Mar 4, 2015
Canadian women, men clinch playoff spots at junior championships
Both the Canadian women's and men's teams secured playoff spots during Wednesday's round-robin play at the world junior curling championships. Edmonton's Kelsey Rocque posted wins against Scotland and host Estonia as the Canadian women improved their record to 7-0.
The Canadian Press
TALLINN, Estonia - Both the Canadian women's and men's teams secured playoff spots during Wednesday's round-robin play at the world junior curling championships.
Edmonton's Kelsey Rocque posted wins against Scotland and host Estonia as the Canadian women improved their record to 7-0.
Rocque broke the game against Scotland open in the fifth end with three points en route to a 9-2 win.
"It looks like we're on autopilot, but we just played really strong as a team," said Rocque, the defending world champion. "That game was a little sketchy at times, but we're just getting the breaks when we need them."
Against Estonia, Canada jumped out to an early 4-0 lead and cruised to an 8-2 win.
"You come in as Canada and you already have a target on your back," Rocque said. "Defending champions, that's another target. Not to say we were nervous, but it's a relief (to have qualified)."
Canada continues round-robin play Thursday against second-place Switzerland.
In men's action, Winnipeg's Braden Calvert posted a 10-4 win over Scotland to secure a playoff berth.
Calvert broke open a close game with a steal of two in the sixth end.
The Canadians improved to 6-1, just a game behind undefeated Switzerland in the men's standings. Canada plays Switzerland in Thursday's morning draw.
"We're starting to play a bit better now, so we're in a good spot," said Calvert. "We're still trying to master the ice. It's just a little straighter than we're used to. We're trying to throw the rock a little bit better each day."