Team Duncan looking for second Ontario Scotties title

Team Duncan (from left): Hollie Duncan, Laura Hickey, Cheryl Kreviazuk & Karen Sagle

When Team Duncan steps on the ice at the Cornwall Civic Complex for the 2020 Ontario Curling Championships, it will be a familiar stage.

The Toronto-based rink – featuring skip Hollie Duncan, vice Laura Hickey, second Cheryl Kreviazuk and lead Karen Trines – will be competing in their third straight Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts, with one provincial title already under their belts.

Team Duncan won the 2018 Ontario Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Whitby, topping the 12-team field and earning the right to represent Ontario at that year’s national women’s curling championship.

They’ll be looking to repeat that feat in Cornwall later this month, and they certainly have the experience and know-how to achieve that goal.

“Winning provincials in 2018 gave us more confidence and also experience playing on arena ice,” said skip Duncan, who just turned 33. “We aren’t the favourites going into this tournament so that takes some pressure off. We did not expect to win (in 2018) but now we know that we can.”

Duncan and her crew were among the first teams to qualify for the provincial championships, which will feature the top nine men’s and women’s team in Ontario. They qualified and made the playoffs at the Kioti Tractor Tour Challenge Tier 2 slam in November and followed that up with a first place finish at the CurlON Women’s Cash Spiel in Guelph in December.

“Overall, I feel that our play this year has been more consistent than last year. However, I don’t think we’ve reached our peak yet,” Duncan said. “We’re hoping that time will come at provincials.”

Team Duncan are no strangers to Cornwall, having been part of the star-studded field at the Shorty Jenkins Classic this past September.

“When we were in Cornwall for the Shorty we were hoping we would be back for the provincials,” she added. “There’s always a good crowd in Cornwall at the Shorty and I’m sure provincials will be no different.”

Like most competitive curling teams, Team Duncan will compete in a variety of events throughout the season – and the provincial championships are always high on the list.

“Provincials are special because of the quality of the teams and the opportunity to represent your province,” Duncan said. “Making it to the Scotties as Team Ontario is a big goal for the competitors and you can feel that passion when you watch the games.”

For fans, that means a chance to see some amazing curling – and possibly some surprises along the way.

“Curling fans can expect to see some great shots, exciting finishes and probably a few upsets here and there!,” Duncan added.

That might even include another Ontario title for Team Duncan.

About the 2020 Ontario Curling Championships

Running from January 27 to February 2, the Ontario Curling Championships will see the top nine men’s and women’s teams in Ontario vying for the right to represent the province at the Tim Hortons Brier and Scotties Tournament of Hearts.

The Cornwall Civic Complex will be the site of the competition, with the arena ice being transformed into curling sheets for the weeklong event.

Adding to the unique venue is the roster of teams competing. Some of curling’s biggest names will be in attendance, including the No. 2 world-ranked John Epping and world champion Glenn Howard on the men’s side and Olympian and world champ Rachel Homan on the women’s side.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the 2020 Ontario Curling Championships are now on sale!

Full tournament passes can be purchased for $140 while championship weekend passes are available for $75 and daily passes are on sale for $30.

Single draw passes will also be on sale for $12 (only at the door during the event).

Tickets can be purchased in person at the Civic Complex Box Office (100 Water Street East) from Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm or by phone at 613-938-9400.

They can also be purchased online (please note additional service fees may apply).

Click here to purchase tickets online

Accommodations

Attending the 2020 Ontario Curling Championships? Make a night of it and stay in Cornwall! The city is home to a variety of amazing accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to full-service hotels. For more information, please click here.

Dine with us!

From casual to fine dining, local favourites to tastes from around the world, Cornwall has something for everyone. Check out one of our many great restaurants during your visit! For more information, please click here.

Additional Events

Looking for other fun things to do in the area? Make sure to check out our Events page for info on upcoming events in Cornwall and SDG Counties.

Visit Cornwall!

Do you have other questions? Cornwall Tourism can help. Email us at info@cornwalltourism.com to request a copy of our Visitor Guide or contact us at (613) 938-4748. You can also stop by the Cornwall Tourism office at the Cornwall Civic Complex (100 Water Street). The office is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm – we would be happy to answer your questions and provide you with recommendations and information to make your visit to Cornwall even more memorable!

You can also reach out to us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!

Article by Kevin Lajoie
www.CornwallTourism.com

Photo courtesy of Team Duncan