Tankard begins today at Charlottetown Curling Complex (Guardian)

(by Jason Malloy)

Skip Adam Casey said he’s not feeling any extra pressure as the defending champs heading into today’s first day of play at the P.E.I. Tankard men’s curling championship.

Prince Edward Island skip Adam Casey delivers a rock during curling action at the Brier in Calgary.

Canadian Press photo

“Provincials is kind of something you gear your season towards and try and make sure you peak at the right time,” he said Thursday night. “I’m certainly not feeling any different this year than I was last year.”

Play begins today at 2 p.m. in the six-team, modified triple-knockout competition at the Charlottetown Curling Complex. The winner will represent Prince Edward Island at the Tim Hortons Brier from March 5 to 13 in Ottawa.

Casey and Jamie Newson’s rink from the host club have byes into tonight’s 7 p.m. draw.“He’s definitely the favourite, but I don’t think it’s a wide gap right now,” Newson said of the Casey rink.

Click for full story in today’s Guardian

Today’s schedule

2 p.m.

Robert Campbell vs. Tyler SmithEddie MacKenzie vs. Tyler Harris

6:15 – Opening ceremony

7 p.m.

Adam Casey vs. Campbell-Smith winner

Jamie Newson vs. MacKenzie-Harris winner