Draw 13 – SEMI-FINALS

It was semi-final time at the 2023 BC Senior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships and the teams were ready to go.

On the men’s side, Team Wright (Kelowna, Comox) was taking on Team Craig (Duncan, Nanaimo, Comox). Team Wright found themselves in the semi-final due to a Page 1v2 loss last night against Team Koyanagi (Royal City), while Team Craig came from a Page 3v4 win against Team Longworth (Vernon). Scores of three went back and forth in the opening half. This was just the start of a close game that would result in teams being just one point apart headed into the final end. Team Wright was able to wrap one around their centre guard, but unfortunately left enough of the button open for Team Craig to draw for the win. Team Craig was successful and they won 6-5.

On the women’s side, two very strong contenders in Team Cowan (Royal City, Vancouver) and Team Arsenault (Vernon, Parksville) were ready to bring the action. Team Cowan was using their second chance to get into the final after a loss to Team Gushulak (Royal City, Kelowna) last night. Team Arsenault had a big steal of win last night against Team Fedoruk (Victoria) to make it into this semi-final. This game went all the way to an extra end, with Team Arsenault hanging on to the hammer. A messy house favored Team Cowan, as they took the win 6-5.

Team Craig will meet Team Koyanagi in the men’s final. Team Cowan will meet Team Gushulak for another rematch in the women’s final.

Draw 14 – FINALS

This afternoon saw the conclusion of the 2023 BC Senior Men’s and Women’s Curling Championships at the Langley Curling Centre, with the men’s and women’s gold medal games being played.

On the men’s side, after a semi-final win, Team Craig (Duncan, Nanaimo, Comox) found themselves against Team Koyanagi (Royal City). This was a rematch of the A- vs. B- Qualifier game, which Team Koyanagi had won. Right from the start, these teams were ready to get into some messy ends with lots of rocks in play. A well-played seventh end by Team Craig scored them four points to go up by two headed into the last end. Team Koyanagi was able to hit for their deuce in the eighth end to take it to an extra end. In the end, Team Craig was able to put their name on the championship trophy another time and defend their title. Final score was 10-8.

On the women’s side, Team Gushulak (Royal City, Kelowna) was ready to face Team Cowan (Royal City, Vancouver) for the third time in this event. Team Gushulak had won both previous meetings, but third time could be the charm for Team Cowan. Team Gushulak was able to grab big momentum headed into the break by scoring three points in the fourth end. Team Cowan was able to even it up again in the sixth end, but Team Gushulak, being no stranger to these big games, grabbed a stunning four points in the seventh end.  This ultimately led to them claiming the BC title and a trip to the national championships, with a final score of 9-5.

A big thank you to all of the umpires, timers, ice crew and volunteers who made this week happen. Thank you to the Langley Curling Centre for being an incredible host. Curlers and fans alike were impressed by the hospitality and facility.

Good luck and good curling to our Team BC representatives at nationals!

MEN’S

GOLD – Team Craig (Duncan, Nanaimo, Comox)

Skip: Wes Craig

Third: Norm Coté

Second: Keith Clarke

Lead: Craig Burton

SILVER – Team Koyanagi (Royal City)

Skip: Dean Koyanagi

Third: Brent Pierce

Second: Darin Fenton

Lead: Bryan Miki

BRONZE – Team Wright (Kelowna, Comox)

Skip: Steve Wright

Third: Ron Schmidt

Second: Gary Brucker

Lead: Shaun Everest

WOMEN’S

GOLD – Team Gushulak (Royal City, Kelowna)

Skip: Diane Gushulak

Third: Grace MacInnes

Second: Danielle Shaughnessy

Lead: Cory McLaughlin

SILVER – Team Cowan (Royal City, Vancouver)

Skip: Shiella Cowan

Third: Sandra Comadina

Second: Stephanie Kask

Lead: Christine Mathews

Coach: Shannon Joanisse

BRONZE – Team Arsenault (Vernon, Parksville)

Skip: Penny Shantz

Third: Cindy Blackmore

Second: Kim Slattery

Lead: Lisa Stephenson

Fifth: Mary-Anne Arsenault

This event is supported in part by grants from the Province of British Columbia and Hosting BC.