THIRD PROVINCIALS TITLE SHOT FOR VCI BOYS CURLING RINK
This week in Pembroke will seem very familiar to most of the players on the VCI boys’ curling rink, because it will be their third time running at the provincial championships.
“It’s pretty amazing that we’ve made it this far for the third time in a row,” said Todd Zihlmann, the VCI rink’s second. “And for this season too.” “Surprised that we made it,” said Jacob Kilmann, lead on the rink.
“I think we’re pretty lucky,” said Frédéric Parisien, the rink skip. “I think we had an easier time this season.”
“It’s definitely an honour to be back for a third year in a row,” said Nate James, the rink’s third. “I’m really looking forward to it.”
Except for Jacob Zihlmann, who is the rookie member of the rink, playing with the other three for his first season, the VCI boys curling rink has played together for several years under the guidance of their coach and trainer, Daniel Tremblay. Jackson Bigus-Gagnon is also part of the team as the rink’s spare player and takes part in the practices to keep sharp if he is called on to fill in for one of the others.
Provincial call
The VCI boys’ rink are in Pembroke this week for the provincials, starting February 14, and while curling is considered “a gentleman’s sport”, the quartet will set aside any signs of friendliness towards their opponents, once they step onto the ice and start throwing stones and sweeping clean paths to the button for their rocks.
“We know our strengths as a team,” said Todd Zihlmann. “We have a lot of teamwork, and we use our mistakes to improve our game.”
The last two times at the provincials, the VCI rink won one game and lost the other two, keeping them out of the playoffs round. The first goal this year is to make the playoffs and then see what happens.
“The main thing we have learned is to communicate better as a team,” said Todd Zihlmann. “We talk more as a team,” added Parisien, “and we’ll make a lot more shots.”