
“If Saskatchewan loses they’ll probably get a big round of applause and we’ll probably have some drink with them later in the lounge.”