(by Marcel Vander Wier).

Veteran skip returns to national Scotties for first time in 13 years after beating former student in P.E.I. final

For the first time since 1999, Kim Dolan is a provincial curling champion.

Her rink defeated Meaghan Hughes 6-4 Monday night in what was an all-Charlottetown affair at the Scotties Tournament of Hearts provincial women’s curling championship at the Charlottetown Curling Club.

Dolan’s team, which includes her daughter Sinead, will now represent P.E.I. at the national Scotties Tournament of Hearts in Red Deer, Alta,   Feb. 18 to 26.

The 53-year-old Dolan has represented the province at the national level eight times before, but Monday’s victory is her first in 13 years.

“It is pretty awesome,” she told The Guardian. “I can’t believe it has been 13 years. I’ve been present at others as being fifth and coach, but I get to play with my daughter and this team and I just can’t believe (it).”

The last time she represented her province as a skip in a national Scotties was 1992.

Dolan’s rink is made up of third Rebecca Jean MacDonald, Sinead at second stone, lead Nancy Cameron and alternate Michala Robison.

“We’ve curled together a couple years,” Dolan said. “It’s unbelievable right now and it’ll all sink in. It’s been a goal, and it’s been something that I’ve really wanted to achieve. Finally, we’re going to get there. I’m just thrilled.”

Monday’s final featured a matchup of coach and pupil.

Dolan once coached Hughes during her brilliant junior career that featured four straight provincial titles from 2003 to 2006.

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