Scotties: The leaders embrace family business

GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALTA.— Prominent bloodlines run through this year’s Canadian women’s curling championship.

Alberta’s Chelsea Carey is the daughter of Dan Carey, who won the 1992 men’s championship playing third for Vic Peters. Her uncle Bill was Barry Fry’s third when they won the Brier in 1979.

Saskatchewan third Ashley Howard is the daughter of Canadian, world and Olympic champion Russ Howard. Her brother Steve, cousin Scott and uncle Glenn have all played in the men’s championship. “It took me a long time to realize I wasn’t eligible to play in the Brier and I had to find my own dream,” Ashley said.

And while she bears her married name on her Northern Ontario jacket, lead Sarah Potts is the daughter of Rick Lang, winner of three Canadian championships playing third for Al Hackner and Bill Tetley.

The fathers are all in Grande Prairie, Alta., with their daughters — Dan and Rick as spectators and Russ as a television commentator.

Carey and her Alberta rink extended their unbeaten run to 6-0 with a 6-4 win over New Brunswick. Northern Ontario was right behind at 5-1 with a 7-4 victory over Newfoundland and Labrador.

Saskatchewan’s Jolene Campbell edged B.C. 8-7 to sit tied at 4-2 with Quebec’s Marie-France Larouche, who was a 5-4 winner over Nova Scotia’s Jill Brothers.

Nova Scotia fell to 3-3 and defending champion Jennifer Jones was 3-2 with games to play at night.

Howard, 26, says she doesn’t feel extra pressure to live up to her father’s name at the women’s championship.

“I don’t think there’s any extra pressure or legacy to live up to because he’s never won a game in the Scotties,” Ashley said. “I’m ahead.”