It was the Langley-based curling team that won the bragging rights after their victory at the Optimist Junior Interclub Division 1 playoffs in Block A on home ice last weekend.
Team Jones, which consists of four players – two from Langley – now has its name on the plaque, mounted up high on one of the walls at Langley Curling Club, serving as inspiration for future players.
Also in the two-day tournament (feb. 18 and 19) team W.W.W. – another Langley-based team – finished third in the Block B.
The tournament saw eight teams competing, including two international teams from Brazil. The teams were divied into two blocks – A and B – for the round-robin competition. While the Langley team won Block A, it was Port Moody’s Team Norringhton that won the title in Block B.
Tracy Boyd, who has been coaching the Langley Division 1 team for the past year, was proud of each player’s performance.
“They are doing very well… playing to get their name on the plaque,” Boyd said ahead of the win.
“They are a great team,” she added.
Boyd emphasized that curling is a team sport that requires strategy and expressed her pride in being the coach of the Langley youth.
The team’s strategy involved watching the other teams in their practice and analyze their game – but at the same time, having each of her players focusing on their own strengths.
“I always say… play to your strength,” she commented. “And make sure you’re having fun doing it.”
Boyd said she had a “wonderful” experience at the Optimist Junior Interclub Division playoffs.
“The team had their ups and downs, but at the end they rocked it and made their coach proud.”
In addition to the block competitions, the local curling club had been organizing year-long tournaments.
This season’s winners were also announced the previous week with Braza Girls winning the season by grand aggregate and they were also 2022-2023 Envision Financial Division 1 Banner Champions.
For more information, people can visit optimistjuniorcurling.ca/div-1-schedule/.
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