Team Kozak, Ursel ready for Scotties

Details

Published on Monday, January 19, 2015

By Eoin Devereux

The Neepawa Banner

Several teams from western Manitoba are hoping to make an impression at this year’s edition of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. The event, set for Winkler, will feature 16 teams vying for the top prize in provincial curling.

Among those competitors will be teams skipped by Tina Kozak, who represents the Neepawa Curling Club and Terry Ursel from the Lansdowne Curling Club.

Kozak’s team earned their trip to Winkler by winning the first of two Scotties regionals berths in the Westman playoff held in Deloraine in December. Kozak defeated Kourtney Teale of Carberry 10-1 in the A-Side berth game. Although Kozak has previously participated in the Scotties, this will be the first time she’s played in it with this current configuration of her team, which is comprised of third Janelle Schwindt, second Quinn Roberts, lead Caryn Edwards and fifth Pam Robins. Louis Vachon is serving as coach.

Kozak noted that since the team secured its place at the Scotties, they’ve focused on training, though it has at times be difficult, as some members of the team live in Brandon. She said they’re making the situation work.

“We don’t curl in a league as a team, but we practice together as much as we can. Getting together to train can be difficult at times, but so far it’s been good,” said Kozak. “We’re looking forward to playing hard in Winkler. As a new team going out there against the best in the province, we’re just going to try and put in a strong, consistent effort.”

Meanwhile, Terry Ursel’s team garnered an invitation to the provincials in mid-December by winning one of three entry vacancies that were up for grabs at Women’s Manitoba Curling Tour Championship, held at Assiniboine Memorial Curling Club in Winnipeg. This will be Terry’s eighth appearance at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. Her team consists of third Wanda Rainka, second Lisa Davie, lead Darla Hanke and fifth Tracy Igonia.

The Scotties Tournament of Hearts runs Jan. 21-25 in Winkler.