(by Amanda Hamel)
In just under 45 days, nearly 2,400 athletes representing 13 provinces and territories will descend on Prince George, B.C., during a two-week period to compete in 19 different sports. In some cases, men’s and women’s teams will compete in the same sport during different weeks. Curling is one of those sports.
Men’s curling
(L-R): Tyler Smith, Brooks Roche, Dylan Lowery, Ryan Lowery. Missing from photo is coach Kevin Smith
Team P.E.I. curlers are excited for the chance to compete against the other provincial representatives at the Prince George Golf and Curling Club. The men’s team competes during the first week and is made up of lead Ryan Lowery, second Dylan Lowery, third Brooks Roche and skip Tyler Smith. The team’s coach is Kevin Smith.
Both Tyler and Kevin are returning to the Games for the second time, as they held the same roles with the 2011 curling team. The 2015 team was developed specifically for the Games, as some members were playing with teams not eligible for the Games due to the age restriction.
Women’s curling
Curl PEI Photo (L-R): Kaleigh Mackay, Danielle Collings, Alyssa Wright, Kaleigh Peters, coach A.J. Campbell
Team P.E.I.’s women’s curlers will compete during Week 2 of the Games. This team of talented women hailing from the Crapaud and Montague curling clubs includes lead Kaleigh Peters, second Alyssa Wright, third Danielle Collings, skip Kaleigh Mackay and coach A.J. Campbell.
The women’s team has been preparing for the opportunity to represent Prince Edward Island for more than a year now, taking advantage of preparation programs, mentorship, training and competitions along the way.