The prestigious Ottawa event attracted elite teams from Canada, the U.S., and Switzerland. The Freeman rink went 2-3 at the bonspiel and was one game short of qualifying for playoffs.
“All five of our games were very close and could’ve gone either way,” said Graham Freeman, the rink’s coach. “The team was a little disappointed in our final standing as we considered ourselves a contender to make the playoffs. I don’t feel that our team played to our full potential, but we are still developing as a new team. Losing a game or two isn’t so bad. It’s usually a great motivational experience actually.
“Also, unique to this event was that games are held at multiple clubs around the city. Playing in four different curling clubs was a challenge, as ice conditions differ from rink to rink. All of this was a good learning experience as well. We hope to come back again for another try at it next year if the opportunity arises.”
The Freeman rink decided to compete in Ottawa for several reasons.
“This junior event has been going on for 30 years and is very prestigious in the Ontario junior curling circles,” Graham said. “We got an invitation to attend so we decided it was a great opportunity play in a high calibre event as well as the bonus of visiting the city of Ottawa. The level of competition was very similar to that of a national championship.… Many of these teams have had experience representing their provinces or even countries in big events before. It was a great experience overall.”
It has already been a successful season for the Freeman rink. It has won four junior events and played well in two men’s bonspiels.
“I think just playing each opponent with the same mindset has allowed us to have lots of early success,” Jace said. “Whether we play a younger junior team or a strong experienced men’s team, we go in there with the same mindset that if we just make our shots, the results should go our way.”
Freeman’s second, Nick Senff, is the son of former Virden resident Danny Senff. Nick’s paternal grandparents are Maureen and Bob Senff. The rink also incudes lead Luke Robins and third Ryan Ostrowsky. Senff, Robins and Ostrowsky are from Winnipeg.
