New-look Team Jones makes debut in one of season’s first curling events

Skip Jennifer Jones adjusted her blue facemask, settled into the hack, and with new teammate Lisa Weagle to her right, released a stone in a competitive women’s team game for the first time since last winter.

The Roaring Game is back in a limited fashion with new rules in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sport is slowly resuming play around the world in a season that remains one big question mark. Several top events have been postponed or cancelled with 2021 competitions tentative at best.

Team Jones was one of the showcase teams on Friday at the Stu Sells Oakville Tankard, a bonspiel that would normally draw a top-flight international field.

This year’s competition, moved to nearby Waterloo since the regular host club has yet to reopen, is limited to a domestic field with most players from Ontario.

When Jones, Weagle, second Jocelyn Peterman and third Kaitlyn Lawes arrived at ice level for the morning draw at the KW Granite Club, they first had to find room for their gear.

Benches and chairs by the sheets were blocked with yellow caution tape. Distancing and venue capacity rules were in effect under return-to-play guidelines.

The usual curling routine was noticeably different. Locker-room access was limited so players arrived in their uniforms. Warmups were done in the parking lot or viewing lounge.