The Canadian men’s team has defended their title at the World Junior Curling Championship in Liverpool.
Tyler Tardi’s rink captured gold, defeating Switzerland 9-4 Saturday at Queens Place Emera Centre.
Tardi and third Sterling Middleton are repeat winners but this is the first world title for lead Alex Horvath and second Matthew Hall.
The team played a cool and confident game, which Tardi attributed to his teammates.
“Our front end of Matt and Alex do a great job communicating and figuring out the ice and paths and everything so there is not ever really a doubt that we don’t know where to put the stick down or shot called. We all have experience on the big stage and it really helps with our confidence.”
Tardi joins John Morris and Charley Thomas as the only skips to defend their title.
Scotland defeated Norway 8-5 to win bronze.
Meanwhile on the women’s side, Russia stole one in an extra end to defeat Canada 8-7 in the championship game.
Skip Selena Sturmay and teammates Abby Marks, Kate Goodhelpsen, and Paige Papley walked away with the silver medal.
Sturmay felt it was an unlucky shot that ended the game for them but she’s still proud.
“A silver medal is really amazing in this competition, all the teams in the field this year were amazing and all you can really ask for is put on a good performance and try your best which we definitely did.”
Sturmay says they were also proud to represent Canada on the world stage.
“I think any time you get to represent Canada it’s a huge honour, curling is such a big sport in Canada and there were so many great teams we had to beat to be here and we’re just really proud to wear the maple leaf on our back.”
Story by Brittany Wentzell and Nick Yorston
Twitter: @BrittWentzell @NickYorston
Email: wentzell.brittany@radioabl.ca yorston.nick@radioabl.ca
