(by Jason Simmonds)
CHARLOTTETOWN — No P.E.I. women’s curler has been to more Scotties Tournament of Hearts in the last 15 years than Tricia Affleck.
She will be appearing in her seventh Canadian women’s curling championship in Charlottetown from Feb. 19 to 27.
“The sport has been good to me,” said Affleck (nee MacGregor). “I’ve been blessed to play with some great curlers. I have no complaints with my curling career.”
Jason Simmonds/Journal Pioneer
Photo: Tricia Affleck releases a shot during a recent team practice at the Charlottetown Curling Club.
Affleck, who plays lead for Kathy O’Rourke’s foursome, will serve as the fifth player for P.E.I.’s Suzanne Birt rink.
“Once we lost out (in the provincials in the final), I thought my chance of parading out with the P.E.I. colours was gone,” said Affleck. “First, I was totally surprised (to be asked) and secondly, I was totally honoured.”
Affleck is no stranger to the Birt rink, also consisting of third stone Shelly Bradley, second stone Robyn MacPhee and lead Leslie MacDougall.
“I curled with Shelly all through juniors and quite a few years in ladies, as well as curling with Leslie in ladies and I curled with Suzanne, too,” offered Affleck. “I feel I know the three of them really well.
“I’ve never been fortunate enough to play with Robyn, but we’ve played out of the same club for years and I certainly know Robyn. I feel the fit is going to be good and quite easy.”